Ford Escape Complaints (2017)

2,704 consumer complaints on file.

#11715214February 3, 2026
ENGINE
I am filing this complaint due to repeated and dangerous safety-related failures in my Ford vehicle involving both the transmission and engine. Prior to a transmission recall repair, my vehicle experienced severe drivability issues, including sudden jerking while driving, loss of power on the highway, unexpected stopping, and shutting off at traffic lights. These incidents nearly caused multiple accidents and placed me and others at serious risk. The transmission was later replaced under recall by a Ford dealership. After that repair, I am now experiencing a major engine failure related to coolant intrusion. This defect is well documented by Ford in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2322, which supersedes TSB 22-2134. The bulletin states that to resolve the condition, the engine short block and head gasket must be replaced. This effectively requires replacement of the core of the engine and confirms the severity of the defect. The symptoms associated with this engine issue overlap with the drivability symptoms I reported earlier (stalling, loss of power, unsafe operation). The vehicle was previously evaluated by a Ford dealership while this bulletin was already published, yet the engine defect was not identified or addressed at that time. Despite Ford’s acknowledgment of this defect through its own bulletin, I am being denied assistance and left responsible for an extremely costly repair involving what is essentially a partial engine replacement. This defect poses a serious safety risk due to the potential for sudden engine failure without warning. I am concerned that Ford is failing to proactively address a known safety-related defect and that similar vehicles remain on the road with the same risk. I believe this issue warrants further investigation to prevent serious injury or loss of life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715298February 3, 2026
ENGINE
Engine suffered coolant intrusion known design defect on ford escape 1.5 L engines. Needs engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715370February 3, 2026
ENGINE
Unknown. There's a white puff of smoke that comes out on a cold start every time. There is a small loss of coolant as well that I have to replace regularly. I was already told by the dealership to get rid of the car because it would need a complete engine fix that would cost 7000 to 10,000 dollars. It started doing this at 92k miles. The car was well maintained with regular oil checks and all maintenance recommended was done in a timely manner. All of the symptoms point to coolant intrusion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714908February 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint along the windshield columnS and rear tailgate are flaking off in large sections. This is causing premature rusting which is left to a consumer to absorb the cost of an entire paintjob, can lead to lack of action causing structural integrity issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714185January 29, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The low oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive to the residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that a faulty wire connected to the spark plug had caused the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714228January 29, 2026
ENGINE
My wife had driven the car, it had given an error and I tested it for a code. The Code was PO304 Cylinder 4 Misfire detected. We scheduled a maintenance appointment with our local Ford dealership to have them look at this error and address a recall. We were informed that "coolant and freezant were leaking into cylinder #4!" The mileage is ~150300 and the vehicle has been serviced regularly. Prior to the Engine light on/code on, there have been no indication there was a problem. I am now reading about other 1.5L Escapes that have this same recall but mine was not included? This doesn't make sense, it's the same problem with the same motor that was manufactured in other facilities, with the same parts, and those engines were recalled but mine wasn't?? just fix my engine guys!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713413January 26, 2026
ENGINE
Engine failure when coolant leaked into #4 cyclinder causing loss of power, excessive smoke and total engine failure while driving on interstate. Ford supposedly knows this was an engineering problem in the 2 liter eco-boost engine for several years yet sold vehiles anyway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713469January 26, 2026
ENGINE
The engine light came on. I plugged a diagnostic scanner in under the dash and it read “misfire on cylinder 1”. I installed a new spark plug and cleared the code. I also noticed the coolant level was low so I added some. I checked it the next day and the coolant was low again but it was not puddled on the driveway. The check engine light was back on again. I took the car to the local Ford dealer and after they run a couple of test, I was informed the car had coolant intrusion on cylinder #1. They said the engine had cracked and needed to be replaced . I did not drive the car until I was able to have it repaired. The cost was $9451.51.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713290January 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
Vehicle was purchased [XXX], the very next day multiple lights came on on the dash and it started bucking while driving. I took it back to the dealership for repairs.The right rear wheel speed sensor was bad. While the vehicle was being repaired a bolt that was seized up was broken requiring the Rr wheel knuckle to be replaced. July, the vehicle was treated for a water leak into the spare tire compartment.In September, more repairs were needed. I took it to my mechanic.The L axle shaft, wheel bearing, control arm w/ball joint, speed sensor and Rt.knuckle needed replaced. At this point, I was informed of the extensive rust under the vehicle and only being 8 years old, is a great concern. When it was taken in for an alignment, it was discovered there was a bolt broken off the Rr control arm, and it was repaired. October, it was treated again for the water leak. Water was still getting in with the spare tire when it rained. Also in October, I noticed a lag in shifting when accelerating. One incident that happened when merging onto a highway, the shifting lagged, delaying my acceleration and caused my vehicle to be traveling at a much slower rate than traffic. I took it to the dealership for repairs for the lag and a grinding noise. The transmission and torque converter were replaced. The grinding noise continued even after the repairs. January 2026, the vehicle was again taken in for the grinding noise and water leak. It now requires a transfer case, drive shaft, rear differential and the sub frame is cracked. I am greatly concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. Dealership claims the rust of the frame is from PA winters however the steering shaft INSIDE the car also has rust on it. For comparison, I also have a 2003 Jeep and it has minimal rust and is kept outside daily. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712707January 22, 2026
ENGINE
My engine light went on and the car was shaking, stumbling. When I took the car to the dealership, and then to another shop, it was reported that the gas analyzer showed presence of combustion gases in the coolant system. The coolant present in cylinder is due to coolant intrusion that is a defect from factory. Ford refused to fix the problem because they would only fix the problem for cars with less than 84,000 miles and I was told by a representative at the dealership that recall letters were sent but only to those customers who presented with this issue between 2015 and 2019 or before that mileage. I never received any notification that this was an issue, or I would have brought my cay in. Now, I cannot afford a new engine and I have been left without a car since the incident, which was almost a year ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712619January 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
When driving the car suddenly stopped and made a loud clunk noise. Unable to get car to move when pressing gas petal. I had to call Police to get car out of busy road. Had car towed to Dorian Ford (where car was purchased) . Car was inspected to investigate problem. Was told "luck of the draw "that the transmission failed. Car has always been services at Dorian Ford with recommended maintenance and oil changes completed. This resulted in Dorian saying transmission had to be replaced at the cost of $7238.22. The car only had 82,608 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712252January 20, 2026
ENGINE
In my 2017 my check engine light came on at 70,000 miles throwing a bunch of different codes, ignition coil misfire and actuator making vehicle overheat and run rough, made extensive repairs to the vehicle based on what the codes were which didn’t repair the vehicle, finally engine gave out on me at 93,000 miles and I had the vehicle towed to Classic Ford In Mentor Ohio and they diagnosed the vehicle with a bad engine requiring the engine to be replaced, I was then informed by the service department that what killed the engine was coolant leaking into the cylinders due to a design defect by Ford Motor Company and these issues with these Ecoboost engines are very well documented across the internet, Dealership quoted me over $9,000 to replace the engine which I definitely can’t afford at all, Due to this not being my fault and I’ve kept up with all maintenance but again what killed the engine was Ford’s design that allowed coolant to leak into cylinders, I’ve made several calls to Ford Motor Company and there corporate offices and they are declining to do anything to help this issue, my case number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711844January 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The **engine system** failed due to **coolant intrusion into cylinder 2**, causing engine misfires and loss of power. This condition is consistent with known EcoBoost engine defects in this model year. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a **safety risk** due to potential **loss of power or stalling while driving**, increasing the risk of a crash. An additional issue exists with the **electrical system**, specifically the **driver’s door control panel circuit**, which intermittently malfunctions and affects vehicle operation. The engine issue has been **confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes indicating a cylinder 2 misfire**. Dealer confirmation: **UNKNOWN**. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Prior to failure, the vehicle displayed a **check engine light**, rough idle, and misfiring. Electrical issues occurred intermittently. Exact onset date is **UNKNOWN**.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711856January 19, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion into the engine from a manufacturer defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711689January 17, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant leaking into engine cylinder 2 possible head gasket issue associated with known problem for this vehicle. Will cause overheating due to coolant levels needing to be refilled on a regular basis.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711547January 16, 2026
ENGINE
My [XXX] daughter was driving her 2017 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost check engine light came on and a message to pull over immediately. Vehicle was out of coolant. The coolant isn't leaking. The vehicle has a design flaw that causes coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Extremely dangerous and could leave someone stranded. The cost to fix is about the same as the value of the car!! Thousands of dollars!! This is a known design, flaw, and thousands of customers are experiencing it. It can leave drivers stranded and dangerous situations, including drivers like my teenage daughter. Ford should be responsible to fix this dangerous design flaw! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711136January 15, 2026
ENGINE
The engine started sputtering. Took it to a mechanic, and they said that the engine block had a crack.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710870January 14, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion due to engineering defect in engine. Ford is more than aware of this, but will not help us at all. Car is effectively dead and unusable. Ford TSB admits to this defect and requires a "long block" replacement (full engine replacement), but is doing nothing to help customers. This is fleecing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710955January 14, 2026
ENGINE
On 1/13/26, vehicle was taken to Don Hinds Ford, Fishers, IN 46038-2892 for loss of coolant and sporadic shaking during start. Service performed diagnostic "Diagnostic: PERFORMED COOLANT PRESSURE TEST AND USED BOROSCOPE TO INSPECT EACH CYLINDER. FOUND CYL# 3 & 4 TO HAVE COOANT INTRUSION. RECOMEND REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE LONG BLOCK." Service recommendation "Engine Rebuild/Replace: REPLCEMENT OF ENGINE LONG BLOCK VIA TSB 22-2229" totaling $9,229.68 to be paid by customer. TSB 22-2229 is expired and vehicle has 82K miles. Known issue with this engine design, but not covered by Ford. I contacted Ford Customer Service requesting goodwill assistance or out-of-warranty coverage. Both were denied over the phone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710958January 14, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant leaking into cylinder car has under 60,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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