Ford Escape Complaints (2017)

2,704 consumer complaints on file.

#11661899May 19, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate when all of a sudden I lost all power, the car started shaking violently, it started leaking and burning oil. I brought it to my local shop and they confirmed that cylinder 3 had a catastrophic failure and it can no longer create any pressure. There were no warning signs. This just happened randomly driving down the interstate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661966May 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to move as intended. The contact stated that the "Service Transmission Now" message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661984May 19, 2025
ENGINE
2017 Ford Escape with 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Experienced rough engine/shutter and check engine light (MIL) came on. Code scanner found P0302 for PCM. Took to dealership and they found coolant intrusion into cylinder requiring a full engine replacement. They quoted almost $10,000 to fix. This is a know design flaw/defect with this engine and Ford has reworked design at least twice to address. Unfortunately, they left existing owners with ticking time bombs in the form of a likely expense repair or early demise to the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661703May 18, 2025
ENGINE
Coolant is leaking into the cylinder bores of the engine, potentially causing overheating and engine failure. Its unfair to me that I would have to throw $6,000 into a vehicle that going to cost me literally half of what I would be paying off for the vehicle itself.... obviously got the car at a used dealership, no one had given me any extended warranties at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661141May 15, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving home from work going through a small town so I was only going 45 MPH when my engine started to rattle and smoke started to come out and I was able to immediately pull off the road safely. I noticed straight away that the engine was leaking and would not turn back on. When I had my vehicle towed to my Ford dealership, they had informed me that my engine block was cracked and the engine threw a rod that had impacted my starter. The engine has metal shaving in it so that has to be replaced, including the starter and turbo which was going to cost me $15,000. Also my Escape was just maintenance 2 weeks prior to the event so its unfortunate that the Ford mechanics "Missed" that big crack in my engine block.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661184May 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a mechanic inspected the vehicle and used a scanner to scan the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact that there was coolant intrusion into the engine due to the head gasket coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 54,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661347May 15, 2025
ENGINE
White smoke runs very rough, misfires constantly. Put over $600 new parts myself but cylinder 2 has the leak into it. It's only getting worse and worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660959May 14, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661007May 14, 2025
ENGINE
low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This is due to coolant intrusion into a cylinder bore.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661015May 14, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield paint on both sides is chipping and may cause distraction or paint on windshield making it not possible to see. There was a recall for this---my VIN was not included on recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661020May 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC: P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire). The contact replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coils; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that after further inspection, the contact became aware that the coolant reservoir was almost empty. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660836May 14, 2025
ENGINE
The engine block has coolant leaking into cylinder 1. This is a known defect with the engine that ford acknowledges but refuses to fix. My car has less than 75,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660596May 13, 2025
ENGINE
We own and have owned a 2017 Ford Escape Eco-drive for over 5 years. We have just learned from two different local mechanic shops that coolant is leaking into cylinder #2 and presenting a check engine light error code (P0302). This is caused by some sort of internal engine crack. We have been told that this will roughly cost us $6,000.00 for a new engine, and that's on the low end. I have also learned that there is a class action lawsuit related to this issue. So, there's obviously a preexisting problem and ongoing resolved issue with his vehicle which needs to be addressed. Please HELP forward and handle this complaint with high attention and resolve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660669May 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2022 - driving to Maine from NJ in June. Transmission failed with no warning in traffic on [XXX] in Connecticut, almost caused a large accident and killed my girlfriend and I (car suddenly stopped moving in the middle lane). - Repaired at Colonial Ford in Danbury Connecticut. Receive repaired car 7/8/2022. July/2022 - car lacks power, dangerously so when accelerating, merging, or accelerating from stop. Took the vehicle to various dealers who held the car for weeks at a time, while lying to me, while not being able to “find the issue” that was clear as day. (dealers were Woodbridge ford and Duane ford in Summit, NJ) [XXX] - transmission failed again on [XXX] coming home from work (also almost caused a major accident but traffic was slower). 8/4/2022 - take my car back to Woodbridge Ford in NJ, they refuse to touch it (car is under ford warranty). They hold the car for 7 weeks and lie to me about everything. Ford corporate also lying to me about vehicle. After fighting with ford for 3 additional months, I had to call the GM of colonial ford in Danbury to explain the situation. They agree to repair under their warranty. Ford charges me $750 to tow the car up to Connecticut, do not reimburse me, and do not give me a rental at any point. I went almost a full year of making payments on a vehicle I haven’t used, and spent about $2500 in rental vehicles, mechanic appointments, towing fee, and loss of work opportunity due to lack of reliable transportation. Car now runs sluggishly and accelerates like a go kart. 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
#11660735May 13, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start as intended; however, the vehicle then functioned as needed after being started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was scanned and diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4, due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660739May 13, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the transmission shuddered and jerked. I took the car to my garage, where it was diagnosed as needing a new transmission. At the time it had 98,258 miles. The transmission was replaced on 9/1/2023. In September, 2024, the transmission fault message and the check engine light came on. I took the car to Duval Ford where the transmission was rebuilt under warranty. Mileage at that time was 118,754. It took the dealer 3 weeks to get the car back to me. Two weeks ago, again the transmission fault message and the check engine light came on. (Mileage 128,952) Currently I am waiting for a loaner car from Coggin Ford so they can repair the transmission. I have been only driving short distances because I am afraid the transmission will suddenly stop working and I will have an accident or be stranded. I might add that in my 60+ years of driving this is the first time I have ever had transmission problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660805May 13, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Catastrophic engine failure; unless it could happen very quickly, the vehicle likely will not be available for inspection. As background, our family purchased this vehicle used from a MI dealer in July 2023. It was a trade-in by the previous owner, and the dealer did not disclose any known issues. This vehicle belongs to our daughter, who is a graduate student in upstate NY. After driving only ~6,000 miles, her safety was put at risk when she lost acceleration as gray smoke poured out of her tailpipe (had she been on a highway, both she and other drivers would have been at grave risk). She had the vehicle towed to a local service station and was told the engine needed to be replaced. After searching Google for problems with this vehicle's engine, a 1.5L Ecoboost, we discovered that not only is this a known issue (coolant intrusion) for which Ford did not issue a recall (instead, "Program #21N12 one-time repair for vehicles included in 19B37"), but there also is a class action lawsuit being litigated by Capstone Law APC. Given this, we towed the vehicle to the local Ford dealer, who also advised we need to replace the engine, we will receive no financial relief from Ford, and it will cost $12,000 for the replacement (we paid $16,000 for this vehicle less than two years ago). We have spoken to various individuals at the national Ford customer satisfaction organization, and they will not help us. So we now have an inoperable vehicle that my daughter can't afford to repair, and since we are not getting any financial relief from Ford, she is forced to buy a much older, high-mileage vehicle that may also put her safety at risk. The only indication of a problem was when the check engine light came on, but since the vehicle was driving fine, our daughter did not realize she should take it for service right way (this is her first vehicle, and she lives close to campus so drives only infrequently). She is unsure how long the light was on, but likely several weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660321May 12, 2025
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The engine's coolant is leaking into the second cylinder, causing unsteady performance and leading to engine failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - In the short term, unpredictable engine performance creates inconsistencies in the how the vehicle is expected to perform; as coolant contaminates the transmission fluid, erratic shifting will make routine maneuvers like accelerating to merge or pass another vehicle unsafe to the driver and those around. This will also lead to an eventual breakdown moment, likely catching the driver and those near to adapt to a sudden dangerous and unexpected action. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - When the vehicle first displayed signs a problem (a rumbling of the engine on start, followed by the check engine light coming on,) the vehicle was taken to the local make dealership. Their service team diagnosed the issue as coolant leakage present in the second cylinder and prescribed an engine replacement to resolve the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - At this time the vehicle has only been inspected by the service team of the manufacturer dealership. We are no longer driving the vehicle for fears of safety concerns and further damage that could be done. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - The first indication of a problem occurred when the vehicle was started and there was approximately 20-30 seconds of a shaking rumble coming from the engine that could be felt from the driver's seat. While there was no engine light at that time, on the next start the light was on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660338May 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's wife owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The dealer related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/ Or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 44,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660351May 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was scoring in cylinders 1-4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the head gasket was blown due to not being properly manufactured. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed with NHTSA ID Number: 10169884 (Engine and Engine Cooling); which related to the vehicle failure; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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