2017 Ford Escape complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the dealer discovered coolant intrusion into the engine block, causing engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 26,406.

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine began exhibiting symptoms of coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber. A certified Ford dealership confirmed the diagnosis after inspection and advised that the engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt due to this issue. This defect is known and widespread in this engine type and can lead to engine failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. Although Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 21N12) for this exact problem, my vehicle was just outside the expiration period, and Ford has denied financial assistance, despite this being a documented and recurring defect. There were no warning lights before the engine began running rough and misfiring. The coolant loss was gradual and internal. This issue has been confirmed and documented by a Ford dealership, and I have a case open with Ford corporate. I am filing this complaint because of the safety risks involved with coolant intrusion, the costly repair burden passed to consumers, and Ford’s refusal to support a known defect that could lead to sudden engine failure while driving.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used the Ford App and became aware of a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, relating in engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 78,083.

1. On [XXX] the coolant leaked into the engine cylinders causing complete engine failure. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving with my [XXX] son and the engine overheated, nearly burning them both when they tried to release the pressurized coolant reservoir. 3. Yes, an autobody shop confirmed this upon inspection this morning (July 7th, 2025). 4. The only warning came while my son was driving on [XXX] and the engine warning appeared. He pulled over to pop the hood and inspect. On June 12th, 2025 my son had an oil change and inspection done where it was reported that the coolant reservoir was filled to a "safe level". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Coolant leak

I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has developed a coolant leak that appears to be internal, which has led to concerns about engine performance and potential long-term damage. After researching this issue, I discovered that coolant intrusion into the cylinders is a known and widespread problem affecting this model and engine type. Many owners have reported similar failures, and I understand that this defect has led to class action lawsuits and service bulletins in the past. Given the safety and reliability concerns involved—especially the risk of engine overheating and failure—I respectfully request that this issue be addressed under any applicable recall, customer satisfaction program, or warranty extension related to engine coolant leaks. Please advise on the next steps for inspection and repair authorization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing an engine misfire. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided, and that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,200.

Consistent coolant leakage and milky build-up under engine oil cap. On start-up, intermittent rough idling, as well as check engine light indicating a misfire with cylinder 2. Vehicle is available for inspection. My safety has been put at risk previous as I was driving and received a notification to stop engine now due to high temperatures, and inspected to find the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. Today while getting an oil change, the mechanic noted lots of engine sludge build-up, as well as a swollen gasket due to the sludge build-up.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera screen display failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the message "Rear-view Camera Not Available" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Coolant intrusion... the car is not unsafe and the Ford Dealership said that I need an engine. The care has 130,000 miles. I can't believe it. I have all of my maintenance up to date. They are telling me my car has a manufactory defect. I no longer have transportation. How unfair is this.

My vehicles check engine light came on. Capital Ford of Raleigh NC picked up the vehicle to check the status. I received a phone call later that day from Capital Ford informing me I need a new engine. Capital Ford admits it is a Ford issue. The coolant is leaking into the engine. I have been told this is a Ford design defect. One day I had a perfectly good vehicle and now I don't. I am now forced to purchase another vehicle which will potentially cost me thousands. Ford is aware of the issue but did not disclose. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1.5 engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder.

Powertrain suddenly failed with no prior issues displaying red Powertrain failure light- car will not move or shift, has high RPMS and has loud revving/screeching sound

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, and crack inside the cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN for the failure, and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,582.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 (Short block replacement after Coolant Intrusion). The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 81,034.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Check engine light came on. Took car to dealer. Coolant leak inside of the cylinders / chambers of the engine.

The car currently has a coolant infiltration. It is an active recalls on the same model manufactured just 5 months earlier. The car currently has white smoke coming out of the exhaust and the engine has been running roughly. The check engine light came on with a code reporting misfire cylinder 3, which came on about a month ago. The car can be inspected at any time. Safety is at risk because the engine could stop working at anytime according to research related to the similar recall. The problem has been looked at by a mechanic and confirmed. It has not yet been looked at by the manufacturer for the model is this manufacturing time, but just 5 months prior there was a recall on the same model in the same year. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue presenting itself. The issues presents itself when initially starting the car and not driving, but when beginning driving, it does not run well and the car shakes.

Cool ain’t leak causing rust in engine. Ford admitted to me that this has been an issue with this year model and make.

COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS AND HAS SEIZES UP SPARK PLUG #4. BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE MY CAR CAN CATCH FIRE WHILE DRIVING IT, I ONLY HAVE 77,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE AT THE PRICE AT THE PRICE $11,000.

My car has been popping up engine fault service now. I went to my local mechanics and my car is exhibiting low coolant level but no signs of leak. They think it is internally leaking and causing spark plug number 4 to have blue corrosion and constant being replace.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had caused engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start vehicle, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into three cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000.

Engine coolant mixing into engine and oil and coolant mixing and leaking internally. Ford service has determined the only fix is too replace the entire engine. Diagnosis codes: P0303 and P0316 with a repair estimate of $9,620. The reason I brought the SUV in for service is the Check Engine Light came on. My 2017 vehicle has the Ecoboost engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and jolted temporarily, and the message "Change Transmission Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

I have 2.0L Ecoboost engine. I received a code indicating that cylinder 4 was misfiring. I changed the plugs and coils. Misfire code is still there. Upon researching issue I noticed that the coolant levels were low and found that the coolant was leaking into cylinder 4. Upon turning over the vehicle white smoke came out of the tailpipe, showing that there was coolant getting into the engine. This is an indication that the head gasket needs to be replaced. Ford issued a recall with the 1.5L ecoboost engines due to a faulty design on the engine. The design failure is due to slits being drilled in between the cylinders in order for the coolant to keep the temperature down while the engines are running. These vehicles would stall on the hwy/interstate putting those in the vehicle and other drivers at risk. This is a known issue and Ford needs to recall these engines.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger, water pump, and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short block replacement after coolant intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Coolant intrusion. Ruined the engine. No help from Ford. Engine started overheating with my kids in the car. Could have started on fire. Ford obviously knows the issues with this vehicle, but since it's over the miles, due to my job I travel, they will not fix. Engine barely runs. Engine fault comes across the screen. No check engine light. Also.Engine overheating pull over safely comes across the screen. This vehicle needs to be recalled. Not the only one dealing with this. It's got 126,000 miles on it. Shouldn't have to replace Engine this soon.

Bought this car back in December from a used car dealer started misfiring went engine light came on for other things as well as misfires fixed the other things misfiring still happening took car to a different garage was told it’s a head gasket done my own research the head gasket is getting replaced but the problem will come back the engine block needs the remanufactured one since the original ford one failed/is failing

Coolant intrusion inside the engine it was a designed flaw for the 2017 Ford escape a very, very very common issue the whole engine needs to be replaced

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #2 failure, and that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,782.

Rear passenger door latch no longer latches. The broken pawl spring tab in the door latch causes the door to not be able to close and stay closed. I see recalls for Ford Escapes up to 2016. It has not been inspected by a dealer No warning lamps or any other indicators before it broke. I shut the door and heard a crack sound. I inspected the latch myself and see a part is broken off.

Ford engine 2.0L coolant leaking into cylinders. Known issue from Ford and unwilling to support any repairs or replacement. Have confirmed issue with dealership and was given a $9000 estimate to replace the engine. The latent engine defect will cause the engine to fail during driving operations leading to safety issues while in traffic.

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle began to jerk and hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer, with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

A known issue with these ford escape, the torque converter and transmission system is failing. The torque converter started shedding metal flakes into the transmission and now making the transmission system not work properly.

Check engine light was on, took to dealer maintenance / service department. Appearing beginning roughly May 2025. Engine, cylinder #4, visual inspection shows coolant inside cylinder, code #p0304 was active. safety at risk for potential engine failure. Landmark Ford Dealer (Portland, OR) confirmed this problem on borescope inspection and diagnostic testing. Vehicle is not old, was not overheated or mistreated, oil changed regularly, and only 80,000 miles and they say we need a new engine for $9,000. Excuse me?

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3 due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

This began may of 2023. I had a 2017 ford escape and at 50,000 it had to get a whole new transmission. I have also purchased a new engine for this escape that has the same issues.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an inspection, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,258.

Coolent intrusion through cracked engine block. White smoke and loss of power. Ford says the engine needs to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Its loosing coolant and throwing a code for mis fire spark plug

My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing

The Ecoboost 2.0L 4 cylinder engine failure due to a coolant intrusion and it is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and requires a new engine block with an estimated total $8,790 worth of repairs at only 84,189 miles on the odometer.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment and exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and was able to confirm there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

About my 2017 Ford Escape 2021 engine failed and was replaced. 2025 transmission failed. Repairs cost too much! Car is now junk. $500 to junk it! Body and interior are fine. Ford Escapes as I now understand, are a terrible car from what I have witnessed, read AND heard from others. Ford is not right on this car, and I will not buy another Ford. I see there are no recalls on this car but there should have been. Ford knows about the issues with Escapes! This is horrible!