Check engine light came on and code said cylinders 1 and 2 were misfiring. Took it to dealership and were told coolant leaked/intrusion that has ruined the engine. Dealership stated that Ford is aware of the problem that is due to a design flaw but has yet to rectify the problem for customers. This is absolutely putting the safety of vehicle operators in danger as well as others on the road.
2017 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2017 record →
Engine block problems , fluid leakage.
The contact's wife owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine long block resulting in engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was extremely low. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03. 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 78,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated with a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's daughter stated that while driving 40 MPH around a bend, the brakes failed to function as intended. The contact's daughter depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal seized. The contact's daughter had to depress the brake pedal with force. The vehicle came to a stop when the contact's daughter shifted the vehicle into park(P). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with vacuum brake booster pump failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact's daughter stated that when the mechanic took the vehicle for a test drive, the timing belt fractured. The vehicle was then diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Our engine light came on in our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with 51,917 miles on it on February 3, 2025, so we immediately visited our Ford dealer. The codes were P0302 and P0316 for misfire. Repairs completed included spark plugs, induction kit, air intake cleaner, sealant belts and gaskets, brake cleaner, antifreeze, and oil conditioner. We paid $3,979.21 for this repair. We picked up the vehicle and shortly later at 52,144 miles, it exhibited the exact same symptoms. We went back to the dealer and we were told that we then needed a new engine due to a coolant leak that had damaged ours. They did credit us back a small amount from the previous repair, but we paid this time $7,371.85 to have our car repaired. All of this has happened before 53,000 miles. We were told there was a coolant leak and that is what damaged the engine. Ford is very aware of this problem. We did speak with our service advisor as well as the service director.
Transmission failed turbo failed electrical systems failed.
Block has crack in it and is losing coolant and running rough. I found out that is a problem with lots of 2017 Ford Escapes.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant inside of the coolant reservoir was extremely low, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the message "Transmission Error" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,044.
The contact 's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant level was abnormally low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had mis-diagnosed the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated the following day. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the intercooler and the cylinder head had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted in covering the cost of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 74,035.
My 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 liter has a crack in the engine block and coolant leaking into the #1 cylinder. My car was diagnosed at Columbia Ford in CT. My car has < 80,000 miles and needs a new engine! No recalls found at this time. I did contact Ford and am waiting to hear back. This is a known problem by Ford and I believe there is a recall on the 1.5 liter engine with the same problem.
Coolant intrusion, a defect where coolant leaks into the engine's cylinders, causing misfires and engine damage.
A design problem with the 2017 Ford Escape Ecoboost 2.0 turbo engine causing a coolant intrusion. As a result, my car check engine light is on. The car cannot pass smog. I have to refill the coolant daily. This coolant intrusion problem is a known design defect as such their needs to be a recall issued to replace the long block. I was not informed of the problem when I purchased the vehicle. The dealership will not honor their lifetime powertrain warranty as they state it is a head gasket problem, when it is actually a known design defect.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator failed to display the correct gear that the gear shifter was shifted into. The contact stated that there was a message for a transmission issue; however, the contact was unsure what the message indicated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
On February 3,2025 I was driving car on highway when engine's red light came on. I called local Ford dealership and they said to drive car in to them. On February 19, 2025 after they performed inspection I was told engine light came on due to " long block due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2".
Engine failure. Known Ford engine problem due to antifreeze intrusion into the engine.
Coolant leak and intrusion into cynlinder. resulted in spark plug corrosion, siezed spark plug, unable to remove
January 2, 2025, I took my car to Huntley Ford for a Complete Multi Point Inspection and oil change. It passed on all accounts. One of the many items checked was the Transmission Fluid. It was marked Good. March 25, 2025 (3 months later) I took my car back to Huntley Ford for a vibration / noise. They informed me that the transmission is now shot and needs to be replaced. They said the transmission fluid is black and thick and filled with debris. The inspection report they gave me 3 months ago, said that the Transmission Fluid was Good. My transmission didn't go from Good to damaged beyond repair, in just 3 months. Huntley Ford is negligent, and they expect me to pay $7,000 to replace the transmission. In addition, when Huntley Ford replaced the engine just 8 months ago, they made no note of a failing transmission. It’s common practice to check the transmission during an engine replacement. The engine and the transmission work together to provide the power and control for driving.
The engine has a coolant leak to the engine block. Faulty engine design.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during the initial start-up, the vehicle shuddered for a while before running properly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. 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 53,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a crack in cylinders #3 and #4. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
My engine died due to coolant leaking into the cylinder due to a manufacturing defect that FORD had known about for many years but about which we, the drivers were not warned. This could have happened on a busy freeway and been very dangerous.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. 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 78,500.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while leaving her property. The vehicle was restarted, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that there was an abnormal chemical odor coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact stated that the spark plugs, coil packs, and purge valve were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
The driver seatbelt will not lock when fully extended or in the event of an accident. This will be the third time that I will have had to have this repair done. Ford warrants the part for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I am out of the five year window but I just turned 60,000 miles. Repair will cost upwards of $800. Unfortunately I am not in the habit of checking my seatbelt to see if it works. There was no warning that the seatbelt was not operating properly. If I am in an accident, the seatbelt will be useless. I discovered the malfunction by chance the other day.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The engine over-temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted; however, while driving 5 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,200.
Had the motor replaced in 2021 for cylinder 3 misfire , i had the car parked in my driveway & i go to start the car & the temperature is immediately going to hot. I had the car diagnosed and the motor is blown once again. My car is well taken care of with oil changes & maintence.
Issues described in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229. 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant in Cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated malfunction indicator light.
I was driving from Colorado to Moab, Utah in Feb 2025 when my car’s engine started making a ticking noise. It had only about 80,000 miles on it at the time and had never had any major issues in the past. I’ve only ever taken it to the Ford service department for regular maintenance and they do a multi point inspection every time—I went in January a month before the trip to Moab and they had found no issues. I took it into 2 mechanics and both said I’d need to replace the engine. The diagnostic from Ford is below. Customer Reports: C/S HEARING A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. CHECK AND ADVISE. Caused by: AUDIBLE TICKING NOISE AROUND CYLINDER 3. NO CODES. REQUIRES TEAR DOWN TO PINPOINT. ADVISE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. Because both mechanics said we’d need a new engine for $6-9k we had to sell the car in Moab and try to figure out how to get back home to Colorado.
Coolant leak caused head gasket to leak on cylinder which consistently washed the car's spark plug. This caused the cylinder walls to become washed out which has caused significant damage to the car's engine. The consistent washing of the spark plug has caused the car to not be able to accelerate beyond 20mph - 45mph. This is a danger while driving on main roads as well as the highway. The car has also overheated because of the problem, causing the car to not start as well as to stall. The check engine light typically blinks or stays idle before the issue occurs. The vehicle was first inspected by the car dealer that sold me the car, because the check engine light was on, they stated there was nothing wrong with the car. A Tire Plus mechanic did a diagnostic and discovered the spark plug to need replacement. Most recently, the Ford dealership has given the most recent diagnosis, stating the engine needs to be replaced.
Car started to jump while accelerating, then wouldn’t shift or move. Mechanic stated that the torque converter let go and filled the transmission with steel. He also stated that the transmission shop said they are doing on average 2 of these transmissions per week for the same problem.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started shaking. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The spark plugs and coil pack were replaced; however, the following day, there was no antifreeze in the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the oil. The contact checked cylinder #3 and found coolant leaking into cylinder #3. The contact contacted the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,940.
I was driving stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I proceeded my car continuously jerked and would not pick up speed then it would go and start jerking while in the middle of traffic putting me and others at risk for possible pile up multi accidents.Given no warning just out if the blue no lights on dash either.Yes it's is available for inspection took it to shop today was advised to take it to transmission specialist which I plan to.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced hard shifting and shuddering, with a pinging sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's Extended Warranty coverage for the engine failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
I tried to accelerate pulling out of a parking lot and there was a whizzing sound and no acceleration. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and restarted it. I got up to 55 mph and the transmission service light came on and it de-acelerated. I ended up going 20 mph for the next mile to get it home in my driveway to park it. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership for diagnostics, the same dealership that had to replace the short engine block due to coolant intrusion in my engine at 84,000 (which I found by accident EVEN though I had a Ford.com account - they never notified me even though they had my email, address, and phone number - also to note i tried to get the repair at three other local dealerships that said they did not see the CSP for this issue and would not get me in - I did notify Ford customer service). The same dealership also replaced a shifter bushing cable when they did the engine. Dealership called today to advise that it was the torque convertor and I needed a new transmission. They are going to have warranty department see if Ford will assist with repairs, but I'm sure they won't. Mileage is 121,000. At this point there is a class action for transmission related issues for this year, make and model and Ford has STILL Not issued a recall. In speaking with the dealership, they said this is a common issue with the year, make, and model. And that anything over 100,000 is subject to trannie issues for this car. So obviously Ford knows th
It is a coolant leak into the engine which can cause the car to catch on fire. The car is not drivable without a new engine.
Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 2 after previous recall was done to "correct" the issue, engine block replacement required. The vehicle suddenly without warning or indication started sputtering at freeway speeds then proceeded to stall. The vehicle was previously inspected by Ford Motor Company 5 months prior.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine 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 69,000.
The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally upon starting and while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local AutoZone, where a diagnostic test retrieved DTC: P0304. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Coolant is leaking into the engine (1.5 liter Ecoboost) in my 2015 Ford Escape (less than 50,000 miles). After the check engine light came on recently (within the last week) the code was read by a local auto repair shop and a Ford dealer. Both confirmed (codes P0302, P0316). I initially went to my local mechanic before going to Ford dealership. He found the coolant was low and the engine was running rough. He topped off the coolant. He mentioned that there was a known problem with some Fords with coolant leaking into the cylinders. I then went to a Ford dealership for service when the light came on a second time becuase I have an extended warranty. The Ford service tech said I need a new engine becuase coolant is leaking into the cylinder. I'm reading about this now when I researched it. I never received a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 letter from the Ford dealership I purchased this from in 2021. My Ford was manufactured in Louisville which seems to be common in Fords with this problem. Someone from the warranty company will inspect the car to confirm within 24 to 48 hours.
My engine has been affected by the coolant intrusion issue laid out in 21N12. I am over the 85k mileage, so Ford is unwilling to help. I have 115,026 miles and the engine has bearing failure, I’m assuming due to the coolant dilution of the oil. There is metal in the oil due to the poor oil quality. Also, coolant level is low.
While driving in traffic, engine power became sluggish and had high vibration. Had to pull to side of road on busy highway. Took to dealer who diagnosed coolant leaking into cylinder causing mis-fire and high coolant temp reading.
I recently had my engine go on my 2017 Ford escape se due to a coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Ford refused to help me in any way.i have seen online lots of complaints and a few different class action lawsuits claiming that Ford knew about the flawed design on the head gasket. The did a recall on mine in 2018 for a sensor which they never told me what is was for but it was to warn if a problem comes up . anyway I'm out a car and have contacted some lawyers that were filing the lawsuits but was told they couldn't help me because I was not in that state.
2017 short block was replaced in the engine. Only to find out recalls for engine coolant has been leaking into the engine again. Year models built Sept 17, 2015 to year April 8,2019 at lewyviell Kentucky. Ironically my car was made at this location where the cars have been recalled from March 25, 2017. My car was made and the only thing ford company did was replace the short block not the entire engine. And not with the new engine recalls that started on June 9, 2022. That I already mention was the series of cars made at that plant.
As has happened to many others, a coolant intrusion destroyed the engine. The engine was replaced around 60k miles. Now around 84k miles, my transmission needs to be replaced. Ford is telling me that a new engine and new transmission for a 2017 car with 84k miles on it is something they see. The Customer Experience team told me there's nothing they can do. I can't believe a car this new, with that mileage, has had such significant and dangerous failures.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was misfiring and hesitating to respond. Additionally, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that cylinders #2 and #3 were misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the dealer performed a visual inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that the short block had a factory defect and 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 159,000.
Steering rack and pinion failure, should not be happening at this low of miles and have read of similar cases with ford's rack and pinion of this style. Pulls hard to other lanes and almost causing accident or crash, extremely unsafe. You can hear it now when car is in park (or moving) and you turn to the right. I have additional video of popping, clunking and grinding noise coming from rack and pinion. I cannot drive safely until this is fixed.
No warning lights turned on but antifreeze just started spraying out everywhere without warning and car was not overheating or showing any signs of overheating emptying the entire contents of the radiator and the antifreeze reserve.
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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