The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke emanating from the exhaust. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. 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 79,000.
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 →
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shut off. Additionally, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to another auto body shop, and an oil change was performed, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the bottom of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle should not be driven to prevent a catastrophic engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir nor the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front pump failure and a faulty part in the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,125.
Coolant intrusion causing engine failure
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact's daughter was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,215.
This is my 18 year old daughters vehicle, she was driving on the highway at a high speed of 75 and all of a sudden it dropped to 50 (TERRIFYING), this happened probably a handful of times before we had the vehicle looked at! The vehicle gave her a check engine light, we had someone look at it at, they replaced her high pressure fuel pump, no one said anything about her transmission failing. It lasted 2 more weeks and completely stopped on her. We had the transmission rebuilt and hasn't given her issues for 1 week. NOW my 2018 expeditions transmission is a goner, having it now looked at. Should not happen after 5 years!
Coolant intrusion into the cylinders due to a faulty design on the engine block. The only fix for this is engine replacement. 2017-2019 ford 2.0 ecoboost motors. Ford technical service bulletin 22-2229 issued June of 2022 to its service departments acknowledges that there is a know issue and to correct it the engine must be replaced [XXX] This video explains in detail the issue and the fact that for motor company knows of this issue. In 2020 ford changed the deign to correct the issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX], I needed to add a small amount of coolant to the reservoir. Mileage was approximately 69,000. On [XXX], I added more coolant, and then began adding small amounts every week or so. Mileage was approximately 91,000. Sometime in early 2024, I noticed rough idle at start-up, lasting 5-15 seconds. In mid-April, I noticed some white tailpipe smoke. Also mid-April, check engine light came on. After relaying these symptoms to my grandson, who was a Ford dealer mechanic, I made an appointment for service. On the way to the dealer, the car had poor performance and the cruise control feature would not turn on. On April 22, 2024, I had the car diagnosed at Lenoir City Ford in Tennessee (my new home area). On April 24, I was informed that the engine had coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. DTCS PO304 and PO304 with coolant intrusion on Cylinder 4. Upon investigation of coolant intrusion, I learned that this engine issue is/was a known design flaw. There was no recall, but there was a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) to replace the engine at no cost to the customer. Fortunately my car was under the # of years, but unfortunately had more miles (105,000) than stated on the CSP. Also, the CSP expired November 2022. At car check-in, I asked the service manager and he agreed to send car information to Ford Motor to request assistance with the cost of repair. When I picked up the car on [XXX] (4 weeks in the shop), I was told Ford Motor denied my “warranty” claim. I
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull to the side of the road and then drove to the residence. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the cylinders due to a crack in the engine block. The dealer determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Ford dealership performed EEC test and ran OASIS- identified TSB 22-2229 and verified that my 2017 Escape SE 2.0L (purchased in July 2020) met criteria for inspection on 02/27/2024. The vehicle had been experiencing an intermittent engine light, coolant loss x 3-4 months, rough start up, and white exhaust. An OBD code of P0302 was noted one week prior to the dealership appointment and was verified during the inspection. The dealership performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope on the cylinders, and identified coolant intrusion. Along block replacement was recommended at a cost of $7900. I contacted Ford Motor Company for help, as this is a known engineering flaw of the Ecoboost engines that causes (per Ford Motor Company) coolant intrusion in the 2015-2019 Escapes. My extended warranty had expired, and I still owe ~$8500 on my auto loan. I was told there was no help available for me, but to keep receipts in the event of an issued recall. I continued to keep my coolant reservoir filled after each trip ( I have a 35 minute trip to and from work), and the dashboard indicators all came on 2 weeks ago while driving to work (had no other option except to keep using my vehicle). The engine will now not turn over. Luckily, I now have a family member's car for driving to/from work. My question is when will Ford finally issue a recall for the 1.6 & 2.0L Escape engines, as they did in 2022 for the 1.5L engines?? Lots of folks out there with these engines are in the same boat
Coolant leaks into the coils and this is a known design flaw with no recall issued
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a thumping noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local auto service center which diagnosed a misfire in cylinders #1 and #4. The cylinders and coils were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the service center who diagnosed and determined that cylinder #4 was faulty 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 local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 had caused 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The engines head gasket has failed causing coolant intrusion into cylinder 3. This seems to be a recurring problem with the 1.5L short block ecoboost engines. This caused the vehicle to be extremely low on power and unable to maintain speed dropping to 40mph on the highway with nowhere to safely pull over for a mile or so.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough. The contact stated that there was an engine misfire, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2346 - Coolant in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Ford Escape 2017 78,831 miles. 5/13/24 Had car inspected at Brannen Ford of Perry. I was concerned that the check engine light was illuminated. The Ford service department noted the Code P0456 but cleared the code and did not advise repair. [XXX] Drove from Georgia to Memphis and began to notice rough crank with cold start only. 5/19/24 In Memphis took to Autozone for a OBD scanner read. Scanner said P0456 and P031. First cylinder is misfiring. 5/20/24 Took to Holt Automotive to investigate code. 5/23/24 Holt referred to Madison Automotive since technician believed the code indicated an engine issue beyond the scope of Holt. 5/23/24 Delivered to Madison Automotive for diagnostics. Ran codes and noted a 2.0L engine. Removed and replaced the ignition coil and relevant spark plug per OBD scanner. Cost $526.39 6/1/24 Took back to Autozone for OBD scan due to check engine light coming on again. Same codes. 6/3/24 Took back to Madison Automotive. Ran codes again and realized, by coincidence, purge valve was bad. Replaced purge valve. Cost $462.47. Could not note the rough start or find a specific leak. Informed that usually leaks only occur with temp change, hence the rough cold crank noted by us. [XXX] Check engine light on again and would not start at gas station. Had to go through manual start process. 6/14/24 Took back to Madison Automotive. They decided to try a cold crank in the morning after it sat unused through the night. White smoke filled the parking lot. Confirmed that
Ford told me I need a NEW ENGINE that will cost $11,000. Coolant leaked into the cylinder. The car only has 62,000 miles on it.
2017 Escape with fewer than 60k Miles on it is now requiring an engine replacement because of a coolant leak. The coolant leak causes a cylinder to misfire and shake the entire vehicle. This is apparently a known issue with this model year and those surrounding it according to my mechanic and a myriad of others on online forums.
I have to get a new engine due to the coolant leak.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and occasionally surged forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Less than 100,000 miles in and the car completely stopped working. It needs a new engine. The coolant was leaking into the engine apparently and hundreds of other people have had the same issue
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the driver to pull to the shoulder off the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and 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 opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking abnormally. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the engine. 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 a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I was having to go to stl to see my sons in the NICU in Creve Couer, and when doing so anytime I got over 70 mph for maybe 5 minutes, it would pop up with "Transmission fault, service now." I have to pull over, turn the car off, sit for 30 minutes, then turn my car back on and stay under 65 the rest of the way home. As a mom of a [XXX] little girl and a mom of twin boys I don't have the money to have it repaired right now, but I wanted to let someone know what is going on with my vehicle. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I noticed my paint peeling bad around the edges of my windshield, I have not done anything to it to make this happen and upon reading further into the forums there is a large amount of escape owners who have the same issue, it is flaking away so bad I can clearly see metal, I would like to make a formal report
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine block. 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated and lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
I purchased my 2017 escape almost a year ago. It only has 73000 miles on it. Check engine light turned on. I took it into the mechanic and was told that my coolant was leaking and that I needed a new engine. From what I have read this can lead to the engine catching on fire or engine failure while driving. I was told by the mechanic that I can drive the vehicle because the light was not flashing but how am I to know how safe that truly is. I can not afford a new engine and it is my only vehicle so I will be driving it. I have also read that Ford is aware that this is a manufacture defect but no recall has been issue. Does someone have to get injured before this issue is dealt with? There are thousands of these vehicles on the road as ticking time bombs. Before someone loses a life this should be recalled
We are currently having to replace my son's engine in his escape for the second time due to misfire ? He was driving and it lost ability to drive. It was towed to shop which indicates it needs a second engine.
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 who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and found coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine misfired on several occasions. The contact stated that there was a strong coolant odor coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer related the failure to TSB Number: 22-2229 and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,750.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that upon start-up the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the Extended Warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged 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 opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Vehicle started running rough and had no power while trying to get on to a highway or leave from a stop. When the "Check Engine" light cam on I took it for diagnosis and it had a misfire in 2 cylinders and losing excessive amounts of antifreeze without any leaks showing. It was later diagnosed as have a bad motor and that this year and model motor is know to have this problem. Ford even has a service bulletin on it.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that intermittently the engine would misfire on startup and the check engine warning light would illuminate. Restarting the engine would normally solve the issue. The diagnostic code indicated "P0302" as a Cylinder 2 misfire. The vehicle was taken for service and the technician confirmed there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The technician recommended the engine be replaced. This is a common issue with Ford Escapes detailed in Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B37 & 21N12. The manufacturer customer service line was notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.
I had a check engine code on the car #p0304. I took it to the dealer. They told me I need an new engine for 9000 dollars. They said it was coolant intrusion on the #4 cylinder. Now I've found out that there are thousands of 2.0 litre engines with the same problem. Sounds like a recall issue to me. My car only has 81000 miles on it and in great shape. Now it is basically worth nothing. Unless I come up with 9000 dollars to fix it. I have never had anything like this happen before. Please make them recall these engines. They built them badly.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the contact's mother was informed that the failure could not be replicated because the check engine warning light was not illuminated at the time. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The engine started rough and has white smoke. The car lost the speed on a highway all of a sudden. Then, it is diagnosed to be a coolant intrusion problem.
Without any warning, discovered the left brake lamp/tail lamp failed due to extensive water intrusion, caused by the failure of the plastic bonding all along the upper edge of the tail lamp assembly, which allowed copious amounts of water to leak in. The right tail lamp assembly appears to be susceptible to the same failure. Brake & tail lamps are safety components of any motor vehicle, and are critical for accident/crash avoidance/prevention. One online Escape owner's forum cites identical issues, indicating that this defective part is not unique or one of a kind. Original owner.
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware of white smoke emanating from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact also noticed an abnormal coolant odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact stated that a relative advised that the head gasket might have been blown. The contact stated that while doing research, she became aware that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the turbo charger became inoperable. The contact noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle, and the vehicle started losing motive power, and decelerated to 35 MPH. The contact checked the oil and noticed that the oil level was low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine block was cracked. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that coolant was added but continued to leak, causing the engine to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine's small block had cracked due to the engine overheating. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 124,000.
My blue Ford Escape has paint peeling near the left and right edge of the windshield area. This was first noticed in 2022. As of 2024, more paint is peeling.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the engine overheated, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that engine coolant was present inside the cylinders and caused severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure progressed causing the vehicle to fail to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The failure occurred, the high temperature, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked, coolant had leaked into the cylinder, and the coolant had leaked onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was made aware of TSB: 222322. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine light on, coolant leaking into turbo
Coolant intrusion into cylinder. This is a known problem on my 2.0l ecoboost engine. The dealership is recommending an engine replacement to fix the problem. Only 94000 miles on it and 7 years old.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red warning light illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact about a TSB regarding the engine block, which might cause the engine to warp or crack and allow coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine block failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and accepted a claim, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 133,375.
The Paint is coming off due to Ford forgetting to put primer on first.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the vehicle was not included. 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 71,000.
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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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