2017 Ford Escape Complaint Log

During the month of September 2024 my Ford Escape Ecoboost developed a rough idle. I took it into our Ford dealership for evaluation. The diagnosis was that coolant had leaked into the cylinder #3 due to a head gasket failure and that I would need to have the engine long block replaced at an estimated cost, at the time, of about $8000. My vehicle has less than 45,000 miles on it. We had the Ford dealership go ahead with the repair; however, I asked that the service advisor request Out of Warranty Assistance from Ford. He did and received a claim number of: CXH 02689613-N6N4L5. He also informed us that our request for financial assistance had been rejected due to the fact that it was outside the extended warranty of 7 years. Mind you, this was about 6 weeks after the end of the warranty that it began to fail and the car had less than 45,000 miles. This issue with the Ford Ecoboost is well known and has caused engine failure. We just didn't let it go to the point of failure, due to our reliance on this car and safety concerns.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after a recent oil change, the contact was informed that the coolant level was lower than normal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic discovered that there was coolant intrusion into a cylinder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Coolant intrusion causing engine damage. Unable to drive. Ford knows about it because they had a Customer Satisfaction program 21N12 but only made coverage last until November 30, 2022. There needs to be a recall NOW.

Car experienced COOLANT INTRUSION. This engine is 7 years old and is experiencing the same problem as many service bulletins describe as a known problem with this engine for example 192346. Our mileage is under the warranty guidelines but ford is saying it is out of warranty and want us to replace the engine. We have maintained this car well and we feel ford should cover the engine replacement. This is a problem they are aware of and our vehicle should be part of this repair. An engine should last longer than 7 years. We recently had an oil change done at a ford facility and within a couple days the check engine light came on. We had it taken to a ford dealership and they diagnosed coolant intrusion and said we need to replace the engine.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light activated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the #2-cylinder head had cracked due to coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine was overheating. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 103,895.

Check engine light illuminated followed by service immediately light Ford garage pressure tested and overnight the coolant psi dropped 5 psi overnight Ford garage indicated that they removed spark plugs and found coolant in the cylinder Ford garage indicated "leak intrusion, these engines had issues for this" suggesting it is a common engine problem not an isolated incident Ford garage mentioned that they have created a revised block to address the failure of the jacket by eliminating the coolant jacket that fails and causes the leak Recommendation from Ford garage was engine replacement, a long block replacement Cost of recommended repair estimated at $11,223

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled while attempting to start the vehicle. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,990.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection at a local dealer, it was noticed that the 16 lug nuts for all four tires were swollen and the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty with the same parts used prior to the failure. The contact was concerned that the repair was intern and the failure would be recurring. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Started having repeat misfires on #3 cylinder and high engine temperature warning. The coolant level is low every morning after the vehicle sits overnight. Misfire happens at initial start up and seems to clear as the vehicle is driven. I believe this condition is related to a known design flaw.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing off and on. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired under an unstated recall, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine short block. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the Customer Service Program: 19B36 had been completed in July 2020. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Coolant leaking into the cylinders, white smoke out of the tail pipe, and now Ford is saying this is a known issue but no recall is taking place. The car is undriveable. This is the second engine in this vehicle.

coolant intrusion issues engines. This can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which can lead to engine failure. misfiring and engine coolant leaking in the cylinders due to cracking in the engine block, I was told this is wrong with my suv and need a new engine! Cost 10,000

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 116,500.

For this car Engine check light came on and then car was overheating. The car was taken to the dealer. They said that coolant got into the engine which caused the malfunction and over heating. It was inspected by the dealer. It is similar to the previous recall done for ford escape Internal coolant leak causing engine overheating.

Risk of fire. Coolant is going inside the engine. This is causing engine to over heat. There were several similar issue with ford escape care previously. Car is currently at dealer. There was engine light, and overheating sign in the car.

Cylinder (2) misfire causing coolant intrusion in engine block . Tested and failed damaged cylinder plug causing misfire. Engine ruined!

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking onto the spark plugs, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

We were driving, and soon the check engine light came on, And car started overheating, plugged in the scanner and found that cylinder 1 was misfiring, did and oil changed after and found that coolant was mixed in with the oil

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough until the engine had warmed up. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was jerking and shaking abnormally. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was idling rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 132,180.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough until the engine had warmed up. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver’s side brake light accumulated approximately 4 inches of water causing the light to fail to illuminate as needed. The passenger’s side brake light accumulated approximately 1 inch of water but was still able to illuminate as needed. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the lighting assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to reach a representative. The failure mileage was 115,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after shifting into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, while the transmission was in park(P) or neutral(N), the engine continued to rev high. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure but indicated that the transmission was faulty. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,456.

Head gasket failure while under 100k miles. Replacement costing more than the value of the 6 year old vehicle.

Coolant intrusion into the engine. Engine blown at 89,000. Always kept maintenance done at the dealership.

#1 cylinder misfire. Many complaints on Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side brake lights and taillights failed to illuminate. The contact discovered water and condensation inside the rear taillight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the rear brake light and taillight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Engine misfires/rough start, check engine light on, and coolant level leaks with coolant intrusion to the engine causing major risk of engine failure, fire, etc.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced rough idling and an abnormal vibration. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 64,733.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle experienced rough idling. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the engine block had cracked due to coolant intrusion into the engine, causing the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contacted indicated that the engine was previously replaced for a similar failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced rough idling and was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a cracked cylinder head and misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine block was cracked and needed to be replaced. 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 80,000.

Cold intrusion into the engine causing major repair, including full engine replacement.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out of the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was eventually taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside the cylinders, causing damages to the engine short block. The contact was informed 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 failure mileage was 108,000.

To whom it may concern, We purchased a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium Ecoboost used approximately 3 years ago. Since, September of 2024 we have been having issues with the car. Some of the issues involved overheating due to internal coolant / antifreeze loss that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine causing engine failure. The check engine light comes on and saw blue or white smoke emitting from the car and misfires when coolant leaked into the cylinders. The most common PCM codes reported as associated with misfire related to the internal coolant leak are P0316 and P0302. Ford previously recalled certain 2013 and 2014 Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.6L engine for a very similar issues under recall campaigns 12V551 and 17V209. However, no such recall exists for the similar issues reported by consumers with the 1.5L and 2.0L Ford Ecoboost engines. We still owe $14,600 on this car and 4 mechanics and Ford have said it needs a new engine. We cannot afford $5000 to $10,000 for a new engine on a car we still owe on. Not sure if you are able to help us out with this issue. Thank you for your time.

The engine in our 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 liter ecoboost has again died from coolant intrusion. This is the second engine since new. The first engine had 55k miles on it and the second one has died at 67k. Both engines have been destroyed by the coolant intrusion design flaw issue Ford has been well aware of but refuses to repair.

Timing belt and/or tensioner failed and destroyed the engine. Mechanic said it may be impossible to know the cause but something that should not happen. No warning lights or symptoms until catastrophic failure. Belt broke, made a noise as it was hitting other parts in the engine and the car stopped. We were lucky we were pulling into the garage and not on the interstate. The car only had 46,000 miles well kept and maintained. Ford does not even recommend inspecting the timing belt until 150,000 miles. Other 2017 ford escapes with eco boost are known to have coolant leakage that destroys the engines as well as other issues. Ford made some of those right and even extended warranties but mine was not included and past warranty. Ford refused to escalate my complaint. We only owned the car for 5 years putting only 15k miles on it rarely leaving town. The dealer estimate was a whooping $10889.23. We hadn’t even finished making payments

Just recently had an issue with overheating. I took in for an oil change and asked them too look into. They stated that coolant is leaking into the engine. There was a service bulletin issued, however, this vehicle is over miles. I tried to look up the bulletin on the ford website, but it gives server error. The bulletin was TSB 21-22-69

have a 2017 ford escape titanium that has only 96000 something on it that needs a engine replace....now my car sit in my yard as a ornament...loved that car but can't afford to put the engine in plus pay to put the engine in....engine light came on and say miss fire...cause by a # piston ....i wish something coud be done anot that....

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while idling and driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was failing and might need to be replaced or repaired. The contact believed that the pistons were dryer than expected. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was contacted, and it was stated there were no recalls but there were several Technical Service Bulletins that might relate to the failure. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer to verify if the vehicle was included in and TSB’s. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in any recalls or TSB’s. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Coolant leaking into cylinders, smell coolant through vents, smoke from exhaust, film of exhaust coming into front windshield, turbo charger 1, under boost, car just stopped accelerating

Took it to a mechanic was informed I had coolant leak into the 2nd rear cylinder cracking the head. Which caused the car to prematurely overheat and stall randomly on the highway. Was notified there is a issuse with coolant leaks with this model from the mechanic for the 2017 ford escape ecoboost models. Only had the coolant light come on the day prior to stalling.

My engine light came on during a longer drive for a road trip. When I took it to the dealership, my coolant level was very low and was causing my engine was overheating. The Ford service center diagnosed it as being low due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 1 causing a misfire and engine overheating. With it consuming coolant, the engine overheating can be a safety risk and Ford told me the only way to solve the problem is to completely replace the engine. I took it to another independent service center who noted moisture in cylinder 1 and believes it to be coolant intrusion as well.

Dear All, I am reaching out to you regarding my 2017 Ford Escape (VIN: [XXX] ), which has only 72,900 miles and is showing error code P0303, indicating a serious engine failure due to coolant intrusion. My vehicle was manufactured in Louisville. On the morning of [XXX], the engine began to shake, and I had to have my car towed to the garage. I only received the diagnostic on [XXX]. The garage is unwilling to provide me with the full analysis (only the error code P0303) until I accept the repairs, and the repair estimate exceeds $12,000 (the engine needs to be replaced). In my opinion, my vehicle meets all the criteria for the Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37, which has no expiration date. This program concerns Ford Escapes manufactured in Louisville between September 17, 2015, and April 8, 2019 (which is the case with my vehicle). However, the garage claims my VIN number is not listed. Additionally, the 21N12 program covers vehicles with similar criteria, but FSA VIN lists will not be activated for this service action. As a result, I have not received any notification regarding issues with this vehicle, nor any notification regarding 19B37 program and the additional Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (which allows for engine replacement for error codes like P0303, similar to my vehicle’s issue). This situation has serious consequences for me, as I cannot afford such an expense, and as a student, I find myself without a vehicle. I believe that my vehicle qualifies for both of these actions (19B37 and 21N12) and I would like the repairs to be covered by Ford. I am attaching the two Ford documents related to these programs, as well as the CARFAX report for my vehicle. Thanks in advance. Best regards, [XXX] 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard before the brakes functioned properly. The contact stated that an alarm activated while driving, prompting her to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear brake rotors. The contact was informed that the key fob needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

I was accelerating onto the freeway, heard a knocking sound and the was hesitancy in acceleration. I traveled a few moments, the check engine light came on for the first time and the vehicle began to shake and sputter. Thankfully, I was able to exit the freeway out of harm's way. This is the first time this malfunction occurred. Upon evaluation by a trusted mechanic, and after diligent testing and problem solving attempts by his technicians, I was informed that there had been complete engine failure due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. I have contacted Ford Customer Relations twice with no response as of this writing. The vehicle has less than 32K miles on it and it has been very well maintained. Through investigation I have found that this problem is wide spread. There is an obvious and dangerous design flaw in this particular engine. It must be addressed.

Known issue that is documented in detail here: Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 [XXX] Coolant leaks into engine valves. Dealership says the entire engine block needs to be replaced. This occurred at 65,000 miles. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE. admitted by the Ford service tech and Ford car forums. Absolutely ridiculous. 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 while driving approximately 25 MPH, the message that the “Engine was overheating - Stop Driving" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 5 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block and the cylinders. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine was idling rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with 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 a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.