What 2,628 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Escape Gas

Coolant intrusion for the second time. The entire engine was replaced due to coolant intrusion. Ford did the replacement. Now a handful of years later, the engine has coolant intrusion again. This block has a known issue with the design.

NHTSA ODI 11746894

Coolant leak into my engine, causing engine failure. Common issue with this vehicle and ford wont do anything to fix the problem they created

NHTSA ODI 11746597

The 2017 Ford escape left me and my young child broke down on the side of the road would not crank was running rough. Had the car towed to a mechanic there is coolant leaking into the motor. Replacement of motor is needed. Ford has changed the block on this vehicle because of this problem why is there no recall

NHTSA ODI 11746175

The engine block cracked and leaked coolant, causing sputtering and misfiring. It has been reported to the NHTSA that Ford is refusing to fix our car.

NHTSA ODI 11745586

The check engine light came on and the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and it was stated by the dealership Service department to be a known issue for this particular engine. However, there was no recall and Ford offers no assistance for the engine replacement, which is what is needed. The engine replacement estimate from the dealership was over $8000.

NHTSA ODI 11745695

Water leaking into cylinder White smoke when start engine Uses coolant quickly Engine light on

NHTSA ODI 11745388

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Beginning around December 2025 through January 2026, the vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with coolant intrusion into the engine. Engine coolant continually disappears from the reservoir despite no visible external leak. However, at the time I did not know think it was a coolant intrusion. It wasn't until I took my car to the Ford dealer in June that I started researching things online. Prior to the June diagnosis, I also took the vehicle to Denny Menholt in January and February 2026 for inspection due to the same concerns. At that time, they were unable to determine the cause of the issue. As the condition has worsened, the engine runs rough and frequently vibrates, rumbles, and shakes while driving. The vehicle occasionally misfires and loses power. There have also been instances where the vehicle accelerates more aggressively than expected when pressing the gas pedal and instances of unexpected downshifting while driving. These issues make the vehicle difficult to operate predictably and create a significant safety concern. The Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated during this time. No other warning lights were displayed before the vehicle's condition worsened. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership for diagnosis in June 2026. The dealership identified cylinder 1 and cylinder 4 misfire codes and performed a pressure test on the cooling system. The dealership determined that coolant is leaking into the cylinders and advised that Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229 applies to this condition. The dealership informed me that the engine requires complete replacement due to the coolant intrusion issue. The estimated repair cost is approximately $11,000. Although the vehicle is outside the warranty time period, I purchased it new in December 2017 and it currently has fewer than 35,000 miles. I do not believe a vehicle with such low mileage should experience catastrophic engine failure re

NHTSA ODI 11745304

After years of driving Escape with issue finally found a mechanic that could definitely diagnose the problem. Was told that it was the torque converter and now possibly the transmission because it had been happening for so long. It shifts gears hard, shakes badly when idling (we always put it into neutral to avoid the shaking), stalls out sometimes when stopped at lights and trying to accelerate, can be coasting at a slow speed and the car will want to accelerate on its own like you were pressing on the gas.

NHTSA ODI 11744925

Complete engine failure Was driving when car suddenly it started to shake; gages displayed warning signs; parked vehicle at home; next day car started and drove to corner mechanic Had vehicle towed to two different mechanics; both showed engine failure & stated a problem with Ford Escape Ecoboost having sudden engine failures within my car's year (2017) There were no warnings of an issue until the day the car started to shake. Issues appeared one day, the next day the vehicle showed signs on the dash of an issue- immediately taken to a mechanic. A second mechanic observed the issue and a third mechanics made same claim of total engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11744801

I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2017 Ford Escape involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This is a sudden, random manufacturing defect that occurs without warning. I have exercised full due diligence as an owner regarding upkeep and maintenance on my vehicle. I now have a formal, written diagnosis from a Ford Service Center confirming this internal failure (consistent with TSB 22-2229). This defect creates an extreme safety hazard because it leads to unpredictable engine stalling and sudden engine failure at any time. The verified diagnosis proves my vehicle is currently a high-risk hazard that could lose power without warning on high-speed roadways. Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 is an insufficient response to a defect that causes vehicles to become disabled and vulnerable in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA escalate this to a mandatory safety recall based on the documented, spontaneous nature of this failure despite my proven maintenance history. I purchased the recommended extended warranty and lifetime powertrain warranty recommended by Tri-County Ford where I purchased the vehicle. They are also refusing to fix the issue because it was not caused by an internal part failure. Now I am being forced to either pay $12,000 for a replacement engine or purchase a new vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11744807

While driving on the highway at speed of 65-70 mph, there was a loud and felt "clunk" and immediate loss of power. Dashboard screen said "faulty engine service immediately" and warning bells came on. Frightened, I immediately pulled over in the shouldee of the highway and turned off ignition. When I turned the car back on, dashboard read same faulty engine message, then started to go through a diagnostics in which it reported sensors not functioning (parking sensors). Vehicle was able to be started after this incident and drove fine afterward. This was not the first time this Vehicle has had electrical issues. It has been known to have intermittent start up issues where the engine would not turn on but only the lights and accessories will come on. After some varying amount of reattemtps to turn on car, the dashboard screen will go through same messages: "fauly engine" and go through sensors not found or working etc. After these messages appear, then the car is able to start normally. I have taken this car in to 2 different Ford dealerships, 1 Buick/GMC dealership, and 2-3 independent auto shops, all of which cannot get the vehicle to replicate the issue enough times for them to diagnose the car. It does not store any codes to pinpoint the issue. The vehicle has been in and out of shops for a total of 4-6 weeks now with no answers. Now, it did this while driving on the highway! I am fortunate it did not cause a crash, but I am scared to death to drive it on the highway again. I dont know what to do because my job requires a lot of driving, especially on the highway. I do not want to get in an accident if this happens again or becomes worse the next time. There are no warning sounds, lights or medsages before it happens. Plus I owe way more on it than the car is worth, so selling it is not really an option. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11744552

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to immediately restart on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle stalled on several occasions with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the evaporator canister and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 104,600.

NHTSA ODI 11744553

2017 Ford Escape In 2025 driver's side front seat belt would not retract. Car taken to Balise Ford in Hyannis, MA. Balise Ford did an inspection (for which a charge was imposed) to determine if repair can be done. Seat belt could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. Replaced in January 2025. Information is being submitted since it was noticed that there was a recall for 2018 Ford Escape with seat belt retraction problem. Invoiced for repair are attached.

NHTSA ODI 11744131

Total Engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. Car would sometimes not start requiring it to be jump started but I thought it was due to an old battery but after the car couldnt be started.agter replacement it was brought to the dealership who said it was the engine. We did have to keep adding coolent regularly which we thought was strange at the time but were unaware that this was an issue with some Ford leaking coolant. I worry that the car would have just stopped running while i was driving. Luckily it didnt but i still believe that this should be looked at

NHTSA ODI 11744246

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The vehicle was coasted to the next town, approximately a mile and a half away. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who attempted to change the spark plugs and fuel injectors. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then diagnosed using a code reader, and a code for a cracked engine block was retrieved and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744209

Engine replacement due to defective engine at a cost of $10784.68 plus Washington tax of $949.05 for a total of $11,733.73. I file a complaint with both Ford and NHTSA. This engine replacement was done on XXX. I have yet to get a refund for the defective engine from Ford. I need your help as this is very unfair to me as the defective engine was an Ford error. Here is my contact information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]/cell INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11743990

Engine failed at 71,700 miles due to cracked block causing coolant intrusion into cylinders. Motor would quit while driving. Ford dealer tested and confirmed known problem. Motor would misfire then stall.

NHTSA ODI 11743855

Consumer haveing coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 due to a defect on a 2017 ford escape titanium eco boost 2.0

NHTSA ODI 11743866

My Turbo/EcoBoost Escape’s check engine light kept coming on and off between October and December 2025. I took it to a Ford repair shop in December to diagnose (P0301 and P0306 engine codes), and they said coolant was leaking into an engine cylinder. They said maybe I hadn’t done a coolant flush years back, but they weren’t sure why it developed. Regardless they said I needed to replace the entire engine— $10,000+ on an 8 year old car. I went to an independent repair shop for a second opinion. They confirmed the problem but told me more that Ford didn’t: it was a known design flaw (a Technical Service Bulletin notice was written) in the engine that Ford didn’t do a recall for, and yes I still needed to spend $10k to replace the engine, or else the car could risk becoming abruptly undrivable within months or as soon as weeks. I was very upset and disappointed a Ford dealer/repair shop wasn’t honest about what was going on, and Ford hadn’t stepped up to address the known flaw in their engines. I was put into a spot of spending $10k on an 8 year old car that was in great shape otherwise and paid off, but could become a piece of junk at any moment. I felt forced into having to get a new car, all because of a design flaw that Ford didn’t admit or correct. But they were happy to start trying to get me to buy a new Ford. As if.

NHTSA ODI 11743746

Check engine light came on. had it checked at the dealer and they confirmed coolant intrusion on the engine and that it needs an engine replacement. there was a technical service bulletin issue on this exact issue but Ford is refusing to help with any assistance. They estimated $12,000 to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11743756

Coolant for car engine was discovered by ford service technician in cylinder causing the spark plug to misfire and break. the engine miss fires and idles very rough. The check engine light keeps coming on flashing, which is another tell tale sigh, according to service advisor, that there is a problem. The car is available for inspection at any time. Driving becomes dangerous if the engine quits or causing the rough engine to not continue to run. Olathe Ford wants $10,000.00 for a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11743791

Engine light came on started blinking Vehicle had oil and coolant intrusion into coils and engine and engine is requiring of replacement. No issues prior. Maintenance regularly done.

NHTSA ODI 11743794

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. While driving in traffic and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and was choking and hesitating. The contact pulled over to let the vehicle cool down, after which the Check Engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to the residence, but the vehicle was unable to drive up a steep hill. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 1 at start up, and coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, and a critical loss of compression in the engine. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,345.

NHTSA ODI 11743781

Due to a known defect for which there is already a class action lawsuit against Ford, the head gasket seal failed allowing coolant to seep into cylinders 2 and 3. In turn, this caused a crack in the engine wall requiring over $10,000 in repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11743412

The Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine has known issue of coolant in cylinders which causes misfires. Ford has yet to issue a recall on this engine. They have redesigned the engine to solve the known problem. Why have they not issued a recall and why our customers being stuck with the repair costs. The vehicle will suddenly start loosing power which could cause a rear end accident. The Ford service center has confirmed this is the issue. The code that was displayed on OBDII was #07E8- cylinder 2 misfire.

NHTSA ODI 11743148