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

Auto restart stopped working Coolant leaking into 2 cylinders, causing full engine replacement

NHTSA ODI 11538093

In January 2023, my transmission went, and it was towed to the dealership. It sat for SIX MONTHS until it was fixed. I got the back 1 month ago, 2 weeks later, it broke down, stopped driving, on a VERY BUSY highway. It has now been sitting for 2 weeks and I do not have any answers as to what is wrong with my car.

NHTSA ODI 11534313

I was driving the vehicle and then on the dash message board. There was a warning message that said the transmission is not in park and the car shut off on the highway. The vehicle would not start the vehicle gear would not move even when the key was on in the on position, I took the vehicle in to Summerville Ford in Summerville South Carolina, and they advised me that everything was OK with this car they hooked it up. They were no codes that popped up however, the very same day the same thing happens again I have looked at various different forms and this is a known issue with a 2017 Ford escape and other model vehicles. This is a safety hazard and this needs to be rectified immediately. In reviewing the various different forums it all points to a defective fuse near the battery. This is very unsafe. The Ford dealership claims to not be able to replicate the issue but as soon as I leave the dealership it happens again.

NHTSA ODI 11534440

Last month I was at one of our clients location, I arrived on-site and parked the vehicle on one of there designated parking spots. I proceeded inside and came back out approximately 1 H.R. later and got inside the car and proceed to turn the ignition on the vehicle and car refused to start. I immediately called AAA they attempted to jump start the vehicle and that failed. They then proceeded to check the battery and the battery is fully charged. Then AAA proceeded and removed the starter relay switch and bypassed the relay switch and the vehicle still refused to start-up. I then proceed to tow the vehicle and it was towed to Gaudin Ford. The vehicle as been in the shop numerous times regarding this matter and the battery as been replaced been numerous times and I have been told that it’s fixed. I was recently told by Gaudin Ford, that they can’t duplicate the problem. And I was told by “ Wheels” who currently owns the vehicle that the case is closed.I refused to drive a company car that is unsafe and being told by both parties that their is nothing wrong with the vehicle, but I keep getting stuck in the car. This is my current situation. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11533595

2017 FORD ESCAPE- Consumer states: " I would like to lodge a safety hazard complaint with N.H.T.S.A. Prompt resolution is requested. I purchased this vehicle from Peoria Ford in December 2018. Unfortunately, this vehicle has had an ongoing electrical safety issue and Peoria Ford has failed to properly address the concern. The issue is, while driving down the road intermittently the door open and not park indication comes on, then all the electronics start flashing randomly, the radio and A/C start working intermittently then stop altogether, and all electronics go out, everything out, no lights, no dash indications, nothing. Essentially, it just became a Model A. The mechanical functions keep working, but no headlights no turn signals, (at night), no wipers, no dash indications everything dead, no speedometer, no interior lights, nothing just a dumb vehicle barreling down the road. Again, this is intermittent, it might happen, then it might not. This vehicle is a danger to drive, however Peoria Ford has shown nothing but indifference to fix this issue. Now I have brought this vehicle multiple times, yet their disregard for finding the issue has come to the point of frustration. Therefore, this has left me with no other option but to lodge an official complaint with The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Now, I am not asking for anything free, if the appropriate warranties apply, then good, if not I will pay. I took the vehicle once to Peoria Ford, the agent called a mechanic over to look at the video, his first reaction was, "I am not digging through that thing to find a short." I am a customer standing right in front of him! What kind of business do you run there? They then said bring it in when it is doing it. Really!? What part of intermittent do they not understand, that is why I took a video. Look, I know this is a known issue as one of the employees told me of a lady with the same concern on her Escape, and that even though after they changed the ECM her issue still persisted. They changed the ECM in my vehicle and the issue is still not resolved. So, this tells me this is a known issue. Unfortunately, when one's business. model is unbridled greed, this is the situation we all end up with, talking about you Peoria Ford. It's just been a bad experience all around, from the purchase to maintenance. Horrible. Therefore, this vehicle is at Michaels Auto Repair, with mv mechanic scratching his head as Ford has failed to necessarily resolve this issue. Please understand Peoria Ford, I will not go quietly into the night. Until this issue is resolved, I will be on every social media I can find, I will write and call everyone I can. As a matter of fact, Peoria Ford handed me a car fax report saying the vehicle was not in an accident, well google the VIN#. Consequently, if not resolved, I will file a complaint with my congressional representative as well as any and all governmental regulation agencies, including ADOT, and local. I will be writing the local press as well. Prompt resolution of this issue is expected."

NHTSA ODI 11530634

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side taillight lenses had started to detach. As a result of the failure, water started to enter the taillight housings. The contact stated that due to the water intrusion, several warning lights were intermittently illuminated and malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the taillight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11520959

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, ignition coil, and cylinder #4 needed to be replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact also stated that the vehicle was idling rough. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11520682

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart with the Auto Start/Stop feature. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511153

The car has suffered from multiple problems since 2020, where each time I would take it to the shop to be assessed.. The transmission, the electrical, and I have suffered from mental illness due to me being afraid to drive in the car. There was no way to get it diagnosed for the specific recall. I have spent $15,547.50 in mostly the same repairs. I have bought a total of 13 tires. Had to get the front suspension fixed, the struts, rental cars, had to get new brakes and rotos 3 times, wheel bearing replacement, had to get a second key cut, and the car reprogrammed, car makes a loud noise and it was not able to be diagnosed, purge valve assembly, spark plugs changed 2 times, and of course regular oil changes every few months. My check engine light has never come on. I have gone to the ford service cener, grease monkey, valvoline, good year, jiffy lube, tune up clinic, c&p auto repair. There were 2 recalls on the ford escape 2017 causing my car to not be able to be on brake without it shaking uncontrollablly. Every time a car issue would arise I would immediately go to a car shop. I am afraid to drive the vehicle due to the shifter not going into park. My daughter has missed muliple days of school due to the ongoing car issues. Her school is aware of the persistent car issues. We are homeless so we rely on the car 100%. I will be able to send all documents when you are ready.

NHTSA ODI 11508962

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start four days after NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) repair was completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the battery and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that there was an additional fee for the diagnostic tests to be performed on the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,292.

NHTSA ODI 11507454

My low beam headlights go out about every 60 days. I find myself having to drive home... once with both lights failing at the same time. This is discussed in many on-line forums and seems to be a common problem with this car.

NHTSA ODI 11506226

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle shuddered and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while exiting the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature engaged independently whenever the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. The contact was instructed by the dealer to drive the vehicle for 100 miles to reset the components. However, the vehicle only made it about two blocks from the dealership before losing engine power again. The vehicle still remains at the dealership as it is still undiagnosed and unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11501581

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and slightly decelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs were misfiring. The independent mechanic related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 due to the mileage. Additionally, the manufacturer advised the contact that NHTSA was responsible for the parameters for the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11500822

I was stopped at a red light, in Drive, when the car suddenly died. All the screens went black and the engine cut. I was also unable to use my electric locks or hazard lights. The car was eventually jumped, driven to a mechanic for the alternator and battery checked, with battery changed. Since receiving my car back with new battery, the media console does not work. Buttons illuminate but don't do anything, screen only shows time/date/temperature and backup camera. No SYNC, radio, bluetooth, CDs. Ford support attempted multiple resets with no change.

NHTSA ODI 11498457

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11493597

Repeated failure of passenger side low beam headlight bulb. The bulb has burned out 3 times within less than one year. No visible issues were found with the headlamp assembly. All new bulbs purchased to replace the previous, without defect, but have continued to fail. The first failure occurred in October 2021. Second failure in January 2022 and currently, the third failure October 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11491387

In 2020 my headlights just went out one day. All the fuses were good the bulbs were good and Ford replaced the BCM (Body Control Module). Luckily it was under the warranty because I only had approximately 28,000 miles. Fast forward to 2022 with approximately 49,000 miles, I was driving home late one night and the same issue happened while I was driving. Since the replacement in 2020 I have had to replace both headlights 3 times, this time replacing the headlights is not working and apparently, I will have to replace the BCM again. This apparently is the main computer system in the car, and it was very dangerous because the lights just went out at night. Upon further research several people are having the same issue; and have reported the problem on several webpages. (https://www.fordescape.org/threads/headlights-keep-going-out.116796/) (https://www.justanswer.com/ford/ioe1u-low-beam-headlights-stopped-working-2017-ford-escape.html) and many more pages and complaints when you google “2017 Ford Escape Lights stopped working” According to Ford customer satisfaction, they said that no one else has reported this, however, I don’t believe it with the number of complaints that I noticed with just one search. Had it only been one time I would deduct that it was one bad part, but due to the continued problem with the same issue, it appears to be a severe safety concern that Ford is refusing to remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11490487

The vehicle started over heating for no reason, filled the coolant with last oil change within a few days before. Would get to the point the car would stop driving. Happened a few times a day then spread out to less and less. Then happened randomly one day and the car never started again. It stays in a dangerous over heat mode where the car won’t start. I had to have it towed almost 60 miles home and then Uber myself home. We had the car looked at. Never diagnosed, but we were told we have a cracked head. Possible coolant leakage. Total Engine failure. The cause is because the vehicle is defective p

NHTSA ODI 11480864

I was in an accident 12/24/2021due to other parties at fault, and my air bags did not deploy. The diagnostic with the collision Calliber (78216 zip code) reflected there was a faulty air bag and should have deployed . I suffered neck and back injuries. Half a year later my entire AC compressor needed to be replaced a month later my Entire engine needs to be replaced (8700 price). I’ve only had this car over a year and work remotely. I have under 50k miles on this car and have had so many dangerous And unfortunate high cost issues. The

NHTSA ODI 11480634

After arriving at my designation 250 miles from my home my I arrived safely but when leaving from there the car would start. I waited 20 minutes before I tried starting it and it started. I was there for the weekend for a graduation. Sunday the car started and I proceeded to come home to the same distance. I stopped at Costco in Portland, Or. which was about 5:30 evening. I went to put my groceries in the car but the hood would not open. I tried to use the Fob but again it would not start. I took the key out of the Fob and opened the door and the horn started blasting and the car lights started blinking. My son was in Portand, Or. as well and meet me at Costco. He opened the Fob and put in a new battery but that did not work. We figured that it was probably dead even though it was never used and new. He went and bought a 5 pack of batteries. We tried again and again it would not start. Before I called him I had gotten hold of my roadside insurance and since it was not considered an accident nor anyone hurt, they said it would take about 1 to 2 hours to get there. That's when I called my son. After numerous times trying to get it started with a new battery it finally started. Drove home with my son following behind and made it home. I was thinking that it was just the Fob but it started to do the same thing in days to come. As of today July 11, 2022 my car has been at the dealer where I bought it since May 23, 2022. I took it there for an oil change, which I always do and it's been there almost 2 months. I did send a letter to Ford Motor Company , Customer Relationship Center in Dearborn, MI 48126. I believe that my 2022 Ford should be considered a safety defect. I'm just glad that, had my car lost power on the freeway or any other place it I would not had any control over it. I did not mention that my granddaughter was with me when I drove the 250 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11473484

Car engine stopped running while driving. Car was taken to dealer, they said transmission but Ford Corporate says they have no record of the issue. How is that? The car is doing the same thing again and I am afraid to drive it, if it would start. Now ,it won't even start. How are they allowed to keep this stuff secret? I know nothing will happen , but the next time this occurs someone could die as it doesn't care where it shuts off.

NHTSA ODI 11472570

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the engine was idling at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that a “Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11469133

3-4 times a year my 2017 Ford Escape doesn't automatically start after auto stop start turns the engine off and i have to shift into park and restart the car. This has happened basically since new.

NHTSA ODI 11468103

On 06/07/2022 I started my car in the morning and as I put the car in reverse I was greeted with a message "engine is hot pull over safely" the heat gauge was all the way to the top. After 1/2 block I turned around and pulled back in the driveway. The engine was running roughly and kept turning off. We opened the hood to check the coolant and it was empty. We put water in the radiator so I could go to a nearby store for antifreeze/coolant, but the car was running so roughly and wouldn't accelerate, so after a couple of blocks I turned around and went back to my driveway. Trouble shooting research uncovered many many 2017 Ford Escape eco boost models have had this exact experience, yet there are no recalls... Please advise my next steps regarding proceeding from here. My car only has 42,000 miles on it and I still have 4 yrs of payments to make...

NHTSA ODI 11468013

While driving, the vehicle turned off. Got to side of road. Towed. Code stated camshaft position sensor

NHTSA ODI 11466834