Home · 2017 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,628)Crash / fire / injury (69)Engine (1,530)Engine & cooling (501)Transmission & drivetrain (384)Electrical system (151)Fuel system (92)Wheels (76)Body & structure (62)Brakes (48)Steering (48)Lights (37)

501 of 2,628 complaints match · Engine & cooling · clear filters · page 4 of 21

Jul 11, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, 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 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672885

Jul 10, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact’s daughter attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine, causing the engine block to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672486

Jul 10, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing the engine block to fail. 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 referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672545

Jul 9, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The coolant level was constantly low despite adding coolant once every 3 days. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed there were no recalls associated with the failure. The contact learned of Customer Satisfaction Program: NHTSA ID 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 111,768.

NHTSA ODI 11672203

Jul 9, 2025Engine & cooling

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 hot(H). The vehicle was steered to a side parking lot and turned off and coolant was added to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed 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 failure mileage was 76,623.

NHTSA ODI 11672235

Jul 8, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the dealer discovered coolant intrusion into the engine block, causing engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 26,406.

NHTSA ODI 11671992

Jul 7, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used the Ford App and became aware of a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, relating in engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 78,083.

NHTSA ODI 11671581

Jul 3, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing an engine misfire. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided, and that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,200.

NHTSA ODI 11671016

Jul 3, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing 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 referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11671100

Jul 1, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 (Short block replacement after Coolant Intrusion). The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 81,034.

NHTSA ODI 11670510

Jul 1, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in engine damage. 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 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). 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 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11670566

Jun 27, 2025Engine & cooling

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, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had caused engine damage. 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 Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669730

Jun 25, 2025Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger, water pump, and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669309

Jun 25, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had resulted in 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 (Short block replacement after coolant intrusion). 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 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669318

Jun 23, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #2 failure, and that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. 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 25,782.

NHTSA ODI 11668654

Jun 18, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in engine damage. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11667701

Jun 18, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3 due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined 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 contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11667851

Jun 17, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an inspection, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, 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 60,258.

NHTSA ODI 11667438

Jun 12, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the second cylinder was misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666490

Jun 12, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal, rough sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the third cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 107,789.

NHTSA ODI 11666497

Jun 12, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her grand-daughter had started the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact's grand-daughter later informed the contact that the failure had recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who referred the contact to a dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the fourth cylinder, and 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 85,426.

NHTSA ODI 11666512

Jun 12, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle misfired. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle and had persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown cylinder and valve needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer confirmed that there was no coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,671.

NHTSA ODI 11666515

Jun 11, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was leaking, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666361

Jun 10, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine 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 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666065

Jun 9, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally, and started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11665766

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Working with the data? Download all 2,628 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ford Escape Gas verdict →