What 2,624 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Escape Hev

Vehicles auto start stop malfunctions and turns car off at red light. Message states to shift to park and then to press ignition.

NHTSA ODI 11749796

Coolant intrusion in cylinder #4. Documented in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Requires engine replacement. Vehicle has 40k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11749719

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Coolant system coolant is leaking into cylinder #3, causing misfires; head gasket leaking into cylinder. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? UNKNOWN Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed via dealer diagnosis Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Unknown when the underlying problem first occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11749725

The engine overheated and went into limp mode while on the busy interstate, we nearly were hit trying to get off the road because we could not keep speed. The car is available for inspection. It has the typical symptoms of the coolant intrusion as acknowledged by Ford in Technical Service Bulletins 19-2139 and 22-2322. These include startup misfires, rapid loss of coolant into the combustion chambers without external leaks, and severe overheating causing the vehicle to enter limp mode. The misfire's are throwing engine codes P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected) and P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected) This just happened on July 8, 2026 and the car has 105,203 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11749780

The car developed a sudden metalic rattle noise and with no service indication lights on the dash. It was immeaditley serviced by the local Ford dealership and diagnosed as a cracked flex plate in the drivetrain after just 51,000 original miles. This is still within the original milage warranty but outside the warranty limit by years dispite the fact a flexplate doesn't go bad by age. Failure of the flexplate (between engine and transmission) can result in a sudden and major failure of the vehicle's transmission and risk to occupants. I have learned this is a very common point of failure for Ford Escape, Fusion, and Edge vehicles with the 1.5 and 2.0 Ecoboost engines. A CSP repair notice 22N12 and 22N112 has been issued pertaining to certain Fusion and Edge vehicles with 2.0 engines. However, neither the Escape model or the 1.5 engine is included although it uses the same flex plate part and transmission. In addition, the problem was also in SSM-48725 that missing or damaged aliginment pins is a primary cause of failure in the flex plate. Ford is knowingly putting people at risk of harm and financial hardship with a documented and chronic failure of this specific defective part.

NHTSA ODI 11749784

While driving my 2017 Ford Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine AFTER an oil change, I noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. Shortly afterward, the check engine light began flashing. I immediately stopped driving the vehicle and had it inspected by an independent repair shop. The shop diagnosed the vehicle with a cracked engine related to coolant intrusion, requiring an engine rebuild estimated at approximately $4,000. The vehicle is currently inoperable and remains at the repair shop awaiting repairs. The vehicle has approximately 84,000 miles. I contacted Ford and opened a customer assistance case requesting goodwill assistance because I understand there have been widespread reports of coolant intrusion and engine failure involving the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. My request was denied. I am submitting this report because I believe a sudden engine failure accompanied by heavy white smoke and a flashing check engine light presents a potential safety concern and may be related to a defect affecting other vehicles with the same engine.

NHTSA ODI 11749528

Check engine light came on 7/5/2026. Engine coolant level was extremely low, shuddering "start" several times the previous week. My 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo engine, with only 38,245 original miles has the well known and documented issue with the 2.0L EcoBoost block with the P0302 misfire code. Numerous TSB's have been issued about this (some are TSP 19-2346 and TSB 22-2229). The engine coolant has intruded into Cylinder 2 necessitating a long block engine replacement. This was the formal diagnosis by the Ford Service Department at my Ford Dealership on July 9, 2026, after running a cooling system pressure test and a borescope inspection with photos proving coolant is in Cylinder 2. I've seen numerous other complaints online and on this website (NHTSA.gov) about this exact issue with the same yr/make/model/engine. Since this is a premature failure of a major powertrain component due to a known factory defect which can cause safety issues, please issue a recall for 2017 Ford Escape cars with the 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo engines. This can cause a fire (and has from what I have read) and damage the catalytic converter if driven.

NHTSA ODI 11749616

The car is having coolant intrusion in the engine block, it’s misfiring and popping codes po301-po303. It’s shooting white smoke out the back.

NHTSA ODI 11749040

After 95000 miles engine service light came on, dealer service team says it is being caused by coolant intrusion into cylinder 1, The repair is to replace the engine block at a cost of approx. $10,000. The is a lot of information available the indicates the issue is related to a well documented design flaw in the open-deck block design used in the 2017 engine making it prone to stress fractures, erosion or cracking under the high pressure of turbocharging.

NHTSA ODI 11748694

On 7/6/26 the car started to rough idle and engine light was coming on/off/on - so we took into the local shop and check for misfiring - mechanic opened up spark plug and scoped and immediately noticed coolant inside the cylinder #1/4. Proceed to call me and note this particular engine they have seen dozens of these issues and the engine block needs to be replaced. TSB was pulled up noting that the engines were defective from a certain period of time and Ford was replacing them. Took to dealer on 7/7/26 and they proceeded to tell me the same issue but this was out of any warranty that Ford would offer. I understand this TSB was issued in 2022 or maybe earlier as I am just gathering information at this time. I do not recall seeing a recall issued for this issue. Is this a known issue to the NHTSA ? Why has a recall not been issued or is their a process to have this issued ? Are there any class action lawsuits for this engine ? The obvious safety concern is an useable engine, extreme cost to replace and Ford knowing that this engine had some issues early on. The car only has 74,000 miles and I am told Ford will not warranty this. Please provide clarity on known issues and what has or has not been done about it.

NHTSA ODI 11748892

8/17/25 - Check engine light. Codes for Cylinder Misfire 1,2 and 3. Very very low coolant. 8/19/25 - The mechanic where we bought the car said that they checked plugs, did a compression test, everything came back fine and looks fine. Cleared the codes, drove it around, left it running, no light back on as of yet. Said the low coolant may have triggered the codes. - Coolant Filled back up Jan 31 2026 Car over heated and went into limp mode. No coolant when I looked before the tow truck came.. Had it towed to where we bought the car from. The mechanic said they couldn't find anything wrong and did the oil change and added coolant. Place we got car from: “Doesn’t know why it keeps losing coolant. They checked everything” To keep filling it up. March 23rd. Misfire codes again and evap leak code and coolant ½ empty -Filled back up. Place we bought car from “Changed plugs - Compression test done again.” March 23rd Compression test from where be bought the car: They said it’s fine compression May 2026: Coolant low, See photo: Filled it up to max line. I brought it to a friend to have him look at the cylinders. These were the spark plugs and cylinder pictures Plug on right was Cylender 4. My friend says it doesn't look like the place we bought the car from even changed the spark plugs. Cylinder photos are of Cylinder 4 Low coolant, Filled it back up. July 5 2026 : Check engine light. Code below - Bringing to ford 7/7

NHTSA ODI 11748548

Well known issue with this 2017 Ford Escape with faulty coolant system leaking into engine cylinders causing internal engine failure. This was the formal diagnosis by a qualified repair shop on or about May 26, 2026.

NHTSA ODI 11748378

Misfire cylinders, did extensive work to the car. Replaced spark plugs, fuel pump, thermostat, etc. coolant in cylinder walls. Evidence internal engine failure. Cracked block

NHTSA ODI 11748284

On June 4, 2026 I got into my 2017 Escape to head out for the day. Upon startup my car began to buck/idle roughly. Then my check engine light came on. I brought it in to be checked and was told that I had a cylinder 3 misfire. All coils and spark plugs were replaced at that time. The rough idling returned 2 days later and when checked the mechanic informed me that it may be a coolant intrusion. He kept it over night and sure enough he found a coolant Intrusion in cylinder 3. Per Ford, replacement of engine is necessary. Of course I was shocked to read that this has been a major known issue that Ford is aware of and not correcting. I read online that “while not officially recalled, many 1.5L and 2.OL EcoBoost engines in this model year are known for a design flaw that allows coolant to leak into the cylinders. This often results in rough idling, white exhaust smoke, or total engine failure. If you experience these symptoms, contact your local dealership or an independent mechanic, as it may be covered under a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).” The TSB # I was given is 22-2229. The Ford dealership is now wanting me to pay over $11,000 for a new engine on a 9 year old car. I only have 50,000 miles on it and take amazing care of my Escape. It looks brand new still. I think it is absolutely absurd that Ford has not recalled all 2017 Escapes to fix this manufacture defect! They are leaving consumers to pay completely out of pocket and it has made me never want to buy a Ford product again!

NHTSA ODI 11748124

My 2017 Ford Escape just alarmed me with a PO302 code and it happens to be coolant intrusion. It’s draining coolant levels.

NHTSA ODI 11748031

COMPONENT: Engine / Cooling System DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: My 2017 Ford Escape (1.5L GTDI EcoBoost engine, 83,891 miles) has been diagnosed by a Ford-authorized dealer (Apple Ford White Bear Lake, RO# 157692) with coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealer reports white/blue exhaust smoke on cold starts that dissipates after 10-20 seconds, and has recommended full short block replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $10,000. This is the exact condition addressed by Ford's own Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine, Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion), issued June 9, 2022. That program acknowledges the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in this vehicle range may exhibit coolant intrusion into cylinder bores, low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, and rough running, potentially leading to engine damage. When I contacted Ford's Customer Relationship Center, I was told my vehicle is outside the program's 7-year time window and was denied assistance, despite being under the program's 84,000-mile threshold. Coolant intrusion of this kind creates a risk of sudden engine roughness, misfire, and potential stalling, which is a safety concern, not just a mechanical inconvenience, particularly if it occurs at highway speed. I am filing this complaint because this is a known, documented defect that Ford has acknowledged in writing but is declining to remedy on my vehicle due to a time-based technicality, despite mileage well within the program's own stated safe range. VEHICLE: 2017 Ford Escape ENGINE: 1.5L GTDI (EcoBoost) MILEAGE AT FAILURE: 83,891 DEALER: Apple Ford White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake, MN RELATED FORD DOCUMENTATION: Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 / TSB 22-2134

NHTSA ODI 11748059

My vehicle was towed back to the dealership to have the transmission replaced, under warranty. After confirming the failure and warranty, I was informed, by emailed service order, that the airbag light was illuminated.it also listed the cost to diagnose the light and that I declined this "recommended service". What I said was that I absolutely wanted it diagnosed and addressed. What I declined were the charges they were quoting as the light came on while they had my vehicle-to replace my previously replaced transmission, 100% under warranty. I finally got the dealership to email me a printout/workorder so I could see what repairs have been completed. Re:Airbag light: says I stated the light was on, the tech got it to come on, that I declined a time of original transmission diagnostic; light is off now, they’re unable to replicate, listed as "intermittent airbag fault”, may come back on and would require additional diagnostic fee and repair cost.

NHTSA ODI 11748087

Engine overheated, dashboard told driver stop immediately, find somewhere safe to pull over. I filled it with coolant and took it to my local Chevy dealer. They told me the long block was porous, coolant was getting into the cylinder and my engine needed to be replaced. There is no external coolant leak, it is all going into the block. I have the 2.0L Ecoboost engine.

NHTSA ODI 11747607

Transmission, AAMCO inspected and verified, no warnings just grinding noise and jerking of vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11747708

The vehicle was misfiring, smoke emitting from the exhaust, overheating, and constantly running out of coolant. The service engine light first appeared roughly a year ago. A code scan revealed a cylinder misfire. I replaced the spark plug and timing coil and noticed the coolant was extremely low and refilled it. The service engine light recently reappeared and the misfires, smoke, vehicle shaking and revving started getting worse. I had the vehicle taken to the local ford dealership who confirmed that the engine suffers from a widely known defect of coolant intrusion into the cracked engine. They provided photos of the cracks in the cylinder and coolant leaking into it. Online I found an alarming amount of ford owners experiencing the same issue, some even reporting engine fires that burnt the entire car.

NHTSA ODI 11747839

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was idling rough while driving. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the engine coolant was extremely low. The contact stated that coolant was constantly added to the coolant reservoir but there was no coolant leaks found. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders. 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 offered. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747602

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