What 2,613 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Escape

Transmission went out. No warning. 121,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete transmission failure. Car started whining upon acceleration out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then out it went. Have had it serviced and maintained meticulously. Ford is aware of the problem and doing nothing to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11624480

At approximately 24509.37 miles the engine broke a valve and damaged a piston (hole in piston). We were never notified about Ford Motor Company's "Customer Satisfaction Program" 21N12 & 19B37 and Technical Service Bulletin reference (Technical Service Bulletin) 22-2134 pertaining to 2017-2019 Ford Escape Models. I have a copy of the Ford Motor Company letter sent to all U.S. Dealers dated June 9 2022 that was recently given to me by another Escape Owner. I believe this is commonly known as a "silent recall." The engine damage occurred on [XXX] at [XXX] at the mileage listed above. I believe there was a Class Action Lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Company that I, as an owner of this vehicle, was not notified about as required by law. This issue needs to be investigated so I can file a claim and seek remedy for damage to my vehicle. All the Diagnostic Trouble codes on my vehicle match all the codes on Ford's Program 21N12 as referenced above. All information points to Ford Company admitting to a known engine design defect that affects my vehicle. I have attached as many documents as can find to date since my engine damaged occurred. The local Ford Dealership provided Diagnosis of the engine damage and said they were well aware of the trouble with this Model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11624412

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area – Flex plate Cracks); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624223

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of white exhaust smoke coming from the rear exhaust pipes. 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 contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (transmission fluid pump, and torque converter); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624089

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty spark plugs and failed ignition coils. The contact was informed that the four spark plugs and the four ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that transmission fluid needed to be refilled, and the transmission filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22-2229; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,250.

NHTSA ODI 11623605

At 7 years and 68,000 miles, the driving became sluggish at low speeds. There were intermittent periods of low/no power from stop to low speed, making speed control dangerous. By the time the vehicle could be brought in for service, the "Transmission Fault - Service Now" warning came on. Diagnosis of fault states trouble code relating to an incorrect gear 3 ratio, indicating internal transmission failure. Confirmed at independent mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11623700

In May 2023, I paid an independent service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate. In December 2023, I paid the same service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate a second time. The repairs exceeded $5000. In November 2024, I paid Morries Minnetonka Ford to diagnose transmission vibration. It determined that the torque converter was failing and that I needed a new transmission. The cost of the repair is expected to be in excess of $6000. A search on the internet revealed that Ford recalled torque converters (Recall Number 17S16). Not that the internet is the source of truth, but it appears that transmission issues with Ford vehicles with lower miles is a relatively common event. I believe that my issue is a manufacturing issue. The torque converter and flex plate are parts that should not fail at 73,000 miles. They are designed to last the life of a vehicle. Further, the flex plate should not fail independently of other failures. The parts are interconnected. Neither Morries Minnetonka Ford, nor Ford are willing to consider that this is manufacturing issue that Ford should cover the cost of repair. I would appreciate the NHTSA looking into the matter with Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11623140

For the past two years I have drove a 2017 ford escape. Over the past two years my car has failed me multiple times My question is for ford motor company. Knowing this is a known issue with escapes…why are they doing nothing to help customers who have had a total engine failure due to manufacturing’s flaws ?

NHTSA ODI 11622786

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but failed to shift into gear. While driving 55 MPH, the speedometer decreased, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The contact was able to veer over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called for a tow truck. The tow truck driver informed the contact that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000.

NHTSA ODI 11622322

In September my check engine light came on, codes were for spark plugs, ignition coil and misfire cylinder 2. I took it to mechanic he said my spark plugs were covered in oil I changed the spark plugs, replaced valve cover gasket and intake gasket. Engine light went off car felt great not even 2 days later I felt the misfire again and there's the engine light back on and white smoke from my exhaust. Brought it back to mechanic I mentioned my coolant issue to him I have to fill my coolant every 2 days no puddles under my car. After looking at my car he said coolant is leaking into cylinder 2 so that's why when I start my car is shakes really bad coolant is burning off from the cylinders. He said I need new heads but they are warped so my best option is to get a new engine or trade my car in. I don't have money for a new engine I'm a single mom I'm upside down on this car because it's only worth $3600. Ford wake up and do something and stop screwing us customers who trusted you and your vehicles and now you left us stranded no help nothing. I have a vehicle that doesn't drive unsafe for my kids and I still need to make car payments on for years still. Someone needs to help and do something

NHTSA ODI 11620779

Driving back home from downtown Tupelo, my transmission completely went out. Vehicle had to be turned off and back on to move a few feet. It took over 45 minutes to drive 4 miles to my house. Cost of transmission more than value of the vehicle. Ford stated there is no recall on the vehicle for the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11620598

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

NHTSA ODI 11620658

My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k

NHTSA ODI 11619210

Vehicle suddenly started not shifting gears correctly and lost power, took to dealer and was told it is a known problem with this model of Ford Escape, the service manager went as far as stating there was nothing we could have done. We had no warning lights, no leaking of any type but was told the coolant was empty. Service manager said engine had absorbed coolent. They stated it had also caused the transmission to malfunction and cost to repair would be around $20,500. This is way more than the vehicle is worth yet we still owe $6,800 on a vehicle we have made regular oil changes and has presented no prior signs of problems. Obviously, Ford is very aware of problem yet has not made a recall. What can we do?

NHTSA ODI 11618067

I was driving down the road and my vehicle stalled out and had little to no acceleration Was stuck in the middle of an intersection until I could move it to a parking lot putting my safety at risk. Dealer (Brondes Ford Toledo) ran codes, yet would not tell me the codes after they tried to charge $11,000. No Warning lights yet, had engine lights on until the dealer replaced Fuel vapor assembly and crankcase pressure sensor a little less than 30 days beforehand. After service Ford said it was good to go and stated this could not have been related to the bushing already recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11617618

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who determined that the failure was due to the torque converter. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616613

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the messages that "Engine Overheating, Do Not Drive" and "Power Train Failure" were displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was placed in Neutral(N) and coasted back into the garage. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615933

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615356

Per my mechanic, after 2 rounds of Cylinder #2 misfire, it seems as though there is coolant leaking into the engine. I have had this card for 2.5 yeas and have less than 100K miles on it. Research shows that I may need a new engine at $6-8K on a car that I have put 5k miles on in 2 years and still owe over $10k on. Per research, this has been a known issue for years and nothing has been done about it. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request, if it will assist in my situation. Per research, this issue causing severe overheating and some cars run the risk of catching on fire and some just stop functioning altogether. My car was sputtering on a cold start, and then my car and Ford App told me there was an issue with the engine. My first plug/wire/boot replacement was on 8/10/24 due to the check engine light. ODB showed it was a misfire on #2, and on 9/7/24, the check engine light came on again and per the readouts from the ODB, it is another misfire on #2 and the plug has fouled again. I have currently spent over $600 on just diagnosing this issue, and the paperwork uploaded it just for the first visit. I have also reached directly out to Ford, who advised me to take it to a Ford Dealership for their diagnostics, and then they will see what is covered, if anything. My case number for that is CXH-02610243-K4Z7X8. My diagnostic for Ford will only be covered if they find an issue that is covered by a recall, warranty, Service Plan, or Customer Satisfaction Program. So that is going to add to additional costs, as according to my research, there is no recall.

NHTSA ODI 11613924

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine Now" and "Engine Service Require" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, who replaced the transmission for the second time; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the alternator and coolant pump; however, the failure recurred, and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

NHTSA ODI 11613840

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.

NHTSA ODI 11613007

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.

NHTSA ODI 11612028

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

NHTSA ODI 11611813

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of an oil leak, and transmission and engine failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis and repair. The contact was informed that the engine block and turbocharger needed to be replaced; additionally, the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11611600

7 year old car with less than 90k miles is going to new a new transmission at the cost of $8.1k. Very unacceptable from Ford this needs to get look into. So many people on forums are having same issue right outside of warranty coverage ending. There is even a potential lawsuit out there.

NHTSA ODI 11610480