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

My engine is internally leaking coolant. I consistently smell a sweet smell. I consistently have a service engine soon light on and it has a P0301 code. My car is only at 63,450 miles. My mechanic informs me the rememdy requires a complete long block replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11685568

When driving the vehicle it suddenly lost all acceleration power. I coasted to side of road and opened hood to determine the vehicle was on fire from rear of engine bay. I then proceeded to offload what I was able from behind the vehicle of my tools for my job. There was no over heat warning or other indicators of any major issues with the vehicle prior to the fire.

NHTSA ODI 11666420

The contact called on behalf of her husband, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her husband was approaching a stop sign at 5 MPH, and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal with both feet in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop; no warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions where the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle. On a most recent occasion, the contact parked in an empty lot when the vehicle accelerated, causing her to crash into a wall in front at an unknown speed. The building's wall was damaged, and the vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local repair center. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where the failure could not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11665291

The contact's wife owned a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact's wife was driving at 80 MPH, both a stop engine and check engine warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact's wife called the contact who was then informed to immediately pull over. As the contact's wife pulled over, black smoke began to emit from the engine. The contact's wife exited the vehicle as the vehicle quickly caught fire. The authorities were called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was destroyed as a result of the fire. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577947

Antifreeze is leaking into the small block, causing a fire in the engine. This was a known issue on the other Ford Fusions and other year Escapes. Upon viewing other users on reddit, this is a major issue.

NHTSA ODI 11566895

I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin from Ford's website below. Any help getting my vehicle fixed would be greatly appreciated. I am also having problems with my transmission. VIN NUMBER [XXX] Bulletin [XXX] · Number: TSB [XXX] · Date: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11563913

Head gasket failed causing coolant to leak entirely. A KNOWN DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI 11562728

Hi my name is [XXX] and I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 turbo all wheel drive SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin from Ford's website below. Any help getting my vehicle fixed would be greatly appreciated. My transmission is also slipping. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11558182

TRANSMISSION cable broke. Transmission failed and we had to replace it for $5,500. Car was at 101,000 miles. Ford wouldn't help. Now getting a cylinder 4 misfire - P0304 code, U3000-04. Also, coolant leaks constantly and there is no leak. per the recall of the 2017 Ford Fusion, this coolant leak into the cylinders is happening to us as well.

NHTSA ODI 11555924

My vehicle shut off while i was driving on the highway. The check engine light flashed for a few seconds and then the whole car shut off while i was doing 70 on the highway. Thankfully nobody was hurt but i'm lucky to be alive. Cars swerving everywhere! When i took it to the dealer they say it was a cylinder misfire and its caused by coolant leaking into the engine through porous materials used by FORD. Its been to several ford dealerships. They inspect it, they know right away what the issue is because they see it all the time and they all say the same thing. Yes we know about it, no we wont fix it. I spoke to ford about the issue and they admitted that they know about the problem but they're refusing to recall my vehicle. These vehicles are at risk hurting thousands of people. Im being told that these engines were used in most ford vehicles from 2012 on... PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11553756

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

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a stop light a plastic electrical type odor was present coming from the air conditioning vents. Moments later while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled and caught on fire. The contact indicated that the flames started in the engine compartment and quickly engulfed the entire vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed away from the scene. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480149

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AT A LOW-SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESS AMOUNT OF OIL IN THE CYLINDERS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MIKE NAUGHTON FORD, INC. (150 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80012; (720) 712-0678) WHO HAD COMPLETED A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING A MISFIRE HAD ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS ON THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE WARNING LIGHT TO NO LONGER BE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 3-4 DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE FROM A COLD START, SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE EMITTING WHITE SMOKE AGAIN. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT OIL HAD GOTTEN INTO THE COOLANT AND IN CYLINDER NUMBER 1 AND NUMBER 2. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 02/12/21 . THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11390657

I WAS THE OWNER OF A 2017 FORD ESCAPE WITH UNDER 27000 MILES. ON 7/16/19, IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 6 HOURS AT MY PLACE AND I WAS AWOKEN AT 12:30 AM BY FIRE/POLICE THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE PASSENGER HOOD AREA. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS AND FIRE DEPT DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. STILL WAITING ON THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. I'M JUST GLAD THAT I WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE OR HAD ANYONE WITH ME WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. THIS IS THE SECONDARY CAR I HAVE GOTTEN FROM SAM PACK'S 5 STAR FORD IN CARROLLTON. THE FIRST CAR I PURCHASED FROM THAT DEALERSHIP WAS A 2015 FORD ESCAPE PRE-CERTIFIED USED BUT AFTER A FEW MONTHS WITH ISSUES, IT TURNED OUT TO BE PART OF AN INSURANCE FLOOD SCAM AND WAS NOT LOOKED OVER FOR IT BE CERTIFIED USED. THEY PUT ME IN A NEW 2017 FORD ESCAPE WHICH HAS NOW BURNED UP. I HAVE NOTHING FROM THIS WHOLE SITUATION. I HAVE ALSO CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND GOT A CASE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD SOMEONE WOULD BE CONTACTING ME. STILL HAVE NOT HEAR BACK FROM FORD AND THAT WAS OVER 2 WEEKS AGO. THIS SEEMS TO BE BAD BUSINESS AND THERE COULD BE A POTENTIAL SERIOUS DEFECT WITH THE CAR THAT COULD AFFECT OTHER CONSUMERS. AT THIS POINT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY/HOW THE PARKED CAR CAUGHT FIRE. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE CAR

NHTSA ODI 11245626

AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND WENT TO BRAKE. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. I WAS PUMPING THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T STOP, CAUSING ME TO HIT A CEMENT POLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND CONTINUING INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE SEATBELT TIGHTENED AND I GOT 2 BROKEN RIBS AND TERRIBLE BRUISING WHEREVER THE BELT IMPACTED MY BODY. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOTALED BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BODY AND UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ODI 11162274

I TURNED FROM THE PARKING LOT INTERSECTION IN EAGLE RUN SHOPPING CENTER, NW OF WENDY'S, FROM WEST TO SOUTH ONTO THE PARKING LOT ROAD THAT ACCESSES THE W MAPLE RD & BIRCH ST INTERSECTION. I COMPLETED MY TURN AND DROVE SOUTH DOWN THE PARKING LOT ACCESS ROAD TO THE W MAPLE & BIRCH ST INTERSECTION WHERE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS RED. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO WAIT FOR A GREEN LIGHT. I STOPPED A WAYS BACK FROM THE MEDIAN CURB OF THE INTERSECTION TO ALLOW FOR TURNING TRAFFIC FROM THE WEST. SHORTLY LATER, WHILE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, I NOTICED A VIBRATION OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE TACHOMETER WHICH SHOWED 1,200 RPM & RISING (600RPM IS NORMAL). IMMEDIATELY THE CAR BEGAN TO PHYSICALLY LUNGE FORWARD WITH INCREASED ENGINE NOISE SO I INSTINCTIVELY PLACED MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH HAD NO AFFECT. THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS NOW RACING WIDE OPEN & I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR'S RAPIDLY INCREASING FORWARD MOTION. AT THIS POINT, TO AVOID A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT BY BEING PULLED INTO TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION, I STEERED TO THE RIGHT TOWARDS THE SHOULDER HITTING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED THE ENTIRE TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11057372

I TURNED FROM THE PARKING LOT INTERSECTION IN EAGLE RUN SHOPPING CENTER, NW OF WENDY'S, FROM WEST TO SOUTH ONTO THE PARKING LOT ROAD THAT ACCESSES THE W MAPLE RD & BIRCH ST INTERSECTION. I COMPLETED MY TURN AND DROVE SOUTH DOWN THE PARKING LOT ACCESS ROAD TO THE W MAPLE & BIRCH ST INTERSECTION WHERE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS RED. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO WAIT FOR A GREEN LIGHT. I STOPPED A WAYS BACK FROM THE MEDIAN CURB OF THE INTERSECTION TO ALLOW FOR TURNING TRAFFIC FROM THE WEST. SHORTLY LATER, WHILE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, I NOTICED A VIBRATION OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE TACHOMETER WHICH SHOWED 1,200 RPM & RISING (600RPM IS NORMAL). IMMEDIATELY THE CAR BEGAN TO PHYSICALLY LUNGE FORWARD WITH INCREASED ENGINE NOISE SO I INSTINCTIVELY PLACED MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH HAD NO AFFECT. THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS NOW RACING WIDE OPEN & I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR'S RAPIDLY INCREASING FORWARD MOTION. AT THIS POINT, TO AVOID A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT BY BEING PULLED INTO TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION, I STEERED TO THE RIGHT TOWARDS THE SHOULDER HITTING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED THE ENTIRE TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11057381

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 5:30 PM ON 8/11 AND, WHEN I GOT HOME, MY HUSBAND SAW THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN LEAKING OIL AND I WAS LOW ON OIL DESPITE THE FACT THAT I HAD AN OIL CHANGE ONE MONTH PRIOR. WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP AT 10:45 AM ON 8/12, THE CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING NORMALLY AND THE MPG READINGS WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. AS I WAS GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE ITS ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WELL, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE AND EVENTUALLY THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE COMPLETELY. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH AT THE TIME THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE SO I COASTED THROUGH AND SAW A PARKING LOT FOR TOLL BOOTH OPERATORS. AS I WAS TRYING TO MAKE MY WAY TO THAT PARKING LOT, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS. I COASTED INTO THE PARKING LOT AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RAN OUT AT WHICH POINT I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE ESCAPING THROUGH THE GRILL, UNDER THE HOOD AND OUT THE BOTTOM. THE STATE POLICE ARRIVED IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER AND USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. NO WARNING NOTICE CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD UNTIL THE CAR LOST ACCELERATION ABILITY COMPLETELY AT WHICH POINT THE SCREEN SAID TO SHIFT TO "P" AND MANUALLY RESTART. AT THAT POINT, HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS FILLING WITH SMOKE SO I IMMEDIATELY VACATED, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RAN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND AM AWAITING CONTACT.

NHTSA ODI 11015119