My 2017 Ford Escape is leaking water from the radiator and it is probably going to the engine. From what I've researched, this is a chronic problem with Ford Escapes that causes engine failure, which is very expensive to repair.
2017 Ford Escape
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Escape years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1,155 reports with mileage · 1,522 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 1,564 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 390 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
1,564 reportsMY 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBurst engine is experiencing a check engine light...I took it to my mechanic and Ford on separate occasions and but found that there is coolant leaking into the cylinders covered by Technical Service Bulletin 19-2436...Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction (21N12)...but my vehicle was over the …
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MY 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBurst engine is experiencing a check engine light...I took it to my mechanic and Ford on separate occasions and but found that there is coolant leaking into the cylinders covered by Technical Service Bulletin 19-2436...Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction (21N12)...but my vehicle was over the years by 5 months... It is a design issue with the engine that has been corrected in Ford 2.0L EcoBurst engines built after 2019. I think that since it is a design flaw with the engine that Ford should be replacing the engine no matter how long past the Customer Satisfaction lists...In fact Ford has multiple extended warranty programs in place for 10 years or 100,000 miles for other NEWER vehciles with engine issues...
I'm Sept 2024 there has been coolant intrusion in the engine. A known flaw that Ford is aware of and has a technical service bulletin out for this issue but, after contacting Ford, they will not help with engine replacement. We were still in our payment period and have had to change jobs to accommodate only having one car to dri…
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I'm Sept 2024 there has been coolant intrusion in the engine. A known flaw that Ford is aware of and has a technical service bulletin out for this issue but, after contacting Ford, they will not help with engine replacement. We were still in our payment period and have had to change jobs to accommodate only having one car to drive as we cannot afford three car payments and thus has to take lower pay. Also submitted a claim with the legal suit in CA.
My car is having a coolant intrusion/ head gasket failure. There is a recall already for my car which was code CSP 21N12 for this issue. Yet when I put in my VIN for CSP coverage it shows no recalls for my vehicle. I have a 2017 ford escape eco boost 1.5L. It matches the make , year, and engine for the problem. My car is misfir…
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My car is having a coolant intrusion/ head gasket failure. There is a recall already for my car which was code CSP 21N12 for this issue. Yet when I put in my VIN for CSP coverage it shows no recalls for my vehicle. I have a 2017 ford escape eco boost 1.5L. It matches the make , year, and engine for the problem. My car is misfiring, white smoke from exhaust from cold start , and having coolant loss with no dripping on the ground.
My check engine light came on and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. The mechanical shop I took my car to ran a diagnostic and said my spark plugs were cracked and needed replacing. They were replaced and some says later my coolant reservoir was empty. They topped it off and told me to come back if it still wasn’t right. …
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My check engine light came on and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. The mechanical shop I took my car to ran a diagnostic and said my spark plugs were cracked and needed replacing. They were replaced and some says later my coolant reservoir was empty. They topped it off and told me to come back if it still wasn’t right. The next week my check engine light came back on and they said there is a coolant intrusion and that I need a new engine. I did some research and this is a common issue within my car’s year, make, and model but there has been no recall for it.
Car displayed CEL and was losing coolant with no visible leaks. Read about coolant intrusion issue and took car to dealer with around 104,000 miles. Dealer said no problem found with car. Finally decided to try a new head gasket. Metal between cylinders on block and head show no problems, but sealing material on gasket completel…
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Car displayed CEL and was losing coolant with no visible leaks. Read about coolant intrusion issue and took car to dealer with around 104,000 miles. Dealer said no problem found with car. Finally decided to try a new head gasket. Metal between cylinders on block and head show no problems, but sealing material on gasket completely eroded between cylinders. We have no idea if this will fix the problem or for how long. Ford prescribed fix is $8k+ long block. Would be insane to put that kind of money in an 8 year old car. Shame too, because the car is perfect otherwise. Paid $19,000 for it at a reputable dealer in 2022 - Blue Oval certified.
Drove around normally last week, and on Saturday with no issue. Monday morning, I started my car and could feel a rough idle. The check engine light was flashing. The idle returned to normal and the check engine light turned off. I drove to work, and the car sat for 9 hours. Afterward, there was a rough idle again, and the …
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Drove around normally last week, and on Saturday with no issue. Monday morning, I started my car and could feel a rough idle. The check engine light was flashing. The idle returned to normal and the check engine light turned off. I drove to work, and the car sat for 9 hours. Afterward, there was a rough idle again, and the check engine light stayed on (solid). The idle got better, but did not go away. I drove straight to the dealership. Dealership said it was coolant intrusion into at least one of the cylinders because of a cracked block. Vehicle has 70K miles on it, mostly highway. Looking online, I see a class action suit is coming Ford's way. It's a known defect in the Ecoboost engines, but for some reason they determine that mine doesn't qualify.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - engine cyl 4 misfire, coolant intrusion How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? engine instability and potential for failure Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - engine cyl 4 misfire, coolant intrusion How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? engine instability and potential for failure Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - yes 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? - CEL, 2 weeks ago
I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0 L Ecoboost engine. My car has around 85,000 miles on it and has been well maintained. Recently, the check engine light came on and I immediately went to the local garage to determine what was going on. The garage reported that the error code indicated a misfire in one of the engine cylind…
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I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0 L Ecoboost engine. My car has around 85,000 miles on it and has been well maintained. Recently, the check engine light came on and I immediately went to the local garage to determine what was going on. The garage reported that the error code indicated a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and they suspected a faulty spark plug. I decided to take the car to the Ford dealer for any needed repairs versus working with the box store auto repair company. Ford then informs me that the car needs a new engine as a result of a design flaw in this model year engine. In this year and a couple other years, the engine block was designed to allow coolant to get deeper in the engine block to prevent overheating. The channels that were cut into the engine block for coolant were not thick enough and this allowed coolant to leak into the engine block. A service bulletin clearly describes this issue and is clearly a design flaw. Later models were redesigned to prevent this from happening, but my low mileage, well maintained car now needs a new $8000 engine. There is a class action lawsuit currently working its way through the courts attempting to get this well documented issue with this engine resolved by the manufacturer. How can Ford get away with this. This engine should be recalled and replaced free of charge by Ford Motor Company.
Engine lost compression in one cylinder. I was able to get it off the road and have it towed home. The problem was confirmed by an ASE certified technician at an independant service center, There were no warning lights or messages regarding this problem. Independent service shop Did the inspection on 10/17/2024. they found cylin…
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Engine lost compression in one cylinder. I was able to get it off the road and have it towed home. The problem was confirmed by an ASE certified technician at an independant service center, There were no warning lights or messages regarding this problem. Independent service shop Did the inspection on 10/17/2024. they found cylinder number 2 had 10 psi.
Official recalls
426V374000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater
Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
16V617000 · Electrical System:software; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Aug 24, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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