Engine developed a coolant leak that irreparably damaged the engine with 72,000 miles. The coolant leak is a known issue and Ford failed to inform consumers or offer a repair. The vehicle is inoperable and still has payments due on the loan.
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 And Engine Cooling complaints
507 reportsThe contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light and the "Engine Fault Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body and crankshaft case pressure sensor were faulty and needed …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light and the "Engine Fault Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body and crankshaft case pressure sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,100.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. Additionally, a warning chime sounded in the vehicle. The next day, the contact stated that the same failure occurred while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. Additionally, a warning chime sounded in the vehicle. The next day, the contact stated that the same failure occurred while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was discovered that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The contact then drove the vehicle to a dealer where they confirmed the failure and gave him an estimate for a new engine block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 90,767.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating and was difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had coolant leak into the…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating and was difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had coolant leak into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine had to be replaced and related the failure to TSB 19-2208: 2.0 L Eco Boost - Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Ford ECO-Boost 2.0 engine has a cracked block, cylinder head, or blown head gasket at 76,200 miles. Car cut off while driving on the highway and I was almost hit in the rear end when trying to pull over. Engine light confirmed misfire in cylinder 1 and 2. Purcis Ford in Fredericksburg VA has confirmed the engine has water / an…
Read full complaint
Ford ECO-Boost 2.0 engine has a cracked block, cylinder head, or blown head gasket at 76,200 miles. Car cut off while driving on the highway and I was almost hit in the rear end when trying to pull over. Engine light confirmed misfire in cylinder 1 and 2. Purcis Ford in Fredericksburg VA has confirmed the engine has water / antifreeze in the cylinders and needs replacement. They explained it's a common problem with this engine.
The check engine light came on. I was told by my regular repair shop that there was a bulletin from Ford and I had to have it fixed by a dealer’s service department. I was then made aware by the Ford dealer’s service department that coolant had leaked into the engine and destroyed it leading to the engine needing to be replaced.…
Read full complaint
The check engine light came on. I was told by my regular repair shop that there was a bulletin from Ford and I had to have it fixed by a dealer’s service department. I was then made aware by the Ford dealer’s service department that coolant had leaked into the engine and destroyed it leading to the engine needing to be replaced. My car is 5 years old with 79,000 miles. This is unacceptable. Initially the dealer told me I would have to pay $8600 to have my car fixed. I still owe $7500 on the car. Ultimately, Ford agreed to part of the cost but I am still out of $3300 for the repair and this should not have happened.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a spark plug failure and the check engine l…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a spark plug failure and the check engine light was turned off. The dealer informed her to drive the vehicle and if the warning light illuminated again to bring the vehicle back to the dealer. The check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact stated that she was driving and the coolant light illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that coolant was added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the piston. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. A case was not opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with an engine coolant failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with an engine coolant failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided contact with a long block service replacement kit. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
The main issue with the engine is the check engine light comes on prematurely, the coolant leaks into the cylinders, and the engine lacks power. My vehicle is having a cylinder 2 and 4 misfire. Coolant leaks are a big problem! Not only does the leak have to be repaired, but the cylinders also have to be replaced or repaired. my …
Read full complaint
The main issue with the engine is the check engine light comes on prematurely, the coolant leaks into the cylinders, and the engine lacks power. My vehicle is having a cylinder 2 and 4 misfire. Coolant leaks are a big problem! Not only does the leak have to be repaired, but the cylinders also have to be replaced or repaired. my vehicle is a newer ford with vary low mile and has been well managed and taken care of with oil changes and yearly checks and tuneups when necessary. I would have never imagined to run across this issue purchasing a newer vehicle, At a certified ford dealership with less than 29,000 miles on the vehicle. This has affected me in my life so greatly. I need a dependable safe vehicle to drive and when I purchased this vehicle I thought I was getting just that. I had nothing but problems after buying this new vehicle and been having to pay out of pocket to fix it. It’s been a safety concern driving. I have to drive this vehicle knowing it can stall and the engine smoke up and be damaged at any time. Please look into my concerns for this vehicle. Thank you for taking the time to read this statement. Sincerely, [XXX], Army Veteran, Nurse. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder wall, causing engine failu…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder wall, causing engine failure. The dealer replaced the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 20-21000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
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.
Illustration