Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1510–25K
17625–50K
30450–75K
25375–100K
237100–150K
34150K+
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.
39 crash reports15 fire reports38 injury reports
What owners actually said
2,677 reports
150,000 miles · Nov 6, 2024
EngineService Brakes
My 2017 Ford escape 1.5L ecoboost. Had the brake booster completely fail while driving down the highway on Oct. 27th. I took it the next day to the Ford Service center in my area. They informed me it was the Brake booster and would cost around $1100. They called me two days later and told me instead it was the vacuum pump, and t…
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My 2017 Ford escape 1.5L ecoboost. Had the brake booster completely fail while driving down the highway on Oct. 27th. I took it the next day to the Ford Service center in my area. They informed me it was the Brake booster and would cost around $1100. They called me two days later and told me instead it was the vacuum pump, and that it was be cheaper to fix. They said it would be done that following Monday. On Monday I got a phone call asking me when the last time I changed/checked my oil. I told them it was changed on Aug 7th. It was checked (with video evidence) on October 19th. They told me they were “test driving my vehicle and heard a loud pop, followed by my car turning off.” They informed me that there was very little oil in my pan and that my car had thrown a rod. I explain that my oil level was fine, and that my car had no indication of needing oil. They replied with similar comments such as “the car gave no warning or indication light. It was driving just fine, it was shifting fine. Everything was fine until pop.” My husband asked his mechanic (who was unavailable at the time) and was told “when a vacuum pump goes out the engine will continue to supply oil in an attempt to cool the pump. The oil will then go to the exhaust and due to the eco system on the exhaust. The driver won’t know.” With this information, an investigation into a recall seems necessary.
NHTSA ODI #11623897
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2024
Steering
Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock,…
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Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock, the problem wentg away. I tried numerous times to recreate the problem and could not. However, I am very apprehensive that this car is now unsafe.
NHTSA ODI #11623866
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2024
Power Train
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…
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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
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2024
Engine
Escape had a miss and the check engine light went on and stayed on. I took it to the dealer for a diagnostic. They informed me that the engine needed replacement due to coolant leaking into the cylinder bore. The cost of repair is $7,100. The vehicle has 105,000 miles on it. The service person told me that the leak was due to a…
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Escape had a miss and the check engine light went on and stayed on. I took it to the dealer for a diagnostic. They informed me that the engine needed replacement due to coolant leaking into the cylinder bore. The cost of repair is $7,100. The vehicle has 105,000 miles on it. The service person told me that the leak was due to a design flaw and I had done nothing to cause it.
NHTSA ODI #11623646
107,853 miles · Nov 5, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into …
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder head. The dealer related the failure to Ford TSB Number: 19-2346 and determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,853.
NHTSA ODI #11623621
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2024
Engine
Internal coolant leak into the cylinder.
NHTSA ODI #11623620
91,250 miles · Nov 5, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
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…
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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
51,840 miles · Nov 4, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning out of a parking lot onto a road, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and de…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning out of a parking lot onto a road, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ignition coil and spark plugs needed to be replaced with OEM parts. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine light was again illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346 - Coolant Intrusion Into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,849.
NHTSA ODI #11623389
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2024
Engine
Having to add coolant multiple times. White smoke from tailpipes. Engine idling rough check enginelight. Code p0303
NHTSA ODI #11623322
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2024
Engine
Coolant intrusion that lead to engine failure due to Ford's known faulty system.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗