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
104,590 miles · Aug 8, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly, causing the vehicle to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contac…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly, causing the vehicle to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that ignition coil #2 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the air intake assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who informed the contact that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, and that the valve cover was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that the independent mechanic related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2208 - Coolant In Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 104,590.
NHTSA ODI #11607337
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
On a routine drive, my 2017 Escape SE, traveling at 68 mph on cruise control made a quick thud sound and instantly became unresponsive to gas pedal depression, and immediately began to slow down from 68mph, rapidly slowing to 30-35mph with fast moving traffic behind me. My Escape and displayed an Engine light that flashed contin…
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On a routine drive, my 2017 Escape SE, traveling at 68 mph on cruise control made a quick thud sound and instantly became unresponsive to gas pedal depression, and immediately began to slow down from 68mph, rapidly slowing to 30-35mph with fast moving traffic behind me. My Escape and displayed an Engine light that flashed continuously, and I drifted over to the shoulder and came to a stop noticing the rough and choppy engine operation. upon the use of a general OBD II scanner, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 were displayed as the cause for the engine light illumination. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop (receipt attached) and the spark plugs, coils were replaced at a cost upwards of $500. Upon the Escape being returned to me and its initial 50 miles driven, once again the engine light illuminated and the code P0302, P0303 were read once again as well as “Multi cylinder misfires detected” The vehicle vibrated violently, and accelerated was deeply compromised resulting in a near miss accident from the rear, and subsequently not being able to accelerate through an intersection. This was another safety issue as opposing traffic in all directions were required to go around my disabled vehicle at risk of collision with my vehicle. Vehicle was then taken to a Ford authorized dealership for inspection and possible repairs. At that time I was informed coolant had been leaking into cylinder 2 & 3 causing continued and extensive damage to the internal working components of my 1.5L Ecoboost engine. The repair required and sugggested was a Long Block Replacement with an estimated cost of $10,000+, surpassing the value of the vehicle three times over. I took the vehicle home and parked it, and bought a 2018 Ford Escape, and was unable to use my 2017 Escape as a trade in as it was considered a worthless vehicle due to its disrepair. Ford knows about this issue and refused assistance or advice knowing this problem exists and affects most of their vehicle lineup
NHTSA ODI #11607233
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2024
Engine
Coolant leaking into engine cylinders. Could potentially cause fire
NHTSA ODI #11607171
51,000 miles · Aug 7, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine. The mechanic cleared the check warning light; however, the failure recurred while driving. The veh…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine. The mechanic cleared the check warning light; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
NHTSA ODI #11607048
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2024
EnginePower Train
Two years ago in 2022, my engine block was replaced at a ford dealership free of charge due to the customer service bulletin/satisfaction program. A month ago I was hearing a super loud rattling and the engine completely cut off while I was driving. Thank goodness I was able to get over to the side of the road and have it towed …
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Two years ago in 2022, my engine block was replaced at a ford dealership free of charge due to the customer service bulletin/satisfaction program. A month ago I was hearing a super loud rattling and the engine completely cut off while I was driving. Thank goodness I was able to get over to the side of the road and have it towed back to the ford dealer that did the repair previously. With less than 80k miles, they are now telling me that there is something in the engine head and will be more than 10k to fix. They cannot tell me what is in the engine head and claim it could have nothing to do with the other issue fixed previously. I am having to completely scrap a car that should otherwise be worth 10k. Something is wrong here. Not only is it a dangerous situation but just horrible customer service on the part of Ford.
NHTSA ODI #11606899
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2024
Engine
This vehicle has approximately 53,000 miles on it. My wife and I are [XXX] so we do not drive fast. I also take excellent care of my vehicles. My vehicle is now burning radiator fluid. I had a long conversation with a test engineer at Ford who told me that Ford is having a LOT of issues with this engine. The engine is fail…
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This vehicle has approximately 53,000 miles on it. My wife and I are [XXX] so we do not drive fast. I also take excellent care of my vehicles. My vehicle is now burning radiator fluid. I had a long conversation with a test engineer at Ford who told me that Ford is having a LOT of issues with this engine. The engine is failing. The problem appears to be that this engine was developed with a short block when it should have been developed with a long block. Engines should last well beyond 53,000 miles. I recommend a recall on 2017 Ford Escapes to properly repair the engine to a long block. I have paid too much money for this vehicle to have these issues so young in its life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11606718
76,000 miles · Aug 5, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plug in cylinder #2. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plug in cylinder #2. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that the spark plug in cylinder #2 had exploded. The contact was informed that all the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine 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 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #11606632
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2024
EnginePower Train
This morning while driving think white vapor started pouring from the exhaust and the whole vehicle started shuttering and lost power. Needs a new engine now. Thanks Ford. The 2.0 issue/no issue has struck another.
NHTSA ODI #11606596
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2024
Engine
My mom has always kept up all maintenance and car has never produced a check engine light. When driving to work the other day she started having engine problems. Had it immediately towed to the Ford dealership and they said the engine was blown. The technician says he sees it quite often on this model car from water leaking i…
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My mom has always kept up all maintenance and car has never produced a check engine light. When driving to work the other day she started having engine problems. Had it immediately towed to the Ford dealership and they said the engine was blown. The technician says he sees it quite often on this model car from water leaking into engine. The technician tried to get ford to fix it but to no avail. The car has 54,000 miles on it and 3 months over the 7 year warranty. I see many other postings on this car and it is time for someone to do something. No car should only go 54,000 miles when well taken care of. Thanks
NHTSA ODI #11606579
86,020 miles · Aug 5, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion into cylin…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,020.
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 ↗