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
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with an error message of "Vehicle Overheating – Turn Off Vehicle" prior to the engine overheating. The…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with an error message of "Vehicle Overheating – Turn Off Vehicle" prior to the engine overheating. The vehicle was able to be moved to the shoulder before the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11591033
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2024
Engine
Engine failure. Yes - available for inspection. Also have inspection report and video of problem. Vehicle has 49,801 miles on it - check engine light came on. Took it in for service - code was for misfire. Spark Plugs were changed - misfire continued at shop - boroscope was done and it shows coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coo…
Read full complaint
Engine failure. Yes - available for inspection. Also have inspection report and video of problem. Vehicle has 49,801 miles on it - check engine light came on. Took it in for service - code was for misfire. Spark Plugs were changed - misfire continued at shop - boroscope was done and it shows coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coolant intrusion significantly increases risk of engine failure, engine over heating and risk of fire. Therefore we were told that the vehicle cannot be driven. Per Fords June 2022 bulletin - to correct condition long block engine assembly needs to be replaced. According to Ford - this 2017 vehicle (engine manufacture date of [XXX]) does not qualify for recall repair. This is link to what was seen upon inspection - including video of coolant intrusion. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11590844
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2024
EnginePower Train
bought a used 2017 Ford escape Titanium in 2022 with 38k miles. Didn't know anything about the issues with the car. Fast forward 8 months ago I started smelling coolant out of my exhaust. Had a friend to check it and coolant levels were low and coolant found it's way into my engine oil. This was around 58k miles on the odometer.…
Read full complaint
bought a used 2017 Ford escape Titanium in 2022 with 38k miles. Didn't know anything about the issues with the car. Fast forward 8 months ago I started smelling coolant out of my exhaust. Had a friend to check it and coolant levels were low and coolant found it's way into my engine oil. This was around 58k miles on the odometer. Fast forward again end of March 2024 my check engine light came on took it to dealership for a diagnostics. They kept my car all day just to tell me I need a new engine and turbo which would total 14k dollars.
NHTSA ODI #11590757
119,000 miles · May 24, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had caused the engine block to overheat and to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #11590647
110,000 miles · May 24, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow in responding. The contact stated th…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow in responding. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle while the vehicle was still moving and applied the parking brake. The contact stated that when he attempted to restart the vehicle the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the mechanic was not returning his calls. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #11590542
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2024
Engine
Coolant leak into engine. Was informed at Ford dealership that this is a known issue, but is not under recall
NHTSA ODI #11590535
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2024
EngineVehicle Speed Control
2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with a 4 CLYINDER D 1.5 DI TURBO engine. We purchased this vehicle used, in 2019 with 42,384 miles. We have kept up with all scheduled maintenance through the dealership. Until April of this year, we have had ZERO issues with this vehicle! First, the check engine light came on Upon starting, another war…
Read full complaint
2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with a 4 CLYINDER D 1.5 DI TURBO engine. We purchased this vehicle used, in 2019 with 42,384 miles. We have kept up with all scheduled maintenance through the dealership. Until April of this year, we have had ZERO issues with this vehicle! First, the check engine light came on Upon starting, another warning "Engine Fault Service Now" would appear. Aside from the lights, the only initial indication something may be off was the "sloshing" noise that came from the engine after shutting it off. Initially, we took the car to our independent mechanic who informed us that the car was experiencing coolant intrusion into the engine and the only remedy would be to replace the engine. He shared with us that this type of engine is NOTORIOUS for this malfunction. Being as Darling's could not give us an appointment promptly, , we just kept checking the coolant levels and cautiously drove the vehicle. On May 3, I was driving when the dash lit up with "High Engine Temperature-stop safely" warnings and the gauge went from normal to all the way to H. We added coolant and this did not happen again. However, between May 3 and the date of our appointment at the dealership, May 17th, a host of new problems seemed to happen overnight. The car would not start several times both after being driven and sitting overnight. While backing down my driveway, the car stalled and wouldn't start again, luckily I wasn't in traffic. Right before our appointment and the final straw was when I was leaving for work. The car wouldn't start, so I left it for a few minutes and I was able to restart it. I drove down the street maybe a block away when all this white smoke filled the inside of the car along with pouring out the back exhaust. Darling's stated it "coded P0304, for a misfire on 4, coolant was entering cylinder 4, needs a motor". Cost to fix is more than what the car is worth and we still owe $4000 on it. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?
NHTSA ODI #11590281
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2024
Engine
I bought this vehicle at 150,000 miles from a reputable dealership only to drive it for 2 days and the engine light comes on. First it was spark plugs, then an intercooler leak, next the turbo, and now it’s on for a a multitude of codes. This is ridiculous! Ford needs to take responsibility for this mistake and recall the vehicl…
Read full complaint
I bought this vehicle at 150,000 miles from a reputable dealership only to drive it for 2 days and the engine light comes on. First it was spark plugs, then an intercooler leak, next the turbo, and now it’s on for a a multitude of codes. This is ridiculous! Ford needs to take responsibility for this mistake and recall the vehicles. I have been quoted for 10s of 1000s of thousands to fix these issues and I bought it for 17k.
NHTSA ODI #11590274
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2024
Steering
Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to me…
Read full complaint
Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communication with Steering Control Module A. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic for repairs.
NHTSA ODI #11590257
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2024
Engine
Cylinder 2 misfire. Coolant and oil are leaking down cylinder number 2 causing it to misfire. This was diagnosed and confirmed by an independent service center. The engine was slipping which prompted the service appointment. Contacted Ford Motor Company and was advised to file this claim.
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 ↗