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 · Mar 9, 2026
Engine
Ford did a recall on certain vehicles with the 1.5L ECVOBOOST motor, when in fact everyone of these motors are know to have issues, either white smoke out the exhaust, loosing coolant into the engine or in our case the motor now has a cracked head, and cannot be driven. The recalls for motors from the Louisville, KY plant. Our…
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Ford did a recall on certain vehicles with the 1.5L ECVOBOOST motor, when in fact everyone of these motors are know to have issues, either white smoke out the exhaust, loosing coolant into the engine or in our case the motor now has a cracked head, and cannot be driven. The recalls for motors from the Louisville, KY plant. Our vehicle came from that plant. It seems that Ford knows all of their 1.5l eccoboost motors have the same issues, abd they refuse to address the issues, whike consumers are being screwed over by Ford. We need help with this ASAP. PLEASE HELP US.
NHTSA ODI #11722957
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2026
Engine
Coolant intrusion causing need for engine replacement. Like many others I've read about this is a KNOWN ENGINE DEFECT that Ford does not want to fix.
NHTSA ODI #11722799
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2026
Engine
Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car starte…
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Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car started having issues with skipping limited power. Took it to the mechanic and once again being told we need a new engine because it misfiring and low compression in the same cylinder number 3 and it's an internal issue. The new engine we purchased only had 60,000 miles on it. Ford needs to issue a recall and replace the engines for free and refund what consumers have already paid out for repairs. This issue is dangerous and Ford has done nothing to fix the issue. This year model for the escape has had nothing but problems and Ford knows it and does nothing
NHTSA ODI #11722517
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
Engine failure due to coolant intrusion. Ford has issued a technical bulletin to its technicians regarding this issue. While my wife was driving the vehicle, a warning light first appeared indicating that the engine temperature was high. Shortly afterward, the warning escalated to a red alert stating that the transmission was b…
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Engine failure due to coolant intrusion. Ford has issued a technical bulletin to its technicians regarding this issue. While my wife was driving the vehicle, a warning light first appeared indicating that the engine temperature was high. Shortly afterward, the warning escalated to a red alert stating that the transmission was blocked. My wife immediately turned off the engine to prevent further damage. The vehicle was then towed to a Ford dealership for inspection. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership informed us that the engine had suffered severe damage and would need to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. We have maintained the vehicle responsibly and have documentation of regular oil changes and other maintenance and repairs. When we contacted Ford Motor Company, we were informed that the vehicle was outside the warranty period. We opened a case with Ford’s customer relationship department requesting assistance; however, the case was denied. Although the vehicle is outside the warranty period, Ford has acknowledged this issue in a technical service bulletin, indicating that coolant intrusion is a known problem affecting this engine design in the Ford Escape 2017.
NHTSA ODI #11722371
Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2026
Engine
White smoke from vehicle exhaust. Vehicle misfires and jumps when trying to engage gears. Then vehicle goes limp after running for a while.
NHTSA ODI #11721067
Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2026
Engine
Our car just turned over 91,000 miles. The check engine light came on so I had spark plugs replaced. The repair shop noticed that our coolant level was way down so they ran a scope into the cylinders. They found fluids leaking into the #4 cylinder. I took car to Ford dealer and they confirmed water leaking into cylinder. The…
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Our car just turned over 91,000 miles. The check engine light came on so I had spark plugs replaced. The repair shop noticed that our coolant level was way down so they ran a scope into the cylinders. They found fluids leaking into the #4 cylinder. I took car to Ford dealer and they confirmed water leaking into cylinder. They say I need a completely new motor and want to charge full price even though this has been a known "issue" for this motor since 2019 (Tech service bulletin 19-2346). They refuse to give any discounts and are telling me it will cost over $9,400 to replace the motor. I'm now being told it will be unsafe to drive the vehicle any long distances.
NHTSA ODI #11720909
Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2026
Engine
2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L critically malfunctioned on my way home from work due to coolant intrusion. The engine started sputtering, a warning came on the dash, and lost all acceleration. This is a known design flaw by Ford that requires a full engine replacement but a recall was never issued and I, like many customers are burden…
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2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L critically malfunctioned on my way home from work due to coolant intrusion. The engine started sputtering, a warning came on the dash, and lost all acceleration. This is a known design flaw by Ford that requires a full engine replacement but a recall was never issued and I, like many customers are burdened with the financial responsibility to replace the engine or buy a new car.
NHTSA ODI #11720854
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
My vehicle started slowing down, check engine light came on, and then the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle won't go faster than 10-15 miles per hour. I had the accelerator and sensor replaced, but the vehicle won't start or move. My car is not running and hasn't run for over a year.
NHTSA ODI #11720813
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2026
Power Train
1. Transmission failure, it is available for inspection up until time of repair. 2. The vehicle lost power while driving, had incidents of jerking forward without warning, and shifter would get stuck. 3. Yes, independent service center. 4. Yes, when the incident occurred (Transmission Fault Service Now) P0301-00 Cylinder 1 Misf…
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1. Transmission failure, it is available for inspection up until time of repair. 2. The vehicle lost power while driving, had incidents of jerking forward without warning, and shifter would get stuck. 3. Yes, independent service center. 4. Yes, when the incident occurred (Transmission Fault Service Now) P0301-00 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected P0316-00 Misfire Detected on Startup P059F-00 Active Grille Air Shutter A Performance/Stuck Off P0729-00 Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio P2702-00 Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
NHTSA ODI #11720701
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
When driving, the car has stopped 4 times in the last 3 years. Last week the car came to a red light and the inside lights started flashing. There was a warning that read "transmission not in park." The car's power steering and brakes went out and the car went through the red light. Three other times the car was on the expresswa…
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When driving, the car has stopped 4 times in the last 3 years. Last week the car came to a red light and the inside lights started flashing. There was a warning that read "transmission not in park." The car's power steering and brakes went out and the car went through the red light. Three other times the car was on the expressway and it died with the same warning. Fortunately, the car was in the slow lane and was able to pull onto the shoulder. Once the car is put in Park and turned off, it is able to be restarted and everything is working.
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 ↗