2017 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was idling rough while driving. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the engine coolant was extremely low. The contact stated that coolant was constantly added to the coolant reservoir but there was no coolant leaks found. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 98,000.

The check engine light came on and the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and it was stated by the dealership Service department to be a known issue for this particular engine. However, there was no recall and Ford offers no assistance for the engine replacement, which is what is needed. The engine replacement estimate from the dealership was over $8000.

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Beginning around December 2025 through January 2026, the vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with coolant intrusion into the engine. Engine coolant continually disappears from the reservoir despite no visible external leak. However, at the time I did not know think it was a coolant intrusion. It wasn't until I took my car to the Ford dealer in June that I started researching things online. Prior to the June diagnosis, I also took the vehicle to Denny Menholt in January and February 2026 for inspection due to the same concerns. At that time, they were unable to determine the cause of the issue. As the condition has worsened, the engine runs rough and frequently vibrates, rumbles, and shakes while driving. The vehicle occasionally misfires and loses power. There have also been instances where the vehicle accelerates more aggressively than expected when pressing the gas pedal and instances of unexpected downshifting while driving. These issues make the vehicle difficult to operate predictably and create a significant safety concern. The Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated during this time. No other warning lights were displayed before the vehicle's condition worsened. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership for diagnosis in June 2026. The dealership identified cylinder 1 and cylinder 4 misfire codes and performed a pressure test on the cooling system. The dealership determined that coolant is leaking into the cylinders and advised that Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229 applies to this condition. The dealership informed me that the engine requires complete replacement due to the coolant intrusion issue. The estimated repair cost is approximately $11,000. Although the vehicle is outside the warranty time period, I purchased it new in December 2017 and it currently has fewer than 35,000 miles. I do not believe a vehicle with such low mileage should experience catastrophic engine failure re

After years of driving Escape with issue finally found a mechanic that could definitely diagnose the problem. Was told that it was the torque converter and now possibly the transmission because it had been happening for so long. It shifts gears hard, shakes badly when idling (we always put it into neutral to avoid the shaking), stalls out sometimes when stopped at lights and trying to accelerate, can be coasting at a slow speed and the car will want to accelerate on its own like you were pressing on the gas.

I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2017 Ford Escape involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This is a sudden, random manufacturing defect that occurs without warning. I have exercised full due diligence as an owner regarding upkeep and maintenance on my vehicle. I now have a formal, written diagnosis from a Ford Service Center confirming this internal failure (consistent with TSB 22-2229). This defect creates an extreme safety hazard because it leads to unpredictable engine stalling and sudden engine failure at any time. The verified diagnosis proves my vehicle is currently a high-risk hazard that could lose power without warning on high-speed roadways. Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 is an insufficient response to a defect that causes vehicles to become disabled and vulnerable in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA escalate this to a mandatory safety recall based on the documented, spontaneous nature of this failure despite my proven maintenance history. I purchased the recommended extended warranty and lifetime powertrain warranty recommended by Tri-County Ford where I purchased the vehicle. They are also refusing to fix the issue because it was not caused by an internal part failure. Now I am being forced to either pay $12,000 for a replacement engine or purchase a new vehicle.