10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 7 / 10
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 5 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 21,630 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
There is coolant intrusion on the engine.
- Waldoboro, ME, USA
vehicle idled rough and then check engine light came on. Took to ford dealer in Stillwater, OK and they told me coolant was low, vehicle is leaking coolant into cylinder one and needs a new engine block for $9700. Asked about adding coolant and was told without the repair it would just go straight into the engine. Low coolant is at risk for overheating and engine shutdown
- Pawnee, OK, USA
I bought this car on 05/30/25 and there is now a Coolant infusion into the engine which has made the car undrivable. The repair at my local Ford delaership is $7500. Ford has refused to assist in the repair or help in any way. I am now out of a vehicle due to this known issue Ford has
- Siler City, NC, USA
The motor in my 2017 Ford escape has knocked since purchasing the vehicle. The coolant degas tank was completely empty upon inspection indicating it leaked somewhere. The engine is blown and the technician states it-??s due to sludge in the engine. Given that I have kept up on vehicle maintenance and only owned the vehicle for 25k miles, my suspicion is that the engine head sucked in the coolant causing engine failure. At this time the dealer is refusing to help in the repairs and I have no vehicle. I am not the only consumer that-??s experiencing this issue.
- Tonganoxie, KS, USA
Engine stopped working
- Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
My 2017 Ford Escape with has 37000 miles and I was told I need a new engine
- Glenolden, PA, USA
Coolant Infusion Into Engine, Powertrain Light Issue Turns On But & It Stated To Replace Spark Plugs/ Coil Overs But Coolant Still Dissapates From Coolant Resevior
- Youngstown, OH, USA
After having brought the car for service multiple times due to -??cylinder misfires-?? & having been told to replace spark plugs, power packs & get a -??tune up-?? the latest mechanic report states there is coolant leaking into the engine, and the engine needs to be replaced. There is a known Technical Service Bulletin (19-2139) regarding this issue with Ford Escape 1.5L models.
- Metairie, LA, USA
I purchased a used 2017 Ford Escape SE with EcoBoost engine (2.0L) at 58,000 miles in April of 2024. In September 2024, the check engine light came on, followed shortly thereafter by overheating of the engine. This overheating would cause the engine to go into limp mode on the highway, which happened multiple times. When inspecting the coolant tank, it was discovered that coolant was leaking out, and the tank did not retain new coolant poured in. The issue was determined by both the Ford dealership and a third-party mechanic to be coolant intrusion, requiring replacement of the engine long block. Upon researching the issue, discovered that Ford's customer service program 21N12 covers replacement for engines of this year and model, but was informed by Ford that recall/replacement was not covered as the engine on my vehicle was not 1.5L. Clearly, whether the engine is 1.5L, 1.6L, or 2.0L, the issue exists. The $8,300 fix has created a serious financial burden, as I had to pay out-of-pocket to fix Ford's known mistake. There is currently a class-action lawsuit against Ford for this issue: [XXX], et al. v. Ford Motor Co ([XXX]). In the class-action, it is reported that buyers' engines have burst into flames due to this issue. In my case, the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway, and could easily have caused a serious wreck - I am thankful that I was able to get the vehicle off of the road and into the shop before there was a wreck. These vehicles are active liabilities on the roads, and should be recalled as soon as possible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Albany, NY, USA
Engine light came on while in traffic. Took Ford Escape to Tire Discounters, they replaced spark plugs and wires. Drove 200 miles, engine light back on. Not knowing problem and taking it to Grimer Tire, found out engine was cracked. Called several mechanics and found 2017 Ford Escape have coolant seal failure, which caused engine to overheat and crack from coolant leak. Then called Ford and received complaint number. Took to Kerry Ford and was told that Ford Motor Company is not responsible for failure, since my VIN not on recall. Even though the recall was the exact problem on my Escape. I have been dealing with a vehicle that overheats in traffic and not able to drive since and calls to Ford Motor has not been helpful or resolving this issue. Since July have cost me over $2,000. and my car not road safe.
- Monroe, OH, USA
Engine started to over heat and leak/burn coolant
- Brazil, IN, USA
the infamous coolant intrusion into a cylinder I no longer have a working car, im a nursing student this sucks!
- Romulus, MI, USA
I just purchased a 2017 Ford Escape with under 44,000 miles in August 2025 only to find out cylinder 3 has a coolant intrusion allowing coolant to enter on top of the piston. This can cause a fire!!!! I was told I need a new engine!!! Ford needs to pay for this because it's a known defect with these cars!!!
- Berea, OH, USA
Check engine light came on and car was idling rough. Took to auto repair shop and was quoted almost $12,000 to fix problem. Code P0316, P2601 and P0302. Misfire in cylinder 2 due to coolant leakage. My entire engine needs to be replaced. I will now need to purchase a new car. I just found out this has been a known issue for 2017 Ford Escapes. I was never notified. Would not have bought this car in 2018 if this informatiom had been available. Just found out there is a class action lawsuit.
- Quartz Hill, CA, USA
My 2017 Ford Escape with 55K miles (never missed a scheduled oil change since bought) was diagnosed with "coolant intrusion". When the car broke down there were no prior indications that something was wrong, totally out of the blue. The dealership told me I would have to pay for a new engine because the warranty expired and gave me an estimate of $13,500. This is an engine defect and is happening to Ford owners throughout the US and they are being told the same things. How does coolant intrusion happen and why? A design defect which should be recalled and repaired by the company and not the consumer who has done nothing wrong.
- Wheat Ridge, CO, USA
2017 Ford Escape Eco Boost 2.0 Bought used, immediately experienced what everyone else has according to the well documented design flaw in these engines, coolant leaked into cylinder 3. eventually destroyed turbo, ( major safety concern ) potential fire could have occurred, ultimately this caused me to replaced engine at 126k miles which was my best option. Now I need to replace Torque converter/ Transmission. Common issue with Torque converter occurred at 130k miles, locked up, could only drive by going from neutral to Drive while applying gas. Just failed on me and now I'm discovering that the coolant is leaking into the engine I just replaced which was from a 2018 Ford Escape Eco boost. I still owe 8k, exhausted finances, total loss on what to do faced with replacing both the transmission and engine. Haggerty Ford in West Chicago knowingly sold this piece of junk to me.
- Aurora, IL, USA
I just purchased a car with under 45,000 miles and was told by the dealership that it needs a new engine because it is leaking coolant into the engine. This is a known problem with these cars.
- Berea, OH, USA
My 2017 ford escape has a manufacturer defect. The casting was bad on this particular motor causing coolant intrusion which has been confirmed by an authorized ford mechanic. This is making my vehicle non drivable.
- Merrillan , WI, USA
Coolant intrusion causing misfire on cylinder 2 and misfire on startup.
- Batavia, OH, USA
- Mahopac, NY, USA