Issue of coolant leaking into the engine which will need engine replacement.

- District Heights , MD, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and hitchhiked to her destination. In addition, while the vehicle was being lifted to be towed, a transmission fluid leak was noticed coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

- Gordonsville, VA, USA

Please reference the NTSB tracking # 11683952 and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape-??s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape-??s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford-??s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Richmond Heights, MO, USA

Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape-??s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape-??s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford-??s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Richmond Heights, MO, USA

While driving the shifting became sluggish and the vehicle would surge/catch when shifting then while driving home the Escape just quickly slowed and stopped on a busy road. We could not get it to go forward, so we shifted to reverse in traffic to get the car off to the side of the road. The car was towed to a local shop who let us know the transmission had failed. The fluid was burnt/black even though it was replaced prior to the 150K mile service interval. The vehicle is currently in the shop and available for inspection. We were potentially in danger while driving when the car simple stopped moving forward on a busy road. The mechanic confirmed the transmission will work partially at normal temp, but slips/stops when warm. There were no warning lights or codes from the ODB port.

- New Providence, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly and lurched forward while attempting to change gear. There was no warning light initially illuminated. Additionally, while the contact-??s son attempted to drive the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move forward and rolled backwards with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,693.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

Transmission failed rapidly like many other vehicles with 6f35 transmissions. Sometimes the car goes forward in reverse, sometimes the car goes backward in drive. Car loses the transfer of engine power to the transmission randomly, and also comes back randomly. The car behaves erratically and incredibly dangerously, making it impossible to drive. This is an incredibly common issue with the transmission and ford will not repair it for a reasonable price. The market rate for used cars with this transmission reflects the public's knowledge of this dangerous issue.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

My 2017 Ford Escape began leaking transmission fluid in May of 2025. I had it assessed at my local engine and transmission exchange shop and they found that the leaking was coming from the font main seal and the front pump bushing of the transmission was damaged. The only fix to ensure that this issue would not happen again was to put a different transmission in the car, because this model was so prone to have this issue. I spent the money to have a new transmission installed and the car worked well. Two months later, however, the car began having episodes of not starting, or the engine completely shutting down, no matter where I was on the road. When this occurred, a messaged popped up on the dash counsel stating "Engine Fault, Service Now." I had the car looked at at the same car shop and they found the engine now had an issue. A head gasket was damaged allowing coolant to enter the piston cylinders, fluid locking the engine and shutting down the car. Like the transmission, the only repair is to replace the engine with a new model due to the original model being so prone to this issue. Ford does have a warranty for these issues for a model that is less than 7 years old and less than 84,000 miles. I purchased this vehicle preowned and already outside of that warranty date, therefore these expensive fixes are not covered. The dealership did not report these issue or recalls when selling us the vehicle.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

I discovered, after my Ford Ecoboost engine light came on, that my engine needs a total replacement with only 67,000 miles on the engine. I have learned that it was a KNOWN design flaw by Ford Motor Company since 2020, the year I purchased my vehicle slightly used with 20k miles. The engine can overheat, catch fire, or seize up while driving, due to coolant leaking into the piston chambers. I was NEVER sent a recall notice, or warning of any kind from Ford Motor Company, even though this could cause an accident. I am expected to pay over $10,000 for a new engine that SHOULD have been recalled, due to their own design flaws. I see that there are multiple class actions law suits pending over this issue.

- Albuquerque , NM, USA

Without warning my car started not allowing me to go over 40 mph without a very violent jerking under the drivers side floor board. The jerk of the wheel would not allow the car to speed up. And then eventually upon driving my car immediately came to an abrupt stop and would not move forward any farther I was able to get it off to the side of the road of which at that point I was unable to get the car to go into or shift into any gear. It will not shift into park. The only reason my car is standing still now is because of the emergency parking brake, the transmission has gone completely out of my car. My car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get anMy car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get a very loud knocking rattling noise and it will not lock into place. Ford has done a recall for the same situation on many of the vehicles Ford made during that 2017 year. My question is why am I having to deal with this vehicle when Ford knew very well that there were many problems with it. Three years ago I had to deal with an engine block replacement for a new vehicle because Ford had a malfunction when it came to the coolant going into the engine. These are all problems that are not caused by general wear and tear of your customer they are caused by incompetent of Putting the car together in the first place. I really expected More from Ford. The first time I drove a Ford escape I fell in love with it so I want like I-??ll regret ever buying this car. This car needs to be completely recalled. I can not afford to pay for a card that is not drivable.

- Lexington, KY, USA

My 2017 Ford Escape has been exhibiting recurring transmission and torque converter-related issues, especially during low-speed driving. The vehicle frequently hesitates when accelerating and experiences sudden reductions in power, creating unsafe driving conditions in traffic and on inclines. These symptoms often occur below 40 MPH and are accompanied by a noticeable shudder and jerking sensation. Despite regular maintenance, the drivability continues to deteriorate, resembling the widespread problems other owners have reported. I am submitting this complaint in hopes that Ford will acknowledge and address this serious mechanical defect.

- Collinsville, VA, USA

Transmission total catastrophic Internal failure. Parts of the transmission broke loose internally and came out the side of the bellhousing. Total replacement cost is over $5000 and parts are unavailable due to frequency of issues with these transmissions.

- Tampa, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle vibrated and jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and the pump for the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500.

- East Vandegrift, PA, USA

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine began exhibiting symptoms of coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber. A certified Ford dealership confirmed the diagnosis after inspection and advised that the engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt due to this issue. This defect is known and widespread in this engine type and can lead to engine failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. Although Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 21N12) for this exact problem, my vehicle was just outside the expiration period, and Ford has denied financial assistance, despite this being a documented and recurring defect. There were no warning lights before the engine began running rough and misfiring. The coolant loss was gradual and internal. This issue has been confirmed and documented by a Ford dealership, and I have a case open with Ford corporate. I am filing this complaint because of the safety risks involved with coolant intrusion, the costly repair burden passed to consumers, and Ford-??s refusal to support a known defect that could lead to sudden engine failure while driving.

- Canton, NC, USA

I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has developed a coolant leak that appears to be internal, which has led to concerns about engine performance and potential long-term damage. After researching this issue, I discovered that coolant intrusion into the cylinders is a known and widespread problem affecting this model and engine type. Many owners have reported similar failures, and I understand that this defect has led to class action lawsuits and service bulletins in the past. Given the safety and reliability concerns involved-?"especially the risk of engine overheating and failure-?"I respectfully request that this issue be addressed under any applicable recall, customer satisfaction program, or warranty extension related to engine coolant leaks. Please advise on the next steps for inspection and repair authorization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Saint Michael, MN, USA

Powertrain suddenly failed with no prior issues displaying red Powertrain failure light- car will not move or shift, has high RPMS and has loud revving/screeching sound

- Taylor, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and jolted temporarily, and the message "Change Transmission Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Columbia, MS, USA

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle began to jerk and hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer, with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

- South Portland, ME, USA

A known issue with these ford escape, the torque converter and transmission system is failing. The torque converter started shedding metal flakes into the transmission and now making the transmission system not work properly.

- Dover, DE, USA

This began may of 2023. I had a 2017 ford escape and at 50,000 it had to get a whole new transmission. I have also purchased a new engine for this escape that has the same issues.

- Ardmore, AL, USA