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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,648 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 48 of 52)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #85

Oct 012019

Escape

  • 12,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2017 Ford Escape is creating an extremely dangerous safety issue/situation with the auto stop/start function. When stopped in traffic-at a stoplight, at a stop sign, in the road waiting to turn left-the engine turns off and a message is displayed to "shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine". I have almost had other cars hit the back of my Escape because of this. It's very scary when this happens and takes time to shift to park and restart the engine with an impatient diver behind me. I have read numerous other complaints on this same issue on your website. Some of the NHTSA id #'s 11300434, 11297934, 11292126, 11291536, 11290647, 11290086, and 11288766. There are other complaints as well. Please, before someone is injured or killed issue a recall for this problem. I don't have the exact date this first occurred, but it has happened multiple times since October 2019. Also per NHTSA 10160883 and Ford communication no. Ssm 47492 from February 2018 this is an issue that has been a known issue for at least 2 years now. "some 2017 Escape vehicles built on or before 02-Feb-2017 may exhibit a no restart concern after an auto stop/start event. Upon attempting to restart, the instrument panel may display a message instructing the customer to shift to park and start the vehicle manually. To correct this condition, reprogram the body control module (BCM) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14A068 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (slts) manual. If the BCM software is currently at the latest level available, refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 303-06A and/or powertrain control/emissions diagnosis (pc/ed) manual for an auto stop/start diagnostic trouble code (dtc) or gsb0000153 for auto stop/start system information and diagnostics."

- Brookfield, CT, USA

problem #84

Dec 182019

Escape

  • 54,200 miles
On two occasions in the past month, the auto start/stop function has engaged while stopped at a traffic light and I've gotten the message: Auto startstop shift to P restart engine.

- Holly Springs, GA, USA

problem #83

Dec 022019

Escape

  • 72,000 miles
While sitting at lights the engine will completely shut off. An alert comes on stating to put in park and restart engine. This has happened multiple times in the past couple of weeks.

- Worthington, WV, USA

problem #82

Dec 142019

Escape

  • 25,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In the 3 years that we had the vehicle, the engine has had to be replaced twice due to coolant leaking into the combustion chamber because of a poorly designed head gasket. The most recent repair had an updated gasket, but only 3 months after it was replaced the transmission had a parts failure that caused a warning light. Shortly after the warning light, the car stopped in the middle of a major intersection and required a tow to the dealership for further repair. My husband was in the vehicle with my son at the time and thankfully was able to shift the car in neutral and get to a side street before an accident occurred.

- Berwyn, IL, USA

problem #81

Dec 212019

Escape

  • 42,000 miles
The auto start/stop doesn't work all of the time on my 2017 Ford Escape SE. On multiple occasions my engine turns off when I'm at traffic signals, stop signs, roundabouts, turning right, and in stop and go traffic. A message is displayed to shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine. This is an extremely dangerous situation! I have almost been in several accidents due to this malfunction. I'm now anxious every single time I'm driving. I feel unsafe on a daily basis and it's frustrating that Ford is not doing anything about it. Please issue a recall before I'm actually in an accident.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #80

Dec 212019

Escape

  • 23,000 miles
Vehicle is stalling while engine shutoff is engaged intermittently at red lights! this happen to me twice while christmas shopping today and once last week!! I had to put the vehicle into park and restart it. Very dangerous drivers behind me were very impatient !!

- East Islip, NY, USA

problem #79

Dec 162019

Escape

  • 41,120 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Multiple times the Escape as been stopped at a light and the auto restart does not work. A message is displayed to shift the vehicle to park and start the vehicle manually. Very dangerous at an intersection when cars behind are moving.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #78

Dec 102019

Escape

  • 14,444 miles
Owner of 2017 Ford Escape and ongoing issues with high temperature engine indicator - low coolant level. Bought car new Feb 2018 and within one year and 8030 miles the car required service for this issue in April 2019. Repairs made to water pump and coolant bypass hose assembly. Now again in Dec 2019 with 14,444 miles, I have the same issue with coolant level below the minimum mark and high temp engine on dash gauge. Added coolant myself and schedule service for Dec 16 2019. The reservoir cap was fitted tightly and there was no indication of a leak when checking the floor of garage or anywhere under the hood. Obviously, there is a problem since the coolant is leaking out and causing high temp of engine which is not normal vehicle operating conditions for a vehicle with 14,444 miles to have this same issue recurring. Recap: 02/23/2019 miles 7009 serviced for vehicle checkup, oil change, tire rotation and multi-point inspection. 04/13/2019 miles 8030 serviced for high temp. Engine indicator and coolant level below minimum mark 12/16/2019 miles 14,444 high temp. Engine indicator and observed coolant level is below minimum mark on coolant reservoir. 12/17/2019 car is schedule for appt to inspect issue with coolant leaking

- Dania Beach, FL, USA

problem #77

Dec 132019

Escape

  • 74,000 miles
Over a two week period, when I would start the vehicle in the morning, sometimes it ran rough. Revving the gas pedal a couple of times resolved this. On December 11 while driving to richmond, Virginia, the service engine soon light came on. I am close to time for an oil change and when I returned home December 12, I scheduled a service appointment for this morning, December 13. I was told that the rough idling, engine light, low coolant, and diagnostic codes all point toward the need to replace the long block engine, which is $11,000. My car is paid off, only recently, and it has 74,000 miles. It has only ever been serviced at Ford dealerships. It is my understanding that this is a known problem. I have called Ford and it has been escalated. If this is a known problem, why is it not a recall? this certainly could pose a safety issue.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #76

Dec 122019

Escape

  • 40,000 miles
Auto stop start feature. When stopped engine shuts off but doesn't restart after releasing the brake. Message appears "put car in park to restart." First time it happened leaving a parking lot. 2nd time it happened in traffic on highway at a signal.

- Hamburg, NY, USA

problem #75

Dec 102019

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehichle had been making a noise and started letting out a gray smoke from te exhaust. I took it into the dealership and they said it was leaking "oil" into the motor and I needed a new engine. That they did not know where the problem was coming from therefore Ford approved a new engine replacement sice I am still under warranty ( 31,000 miles). Even if a new engine is replaced. The fact that they do not know where the vehicle is leaking oil from still does not rule out that this problem can happen again and when. Also every time I come to a stop my car turns off and does not turn back on when I release the brake. When is Ford going to finally say recall these vehicles"??? I have young children I drive every single day.. my children's safety in on the line here. Do Ford CEO's realize that? do Ford CEO's have children? grandchildren" maybe their children/grandchildren should ride in these faulty vehicles and be put at risk and then maybe they will re think their decision of recalling !!!!!!!!

- Indio, CA, USA

problem #74

Nov 272019

Escape

  • 30,000 miles
Had 2017 Ford Escape for just over a year. 30,000 miles on it when cel came on then went back off only to come back on again blinking. Dealership says antifreeze is leaking into oil causing engine failure. Engine has to be replaced.

- Coeburn, VA, USA

problem #73

Dec 042019

Escape

  • 37,669 miles
I've had multiple problems with this vehicle.1st problem is when I came to a stop at the set of stop lights in gloucester MA. The engine shut off. At that point I have to restart the car. It has happened on multiple occasions.it didn't happen at the dealership so was told it would have to happen when the had the car. 2nd problem, the engine light came on. The dealership said it just needed to be reset, 2 weeks later the engine light returned. Brought to dealership this time the dealership said the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant that was getting into the motor. I looked up problems with the 2017 Ford Escape and there were a lot of complaints about the engines needing to be replaced because of coolant getting into the motor or basically the head gasket had failed and is a known problem with the motor.they had my car for 4 weeks and had to pick up a rental car. I had to call the dealership to see if my car was finished. Because they never called. When I called I found out the car would be done in 2 days. When I received the car back it wasn't running the same as when I purchased it, plus it now pulls to the right while driving. 3rd, the clock in vehicle keeps changing time. Asked the dealership if there was a problem with the computer. They said no. 12/4/2019 2 weeks after getting car back, now it won't start and is dead in my driveway.

- Gloucester, MA, USA

problem #72

Dec 032019

Escape

  • 68,000 miles
2017 Ford Escape SE cel came on. Had autozone put it on the computer and it gave a code PO301. Cel went out on 2 mile drive home. A few days passed cel came on again and went off again. Called dealership but light was out, they said code may not have been stored. Made an appointment after the 3rd cel on and then off. Mechanic called approx. 1 hr later and told me a new engine was needed because coolant leaked into the engine at a cost of $8000. This vehicle had turbo booster repaired/replaced twice after I complained about the total lack of acceleration and explaining that I felt I was going to die in this car when trying to merge into highway traffic. The first time they said it was fine and I would have to get used to this engine. I insisted that they test drive with me, they agreed that there was a problem. After the first repair, the same lack of acceleration occurred again. Again they replaced the turbo boost. This engine is unsafe and defective. This engine needs to be recalled. Ford needs to take responsibility for these failures. Vehicle has 70000 miles and Ford says there is nothing they can do, I am responsible to put a new engine into this vehicle.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

problem #71

Nov 162019

Escape

  • 30,000 miles
We have been having issues with our 2017 Escape titanium with the 1.5L turbo engine since we bought it. Under hard acceleration, such as while passing, or entering a freeway, the car shudders, has no power, and the check engine light blinks. We brought it in to the dealership twice for this but they were not able to duplicate the problem, and couldn't bring up a code for the problem. Our car has been burning oil and one time the high engine temp warning came on and we were low on coolant. We have kept up on all routine maintenance for the vehicle throughout our ownership of it. It gets driven a lot and has 78000 miles on it. Recently our check engine light came on and our engine would shudder at idle. We took it to the dealership only to have them tell us that the head gasket was going, they couldn't remove one of the spark plugs, and we need a new engine. Of course, now that it's out of warranty, a mechanic tells us what is wrong with our vehicle. We suspect that this has been the problem with our vehicle all along. A defective Ford engine that many owners are having issues with. Based on what others have said on this forum we are expecting to get zero resolution from Ford even though, with the number of complaints about this engine, they are sure to know there is a problem with it.

- Newcomb, NY, USA

problem #70

Nov 142019

Escape

  • 24,405 miles
While driving the cel came on. We took the car to the dealership they replaced the crankcase pressure sensor which was covered under the powertrain warranty. They then informed us that the active grill shutter was broken and needed to be replaced. This is an internal plastic shutter in front of the radiator. The service advisor said that Ford was aware of these shutters easily being damaged and has corrected the issue going forward but this is not covered under warranty. I contacted Ford corporate customer relations and was informed that since no recall had been issued it was up to the dealership to determine if the item was warrantied. They brushed me off and wished me luck. Dealership quoted $1090 for replacement that is my responsibility.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #69

Sep 262019

Escape

  • 50,200 miles
2017 Escape 1.5L ecoboost AWD. Engine loss of power on highway with cel illuminated. Engine resumed after pulling over, but running rough. Cel was P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. Replaced plugs and swapped coils, cylinder 2 was bad, did not fix misfire. Took to dealer and was informed that cyl 2 had complete loss of compression and head needed replaced. Was informed that this was a very common issue and they have had to do this dozens of times on 1.5L ecoboosts (Fusion and Escapes spanning 2014-2019). Head was on national backorder, so dealer appealed to have long block replaced to avoid long wait times. Long block replaced under warranty. I was lucky as my vehicle was barely in warranty (50,200). This is a well-documented issue on the NHTSA site, on internet forms and among the Ford repair community. There are hundreds of 1.5L ecoboosts sitting on dealer lots waiting for new engines. There are also hundreds of owners that are getting stuck with 3K-10K repair bills because they are out of warranty, average Escape owner can't afford that on a relatively new vehicle. Ford needs to provide extended replacement for this issue. Attached related NHTSA ssms.

- Castle Rock, CO, USA

problem #68

Oct 232019

Escape

  • 46,821 miles
My car is equipped with auto/start stop system. It has been malfunctioning during auto stop at red lights & in traffic while driving. When it shuts down at a traffic red light or in stopped traffic, a message displays to driver when stopped to shift to park and restart engine. This requires taking your foot off the brake and then stepping back on the brake to start the car running again to be able to go. Other drivers will honk at you to go when you cannot continue to drive until you get the vehicle back running after doing what the message states.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #67

Oct 282019

Escape

  • 85,000 miles
We took our 2017 Ford Escape in for a tune up after the check engine light came on. The service department called and said that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant had gotten into our engine and ruined it, and we now need to replace the engine. They said that there is currently a service bulletin out about a lot of other Ford Escapes having this same issue, but there is no recall yet, so we are left to pay for the new engine.

- Dowagiac, MI, USA

problem #66

Oct 022019

Escape

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving 30 mph, a warning indicator signaled that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road and was unable to resume driving. The vehicle was towed to salinas valley Ford Lincoln (1100 auto center cir, salinas, ca 93907, 831-444-4444) where it was diagnosed and a sensor was replaced. The following day, as the contact's husband was driving 30 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was determined that coolant was leaking and caused the pipes to smoke. The dealer gave the contact an estimate of $2,900 to inspect the vehicle and asses the damage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Salinas, CA, USA

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