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
112,453 miles · Jul 9, 2025
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve diagnostic troubl…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission, and torque converter. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,453.
NHTSA ODI #11672226
111,768 miles · Jul 9, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The coolant level was constantly low despite adding coolant once every 3 days. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed there were no rec…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The coolant level was constantly low despite adding coolant once every 3 days. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed there were no recalls associated with the failure. The contact learned of Customer Satisfaction Program: NHTSA ID 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 111,768.
NHTSA ODI #11672203
26,406 miles · Jul 8, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the dealer discovered coolant intrusion into the engine block, causing engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the dealer discovered coolant intrusion into the engine block, causing engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 26,406.
NHTSA ODI #11671992
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2025
Engine
Vehicle suddenly overheaded and stalled to 5 mph. Mechanic states that there is a coolant leak that damaged the engine. Apparently, this is a known issue that Ford refuses to acknowledge. I have researched this a lot and it seems to be a very common problem. This was extremely dangerous as my [XXX] newly licensed son was dr…
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Vehicle suddenly overheaded and stalled to 5 mph. Mechanic states that there is a coolant leak that damaged the engine. Apparently, this is a known issue that Ford refuses to acknowledge. I have researched this a lot and it seems to be a very common problem. This was extremely dangerous as my [XXX] newly licensed son was driving the vehicle at the time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11671937
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other
1. On [XXX] the coolant leaked into the engine cylinders causing complete engine failure. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving with my [XXX] son and the engine overheated, nearly burning them both when they tried to release the pressurized coolant reservoir. 3. Yes, an autobody shop confir…
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1. On [XXX] the coolant leaked into the engine cylinders causing complete engine failure. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving with my [XXX] son and the engine overheated, nearly burning them both when they tried to release the pressurized coolant reservoir. 3. Yes, an autobody shop confirmed this upon inspection this morning (July 7th, 2025). 4. The only warning came while my son was driving on [XXX] and the engine warning appeared. He pulled over to pop the hood and inspect. On June 12th, 2025 my son had an oil change and inspection done where it was reported that the coolant reservoir was filled to a "safe level". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11671762
78,083 miles · Jul 7, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used the Ford App and became aware of a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test and t…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used the Ford App and became aware of a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, relating in engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 78,083.
NHTSA ODI #11671581
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11671544
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2025
Engine
Coolant leak
NHTSA ODI #11671457
Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2025
EnginePower Train
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…
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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)
NHTSA ODI #11671243
160,000 miles · Jul 3, 2025
Back Over Prevention
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera screen display failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the message "Rear-view Camera Not Available" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera screen display failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the message "Rear-view Camera Not Available" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
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 ↗