2017 Ford Escape

A previous NHTSA complaint was filed on [XXX] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "Steering Fault Assist." Following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at Mayfield Auto in the Dallas Metro Area—the location where the vehicle had initially stalled—despite the fact that the customer resides in Lafayette, LA. Despite the completed repair and the vehicle being driven for more than 1,000 miles, the same "Steering Fault Assist" error message has reappeared as of [XXX]. This issue led to a dangerous situation, as the vehicle became difficult to steer and eventually stalled in the middle of a highway, putting the driver and other motorists at serious risk. The driver, a [XXX], struggled to control the vehicle due to the sudden loss of steering ability and was nearly involved in a collision with another vehicle. This marks the second steering failure within a 60-day period, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, as well as the effectiveness of the previous repair. The recurrence of this issue not only poses a severe risk to the driver and passengers but also endangers others on the road. Given the history of this problem and the life-threatening nature of the failure, immediate action is necessary to investigate and address this persistent and hazardous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Check engine light came on at 104,000 miles (after a recent 100K mile tune up) Independent mechanic diagnosed 2 issues: a P0301 Cylinder 1 misfire detected. Also a P0316 Cylinder 1 misfire detected on start-up. Mechanic pressurized cooling system, let sit, and then pressure dropped to 10 PSI. We were told it was a coolant intrusian with coolant was leaking into cylinder and if we drove it much longer the engine would fail. We were told we would need a new engine, approximatley $8000 quote. We were also told Ford knows of this issue and has since build a new engine for this car--yet has NOT recalled or helped all these people who have this engine failure due to this defect. This is a major defect that we (and others) should get help or compensation for. We are not going to spend 8K to fix. Today's diagnosis cost us $325 plus the $700 tune up a month ago. We put 1K into this car in 2 months --quotes and documentation attached

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and 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 approximately 83,000.

My car has yet to hit 90k miles. 2017 ford escape. Recently my check engine light came on. Cylinder 3 misfire. Replaced the spark plugs and it went off. Came back on a week later. Same code. Replaced the ignition coils and went off. Came back on almost a week later again. Same code. Took it to ford to see what’s going on. Apparently there is a KNOWN issue where the coolant leaks into the engine, causing misfires and more problems. It’s not a recall apparently for my vehicle. The only thing to do to fix it is to, guess what, get a new engine.. I’ve done some research now and many, many people are having this same issue. Ridiculous by ford to keep allowing this to happen.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that a technician noticed coolant leaking into the engine. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's and the contact was notified of a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taking to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. In addition, while attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The “Engine Fault - Service Now” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter cable had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance, and informed the contact that the recall was closed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 16,821.

Coolant leaked out, and ran hot. Refilled coolant and it didn't leak out but still runs hot. Mechanic said the car runs hot as soon as it’s turned on; coolant is leaking into the cylinders or warped cylinders causing engine block cracks. Another problem is when I get fuel and start the car back up “auto manual restart” comes up on the dash and car shuts off. Car also sputters then shuts off every time I turn it back on after that until I press the gas pedal a few times. Has been smoking since April of 2024 but coolant problem occurred sometime in January of 2025. Fuel issue had been happening since September of 2024.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal beeping sound and then unexpectedly shut off. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the "Engine Fault Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, but the engine overheated. The contact added coolant to the reservoir; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a crack in cylinder #3 and coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.