general problems of the 2017 Ford Escape - part 1

Coolant intrusion defect. Had to replace engine. Power train fail also.

There is a known issue with coolant intrusion into the engine with this vehicle. The vehicle has less than 40,000 miles. The engine stalled three times over a two mile trip and completely shut off during a left hand turn with oncoming traffic putting my family and other drivers in danger.

April 2025 our Ford Escape, a 2017 model, had an issue with the car overheating, we brought to a dealer and the diagnosis was coolant leaking into the cylinders of the engine . Repair costs range $8-10,000. 00 , new engine $11,000 plus. Through research on chat rooms we have discovered that this is a known issue with Ford's design, several consumer complaints and open class action lawsuit exists. Our dealer offered no assistance financially, we were told auto is out of warranty and no restitution is available to us. We've taken excellent care for this car and are seniors on fixed income. Like many other consumers facing the same engine issues, we are left with no choice but to absorb costs to repair the auto. Any trade in or resale value is diminished. Thank you for accepting our submission on this critical consumer issue. We are the original owners of this vehicle. Ford is showing no customer loyalty and, no concern for consumer safety as this "coolant intrusion" issue can cause the car to fail, shut down or catch fire.

Engine fault light came on took to mechanic nothing popped up on the codes. Then check engine light came on took to another mechanic it showed it was misfiring along with other codes. Then check engine light went away. Then moved car out of driveway and engine overheating light came on.

Mechanic looked at vehicle couldn’t find a coolant leak from anywhere, could be a cracked head.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant, and the coolant pipes were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. Due to the failure, the contact was informed that the engine needed to repaired or replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Coolant intrusion.

I am reporting a serious engine defect with my 2017 Ford Escape ecoboost. Coolant has leaked into cylinder number 4, causing engine damage and failure. The dealership confirmed this diagnosis and stated that a full engine replacement is required, with an estimated cost of $9,000–$10,000. I purchased this vehicle new in 2016 and have been the sole owner. This issue is consistent with known defects affecting ecoboost engines, including internal coolant leaks and engine block failures. I am submitting this report to ensure it is documented and to request investigation of this safety and reliability concern.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and was turning on and off. The thermostat gauge increased to hot. The contact became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the oil light was illuminated even though an oil change had been performed two months prior. The vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that there was an internal coolant leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Coolant intrusion in the engine. Causes failure if engine and oil leak on engine. Had it diagnosed with a mechanic.

We received notification about the pcm needing reprogrammed and we had that done in 2020 at 41k miles. In oct 2025 we had the water pump and timing belt changed at 106,236 miles then 5 months later it started shaking and the check engine light came on. The light had never come on before this. It has 109,630 miles. I put a scanner on it and it showed p0302 misfire so I replaced the plug and coil in the #2 cylinder and no change. I had already replaced all spark plugs around July/August in 2025. We had it towed to a local mechanic shop and they did a compression check and said the #2 cylinder had 15% left and that the mechanics didnt see any evidence of a coolant intrusion and we needed a new engine.

1. The failed component is the engine. The dealer confirmed that coolant intrusion caused internal engine damage and that the engine requires full replacement. This is especially serious because customer satisfaction program 19b37 had already been performed on the vehicle and was supposed to correct this exact coolant intrusion issue. The dealer even acknowledged that this repair should have prevented the failure, yet the same problem still occurred less than 30,000 miles later. The vehicle has low mileage, has been properly maintained, and should be available for inspection upon request, depending on whether the dealer or repair facility retains the parts. 2. This created a major safety risk. My teenager was driving the vehicle when the engine died, which put them in immediate danger. A sudden engine failure can cause loss of power, rough running, misfiring, or stalling in traffic, at intersections, or at highway speeds, leaving the driver unable to accelerate or move out of the way of other vehicles. This was not just an inconvenience; it created a very serious risk of a crash and potential injury to my child, passengers, and others on the road. 3. Yes. The problem was confirmed by the dealership service department. They diagnosed the failure as the 19b37 coolant intrusion issue and stated that the engine needs to be replaced. They also acknowledged that the prior csp repair should have fixed this problem. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/service center. Ford has also been contacted regarding the issue. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Yes. Before the failure, there were symptoms consistent with coolant intrusion, including coolant loss and engine performance problems such as rough running or misfiring. Warning lights and engine-related symptoms appeared before the complete failure and worsened over time until the dealer confirmed internal engine damage. The vehicle had low mileage, all MA.

The vehicle suddenly began running roughly, and produced a loud clicking/knocking noise and engine shut off while driving. We were advised by the Ford mechanic we had it towed to that it was due to the ecoboost engine failure, and that this is a known issue. Ford has issued technical service bulletins related to this defect, but no recall has been initiated. Given the safety implications of an engine shutting off while driving, the widespread nature of this problem, and the refusal of Ford to own up to this dangerous defect I felt I had to report it.

2017 Ford Escape equipped with 2. 0l ecoboost engine with coolant leaking into engine cylinder head leading to possible safety concerns and engine damage due to coolant intrusion into engine cylinders (according to Ford dealership).

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in two cylinders and determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Coolant intrusion – engine defect concern “coolant intrusion” is a known engine design defect in which coolant leaks into the cylinders, leading to internal damage, misfires, and eventual engine failure. In our case, we own a 2017 Ford Escape 1. 5l ecoboost, which is now inoperable. The vehicle was properly maintained, with no prior issues. At approximately 103,000 miles, the engine began to fail unexpectedly. There was no overheating condition. Outdoor temperatures were normal (around 75°f), and the vehicle had been running properly up to that point. We have always used good quality fuel and kept up with regular maintenance. The first signs of failure included a check engine light with a cylinder misfire code, followed by noticeable white smoke from the exhaust. At the same time, coolant began rapidly disappearing despite being refilled. There are no external leaks, indicating the coolant is entering the engine internally. The vehicle now will not operate properly and cannot be driven. This failure occurred without warning and without any owner-related cause. Given the widespread reports of identical issues affecting Ford vehicles with this engine, this is clearly not an isolated incident but a systemic design problem. The pattern of coolant intrusion, white smoke, misfires, and sudden engine failure is well-documented among Ford customers. This issue requires immediate attention. It should be addressed as a recall, as it stems from a defective engine design rather than normal wear, misuse, or neglect.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to auto zone, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs; however, the following day, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the contact took the vehicle to another auto zone, the vehicle was diagnosed with cylinder #2 misfire. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and there was white smoke coming from the coolant intrusion into the engine. The independent mechanic used a borescope and determined there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

My vehicle was inspected by a mechanic after experiencing sudden loss of power and stalling while merging onto the expressway in active traffic. At the time of the incident, the vehicle became unable to accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump had failed. During inspection prior to replacement, the mechanic identified metal shavings present in the fuel system, which appear to have originated from the fuel pump. These metal fragments contaminated the system and pose a risk of further engine damage. This failure appears to be related to a known issue involving fuel pump defects in Ford vehicles. The design and/or function of the fuel pump may allow internal deterioration that leads to system-wide contamination and potential engine failure. This issue presents a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden stalling and loss of power while driving, particularly during high-speed merging conditions.

Vehicle suffered acute catastrophic engine failure. No dash lights alerted me. Engine just started rattling and smoking. Dealership it was towed to pulled codes p0302 p0304 p0012 p0014 tried to blame it on us despite known coolant intrusion issue.

I had noticed the "sluggish" during my travels either to/from work, I had thought that it may be local gasoline. After fueling once again, my car started with an emblem on the dash, which I later looked up in the book provided and it stated that I needed to have the "coolant" looked at, I believe it was a engine emblem. ?. My last oil change was October 2025. I stopped 03/10/26 by autozone to see if they could do a diagnostic. Which stated several options that could be evaluated. The autozone information suggested: spark plugs, coil packs and two other options that it might be. Then the next signal my car gave me was during driving from my evening job on 04/02/26, which was so quick I did not get to see it, however, the alarms were loud enough that I was scared. I pulled over for safety d/t the "emblem that I remember seeing said something about "fire and safety". I allowed about 20 minutes to pass and nothing had taking place, so I call to husband the warning lights. **wrench sign: with the signage of engine fault service now. I was traveling to work after the car sat in my garage over the weekend. The alarms started going off and suddenly I was without control over the vehicle, the car stopped and there was no power.

Coolant intrusion to cylinder #3 deeming the engine bad needing to be replaced.

Coolant intrusion causing need for engine replacement. Like many others I've read about this is a known engine defect that Ford does not want to fix.

Coolant intrusion into engine from poor design. A known issue which causes overheating which may cause fires or engine failure while driving. With thousands of Ford Escape owners affected. It has a recall on certain models but models that aren't on the recall are also affected.

2017 Ford Escape titanium 2. 0 eco boost, 86,000 miles coolant in engine block [intrusion] = blown motor. = me who still owes $9. 300 on a loan= me angry, not knowing how to fix. Shame on Ford for not building Ford motors to last over 150,000 miles or the duration of a 5-7 year loan. I had ignition coils and plugs replaced twice over $600,00 cost each time. Then an engine block test confirmed I need a new motor coolant in motor. I the disabled-can not afford as Ford dealer wants 10 grand for motor on a vehicle- blue book value less then 10 grand. Why did I buy this Ford? my 2018 Nissan versa motor and transmission started to die at 18,000 original miles and completed death at- 20,000 original miles. Shame on manufacture companies- if you go to dealer I did today: 3-11-2026 and see 2026 brand new cars with only 35,000 mile drive train warranties- 100% confirms manufacture does not wish to make good motors in any brand, make & model.

‘coolant intrusion’ - a defect in engine design where coolant leaks into the cylinders, depleting coolant along with damage to motor etc. Overwhelming amount of both frustrated Ford owners suffering from having to pay for engine replacement while not at fault, and even larger amount of proof that this should be a recall, that it is still happening after year of insult and that Ford is content to continue not taking responsibility for it. Our 2017 Escape 1. 5 eco boost will not even leave the driveway. The first time the vehicle detected “engine overheating” the vehicle dropped to ten miles per hour “limp home mode” and wouldn’t let me steer properly to move off to the side. I was going 50 mph, and almost wrecked. The engine wasn’t over heating, it was 53 degrees outside and I had just pulled out of my driveway. . Engine still cold. Now , I can completely fill the engine and reservoir with coolant and it still depletes the coolant as well as won’t drive just to leave the driveway. We cannot afford an engine replacement, but this issue was also certainly not caused by us. This coolant intrusion problem is so far beyond obviously being Ford responsibility because of the massive amount of Ford customers with the same issue (affecting many other models btw) that it is both insulting and fraudulent for this to continue.

Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car started having issues with skipping limited power. Took it to the mechanic and once again being told we need a new engine because it misfiring and low compression in the same cylinder number 3 and it's an internal issue. The new engine we purchased only had 60,000 miles on it. Ford needs to issue a recall and replace the engines for free and refund what consumers have already paid out for repairs. This issue is dangerous and Ford has done nothing to fix the issue. This year model for the Escape has had nothing but problems and Ford knows it and does nothing.

White smoke from vehicle exhaust. Vehicle misfires and jumps when trying to engage gears. Then vehicle goes limp after running for a while.

Our car just turned over 91,000 miles. The check engine light came on so I had spark plugs replaced. The repair shop noticed that our coolant level was way down so they ran a scope into the cylinders. They found fluids leaking into the #4 cylinder. I took car to Ford dealer and they confirmed water leaking into cylinder. They say I need a completely new motor and want to charge full price even though this has been a known "issue" for this motor since 2019 (tech service bulletin 19-2346). They refuse to give any discounts and are telling me it will cost over $9,400 to replace the motor. I'm now being told it will be unsafe to drive the vehicle any long distances.

Due to a design flaw the 2. 0 ecoboost engine has confirmed coolant intrusion. This diagnosis has been confirmed by both the pierre Ford dealership and a local mechanic, chaplin auto. The car is available for inspection. The engine light came on before full engine overheating. As soon as the light came on I had it checked immediately and the only code pulled had to do with the evap. I was told that was nothing urgent and could be handled in time. A week after that, without warning, I left my house to pick up my son from preschool and got less than a mile down the road before the car completely freaked out. The dash lit up red and showed the warning for high engine temp. The car became entirely undrivable. We stopped, pushed it off the road and had it towed to the Ford dealership. Where they had it for 5 days and ultimately told me (after a pressure test) that the car has coolant intrusion a "common problem with these cars" he said. This could've stopped on the freeway driving my child at any time. I now understand Ford knows about this problem and is actively refusing to do anything about it. This is a safety issue.

2017 Ford Escape se 2. 0l critically malfunctioned on my way home from work due to coolant intrusion. The engine started sputtering, a warning came on the dash, and lost all acceleration. This is a known design flaw by Ford that requires a full engine replacement but a recall was never issued and I, like many customers are burdened with the financial responsibility to replace the engine or buy a new car.

Ford did a recall on certain vehicles with the 1. 5l ecvoboost motor, when in fact everyone of these motors are know to have issues, either white smoke out the exhaust, loosing coolant into the engine or in our case the motor now has a cracked head, and cannot be driven. The recalls for motors from the louisville, ky plant. Our vehicle came from that plant. It seems that Ford knows all of their 1. 5l eccoboost motors have the same issues, abd they refuse to address the issues, whike consumers are being screwed over by Ford. We need help with this ASAP. Please help us.

The car started misfiring, check engine light came on. Took the car into shop to find out what the problem was. I was told coolant was in the cylinders and the engine was gone.

When driving, the car has stopped 4 times in the last 3 years. Last week the car came to a red light and the inside lights started flashing. There was a warning that read "transmission not in park. " the car's power steering and brakes went out and the car went through the red light. Three other times the car was on the expressway and it died with the same warning. Fortunately, the car was in the slow lane and was able to pull onto the shoulder. Once the car is put in park and turned off, it is able to be restarted and everything is working.

Misfire in cylinder 3 and coolant loss. My mechanic believes it is the coolant intrusion issue described in Ford TSB 22-2229.

Engines has a severe issue with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders due to a design defect in the engine block. This "coolant intrusion" lead to misfires, engine overheating, and complete engine failure, and is requiring a full engine replacement.