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.

My transmission blew had to be towed home.

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.

Vehicle transmission failed at 60k miles and again at 146k miles. Had to pay around $4000 each time the transmission broke. This is a nightmare and these vehicles have constant transmission problems that are expensive and cause heartache. I have spent so much money on towing, dealership diagnostics, and drain and fills/flushes for the transmission to keep the fluid clean. The fluid gets dark and dirty so quick and smells burnt so quickly. The manufacturer (Ford) are a bunch of crooks. They tell you the transmission fluid lasts over 100,000 miles but that's a lie! I have 146k miles and have already had two transmission failures with the 6f35! this is terrible. They need to be held accountable or they will keep ruining peoples lives.

1. Transmission failure, it is available for inspection up until time of repair. 2. The vehicle lost power while driving, had incidents of jerking forward without warning, and shifter would get stuck. 3. Yes, independent service center. 4. Yes, when the incident occurred (transmission fault service now) p0301-00 cylinder 1 misfire detected p0316-00 misfire detected on startup p059f-00 active grille air shutter a performance/stuck off p0729-00 gear 6 incorrect ratio p2702-00 gear 5 incorrect ratio.

While driving at a constant speed on the highway, the transmission shifted down a gear and revved into very high rpms. I was dramatically slowing down despite pressing on the gas pedal. The car didn't provide any power and just revved while I had cars next to me going at highway speeds. Managed to get off the highway, a transmission fault indicator popped up on the dash. The car no longer was able to move. I had the car towed to the Ford dealership. This car has a bad transmission at ~97,000 miles. Prior to this, I felt like the car's transmission maybe wasn't shifting on time but didn't make much of it. This could have easily resulted in a crash. Turns out this is a very well known problem with the Ford Escape. My friend has a 2016 Ford Escape who recently paid 8000$ for a new transmission. This is clearly unsafe and the failure is definitely premature.

Coolant leakage, intrusion into the engine block. This is a known issue by Ford. They have issued technical service bulletins to address it (attached), but those programs were only offered for a limited time and are expired, even though they know the issue exists. Also, owners were not notified of this because it wasn't an official recall.

Internal transmission failure.

Coolant intrusion in my 2017 Ford Escape titanium presents a serious safety hazard that warrants an immediate recall. When coolant leaks into the engine’s cylinders, it can lead to sudden engine misfires, stalling, loss of power, or complete engine failure while the vehicle is in motion. This creates extremely dangerous driving conditions—especially at highway speeds, during turns, or in intersections—because it removes the driver’s ability to accelerate, maintain speed, or safely maneuver the vehicle. In many cases, coolant intrusion causes the engine to overheat rapidly, which can result in thermal damage, smoke, or even fire risk. Drivers often receive little to no warning before these failures occur. The problem is both unpredictable and progressive, meaning a vehicle that appears to be operating normally can suddenly stall or seize without sufficient time for the driver to react. Ford has been aware of widespread coolant intrusion issues across multiple ecoboost engines, yet many affected owners—including myself—have not received adequate support, coverage, or recall actions. This defect is not merely a mechanical inconvenience; it is a direct threat to driver, passenger, and public safety. The only appropriate response is a mandatory recall to inspect, repair, or replace affected engines before more drivers experience dangerous failures on the road. Paying for this on a teachers salary before the holidays is a struggle.

Continues to roll when parked engine has been replaced twice grinding when putting in park.

I started having trouble with my car idleing hard and driving jerky. Around November of 2025, I took it to the local Ford dealership and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. The check engine light was on at this point so I took it to an independent local shop. They looked at it and saw that the valve in cylinder one was broken and not firing. At this point I took it back to Ford along with pictures of the busted valve. I went back to Ford because I have a lifetime power train warranty they are my authorized repair shop. So with the pictures of the busted valve they filled a claim. The warranty people said that if the head gasket was the only thing messed up they would cover the repairs. If the block was warped they would not cover anything because Ford knows about the problem and there is a technical service bulletin TSB 22-2229 about the problem. I just want to know what to do. How do I proceed ?.

When driving the car suddenly stopped and made a loud clunk noise. Unable to get car to move when pressing gas petal. I had to call police to get car out of busy road. Had car towed to dorian Ford (where car was purchased) . Car was inspected to investigate problem. Was told "luck of the draw "that the transmission failed. Car has always been services at dorian Ford with recommended maintenance and oil changes completed. This resulted in dorian saying transmission had to be replaced at the cost of $7238. 22. The car only had 82,608 miles on it.

Coolant intrusion into cylinders at 81,000 miles has damaged engine and transmission pump, requiring replacement of both. Appears this is a known issue with both 2. 0l and 1. 5l engines.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that soon after the engine was replaced by the dealer under warranty, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure worsened, and the contact initially called the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the contact was provided with estimates to replace the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

Coolant infusion into engine , powertrain light issue turns on but & it stated to replace spark plugs/ coil overs but coolant still dissapates from coolant resevior.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the on-ramp where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact asked passersby for help pushing the vehicle off the ramp. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who confirmed coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then towed the vehicle to another independent mechanic, who confirmed coolant intrusion into the cylinder. An independent mechanic replaced the engine block. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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

2017 Ford Escape 2. 0 awd with 155,000 miles with known coolant intrusion issue. . . (VIN has not been apart of the recall) second owner, original owner never knew about engine replacement because issue never happened under him. Now im stuck with a car that has plenty of new parts and I cant get it inspected or use it regularly because of the coolant intrusion, now I have to get a engine replacement which will probably be around 5 grand if im lucky and I dont have that money. Now im stuck with a car I cant drive. Yes the car is available for inspection on request. My dad was using the car as a daily out of town driver, driving on the high way first overheat issue happened. No the car has not been inspected by any other source. The only warning was the check engine light after coolant intrusion started.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About my 2017 Ford Escape 2021 engine failed and was replaced. 2025 transmission failed. Repairs cost too much! car is now junk. $500 to junk it! body and interior are fine. Ford Escapes as I now understand, are a terrible car from what I have witnessed, read and heard from others. Ford is not right on this car, and I will not buy another Ford. I see there are no recalls on this car but there should have been. Ford knows about the issues with Escapes! this is horrible!.

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.

Vehicle was purchased [xxx], the very next day multiple lights came on on the dash and it started bucking while driving. I took it back to the dealership for repairs. The right rear wheel speed sensor was bad. While the vehicle was being repaired a bolt that was seized up was broken requiring the rr wheel knuckle to be replaced. July, the vehicle was treated for a water leak into the spare tire compartment. In September, more repairs were needed. I took it to my mechanic. The l axle shaft, wheel bearing, control arm w/ball joint, speed sensor and rt. Knuckle needed replaced. At this point, I was informed of the extensive rust under the vehicle and only being 8 years old, is a great concern. When it was taken in for an alignment, it was discovered there was a bolt broken off the rr control arm, and it was repaired. October, it was treated again for the water leak. Water was still getting in with the spare tire when it rained. Also in October, I noticed a lag in shifting when accelerating. One incident that happened when merging onto a highway, the shifting lagged, delaying my acceleration and caused my vehicle to be traveling at a much slower rate than traffic. I took it to the dealership for repairs for the lag and a grinding noise. The transmission and torque converter were replaced. The grinding noise continued even after the repairs. January 2026, the vehicle was again taken in for the grinding noise and water leak. It now requires a transfer case, drive shaft, rear differential and the sub frame is cracked. I am greatly concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. Dealership claims the rust of the frame is from PA winters however the steering shaft inside the car also has rust on it. For comparison, I also have a 2003 Jeep and it has minimal rust and is kept outside daily. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.