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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,796 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2017 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 11)

problem #213

Aug 012020

Escape

  • 50,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, a heavy, blueish-colored smoke would emit from the exhaust pipe as the check engine light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant had leaked into an engine cylinder. The dealer replaced the turbo; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Victoria, VA, USA

problem #212

Mar 152024

Escape

  • miles
The vehicle has been well maintained. It has a sealed transmission, and the recall item was scheduled to be serviced because a transmission fault. Light triggered after lurching forward into route 114 while oncoming traffic was traveling at 55 mph and nearly Hit the vehicle. Occurred, Then the transmission light came on advising faulty transmission service immediately. I shifted and a few times it would not go into gear, When I did go into gear, made a loud grinding sound. This is due to the recall However, there should be additional information to note for the recall. Rowe Ford would not cover the faulty transmission because they said it was due to debris inside of the system. This is a transmission and debris should not occur unless gears are grinding. I immediately parked the vehicle at my home and called Rowe Ford service center to schedule service. Transmission failure should not have occurred and would not have occurred if the bearing and shifting cable allowed for proper shifting. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints about 2017 Ford escapes transmissions completely destroyed before it reaches 80,000 miles. This warrants an investigation. This cannot be a coincidence or driver error. This is due to inferior metal and slight grinding from the shifter bushing being faulty - creating the debris that clogs solenoids and plugs the filter. Remember, this is a closed system and there is no way to replace a dirty filter. I believe Ford purposely used inferior grade metal inside of the transmission to create issues that would increase revenue for sales and service. This absolutely warrants an investigation. I am asking for samples of the debris because it is my belief that Ford intentionally used low-grade metal inside the transmission because it would wear away quicker which would cause an uptick in sales and service.

- Standish, ME, USA

problem #211

Mar 152024

Escape

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at unknown speeds, the message "Transmission Fault, Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to another independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

- Marshall, MO, USA

problem #210

Mar 102024

Escape

  • 116,789 miles

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

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contacted stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front end and the rear end of the vehicle were shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was replaced; however, the front end of the vehicle continued to shudder while starting the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 was misfiring. The mechanic replaced the shock absorbers and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford TSB Number: 22-2229. Additionally, the contact related the failure to Ford TSB Numbers: 22-2133 19B37 and 19-2172. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,789.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

problem #209

Mar 062024

Escape

  • miles
Good morning, yesterday I noticed that the engine is not running smoothly when starting (i.e. when it is cold). The yellow engine light came on. Errors 0301 and 0316 were detected in the car workshop. Most likely, the engine head was cracked or the head gasket was damaged. Moreover, a week ago I noticed a strange knocking noise in the rear axle. The workshop wanted to change the oil. Unfortunately, there is no drain plug in the rear axle housing. In my opinion, these are design defects of the engine and rear axle. These elements are important for the safety of the car in road traffic. A person cannot be allowed to buy a car that cannot be operated properly. Although the user manual says that it can be done.

- Nowa Ruda , CA, USA

problem #208

Feb 272024

Escape

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with an unstated message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic went to the residence to inspect the vehicle; the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was then provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000.

- Dudley, MA, USA

problem #207

Nov 272023

Escape

  • miles

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

When pressing the acceleration pedal, car does not always switch into the next gear. On other occasions, while accelerating the car jerks and does not switch into the next year smoothly

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

problem #206

Nov 132023

Escape

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated while shifting into another gear, the contact noticed that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #205

Feb 122024

Escape

  • miles
July 2022, check engine light came on. Vehicle taken to dealer where purchased (Scott Peterson Ford-Sturgis, SD). They found the code indicated #1 cylinder misfire, running and upon start up. They cleared codes and could not duplicate the misfire. Said they could not figure out the issue and sent us back on the road. The vehicle was still under factory warranty. We continued to use the vehicle with check engine light coming on and going off occasionally. The check engine light appeared in Sept 2023. We had the spark plugs changed and the coolant system flushed at our service station. The check engine light went off. It would come on again, go off, sporadically. Then in January 2024 the check engine light came on and the heater wouldn't work. We checked the coolant level and it was almost completely out. We filled coolant back up, the check engine light went off, and all seemed good. Within 2 weeks the check engine light came on again and the coolant was completely out. No leaks noticed anywhere. I researched and found lots of articles/lawsuit against Ford for this very issue. It included potential fire issue from engine overheating and more. We returned the vehicle to the dealership (now Wareing Ford Sturgis) and they indicated it was probably a leak into the engine itself, which was a known problem by Ford and the dealerships. They mentioned some customers were buying extended warranty coverage before having the dealership diagnose the problem and that it could save us a lot of money. I said that was dishonest and not something I would do. They then diagnosed the issue and they were correct, coolant was leaking into the engine and had caused engine failure. The repair estimate is $13,000. I have complaint filed w/ Ford, which is saying the car is out of warranty. They said to keep our receipts in case Ford ends up having to pay. I said I want it covered under warranty, engine only has 56k miles and we brought it in with problem while still under warranty in 2022.

- Summerset, SD, USA

problem #204

Jan 032024

Escape

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. Additionally, the contact was advised that coolant had also intruded into the transmission. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling; Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Mount Juliet, TN, USA

problem #203

Feb 022024

Escape

  • miles

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

Background: My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L Ecoboost engine has 65k miles. Engine light started flashing recently due to Cylinder missfire code P0301, immediately brought it into Ford and upon their assessment they shared that my engine has a coolant leak in cylinder 1 which is causing major engine issues. This is my primary car and I need it to transport myself to and from work. I have taken diligent car of this car and have only serviced it (routine and non-routine maintenance) at Ford Dealerships to ensure that all parts and the service is the best possible to keep the vehicle in top condition. Safety: If left untreated this coolant leakage into the engine will result in a variety of hazardous and life-threating issues for the driver as well as individuals on the streets such as engine overheating, engine corrosion and ultimately total engine failure. I am not comfortable driving this car at this time as it is a ticking time bomb unless I pay for the replacement of the engine. But as I understand this will not guarantee this issue will not resurface again as the engine replacement will be with the same engine type that has the same design defect of an "open block" which is prone to coolant leaking inside. Problem reproduced: Yes, reproduced by Ford Dealership. This problem appears to be routine enough for Ford Motor Company to issue a TSB regarding this issue [XXX] with the only fix being a total replacement of the engine, with an illogical cost of 10k. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: Yes, I have brought the vehicle into the Ford dealership that I bought the vehicle at and they shared the issue along with the TSB that describes the issue I am having along with the expected resolution and cost. Warning lamps: Yes, the engine light turned on randomly and immediately began flashing. The next day I brought it into the Ford Dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #202

Jun 082023

Escape

  • 133,919 miles
I have had to have my engine and my transmission replaced within 2 months apart I keep writing and calling everyone I can I keep hearing the 1.0 l engines are blowing up too due to the wet belt and they're doing nothing with the 1.5 l engines due to the coolant issues I had no warning lights going off in my car and it blew the motor if it wouldn't have been for me going downhill I could have easily been killed. I need some reimbursement I have worked out over almost 20 grand between the transmission and engine for repairs and I owe people money I can't afford this anymore. Why can you not make Ford pay for these. All of these engines are bad and the 1.0's and the 1.5 leader engines. I have all the documentation from what I paid for both all I would like is for half back. It seems like nobody's doing anything about this you keep asking for the approximate date and I do not remember. I'm going to try to get as close as I can. It's not a mileage thing on these vehicles they're all having coolant problems or they're all having wet belt problems it does not matter. It's faulty on their part. I've done all my oil changes I've kept up to date with everything I should have. Ford dealership actually refused to put a new engine in my car because they know these cars these vehicles are all bad. They're literally turning people away because they don't want to work on them.

- Washington, MO, USA

problem #201

Feb 032024

Escape

  • miles
The transmission on my vehicle failed at 120K miles. The vehicle had been meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealer at each recommended service date. While travelling up hll, the car would not stay in gear and we were barely able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being hit by cars behind us.

- Hingham, MA, USA

problem #200

Feb 032024

Escape

  • miles
The transmission on my vehicle failed at 120K miles. The vehicle had been meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealer at each recommended service date. While travelling up hll, the car would not stay in gear and we were barely able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being hit by cars behind us.

- Hingham, MA, USA

problem #199

Jan 302024

Escape

  • miles
The engine has had coolant leaking into it. Clouds of white smoke, stalling and regular low coolant level. Once the recall work was performed, I was still having these issues and told the ford service dept. They said there is nothing they could do. Now my transmission has completely gone out at less than 100k miles even though all ford suggested maintenance work has been completed at suggested intervals. It-??s hard to justify replacing the transmission when I don-??t know when the engine will quit working due to the coolant intrusion.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #198

Jan 262024

Escape

  • miles
The transmission slipped out of gear at a stop light and the car would not go. I could move the gear shift from park to drive and the car would not go into gear. There were NO warning lights. I had it diagnosed and they stated -??internal failure.-?? The vehicle has less than 130,000 miles on it.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #197

Dec 222023

Escape

  • miles
1. Coolant is either leaking or evaporating which makes the coolant reservoir tank lose water that requires many refills after daily use. This led to the car to heat up without any notice in the middle of a busy highway with a narrow shoulder. This causes the car to release white smoke from the back with a chemical stench. A mechanic checked the car by raising it on a car lift for any leaks but there were no obvious leaks. 2. Car sometimes violently shakes upon turning on the ignition letting out a loud noise that can be heard from afar. The warning was a misfire on the #2 Cynlinder. We have replaced the old spark plugs and coils with new ones but the car still shakes at times and on the screen it says, 'Engine Fault Service Now". 3. There is also a warning on the system that reads, 'Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power'. Upon start of the warning the car abruptly slows to 35 mph max which is a great concern for safety when driving on the freeway/highway with many cars going 70-80 mph. A couple of mechanics have all mentioned something is wrong because the system slows down the car to avoid any more problems to arise and is a big concern for them as well. The computer used to analyze any issues does not directly call out a specific error even though there is an obvious issue with the powertrain. 4. There was an issue with the latch on the lift gate of the car but was fixed by Ford because it was covered under Extended Ford Warranty.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

problem #196

Sep 012023

Escape

  • miles
Engine coolant intrusion short block needed replaced was taken to mt orab dealership to have reprogramming done which I just found out they did not even do the reprogramming back in 2022 I had appointment scheduled for the reprogramming I had made one in November around 11th but not sure what happened so was rescheduled dec 6 th I am so disappointed in dealership lack of communication with customers about this program because they did not get me in until dec 6th the program ended this is completely unfair for me to pay out of pocket for dealership mistake with not disclosing they did not do reprogramming when vehicle was brought in and the program was over by the time they did

- Bethel , OH, USA

problem #195

Jan 172024

Escape

  • miles
Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. Upon review by a local shop, it was determfined that the engine failed due to coolant intrusion, a problem known to, and acknowledged by, Ford Motor Company. This was documented in Ford publication Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. There were absolutely no warnings or messages, nor were there any smells or sounds to indicate impending failure.

- Eagan, MN, USA

problem #194

Oct 062023

Escape

  • 49,543 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact-??s daughter was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that silicone plugs for the transmission drains had failed, and a significant amount of transmission fluid had leaked. The contact stated that the plugs were replaced, and the transmission fluid was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred again, and the transmission was slipping and the vehicle hesitated before shifting into gear. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,543.

- Columbia, IL, USA

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