2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 1332owner reports
- 77,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
2089 of the 2,689 complaints on this car are about the engine. 1332 of those describe misfire. Only overheating is reported more often on this car.
Narrower sheets: Engine misfire (469 reports)
Tick what matches of 1332 reports
Misfire on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (185 reports), the ignition coils (103 reports), the sensor (25 reports) and the catalytic converter (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escape
Underhood fires caused by fuel leak. Closed oct 30, 2025, led to recall 25V-467.
Healey brothers ford / open recall sale. Open.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 27, 2024.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 21, 2013.
Engine stalling. Closed aug 31, 2004.
Engine stalling. Closed apr 15, 2004, led to recall 04V-165.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 10, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
What owners paid
272 of the 1332 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $6,000 to $9,679.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 59,000 and 97,000 miles, from the 851 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 29 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Ford Escape that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Programming - Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit collant intrusion into the cylinder bores.
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming. Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores.
25 more on the 2017 Ford Escape page.
What owners wrote
“The water pump went Back and had to be replaced, because it was leaking coolant into the engine. Also there is coolant infusion into the cylinders. This is a known problem that Ford knew about. My car has 131000 miles and is out of warranty. The car car needs to have the engine replaced.”
Filed Aug 2, 2026 · 131,000 miles
“Received check engine light for cylinder # 2 misfire. Learned that this relates to a prior technical service bulletin on the vehicle (TSB 22-2229). Required entire engine to be replaced even though car only has 76,500 miles on it.”
Filed Jun 9, 2023 · 76,500 miles
“Vehicle has 77,000 miles on it and now needs motor replaced for coolant intrusion into cylinder. After discussing with mechanic it is something they see all the time in the 2.0L ecoboost engines. Mechanic states Ford did not make a block strong enough and they all do this. Apparently ford even sells remanufactured engines where they have corrected this issue.”
Filed Jun 7, 2023 · 77,000 miles
“Coolant is leaking into the cylinders as confirmed by a Ford service center. This issue poses an engine overheating/fire hazard. This issue did not present until 68,000 miles which is outside of the manufacturer's warranty.”
Filed May 22, 2023 · 68,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 1332 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1562 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 623 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 295 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 92 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 88 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 82 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 56 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 49 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 48 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 44 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 38 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 30 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 27 reports