2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 623owner reports
- 72,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
1984 of the 2,689 complaints on this car are about the engine. 623 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 623 reports
Engine failure 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: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (613 reports), the short block or long block (42 reports), the turbo (25 reports) and the timing chain (7 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
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
202 of the 623 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $7,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 55,000 and 94,000 miles, from the 336 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Driving uphill and the power dropped. Even flooring it the car could not get to 35 mph. We were on a windy mountain road with no safe place to pull over. Eventually found a spot and turns out there is a known design flaw that causes coolant intrusion and we have to pay $14,000 for a new engine and new turbo. The car has only 48,000 miles on it!”
Filed Aug 6, 2026 · 48,000 miles
“Coolant intrusion in cylinder #4. Documented in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Requires engine replacement. Vehicle has 40k miles.”
Filed Jul 11, 2026 · 40,000 miles
“At about 61,000 miles the engine began to use more antifreeze by 63,000 miles the engine was leaking antifreeze into the engine. we now need to replace the engine.”
Filed Jun 22, 2023 · 61,000 miles
“Head gasket issue with coolant getting in the engine. Recommendation from Ford is to basically replace the engine/block, etc estimating $7900 is repairs. Service bulletin 22-2229 exists but Ford will not provide any financial assistance as the vehicle is at 91k miles with a 60K warranty.”
Filed May 23, 2023 · 91,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 623 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1562 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 1332 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