2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Turbo failure or loss of boost
- 56owner reports
- 66,000median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
1984 of the 2,689 complaints on this car are about the engine. 56 of those describe turbo problems.
Tick what matches of 56 reports
Turbo problems 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: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
Turbo complaints describe an engine that suddenly doesn't pull: power drops away when you press for it, sometimes with a warning light, smoke from the tailpipe or a message about reduced power.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the turbocharger (54 reports) and the intercooler (3 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
23 of the 56 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,700 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 94,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 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.
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods.
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket.
SSM 47948 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related ...
For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts.
6 more on the 2017 Ford Escape page.
What owners wrote
“2.01 block features a narrow cooling slot machined into the block surface right between the cylinder bores. Under high boost pressure and thermal stress, the narrow metal section around this slot distorts or cracks. This erodes the head gasket clamping force and allows pressurized coolant to bypass the seal, leaking heavily into the combustion chamber. An engine replacement is required to repair.”
Filed Aug 25, 2026
“Coolant intrusion on 2.0L Ecoboost Engine Car started running rough, oil light came on. Palmetto Ford Charleston SC indicated engine needed replacement due to coolant intrusion. This same dealer replaced the Turbo Wastegate 10/17/2025. 12/17/2025 the car ran rough.Service Bulletin 19-2346 seems to be the problem. Called Ford Customer Service who offered no assistance. Car has 75,000 miles, 1 owner, well maintained.”
Filed Dec 23, 2025 · 75,000 miles
“Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.”
Filed May 24, 2025
“Coolant leaking into cylinders, smell coolant through vents, smoke from exhaust, film of exhaust coming into front windshield, turbo charger 1, under boost, car just stopped accelerating”
Filed Sep 14, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 56 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 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
- 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