2017 Ford Escape: start-stop system problems

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · IN

My vehicle has been giving me warning messages at complete stop at red light, stop sign or even park. Engine turns off and the message pop ups as auto startstop manual restart required put on p shift position restart engine manually. Im scared this will happen while driving. Vehicle completes shuts off in the middle.of intersection.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Electrical · IA

Vehicles auto start stop malfunctions and turns car off at red light. Message states to shift to park and then to press ignition.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical · 193,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stopped on several occasions and lost automotive power. The Automatic START/STOP message was displayed. The contact manually turned off the feature, but the Automatic START/STOP feature was activated independently. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · KY

The failure appears to involve the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and related electrical control systems, including the battery management system and/or body control module. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving and fails to automatically restart, displaying “Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required” and “Shift to Park.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of power. This creates a dangerous situation where I am unable to accelerate or move with traffic flow, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or involved in a collision. This has occurred on public roads with other vehicles present, putting both myself and others at risk. The issue is intermittent and has not consistently been reproduced on demand. However, it has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions. I am in the process of having the vehicle inspected and documented by a dealership. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer, and a case has been opened with Ford Motor Company. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no consistent warning lamps prior to the failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed messages including “Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required” and “Shift to Park.” These messages appeared simultaneously with the loss of power. The issue has occurred intermittently without advance warning.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Electrical · IN

When using automatic start stop I get a message to put in park and restart.

Filed Feb 1, 2024 · Engine · TN

Coolant intrusion into the engine, causing vehicle to overheat with the overheat alert flashing on dash. Refilling coolant before every drive and still overheating, with the coolant always being empty despite being filled daily. Consistent cylinder 1 misfire, even after mechanical inspection/replacement. Vehicle misfiring upon starting, where some instances the engine will not start for 2-3 tries. Vehicle misfiring while driving, stopped at traffic lights, and when using Auto Stop-Start feature during daily drives (traffic lights and stop signs). White smoke coming from exhaust. Engine block cracked due design of engine - defective design. 100K miles, 2nd owner.

Filed Oct 19, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to operate as needed and the engine failed to restart after depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start after refueling. The contact stated that the “Auto START/STOP - Shift to Park(P) and Restart Engine” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 26, 2023 · Engine · IA

Auto Start/Stop feature stopped working. Shows unavailable no matter setting. Have had battery checked multiple times and dealership supposedly fixed prior but it is not working again

Filed Mar 20, 2023 · Transmission · WI

Torque converter has gone bad at 146,000 miles. Had transmission fluid service/change at approximately 70,000 miles. Recently vehicle has started to shudder and shake violently when in drive and slowing to make a turn or when stopped at a traffic light. If arriving home and shift to park the engine revs without stepping on gas peddle. When in traffic must shift to neutral to keep from stalling out. Recently message appears that auto stop/start is not available and shift to park to restart engine. No other codes or warnings have been visible when operating the vehicle or when checked at AutoZone. Vehicle has no power in reverse. Transmission fluid changed again at 146,000 miles was black and watery. Independent service pinpoint test, scan of codes and data show that torque converter is bad. Estimated cost of repair between $2000 and $3000 at two different shops.

Filed Mar 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 53,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart with the Auto Start/Stop feature. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 39,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle shuddered and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while exiting the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature engaged independently whenever the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. The contact was instructed by the dealer to drive the vehicle for 100 miles to reset the components. However, the vehicle only made it about two blocks from the dealership before losing engine power again. The vehicle still remains at the dealership as it is still undiagnosed and unsafe to drive.

Filed Oct 12, 2022 · Transmission · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled while utilizing the auto Start/Stop feature. The message "Shift To Park And Restart The Engine" was displayed. The contact was able to shift into neutral (N) or drive (D). An unknown dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.