2017 Ford Escape: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Engine · MI

The vehicle experienced an internal engine failure involving the engine block/long block. The engine had a multi-cylinder misfire, and an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and found coolant traces in multiple cylinders. The repair facility referenced Ford TSB 22-2133 and recommended replacement of the engine long block to correct the issue. The failed engine is not currently available for inspection because the vehicle was traded in after the repair estimate determined it was not economically feasible to repair. We suffered a big loss The safety concern was the potential for sudden loss of engine power due to the misfire and internal engine failure. A vehicle experiencing severe misfires while driving could have reduced performance, hesitation, or loss of power, creating a safety risk depending on driving conditions. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle was not inspected by Ford, police, or insurance representatives. Prior to failure, the vehicle developed engine symptoms consistent with a misfire. The check engine light/engine misfire condition occurred before diagnosis. The independent service facility confirmed the condition and found coolant traces in multiple cylinders.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine · 70,345 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. While driving in traffic and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and was choking and hesitating. The contact pulled over to let the vehicle cool down, after which the Check Engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to the residence, but the vehicle was unable to drive up a steep hill. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 1 at start up, and coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, and a critical loss of compression in the engine. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,345.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Engine · CT

2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. At 66,000 miles, car hesitated when moving from stop position. Dealer stated it needed a turbocharger replacement. $3,000 to replace with car just 6,000 miles over warranty. Notified Ford about this problem, not a word back. At 91,000 miles, check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnosed and stated coolant entering into cylinder #2. Dealer stated the engine needed to be replaced. $7966 to replace! From research on the internet, this model year and other years have problems with coolant leaks that require engine replacement. At this time, I have spent over $11,000 to keep this vehicle road worthy!

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the residence. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Engine · GA

Vehicle: 2017 Ford Escape, 1.5L Eco Boost Component/System: Engine/cooling system The engine in my 2017 Ford Escape experienced a failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership advised that coolant intrusion is a known issue with this engine design and recommended full engine replacement, with an estimated repair cost exceeding $10,000. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited rough idle, shaking, and intermittent check engine warnings. The condition worsened over time and posed a safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure was not attributed to neglect or lack of service. Ford Motor Company has acknowledged similar failures in this engine family through service bulletins; however, my VIN is not currently included in a recall or customer satisfaction program. The defective engine is available for inspection and remains unprepared due to the prohibitive cost of repair. I am submitting this complaint to document a suspected manufacturing/design defect that has resulted in premature engine failure and significant safety and financial impact.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine · 28,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The low oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive to the residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that a faulty wire connected to the spark plug had caused the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that soon after the engine was replaced by the dealer under warranty, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure worsened, and the contact initially called the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the contact was provided with estimates to replace the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Engine · 91,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. A code scanner was used and retrieved a code for a misfire in cylinder r#3. Upon additional inspection, the contact became aware of excessive coolant consumption. One day, while stopped at a stoplight, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature was hot(H). The contact pulled over and discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact parked the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a dealer the following day. The contact was later informed by a mechanic that coolant intrusion into the engine had caused engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, on several occasions, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and became aware that there was an odor of fuel on the spark plugs, due to a faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced, but the failure later reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the fuel pump had been replaced three times. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle occasionally failed to start after several attempts. In addition, the engine overheated with the "High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided a fee for the vehicle to be diagnosed and inspected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and mechanic determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Engine · MN

In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 code, rough idle, and loss of power. This time the dealership found suspended metals in the oil, and discovered scoring in the chambers. They refuse to look at the cam phasers or belt to see if there is wear or damage.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Transmission · VA

My 2017 Ford Escape has been exhibiting recurring transmission and torque converter-related issues, especially during low-speed driving. The vehicle frequently hesitates when accelerating and experiences sudden reductions in power, creating unsafe driving conditions in traffic and on inclines. These symptoms often occur below 40 MPH and are accompanied by a noticeable shudder and jerking sensation. Despite regular maintenance, the drivability continues to deteriorate, resembling the widespread problems other owners have reported. I am submitting this complaint in hopes that Ford will acknowledge and address this serious mechanical defect.