Ford Escape Reviews

When I asked ford for guidance, they were unwilling to help only telling me I was low on oil- very weird as I’ve always had changes done on time & my vehicle has never leaked oil, has never smelt funny, nor did any engine light for the oil ever come on in the history of owning my vehicle. I ended up adding a quart- which now according to my dipstick, said I had too much oil- since I have never learned how to change oil, I brought it directly in to get an oil change & also had the transmission fluid changed (before fords recommendation). From here, I brought my car to the shop who told me that this issue is likely a much larger issue as it’s a KNOWN problem to ford yet Ford is not addressing the issue. The shop told me I needed my turbo fuel pump replaced.

Less than two months after replacing the fuel pump- the same issues occurred, I brought the vehicle back into the shop as there is a warranty on the pump- they now told me that my camshaft & timing was shot- they also told me that I had low oil, the second time now being told this, both shortly after having an oil change- the shop added enough oil to bring it to safe levels and then stated that it was actually too low and only needed 1 QT., though there was ZERO oil on the dipstick. Again, no oil leaking anywhere, no oil engine light, this is the problem, and this is what Fors KNOWS exists yet keeps letting people pay $10,000 + for a new engine (FOR A NEW VEHICLE) they called Ford so they could provide me an estimate, Ford told them they do not sell those individual parts & that my entire engine needed to be replaced- I was estimated $ 9,300.00.

I have called Ford Motor and they wrote down my complaint and told me to, “keep my receipts in case it ever becomes a recall.” That would be great however, I am a single mom, a Special Education Teacher & a part time college student working towards my Masters degree. I just paid this vehicle off 6 months ago, the first vehicle I have ever owned that was brand new- also in my favorite color which also is no longer in production. Thankfully I have been able to borrow friends & family members vehicles however, due to schedules there are some nights I am not getting home until after 7pm.

I also have to continue paying insurance on my vehicle even though I cannot drive it as I know eventually it will be fixed or sold- One of my co workers also has the same vehicle and told me her and her husband are looking to get her into a new vehicle much sooner than planned as one of their friends also has the same vehicle and just had to have the engine replaced for the same issue costing her $8,000.00. While I understand making the call to recall something such as an engine is no small deal- it’s also no small deal that I have to constantly figure out how to make it to work to continue getting a paycheck to keep a roof over my son and I’s head.

Cost so far:
Sensor replacements- $700.00
Oil Change/Transmission Fluid Change: $225.00
Fuel Pump Replacement & Diagnostic: $1,7100.00
Second Diagnosis (engine diagnostic): $179.00
Second Opinion at another shop: $ 219.00

Totaling: $2,798.00

Vehicle Status: incapable of driving, it’s currently sitting in the shop. I do not have a vehicle to get me to and from work. When the engine does get replaced that will have a new total of $12,098.00. There is NO reason that my vehicle should not be working. I know one thing, that is that Henry Ford would be very disappointed.

* 2 failed engines.
* 2 failed transmissions.
* All four of the above repairs resulted in extended time at a Ford dealership for repair.

* 1 failed Evaporative Valve – Continues to be repaired at Ford Smithtown since June 6th, 2022 due to a back ordered part. 

The first engine blew due to coolant leaking into the engine head Christmas Eve 2019. After having making plans with family and close friends, I had to cancel. Didn’t receive my repaired car until after January 20th 2020. The next month, it was back in the shop with a blown transmission. Had to be rebuilt. The engine and transmission failed as COVID-19 gained traction in March of 2020. I was without a loaner from Ford for most of this time and had to acquire a vehicle from a friend. Six months later, engine issues resurfaced. This time due to my many frustrating and stressful complaints to Ford, I was provided a loaner for a few weeks.

Currently, I have been renting a vehicle for 3 weeks which Ford has agreed to reimburse. Unfortunately, with the prior work missed, missed work opportunities from UBER, and the expenses I have incurred throughout the “Ford’s Built Tough Experience,” I am now experiencing another financial burden due to manufacturing defects. It is unacceptable for Ford to see a loyal customer struggling with a defective car for years without resolution. I was just informed that they have received the part and hopefully my vehicle will be done and ready for pick up tomorrow. 

Again, I have been in direct contact with Ford of Smithtown dealership, Ford Motor Company Corporate, and Ford Motor Credit in regard to the issues that I’ve been dealing with without much assistance and no permanent solution. With the current financial crisis, this is continuing to create a significant and unnecessary financial burden. Ford Motor Company, a leader in American made automobiles should be able to resolve this issue. I have tried to sell the car privately, however nobody will buy this car with its history.

My credit, my reliability at work, my safety and lifestyle have been greatly diminished by this whole situation. I’m finding it difficult to get through to the dealership nor am I finding any long-term solution from corporate. No one helps at the local dealership but to parrot that this is “beyond their control” and they say they understand my frustration. However, when my car payment is due I cannot answer with the same response. I was told during a follow-up call that it might be possible to repurpose an evaporative valve ordered for another Ford customer to get my car out sooner (that doesn’t make any sense as the other customer would be out the part).

As a ** gay man, I feel like this is has been one of the most frustrating and stressful scenarios I have had to contend with any company. My wealthy ** boss who is also a Ford customer, owns a F-150 Raptor had similar issues and was given a replacement vehicle with no questions asked. He cannot believe that I am still struggling with manufacturer defects and continued repairs to this vehicle. 

I have learned that there is a Class Action lawsuit pending due to manufacturer's engine defects in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California for the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, 2013-2019 Ford Fusion, 2015-2018 ford Edge. Once more, I own a 2017 Ford Escape. ** I will be forwarding this email to local media outlets, submitting a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and to my legislators. I have documentation of the type, duration of time and resolution of all prior repairs and am keeping records of the current repair.

Over the past 2 months, my vehicle has been at the dealership being worked on by FORD service. I have spent over $6,000 in car rentals during this time. When I received the call from the service manager that the vehicle was ready, I was skeptical. When I picked up the vehicle, it ran a little sluggish but due to it not being used for two months I decided to run it. Unfortunately, now every time that it sits long enough to the point of the engine cooling, then I start the vehicle, white smoke comes out of the exhaust pipes for about 30 seconds.

I have now started recording it every time that I start the video as evidence. I have called and left messages for the service manager as well as FORD corporate about this issue. A representative called me back and asked what was going on in detail. She then contacted my local FORD dealer to expedite things. I got a call immediately from the service department where he left a message for me to bring in the vehicle yet again.

All I want to do is be able to have reliable transportation to get to work, survive without all of this extra nonsense from a company that I now know has a history of mistreating its customers. I am formally requesting that Ford motor company buy back my car and place me in a suitable replacement (if it was a suitable outcome for my boss it should be a possible outcome in my situation)!!!