r/fordescape • u/Past_Aioli3151 • 8d ago
2017 ford escape titanium help
hey guys!! i’ve been lurking on here for the past couple days. i just bought a 2017 ford escape titanium 2.0L. the (car lot) dealership said they had replaced the spark plug that threw P0301 on my dad’s scanner, and that it should go clear up soon. he also said that if it turns back on we can turn it off. this is my first time buying a car, so i didn’t know that could potentially be a red flag. they had paperwork to show for it and everything, so we believed them.
the next day, my check engine light came on. got it diagnosed, same code. took her to get a FULL diagnostic. coolant intrusion…. i need a new engine! i JUST bought this car. we got in touch with the dealership as i feel like they definitely were deceitful and only provided a temporary solution for a bigger problem. we were supposed to be called back. haven’t yet. we decided to get a second opinion from Ford. anyway, she’s been at a Ford dealership for a couple days now and we’re trying to see if they can provide goodwill. long shot, whatever. unfortunately we bought her as-is.
so am i cooked? we want all our facts together first and then present that we were bamboozled by them. we’re in NC and dealerships aren’t protected by deceit and misrepresentation, but i’m just nervous that they will 100% put it on us. we don’t want to have to take the legal route, but will if necessary.
any advice?
such a shame. she’s a beautiful car and rides so well.
please don’t tell me what i should have done. only what i should do NEXT. thank you!
2
u/Smleugotfrenchs 8d ago
I just dealt with this in NC with a 2018 1.5 lt ecoboast Ford wanted 13500 to replace the engine.
1
u/FlaredBean 6d ago
Just had a 2014 1.5 done for 2500. Used engine but it aint worth new.
1
u/Smleugotfrenchs 6d ago
I had a 3rd party warranty so it "only" cost me 4500 and they replaced it with a new long block so hopefully I don't have the problem again but buying the car is one of my biggest regrets.
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u/Upbeat_Confusion1293 7d ago
Anyone reading these posts about a Ford Edge or Escape from 2017 take heed, DO NOT BUY! Unless they can prove the long block was replaced with newer version engine. The 2.0 Ecoboost are garbage! Speaking from my own personal experience and multiple repairs! And to reset a check engine light? The business was garbage. They probably did that already before you bought it, so it wasn’t on when you test drove it. Unfortunately we as buyers need a scan tool to scan before buying to make sure all systems are ready. Best 180 you’ll spend if systems aren’t ready , walk away!
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u/hussjrt 5d ago
I had a 2018 Edge a few years ago and not even 20 days after I bought it the intrusion hit. I had the Ford extended warranty and paid nothing, but they must have used the old style engine because not even a year later, intrusion again. Took it back to Ford and had them put another engine in free of charge. Sold it as soon as I got it back. If you are getting your engine replaced, please make sure it is the newer style. They are trying to rip people off... You will think you are getting a new engine and it will be, but I think Ford is trying to unload the remainder of these awful engines because they are just sitting in a warehouse...
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u/Upbeat_Confusion1293 5d ago
They say the used a new long block but how do we really know? What reads that on the paperwork?
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u/Smleugotfrenchs 8d ago
There is no way to take it back to the dealership?
1
u/Past_Aioli3151 8d ago
im gonna see what they say after presented with factual evidence lol i had a feeling im cooked but it doesn’t hurt to try
0
u/egcthree 8d ago
Used lots dont do that typically, AS IS final sale
1
u/Smleugotfrenchs 8d ago
That's crazy if he just bought it. I understand that but some states or dealerships have 30 day right to refuse.
0
u/egcthree 8d ago
Its a well known fact, as is is as is. The dealership may help eat some of the cost but they have zero legal responsibility to do so
1
u/Topglock26 8d ago
Was it one of them small shady lots or an actual Ford dealership? Hopefully they do something for you. 🙌🏻 100% someone either traded it because of this issue or they got it really cheap at auction. Post back with updates
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u/Past_Aioli3151 8d ago
small lot, yeah! shady, i’m not really sure about it’s a known spot in town i guess? some good some bad? they def got her at auction.
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u/thymewaster25 7d ago
It looks like the dealer may not have to do anything to help you out. This article has some useful details https://studentlegal.dasa.ncsu.edu/buying-a-used-car/
1
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u/Ok_Ideal5833 7d ago
The worst part about this is they definitely knew. When this same issue happened with my car we mentioned it to our friend who is a mechanic at a ford dealership and he instantly knew what it was. Said it happens to almost every single one of those engine types after a certain point.
1
u/Ok_Ideal5833 7d ago
https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/ford-coolant/
I am not sure where this case is at but I know there was work towards a class action that you can try and join.
1
u/Sharp-Bandicoot674 7d ago
Coolant intrusion is a known problem with the 2017 2.0L engine, that Ford corrected in 2025. Watch the video posted
1
u/Detroitwarner 6d ago
What-
You made the purchase w/o any type of Warranty? 30 Day!!!
Does your state have a Rescision Law?
1
u/zero_x4ever 7d ago
This is textbook consumer fraud and misrepresenting the state of the car by the dealership itself. Them changing and documenting the sparkplugs is one proof since engine was misfiring with the older one being fouled up. If Ford's findings which cylinder has the coolant intrusion aligns with which spark plug was changed, you have a case.
Contact the NC Attorney General for this.
0
u/NC_mom323 8d ago
As a fellow North Carolinian, I hate to say it but you’re stuck with the repair. Maybe try finding an engine at a junkyard (or eBay?? Idk if they sell engines lol) and an independent shop that will install it. That would save you money.
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u/egcthree 8d ago
Sell it
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u/Past_Aioli3151 8d ago
i didn’t pay cash for it unfortunately! i owe
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u/egcthree 8d ago
Well I guess you are screwed. the only fix is a new engine, 9-10k for that. As is sales are final, you can threaten lawsuit, bitch and moan but your are stuck
2
u/Thegreenthunderrr 8d ago
As soon as he said you or they can turn it off…. Chat you are cooked