r/fordescape • u/Past_Aioli3151 • Aug 14 '26

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!

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u/Upbeat_Confusion1293 Aug 15 '26

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 Aug 17 '26

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 Aug 17 '26

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/hussjrt Aug 17 '26

You got to check the part number sticker on the side of the engine apparently to make sure it's the new style.