If the idea of brand new one appeals to you SUV that feels agile, looks current and is not perceived as outdated, it is most likely that the ford escape third generation (that renewed version that we saw between 2017 and 2019) be on your radar. To this day, it continues to be one of the favorite alternatives for those looking for a used car, mainly because it manages to mix a spacious interior very well with technological equipment that still feels current.
Of course, let’s be realistic: just because a model is highly sought after does not mean that it is infallible. Buying a vehicle with a previous tour is an art that requires not getting carried away only by its appearance, since understanding its “health” mechanics is the only way to protect your pocketbook in the long term. In the following lines, we are going to break down this model without filters, revealing its most frequent weak points and giving you the best advice so that you can review every detail before taking the final step and making the purchase.
Engines available in the 2017-2019 Ford Escape
To understand why these trucks sometimes cause war, you first have to see what they have inside. In those years, Ford released three very different engines, and the truth is that the experience (and the scares in the workshop) change completely depending on which one you choose:
The 2.5L iVCT (Atmospheric): It is the one that comes in the most basic version, the “Yes.” It doesn’t have a turbo, so don’t expect it to launch at traffic lights with its 168 horsepower. But be careful, let it be the most “slow” It is its greatest virtue: being a simple engine, it is the one that causes the least problems. Mechanics love it because it is durable and doesn’t have many parts that can break. It is the smart purchase if what you want is to sleep peacefully.
The 1.5L EcoBoost (Turbo): This is the one you will see the most in the intermediate versions, and on paper it sounds great because it consumes little and moves well with 179 horses. But, to be honest, it is the “problem child” of the family. It has caused quite a few headaches and has a history of failures that has left more than one stranded. If you are seeing one of these, you have to check it with a magnifying glass.
The 2.0L EcoBoost (Turbo): This is the consent of the Titanium version and it’s another story. With 245 horsepower, the truck feels really powerful and responds wonderfully. It is much more robust than the 1.5L, but don’t trust it: being a direct injection turbo engine, if you are not impeccable with its maintenance, it will cost you dearly.
Most frequent failures of the Ford Escape 2017-2019
Look, although there are many people who are happy with their Exhaust and it hasn’t made a sound in years, the truth is that this model has its “manas”. If you are looking at the forums or talking to mechanics who know everything, these are the points where the truck usually suffers:
Gearbox (6F35 Transmission)
Almost all of these Exhaust They have the same six-speed gearbox. The typical problem, especially in 2017, is that sometimes it gets “tantrum”. You will feel that it jerks, that it shakes when you go from first to second or that, when accelerating, it thinks for a second before reacting. If you notice strange vibrations when starting or see red stains on the floor, be careful, because the torque converter could be asking for a checkbook.
The EcoBoost Engine Drama (Coolant Leak)
This is the “coconut” of the ford escapeespecially in the 2018 with the 1.5L engine. There is a design defect that causes antifreeze to leak where it shouldn’t: inside the cylinders. It is not just any fault; If it happens to you, many times the solution ends up being to change the entire engine.
How do you realize? If you see that the fluid level goes down and down but there is no puddle on the ground, or if white smoke with a sweet smell comes out of the exhaust, it is better to run away.
The cooling system
Even if the engine is saved from the above, the system that keeps it cool is delicate. Water pumps usually do not last much more than 100,000 km. Since these turbo engines heat up a lot, if the pump fails and you don’t realize it quickly, you can overheat the engine and bend the head gasket. If you hear the fan sounding like an airplane turbine all the time, something is wrong.
Electric “Gremlins”
Sometimes electronics get a little crazy. There are owners who complain that the battery dies out of nowhere after leaving the car stationary for a weekend (some module remains “awake” consuming light). Also the SYNC 3 system (the screen) sometimes gets stuck or fights with the Bluetooth, although the latter is usually fixed by updating the software.
Sensors and cameras
ford He put a lot of assistive technology into it, but sometimes the sensors get dirty or get wet and start giving false alarms, like the blind spot warning that beeps when no one is there. Also check the reverse camera well; There were even calls for review because sometimes the screen goes black just when you need it most.
What to check before buying a used Ford Escape
Don’t let the excitement of getting on your “new” SUV clouds your vision. Before releasing a single bill for a ford escape of these years, take out this list and review it point by point as if you were an expert:
Under the hood (Levels and “clues”): Open the engine when it is cold. Take a good look at the antifreeze tank; if it’s almost empty, it’s a red flag, especially on the 1.5L engine. A golden trick: uncover where the oil is poured; if you see some kind of “mayonnaise” or light brown paste, it means that the water is mixing with the oil. If you see that, turn around and leave!
The life history of the car: Ask for invoices or maintenance records. A EcoBoost engine that didn’t sacredly have its oil changed (every 8,000 km or less) is basically a time bomb for the turbo. Don’t settle for a “is up to date”ask for proof.
Feel the Transmission (Test Drive): Don’t just walk around the block. Take it out onto the street and onto the highway. Pay close attention to how you start from a traffic light with light accelerator; If you feel that the car bumps, jerks or stalls. “thinking” Before moving forward, it is very likely that the box is asking for help.
“Soil” inspection: Get down on the ground for a moment and look underneath, just behind the front tires and in the center. Look for fresh spots of black oil or that typical reddish transmission fluid. If the floor is stained, the car is too.
Play with all the buttons: Try absolutely everything electrical. Turn the air on full blast, turn on the heated seats, open and close the power tailgate a couple of times, and make sure the backup camera doesn’t go black. Sometimes, what seems like a silly detail ends up being a sensor failure that is very expensive to fix.
Is the 2017-2019 Ford Escape reliable?
If you are looking for a quick answer, the truth is that It all depends on what engine you have under the hood.. Many wonder if a 2019 Ford Escape is a safe purchase, but the reality is that, if you put it next to a Toyota RAV4 or one Honda CR-V (who are the queens of durability), the Exhaust It comes out with slightly divided ratings.
The trick here is knowing how to choose:
If you go for the 2.5L engine (the one without a turbo): You’re getting a pretty faithful truck. It won’t give you many headaches and it is one of those that can withstand the passing of the years without complaining so much.
If you prefer the 2.0L EcoBoost: You are going to have a machine with a lot of punch and, in general, quite solid. Of course, it is only worth it if the previous owner was extremely careful with his services.
The “but” of the story is the 1.5L EcoBoost: This engine is the one that lowers the points for the entire range. With such a high risk of coolant leaking into the engine and causing a total disaster, reliability goes down the drain.
Advantages of buying a 2017-2019 Ford Escape
Let’s see, it’s not all bad news; the truth is that the ford escape It has some points in its favor that hit very hard if you know what you are looking for:
Handling and comfort: It drives wonderfully, almost as if it were a sports car but taller. It feels super agile in the corners, the suspension eats up bumps well, and best of all, the cabin is so quiet that you forget about the chaos outside.
Technology that works: He SYNC 3 system (which arrived in 2017) is a gem. It is very easy to use, it does not get stuck and it connects the iPhone or Android the first time, without fighting with a thousand menus.
Space for everyone: There is plenty of room in the back for passengers to stretch their legs, and the trunk is huge. If you have a small family or like to go on the road on weekends, you will love it.
Price is the key: Since it depreciates faster than the Japanese ones, you can get an Escape “full team” (with its leather seats, panoramic roof and all the assistance) for the same as you would pay for a CR-V or one basic RAV4 and peeled.
In summary: Should you buy a used 2017-2019 Ford Escape?
The answer is a Yeahbut only if you go with your eyes wide open. It is an incredible option for those looking for a modern design, lots of technology and fun handling without emptying the bank account.
My best advice is this: avoid the versions with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The only exception is that the seller shows you invoices from the agency ford showing that they already changed the engine for the new design (the famous “short block”). If you play it safe with the engines 2.5L either 2.0Lyou pay a trusted mechanic for a check-up before spending the money and the car has its services up to date, you will be taking an excellent truck home.
Editorial by Gossipvehicle
