High engine temp warning

Technical
1

This morning, I used the auto start on my 2017 Ford Escape 1.5 AWD, and when I got in, I noticed a loud fan noise. Then, I saw a message saying “High engine temperature, turn engine off.” I turned it off and haven’t driven it since. I can’t see a mechanic until tomorrow, depending on the snowfall in my area.

I’ve had so many issues with this Escape and was already considering trading it in. Has anyone else had a similar experience or know what the issue could be? Any advice would be appreciated.

2

Check your coolant level. Unfortunately, this could be the start of a head gasket failure or coolant intrusion into the engine.

3

If it’s coolant intrusion, the only fix is replacing the engine block. There’s no quick solution for this issue.

4

It sounds like coolant intrusion, which is a known problem with these Escapes. If that’s the case, you’ll need a new engine. Google ‘Ford Escape coolant intrusion’ for more info. It’s unfortunately pretty common.

5

@Drake
That was my first thought. Should I buy antifreeze since the coolant level is way below the minimum line? I’m thinking of topping it off and seeing if it holds until I can trade it in next week.

6

@Shay
It won’t fix the issue. Coolant intrusion requires a full engine replacement.

7

This happened to us on New Year’s Eve. We ended up trading it in at a Honda dealership and getting a new car. It’s tough taking on a new car payment, but we had no repairs until 105k miles when the engine needed replacing.

8

@Oli
I’m also looking to trade it in. I got pre-approved through my credit union, so that’s a start.

9

@Oli
Same thing happened to me on New Year’s Day. I still owe money on mine, and it only counted for $500 trade-in value. Such a headache.

10

Quince said:
@Oli
Same thing happened to me on New Year’s Day. I still owe money on mine, and it only counted for $500 trade-in value. Such a headache.

We were lucky and got $5,000 trade-in value for ours.

11

@Oli
I’m hoping for something similar. Not excited about taking on a new car payment, but it’s better than throwing more money into this mess.

12

@Oli
That’s amazing. I wish I could’ve gotten that much.

13

Quince said:
@Oli
Same thing happened to me on New Year’s Day. I still owe money on mine, and it only counted for $500 trade-in value. Such a headache.

Crazy how many Escapes seem to have died around the New Year. Mine started showing low coolant just before all of this happened. It’s frustrating.

14

@Hollis
Too many! These cars are just ticking time bombs.

15

The coolant reservoir looks empty. My dad suggested I buy some antifreeze to top it off.

16

Sounds like coolant intrusion. I’ve got one of these 2017 models too, and it’s been a nightmare.

17

Palmer said:
Sounds like coolant intrusion. I’ve got one of these 2017 models too, and it’s been a nightmare.

I’m done with this car. I’m planning to trade it in, even if it means taking on negative equity.

18

@Shay
I wish I’d traded mine before it got too bad. Wishing you the best of luck!

19

I lost my 2017 Escape to coolant intrusion on New Year’s Eve. I’m lucky to have an extended warranty, but I still might end up paying out of pocket. It’s so frustrating.

20

Hollis said:
I lost my 2017 Escape to coolant intrusion on New Year’s Eve. I’m lucky to have an extended warranty, but I still might end up paying out of pocket. It’s so frustrating.

I topped off the coolant, but I’m pretty sure it’s the intrusion issue. If it doesn’t hold up for a few days, I’m trading it in and eating the negative equity. I owe about $6,000 still, but I’d rather deal with that than keep dumping money into this car.