Trouble codes › By vehicle › Ford Escape
Common check-engine codes on the Ford Escape
2008-2022
The 2013-2019 Escape with the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost turbo engines has well-known problems with coolant leaking into cylinders and overheating, and Ford issued recalls for engine fires on some 1.6L models. Older models share codes with the Fusion.
Most common: P0300, P0217, P0299, P0171, P0420, P0455.
Known problems on the Ford Escape
- Ford electronic throttle body problems (2009-2013) (P2111, P2135, P2101, P0121)
- Ford 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost coolant loss, overheating and misfires (P0300, P0217, P0128)
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 means the engine is misfiring in more than one cylinder, often from worn plugs or coils, a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure.
On the Ford Escape: Misfires on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines, especially at cold start, can be a sign of coolant leaking into a cylinder (a cracked head or block). Check the coolant level often, and check recalls and extended coverage for your VIN.
P0300: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0217 Engine Coolant Over Temperature Condition
P0217 means the engine is overheating, or at least the coolant sensor says it is. Pull over and shut it off.
On the Ford Escape: Overheating on 1.6L EcoBoost engines was linked to recalls (fire risk). Stop driving if it overheats and check nhtsa.gov/recalls for your VIN.
P0217: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0299 Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Underboost Condition
P0299 means the turbo or supercharger isn't making the boost the engine asked for, most often from a boost leak.
On the Ford Escape: Underboost on EcoBoost engines: boost leaks at the intercooler hoses, or the wastegate.
P0299: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 means bank 1 is running lean (too much air or too little fuel), most often from a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF sensor.
On the Ford Escape: Lean: vacuum and PCV leaks, or a dirty MAF sensor.
P0171: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough, usually a worn converter, an exhaust leak or a lazy oxygen sensor.
On the Ford Escape: Catalyst efficiency at higher mileage; fix misfires first.
P0420: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0455 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Large Leak)
P0455 means the EVAP system has a large leak, most often a loose, missing or bad gas cap.
On the Ford Escape: Large EVAP leak: the capless filler neck or the purge valve; a stuck-open purge valve also causes hard starts after refueling (P0496).
P0455: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
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Common codes and known problems as widely reported for these model years; your vehicle may differ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer about service bulletins for your VIN, and confirm in your service information.