P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape
Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire
P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape indicates random or multiple cylinder misfire. Stop driving and diagnose it before continuing — it can signal an unsafe condition. The most common cause is worn or fouled spark plugs (all cylinders due for replacement) (typically $60–$350). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0300 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0300 is set when the engine control module's misfire monitor detects that combustion is failing in more than one cylinder, or that misfires are occurring randomly across cylinders rather than being isolated to a single one. The misfire monitor works by measuring tiny variations in crankshaft rotational speed — a missed combustion event causes the crankshaft to decelerate by a detectable amount. When the ECM cannot attribute the event to a single cylinder, it sets P0300.
This guide covers P0300 across the 2015-2019 Ford Escape generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0300?
No. P0300 is a high-severity code on the 2017 Ford Escape — avoid driving until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.
What are the symptoms of P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Check Engine Light flashing (severe misfire) or steady (minor misfire)
- Rough idle and noticeable engine shake at a stop
- Hesitation or stumble under load
- Loss of power, especially at higher RPM or on hills
- Reduced fuel economy
- Smell of raw fuel from the exhaust
- Possible catalytic converter damage with prolonged operation
What causes P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Worn or fouled spark plugs (all cylinders due for replacement) Especially common past 80,000 miles on platinum or iridium plugs. | Most common | $60–$350 |
| Failing ignition coils — coil-on-plug systems | Most common | $80–$600 |
| Vacuum leak causing lean misfire across all cylinders | Common | $80–$500 |
| Low fuel pressure (weak pump, clogged filter) | Common | $80–$900 |
| Clogged or leaking fuel injectors | Occasional | $150–$1,500 |
| Carbon-fouled intake valves (direct-injection engines) | Occasional | $400–$900 |
| Low engine compression (worn rings, burnt valve, head gasket) | Rare | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor causing timing issues | Rare | $150–$550 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Ford Escape
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Pull every code, including pending and freeze-frame data
Read all stored, pending, and permanent codes. Note which cylinder(s) show misfire counts in mode 6 or the manufacturer-specific misfire PID. Freeze-frame data tells you the engine load, RPM, and temperature when the misfire occurred — critical for narrowing down the cause.
Tools: Scan tool with mode 6 / misfire counters
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Swap ignition coils between cylinders
On a coil-on-plug system, move the coil from a suspect cylinder to a known-good cylinder. Clear codes, drive, and re-read. If the misfire follows the coil, the coil is bad. If it stays in the same cylinder, the coil is not the cause.
Tools: Socket set, Torque wrench (for plug torque on reassembly)
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Inspect spark plugs visually
Remove all spark plugs. Compare their appearance. A black, sooty plug indicates a rich condition for that cylinder. A wet, fuel-smelling plug means no spark or no compression on that cylinder. White or blistered ceramic indicates an overly lean condition. Replace the full set if any are out of spec or past service interval.
Tools: Spark plug socket, Extension and ratchet, Anti-seize and torque wrench
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Test fuel pressure under load
Connect a fuel pressure gauge and observe pressure at idle, snap-throttle, and steady cruise. A weak pump may hold pressure at idle but drop under load — the time pattern matters as much as the absolute reading.
Tools: Fuel pressure gauge
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Perform a cylinder compression or relative-compression test
If misfires persist after ignition and fuel system work, perform a compression test on each cylinder, or use a scan tool's relative compression function. Cylinders more than 15 % below the rest indicate a mechanical problem (rings, valves, or head gasket).
Tools: Compression tester, Scan tool with relative compression
Known Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
Manufacturers publish Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) when a known issue affects a specific vehicle. These bulletins come from the NHTSA database for your Ford Escape.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - STRUCTURE Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 26, 2025
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
NHTSA #11025837 - POWER TRAIN Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611
+14 more TSBs available in MECH AI's TSB explorer for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Ford Escape. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Ford Escape diagnostics.
- ENGINE 1476
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 498
- POWER TRAIN 374
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 149
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 146
3 active recalls
- VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Aug 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and…
NHTSA campaign 16V617000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Jun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.…
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Jan 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.…
NHTSA campaign 26V011000
How do I fix P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Replace all spark plugs as a set with the OEM-specified part
- Replace failed ignition coil(s)
- Repair any vacuum leaks found by smoke test
- Replace fuel pump, fuel filter, or pressure regulator
- Walnut-blast intake valves (carbon buildup, direct-injection engines)
- Replace failed crankshaft or camshaft sensor
About the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
The 2015-2019 Ford Escape was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 1.5L EcoBoost I3, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, 2.5L Hybrid I4. Common trims include S, SE, SEL, Titanium.
Is it safe to drive with a P0300?
If the Check Engine Light is flashing, no — pull over and tow the vehicle. A flashing light means raw fuel is reaching the catalytic converter, where it will combust and destroy the substrate within minutes. Replacement catalysts are $600–$2,400. Driving home is not worth that risk.
If the light is steady, the misfire is intermittent or minor. The vehicle can usually be driven short distances to a repair shop, but every mile adds risk of catalyst damage.
Why P0300 with no cylinder-specific code is harder to diagnose
P0301 through P0308 narrow the problem to a single cylinder. P0300 alone means the misfire is jumping cylinders or affecting all of them — which points to a systemic cause: ignition system, fuel system, vacuum, or mechanical. Always start with mode 6 misfire counts to see if any cylinder is statistically worse, even if no per-cylinder code has matured yet.
When to suspect compression vs. ignition vs. fuel
| Symptom pattern | Likely root cause |
|---|---|
| Cold start misfire that clears warm | Carbon-fouled valves or worn plugs |
| Misfire only under load | Weak ignition coils or low fuel pressure |
| Misfire only at idle | Vacuum leak or dirty injectors |
| Misfire on the same cylinder despite coil/plug swap | Compression problem (valve or rings) |
| Random multi-cylinder misfire after fuel-up | Bad fuel |
P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0300 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0300 is set when the engine control module's misfire monitor detects that combustion is failing in more than one cylinder, or that misfires are occurring randomly across cylinders rather than being isolated to a single one. The misfire monitor works by measuring tiny variations in crankshaft rotational speed — a missed combustion event causes the crankshaft to decelerate by a detectable amount. When the ECM cannot attribute the event to a single cylinder, it sets P0300.
What are the symptoms of P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Check Engine Light flashing (severe misfire) or steady (minor misfire). Rough idle and noticeable engine shake at a stop. Hesitation or stumble under load. Loss of power, especially at higher RPM or on hills. Reduced fuel economy. Smell of raw fuel from the exhaust. Possible catalytic converter damage with prolonged operation
What causes P0300 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Worn or fouled spark plugs (all cylinders due for replacement) (most-common). Failing ignition coils — coil-on-plug systems (most-common). Vacuum leak causing lean misfire across all cylinders (common). Low fuel pressure (weak pump, clogged filter) (common). Clogged or leaking fuel injectors (occasional). Carbon-fouled intake valves (direct-injection engines) (occasional). Low engine compression (worn rings, burnt valve, head gasket) (rare). Failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor causing timing issues (rare)
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0300?
No. P0300 is a high-severity code on the 2017 Ford Escape — avoid driving until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.