NHTSA Service Bulletin 10188003: 2017-2019 Ford Escape
Official manufacturer communication context for 2017-2019 Ford Escape, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Some 2017-2019 Escape/Fusion vehicles may exhibit a rolling idle after an engine repair that required the crankshaft pulley removal, or a drive belt component failure. The crankshaft pulley to be slightly out of alignment in relation to engine top dead center (TDC) causing an incorrect crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal. To determine this as the cause of the rolling idle, position the crankshaft at TDC using essential special service tool (ESST) 303-748 then remove the CKP Sensor and attempt to install ESST 303-1550. If the bolt to hold 303-1550 cannot be installed by hand, this indicates that the crank pulley is not properly installed. Using a new crank bolt, install the pulley/vibration damper in its proper alignment following the WSM procedure in 303-01. Use ESST 303-393A to hold the flexplate/crankshaft when torqueing down the crank bolt.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10188003?
Some 2017-2019 Escape/Fusion vehicles may exhibit a rolling idle after an engine repair that required the crankshaft pulley removal, or a drive belt component failure. The crankshaft pulley to be slightly out of alignment in relation to engine top dead center (TDC) causing an incorrect crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal. To determine this as the cause of the rolling idle, position the crankshaft at TDC using.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
Get Full Report