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P2601 on FORD ESCAPE

Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

NHTSA Reports
4
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2017, 2018
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P2601 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P2601 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

4 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2017-2018. Most reports come from the 2017, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (75.0% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"An “engine fault check engine now” Came up. We quickly brought our 2017 Ford escape into our near by Ford dealership. Mechanic says a P2601 code came up, which is related to coolant to Aux pump performance. They found reservoir leaking a reservoir spiderd hose down to oil cooler."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/11/2025

"Check engine light came on and car was idling rough. Took to auto repair shop and was quoted almost $12,000 to fix problem. Code P0316, P2601 and P0302. Misfire in cylinder 2 due to coolant leakage. My entire engine needs to be replaced. I will now need to purchase a new car."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/16/2025

"The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Engine Now” warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he noticed an abnormal burning odor."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Filed 04/15/2023

"While driving on the highway on [XXX] at normal highway speed, the instrumental panel suddenly displayed a warning to pull over and shut-off the engine. There were no prior indications of a malfunction."

— 2018 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/30/2024

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

3
'17
1
'18

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 75%
ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING 25%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2601 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾
P2601 indicates: Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. This is a powertrain code. 4 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P2601 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾
Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P2601 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾
Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P2601? ▾
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P2601 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on FORD ESCAPE