This has happened 3 times in the last 4 days.
when I turn the key to start it , it turns over great
but does not start. when you let go of the key it
keeps turning over. if I turn the key off and then try
to start it again , once it repeated the above and the
other 2 times it started normally.
Thanks for any advice on this issue.

 

I am having the same problem with my escape. It has been at the dealer for a week now and they have no idea what is wrong with it. Did you find out what was wrong with yours?

 

It ended up being just bad watery gas.
a couple bottles of dry gas fixed it right up.

 

If the suggested fuel answer doesn't work,
either something is keeping the starter engaged electrically or the starter drive for some reason won't return to normal. I believe a different dealership or electrical shop that really looks into it should be able to determine the cause.