sorry , I sort of read you r post backwards.....
  You have a rough idle issue...

If  two spark plugs were replaced.  Why not the other two?  Freshen all 4 up.
    The other two coils at your own choice there too. Coils more so do just die.. or go faulty under load...

Perhaps there is a vaccuum air leak causing a rough idle.  Check air boots, Vaccuum lines. connections around the engine. If it were too much of  aleak you would have a code for a 'lean' condition.


Wow, start googling and it leads you in 100 directions = rough idle 'ford escape'

 EGR Valve
Idle air control valve.
 Vacc lines

 Goodluck!

As he has already replaced 2 coil packs i would consider replacing the other 2.

Does it show a code?

I do know from working on one of these that the starting and a lot of the electrics run through the hybrid battery which gets expensive when they get older.

On problems like these you either find a good mechanic with a good in depth $10,000 plus Snap on scanner or go to the Ford dealer and pay an hours labour for a diagnostic check.

jed, I'm curious why you would think fuel because when I step on gas it goes and when I take my foot off the gas the stumble returns. It's really a slightly rough running engine not smooth as silk.

I agree with you about throwing parts at it. The coil packs were replaced & paid to a  "mechanic" with some sort of reader. I don't really know because I wasn't there.

The throttle body was by my friend after reading posts on the internet, that they fail.

I would question fuel delivery,
    Fuel Pumps / and associated systems.   If the fuel pump isnt delivering enough fuel/  or Pressure or at he right time. Engine wont go.
 
These modern cars require a plug up to a diagnostic machine to check systems vs throwing parts at things.

I know nothing of these = but if there is a fuel rail + port to add a pressure test gauge. watch the pressure when demanded.  Is it consistant or enough?

Thanks RR, just signed onto the first on. I'll check out the others.

You're a wealth of knowledge. Jim

I know how to fix that.
Ask someone here: https://www.greenhybrid.com/forums/f26/   
Or here: https://www.hybridcars.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?238-Ford-Escape-Hybrid-amp-Mercury-Mariner-Hybrid  
Or maybe here: https://www.fordforumsonline.com/forums/ford-escape-hybrid.102/
You're right, there are some smart folks here (some of the other kind too ), but you're way more likely to get a real answer on a Ford Hybrid forum.

Way off topic and I know it's a mini forum, But You guys are very smart. The engine just started to idle rough.This engine idles for few minutes then shuts off going  to battery mode. The coil packs & plugs were replaced on cylinders 1 & 3. Not sure of the other two. The throttle body (which has been known to fail and cause a stumble) has been replaced this morning. The idle acts like a misfire or non-fire. What could it be? ECU? When I stomp on the gas, it does go (Not that fast because it's a four cylinder) and it does not buck or backfire. Makes  me think it is running on 4 cylinders. Seems to run smoothly.

I'm trying to help out a friend. Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks Jim