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2017 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,155 reports with mileage · 1,522 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 1,564 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 390 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

39 crash reports15 fire reports38 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

155 reports
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12,000 miles · Jan 22, 2020
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE/SITUATION WITH THE AUTO STOP/START FUNCTION. WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC-AT A STOPLIGHT, AT A STOP SIGN, IN THE ROAD WAITING TO TURN LEFT-THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AND A MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED TO "SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE". I HAVE ALMOST HAD OTHER…

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MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE/SITUATION WITH THE AUTO STOP/START FUNCTION. WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC-AT A STOPLIGHT, AT A STOP SIGN, IN THE ROAD WAITING TO TURN LEFT-THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AND A MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED TO "SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE". I HAVE ALMOST HAD OTHER CARS HIT THE BACK OF MY ESCAPE BECAUSE OF THIS. IT'S VERY SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND TAKES TIME TO SHIFT TO PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE WITH AN IMPATIENT DIVER BEHIND ME. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE ON YOUR WEBSITE. SOME OF THE NHTSA ID #'S 11300434, 11297934, 11292126, 11291536, 11290647, 11290086, AND 11288766. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS AS WELL. PLEASE, BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT DATE THIS FIRST OCCURRED, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE OCTOBER 2019. ALSO PER NHTSA 10160883 AND FORD COMMUNICATION NO. SSM 47492 FROM FEBRUARY 2018 THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS NOW. "SOME 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 02-FEB-2017 MAY EXHIBIT A NO RESTART CONCERN AFTER AN AUTO STOP/START EVENT. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY DISPLAY A MESSAGE INSTRUCTING THE CUSTOMER TO SHIFT TO PARK AND START THE VEHICLE MANUALLY. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) USING THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL OF THE APPROPRIATE FORD DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 14A068 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 10 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL. IF THE BCM SOFTWARE IS CURRENTLY AT THE LATEST LEVEL AVAILABLE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-06A AND/OR POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSIONS DIAGNOSIS (PC/ED) MANUAL FOR AN AUTO STOP/START DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) OR GSB0000153 FOR AUTO STOP/START SYSTEM INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS."

NHTSA ODI #11301107

28,500 miles · Jan 20, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS EXHIBITING THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED BELOW AND APPARENTLY KNOWN TO FORD ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 2018. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT MAY OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL OR PAUSED IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, OR PAUSED WAITING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. ALTHOUGH FORD WAS AW…

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MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS EXHIBITING THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED BELOW AND APPARENTLY KNOWN TO FORD ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 2018. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT MAY OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL OR PAUSED IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, OR PAUSED WAITING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. ALTHOUGH FORD WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM (VIA THE BULLETINS SHOWN) WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER 36 MONTH WARRANTY, NO MENTION WAS MADE OF IT. NOW THAT THE CAR IS EXHIBITING THE DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR, FORD WILL NOT HONOR THE 36 BUMPER TO BUMPER OR 60 MONTH POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO CORRECT. QUOTED COST TO REPAIR COULD VARY FROM $150 TO SEVERAL HUNDRED MORE ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE DEPT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM SINCE IT REFLECTS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING FLAW. PER NHTSA 10160883 AND FORD COMMUNICATION NO. SSM 47972: "SOME 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 02-FEB-2017 MAY EXHIBIT A NO RESTART CONCERN AFTER AN AUTO STOP/START EVENT. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY DISPLAY A MESSAGE INSTRUCTING THE CUSTOMER TO SHIFT TO PARK AND START THE VEHICLE MANUALLY. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) USING THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL OF THE APPROPRIATE FORD DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 14A068 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 10 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL. IF THE BCM SOFTWARE IS CURRENTLY AT THE LATEST LEVEL AVAILABLE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-06A AND/OR POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSIONS DIAGNOSIS (PC/ED) MANUAL FOR AN AUTO STOP/START DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) OR GSB0000153 FOR AUTO STOP/START SYSTEM INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS."

NHTSA ODI #11300434

41,120 miles · Dec 19, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine

MULTIPLE TIMES THE ESCAPE AS BEEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE AUTO RESTART DOES NOT WORK. A MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE TO PARK AND START THE VEHICLE MANUALLY. VERY DANGEROUS AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN CARS BEHIND ARE MOVING.

NHTSA ODI #11290086

26,000 miles · Dec 9, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN, THE ECO BOOST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF. DURING THE FAILURE, THE MESSAGE "PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY" WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN, THE ECO BOOST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF. DURING THE FAILURE, THE MESSAGE "PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY" WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. SKYLINE FORD (2510 COMMERCIAL ST. SE, SALEM, OR) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11287953

37,669 miles · Dec 4, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I'VE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.1ST PROBLEM IS WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE SET OF STOP LIGHTS IN GLOUCESTER MA. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. AT THAT POINT I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. IT HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SO WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN WHEN THE HAD THE CAR. 2ND PROBLEM…

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I'VE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.1ST PROBLEM IS WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE SET OF STOP LIGHTS IN GLOUCESTER MA. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. AT THAT POINT I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. IT HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SO WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN WHEN THE HAD THE CAR. 2ND PROBLEM, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET, 2 WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO COOLANT THAT WAS GETTING INTO THE MOTOR. I LOOKED UP PROBLEMS WITH THE 2017 FORD ESCAPE AND THERE WERE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ENGINES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF COOLANT GETTING INTO THE MOTOR OR BASICALLY THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR.THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 4 WEEKS AND HAD TO PICK UP A RENTAL CAR. I HAD TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF MY CAR WAS FINISHED. BECAUSE THEY NEVER CALLED. WHEN I CALLED I FOUND OUT THE CAR WOULD BE DONE IN 2 DAYS. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK IT WASN'T RUNNING THE SAME AS WHEN I PURCHASED IT, PLUS IT NOW PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. 3RD, THE CLOCK IN VEHICLE KEEPS CHANGING TIME. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THEY SAID NO. 12/4/2019 2 WEEKS AFTER GETTING CAR BACK, NOW IT WON'T START AND IS DEAD IN MY DRIVEWAY .

NHTSA ODI #11286831

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR WILL TURN OFF, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. I ALMOST HAVE BEEN IN MANY ACCIDENTS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS CAR. I SEE ONLINE THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS PRROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11286526

24,570 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEquipment

THE INFO DISPLAY BULB FAULT MESSAGE, TOWING MESSAGES, CROSS TRAFFIC MESSAGES, ETC. ALL ARE NOT WORKING. THE INFO CENTER IS NOT WORKING AND BEEPS EVERY TIME IT GIVES YOU A MESSAGE WHICH IS ABOUT EVERY 30 SECONDS. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS COME INTO CONTACT WITH WATER - EITHER RAIN OR AFTER WASHING IT.

NHTSA ODI #11281371

25,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Electrical System

THE AUTO STOP START COMPLETELY TURNS OFF WHEN IN STOP/GO TRAFFIC, RED LIGHTS OR TURNING RIGHT SLOWLY WHICH MEANS IT HAS TO BE STARTED TO RUN. THIS IS NOT A SAFE FEELING ESPECIALLY IN SAN DIEGO, CA WHERE THERE IS SO MUCH TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #11281364

34,816 miles · Nov 15, 2019
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEARBY PARKING LOT. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BIG VALLEY FORD LINCOLN (3282…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEARBY PARKING LOT. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BIG VALLEY FORD LINCOLN (3282 AUTO CENTER CIR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (800) 871-8112) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NOVEMBER 6, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE BODY CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,816.

NHTSA ODI #11280399

17,403 miles · Oct 19, 2019
Electrical System

I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY LIGHTS WILL FLICKER AND RADIO WILL CUT OUT FOR A SECOND. I HAVE TRIED DRIVING ON CITY ROADS HIGHWAYS IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING.

NHTSA ODI #11269559

Official recalls

4

26V374000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Jun 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 15, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

Jun 10, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

16V617000 · Electrical System:software; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Aug 24, 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 injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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 injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

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 injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems