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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.

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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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156,480 miles · Jun 27, 2024
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was able to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that a system failure warning light was illuminated. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was able to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that a system failure warning light was illuminated. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the CPU motherboard had been wiped. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,480.

NHTSA ODI #11597327

119,000 miles · May 24, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had caused the engine block to overheat and to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI #11590647

109,000 miles · May 2, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the spark plug and an ignition coil in cylinder #4 needed to…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the spark plug and an ignition coil in cylinder #4 needed to be replaced. The spark plug and coil were replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after the repair, the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic and it was determined that the ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a third mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a manufacturer defect and had carbon in the engine that was caused by a coolant leak, which made the spark plugs crack. The mechanic advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ODI #11586546

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Since last four months I get multiple warning lights with alarm in my car . 1) Engine failure contact dealer immediately announcement 2) steering assist failure announcement ( & steering becomes heavy) 2) Hill assist failure 3) rear park aid failure announcement 4) 911 assist is not operational contact dealer . The odometer and …

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Since last four months I get multiple warning lights with alarm in my car . 1) Engine failure contact dealer immediately announcement 2) steering assist failure announcement ( & steering becomes heavy) 2) Hill assist failure 3) rear park aid failure announcement 4) 911 assist is not operational contact dealer . The odometer and speedometer goes blank and I can not see what speed I am driving at. I have given my car to dealership 4 times so far. For multiple weeks. still the same issue. I am not getting any replacement vehicle . I am concerned about safety of my, my family and other people on the road. I need help to get a reliable vehicle that I can use safely. I have valid extended warranty. I have attached example invoice showing I was asked to pay lot of money out of pocket ispite of having warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11584488

84,000 miles · Mar 29, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 FORD Escape. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, it ran rough and the contact noticed the cooling level was low. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the water pump was replaced. However the failure persisted. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbe…

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The contact owns a 2017 FORD Escape. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, it ran rough and the contact noticed the cooling level was low. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the water pump was replaced. However the failure persisted. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V416000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11580061

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

Because Ford company has used peanut oil I have rodents getting into my car causing major damages

NHTSA ODI #11573962

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling

my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly a…

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my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly and would happen off and on. it was serviced for this issue at Boubin Automotive in Waterloo, Iowa and they stated that it was empty on coolant refilled it and seemed to not have any leaks and it drove fine for a few weeks and then had the coolant issue where the car would read high temperature then would go back to normal and kept doing so. The day i parked it and returned to it and it would not start it showed high temperature immiedately and would not start. had it towed to a mechanic shop habhab's towing in ames iowa where they stated there was no coolant in it once again and they pressure checked the vehicle and it passed the pressure test for the motor but had no coolant in it, and still would not start stating that the pcm is bad in the vehicle. it has shown the exact signs of the recall in this vehicle that ford has released and i am trying to get the car covered under the recall because its showing the exact same issues as the new recall that was put out. please contact me at [XXX] is my cell phone number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571251

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2024
Electrical System

Liftgate wont open. It’s been going in and out for the past 3 years. Some times it opens, most times it doesn’t. Now it won’t open at all.

NHTSA ODI #11566773

83,000 miles · Jan 16, 2024
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact connected a voltmeter to the battery, but no electrical failure was found. The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer referred the contact t…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact connected a voltmeter to the battery, but no electrical failure was found. The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI #11565757

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

The KNOWN issue with the 1.5L ecoboost engines happened to my 2017 Escape at 79k miles right after having a the transmission shifter cable bushing recall fixed. Coincidentally, it didn't have the extensive issue before bringing it in for the recall and also ,coincidentally, my warranty expired last month and they told me it's my…

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The KNOWN issue with the 1.5L ecoboost engines happened to my 2017 Escape at 79k miles right after having a the transmission shifter cable bushing recall fixed. Coincidentally, it didn't have the extensive issue before bringing it in for the recall and also ,coincidentally, my warranty expired last month and they told me it's my problem.

NHTSA ODI #11565068

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