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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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50,000 miles · May 5, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, ignition coil, and cylinder #4 needed to be replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, ignition coil, and cylinder #4 needed to be replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact also stated that the vehicle was idling rough. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11520682

53,000 miles · Mar 10, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart with the Auto Start/Stop feature. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refe…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart with the Auto Start/Stop feature. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #11511153

129,994 miles · Feb 24, 2023
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

The car has suffered from multiple problems since 2020, where each time I would take it to the shop to be assessed.. The transmission, the electrical, and I have suffered from mental illness due to me being afraid to drive in the car. There was no way to get it diagnosed for the specific recall. I have spent $15,547.50 in mostly…

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The car has suffered from multiple problems since 2020, where each time I would take it to the shop to be assessed.. The transmission, the electrical, and I have suffered from mental illness due to me being afraid to drive in the car. There was no way to get it diagnosed for the specific recall. I have spent $15,547.50 in mostly the same repairs. I have bought a total of 13 tires. Had to get the front suspension fixed, the struts, rental cars, had to get new brakes and rotos 3 times, wheel bearing replacement, had to get a second key cut, and the car reprogrammed, car makes a loud noise and it was not able to be diagnosed, purge valve assembly, spark plugs changed 2 times, and of course regular oil changes every few months. My check engine light has never come on. I have gone to the ford service cener, grease monkey, valvoline, good year, jiffy lube, tune up clinic, c&p auto repair. There were 2 recalls on the ford escape 2017 causing my car to not be able to be on brake without it shaking uncontrollablly. Every time a car issue would arise I would immediately go to a car shop. I am afraid to drive the vehicle due to the shifter not going into park. My daughter has missed muliple days of school due to the ongoing car issues. Her school is aware of the persistent car issues. We are homeless so we rely on the car 100%. I will be able to send all documents when you are ready.

NHTSA ODI #11508962

81,292 miles · Feb 15, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start four days after NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) repair was completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the battery and spark plugs were replaced; however, t…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start four days after NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) repair was completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the battery and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that there was an additional fee for the diagnostic tests to be performed on the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,292.

NHTSA ODI #11507454

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

My low beam headlights go out about every 60 days. I find myself having to drive home... once with both lights failing at the same time. This is discussed in many on-line forums and seems to be a common problem with this car.

NHTSA ODI #11506226

39,000 miles · Jan 13, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle shuddered and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while ex…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle shuddered and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while exiting the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature engaged independently whenever the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. The contact was instructed by the dealer to drive the vehicle for 100 miles to reset the components. However, the vehicle only made it about two blocks from the dealership before losing engine power again. The vehicle still remains at the dealership as it is still undiagnosed and unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11501581

98,000 miles · Jan 9, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and slightly decelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs were misfiring. The independent mechanic related the failure t…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and slightly decelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs were misfiring. The independent mechanic related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 due to the mileage. Additionally, the manufacturer advised the contact that NHTSA was responsible for the parameters for the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11500822

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

I was stopped at a red light, in Drive, when the car suddenly died. All the screens went black and the engine cut. I was also unable to use my electric locks or hazard lights. The car was eventually jumped, driven to a mechanic for the alternator and battery checked, with battery changed. Since receiving my car back with new bat…

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I was stopped at a red light, in Drive, when the car suddenly died. All the screens went black and the engine cut. I was also unable to use my electric locks or hazard lights. The car was eventually jumped, driven to a mechanic for the alternator and battery checked, with battery changed. Since receiving my car back with new battery, the media console does not work. Buttons illuminate but don't do anything, screen only shows time/date/temperature and backup camera. No SYNC, radio, bluetooth, CDs. Ford support attempted multiple resets with no change.

NHTSA ODI #11498457

130,000 miles · Nov 15, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred o…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11493597

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

Repeated failure of passenger side low beam headlight bulb. The bulb has burned out 3 times within less than one year. No visible issues were found with the headlamp assembly. All new bulbs purchased to replace the previous, without defect, but have continued to fail. The first failure occurred in October 2021. Second failure in…

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Repeated failure of passenger side low beam headlight bulb. The bulb has burned out 3 times within less than one year. No visible issues were found with the headlamp assembly. All new bulbs purchased to replace the previous, without defect, but have continued to fail. The first failure occurred in October 2021. Second failure in January 2022 and currently, the third failure October 2022.

NHTSA ODI #11491387

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