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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

Engine complaints

1,564 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2024
Engine

The "engine light" came on and reported a misfire in cylinder 3. After further research, I found that this is an indicator of the failure of a gasket allowing coolant to leak into the cylinder causing the misfire. I have had the issue diagnosed, confirming the gasket failure by two garages, one being a Ford dealership. Furthe…

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The "engine light" came on and reported a misfire in cylinder 3. After further research, I found that this is an indicator of the failure of a gasket allowing coolant to leak into the cylinder causing the misfire. I have had the issue diagnosed, confirming the gasket failure by two garages, one being a Ford dealership. Further research has shown that this is a known flaw to the Ford Company, caused by the engine design. The "fix" is a long block engine replacement. If no action is taken the engine will eventually loose coolant and over heat, or the damage in the cylinder will ultimately cause the engine to lock up, likely causing an accident and thus putting occupants of the SUV and possibly others at risk of injury. My car had approximately 100,000 miles when the issue was first indicated, approximately six months after purchasing the vehicle from a Ford dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11621764

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2024
Engine

My car overheated and went into limp mode while I was on the freeway, I was almost involved in a crash due to this. I took the car to an auto repair facility where they stated that this is a known issue with Ford 2.0T Ecoboost engines that cause a sudden and full internal burn of all coolant and the engine overheats. Ford has …

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My car overheated and went into limp mode while I was on the freeway, I was almost involved in a crash due to this. I took the car to an auto repair facility where they stated that this is a known issue with Ford 2.0T Ecoboost engines that cause a sudden and full internal burn of all coolant and the engine overheats. Ford has acknowledged an issue on the engines since 2022. However, Ford has not issued a recall for these engines. There is an NHTSA TSB on these engines TSB 19-2346. I could have lost my life due to sudden loss of forward momentum, the car could have combusted due to overheating.

NHTSA ODI #11621576

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2024
Engine

Engine fault light came on driving down the highway. Pulled over immediately due to car having trouble accelerating where I had to wait for help. Took it into a Ford dealership for a inspection and found out that it had a cylinder 2 misfire with fluid leaking into the engine. At that point, they recommend a full engine replaceme…

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Engine fault light came on driving down the highway. Pulled over immediately due to car having trouble accelerating where I had to wait for help. Took it into a Ford dealership for a inspection and found out that it had a cylinder 2 misfire with fluid leaking into the engine. At that point, they recommend a full engine replacement. The engine failure happened unexpectedly, the engine light was not on during the drive and it was not driving any differently prior to the incident. The day the fault engine light came on was the first time I had ever experienced those symptoms. We took great care of the car, it never went over miles for oil changes, and got inspections at time of oil changes.

NHTSA ODI #11621226

38,000 miles · Oct 21, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud noise coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact thought that the vehicle was going to explode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer wher…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud noise coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact thought that the vehicle was going to explode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ODI #11621123

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024
Engine

On this car it has a manufacturer design deflect on the engine block that allows coolant into the #3 cylinder. This is referred to as coolant intrusion. Ford has a service bulletin 20-2100 (attached) on this but are claiming we are not covered by it based on the build date of our car. Our car is clearly in the criteria of th…

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On this car it has a manufacturer design deflect on the engine block that allows coolant into the #3 cylinder. This is referred to as coolant intrusion. Ford has a service bulletin 20-2100 (attached) on this but are claiming we are not covered by it based on the build date of our car. Our car is clearly in the criteria of the service bulletin. Taking to the Ford Dealer they have an enormous number of these cars coming in with the same problem. Many people are being told Ford will not cover the cost of their bad design, causing this issue since they don't meet the criteria. As a retired helicopter mechanic from the Army National Guard, main components like an engine block and cylinder heads should not wear out unless there are many more miles than our car has. We regularly service the car for oil and other items as called for in the owner's manual. I've called Ford Customer Service three times and can't get a commitment from Ford to pay for it. Or Ford claim number is CXH-02801631-B0D5W8, and while the vehicle is affected by the attached service bulletin, Ford will not pay for it. Dealer can appeal for financial assistance to cover the cost. Nobody will tell me what the criteria is to get this covered by Ford. The service bulleting appears to apply to our vehicle so I would think Ford would take care of their customers. The check engine light is flashing making this car is not able to be driven based on my mechanic's direction. Otherwise, we are risking further damage to it based on Ford's error they are dumping onto the people who bought their product. We are the original owners of this vehicle.  If NHTSA has not started the process of a recall on this item, we strongly recommend you do so.  This is a repair that has $2,848.19 for parts plus 28.2 hours of labor per the dealer at almost $200 / hr. is $5,600 +/- and a grand total of over $8,500.  Even if you drop the labor to $100 / hr it's over $5,800. Ford is expecting us to absorb the bad design cost

NHTSA ODI #11621029

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Engine

On my 2017 Ford Escape with ecoboost, my check engine light came on we noticed a sweet smell right after Iturn the car on to drive it and a big puff of white smoke came out of my tailpipe. I did notice that it hesitated when i would start to go at a stop light but not enough to make it stall. We took it to the dealership and t…

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On my 2017 Ford Escape with ecoboost, my check engine light came on we noticed a sweet smell right after Iturn the car on to drive it and a big puff of white smoke came out of my tailpipe. I did notice that it hesitated when i would start to go at a stop light but not enough to make it stall. We took it to the dealership and they are saying there is coolant intrusion on the 4th cylinder and the only way to fix it is to have a new motor put in it. That's about $9,000.00. I only have about 43,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11620800

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
EnginePower Train

In September my check engine light came on, codes were for spark plugs, ignition coil and misfire cylinder 2. I took it to mechanic he said my spark plugs were covered in oil I changed the spark plugs, replaced valve cover gasket and intake gasket. Engine light went off car felt great not even 2 days later I felt the misfire aga…

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In September my check engine light came on, codes were for spark plugs, ignition coil and misfire cylinder 2. I took it to mechanic he said my spark plugs were covered in oil I changed the spark plugs, replaced valve cover gasket and intake gasket. Engine light went off car felt great not even 2 days later I felt the misfire again and there's the engine light back on and white smoke from my exhaust. Brought it back to mechanic I mentioned my coolant issue to him I have to fill my coolant every 2 days no puddles under my car. After looking at my car he said coolant is leaking into cylinder 2 so that's why when I start my car is shakes really bad coolant is burning off from the cylinders. He said I need new heads but they are warped so my best option is to get a new engine or trade my car in. I don't have money for a new engine I'm a single mom I'm upside down on this car because it's only worth $3600. Ford wake up and do something and stop screwing us customers who trusted you and your vehicles and now you left us stranded no help nothing. I have a vehicle that doesn't drive unsafe for my kids and I still need to make car payments on for years still. Someone needs to help and do something

NHTSA ODI #11620779

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2024
Engine

the coolant leaked into cylinder of engine and might cause engine damage fortunately the engine light was on and was noticed by me prior to sending vehicle to dealer for checking the problem was confirmed by Ford dealer at Winchester, MA. It was also confirmed by independent service shop.

NHTSA ODI #11620721

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2024
Engine

I have experienced a 1.5L short block, due to coolant intrusion to the cylinder bores. My car is no longer safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11620211

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2024
Engine

I bought a Ford Escape 2017 and noticed it started having engine problems I took it to a repair facility and they told me the coolant was leaking into the cylinders. They told me to fix it I would have to get a whole new engine for $8,000, this is so much for a car I just got; I can't get it fixed through Ford since there is no …

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I bought a Ford Escape 2017 and noticed it started having engine problems I took it to a repair facility and they told me the coolant was leaking into the cylinders. They told me to fix it I would have to get a whole new engine for $8,000, this is so much for a car I just got; I can't get it fixed through Ford since there is no recall. I have already wasted so much money trying to fix it for what the mechanics thought it was, on top of that $2,530 for taking apart the engine to diagnose it. Ford needs to recall these vehicles, this is a manufacturing error on their part and they should pay to get it fixed along with the maintenance people have paid to try to fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11620135

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