← New search

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

Engine complaints

1,564 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

coolant intrusion issues engines. This can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which can lead to engine failure. misfiring and engine coolant leaking in the cylinders due to cracking in the engine block, I was told this is wrong with my suv and need a new engine! Cost 10,000

NHTSA ODI #11613459

65,000 miles · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repai…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that hours prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for a scheduled oil change. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11613426

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2024
Engine

We were driving, and soon the check engine light came on, And car started overheating, plugged in the scanner and found that cylinder 1 was misfiring, did and oil changed after and found that coolant was mixed in with the oil

NHTSA ODI #11613241

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2024
Engine

Vehicle over heated on the freeway on my way home. Engine light came on and info display said to stop driving immediately. Also had a loss of power reducing my speed to 25 mph. I pulled to the side of the road and opened hood. There was no coolant in the reservoir. I was able to get a ride to an auto parts store to purchase more…

Read full complaint

Vehicle over heated on the freeway on my way home. Engine light came on and info display said to stop driving immediately. Also had a loss of power reducing my speed to 25 mph. I pulled to the side of the road and opened hood. There was no coolant in the reservoir. I was able to get a ride to an auto parts store to purchase more collant. Took it to the ford dealer ship and the discovered coolant leaking into cylinder 2 and said a complete engine replacement was required. They quoted me $11,000 to replace. Found many similar issues posted online. Dangers included possible engine fire.

NHTSA ODI #11613063

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
Engine

Known issue that is documented in detail here: Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 [XXX] Coolant leaks into engine valves. Dealership says the entire engine block needs to be replaced. This occurred at 65,000 miles. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE. admitted by the Ford service tech and Ford car forums. Absolutely ridiculous. INFOR…

Read full complaint

Known issue that is documented in detail here: Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 [XXX] Coolant leaks into engine valves. Dealership says the entire engine block needs to be replaced. This occurred at 65,000 miles. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE. admitted by the Ford service tech and Ford car forums. Absolutely ridiculous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11612942

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaking into engine caused by known 1.5L EcoBoost engine defect. I had no prior knowledge of CSP 21N12 until recently (as Ford did not send letters to owners or otherwise publicize this issue), and when I brought it to Ford's attention, I was told 1) that my VIN was not subject to CSP 21N12 even though it was subject to …

Read full complaint

Coolant leaking into engine caused by known 1.5L EcoBoost engine defect. I had no prior knowledge of CSP 21N12 until recently (as Ford did not send letters to owners or otherwise publicize this issue), and when I brought it to Ford's attention, I was told 1) that my VIN was not subject to CSP 21N12 even though it was subject to the precursor CSP 19B37, and 2) that I was outside the time and mileage limit (my car is under the mileage limit but just over the 8 year limit) despite the fact that the CSP was not attached to my VIN and therefore I would not have had any notice. Moreover, the issues began within the warranty period but since Ford did not inform owners of this issue, I assumed (as per my mechanic) that this was related to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils and fuel injectors. Ford has refused to repair this well-documented engine defect, even though this leak can cause engine fires. I do not understand why NHTSA has taken the position that this is not a safety issue that requires a formal recall.

NHTSA ODI #11612901

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
Engine

The engine in our 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 liter ecoboost has again died from coolant intrusion. This is the second engine since new. The first engine had 55k miles on it and the second one has died at 67k. Both engines have been destroyed by the coolant intrusion design flaw issue Ford has been well aware of but refuses to repair.

NHTSA ODI #11612891

49,000 miles · Sep 5, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while idling and driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was failing and might need to be replaced or repaired…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while idling and driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was failing and might need to be replaced or repaired. The contact believed that the pistons were dryer than expected. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was contacted, and it was stated there were no recalls but there were several Technical Service Bulletins that might relate to the failure. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer to verify if the vehicle was included in and TSB’s. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in any recalls or TSB’s. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI #11612828

110,000 miles · Sep 4, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the tailpipe. In addition, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnos…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the tailpipe. In addition, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11612593

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2024
EnginePower Train

Engine misfires/rough start, check engine light on, and coolant level leaks with coolant intrusion to the engine causing major risk of engine failure, fire, etc.

NHTSA ODI #11612028

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