IllustrationEngine light on, coolant leaking into turbo
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1510–25K
17625–50K
30450–75K
25375–100K
237100–150K
34150K+
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 reportsThe contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure progressed causing the vehicle to fail to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs were cracked and needed to be repl…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure progressed causing the vehicle to fail to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The failure occurred, the high temperature, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked, coolant had leaked into the cylinder, and the coolant had leaked onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was made aware of TSB: 222322. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red warning light illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact about a TSB regarding the engine block, which might …
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red warning light illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact about a TSB regarding the engine block, which might cause the engine to warp or crack and allow coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine block failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and accepted a claim, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 133,375.
Coolant intrusion into cylinder. This is a known problem on my 2.0l ecoboost engine. The dealership is recommending an engine replacement to fix the problem. Only 94000 miles on it and 7 years old.
2017 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Two mechanics verify coolant leak in the engine block. This failure is addressed by Ford CSP 21N12 which covers engine replacement for vehicle less than 7 years and 84k miles. The CSP was issued June 2022 but "expired" November 2022 so Ford will not honor the cost of repairs even though …
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2017 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Two mechanics verify coolant leak in the engine block. This failure is addressed by Ford CSP 21N12 which covers engine replacement for vehicle less than 7 years and 84k miles. The CSP was issued June 2022 but "expired" November 2022 so Ford will not honor the cost of repairs even though my vehicle meets the criteria.
Coolant intrusion - confirmed by a Ford dealer. After researching, I discovered this is a KNOWN ISSUE with these vehicles, but not yet covered by a recall. I may have to pay $8000 for a new engine. Please add me to the list of Escape owners with this problem. And TRY to get Ford to issue a recall!! Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATIO…
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Coolant intrusion - confirmed by a Ford dealer. After researching, I discovered this is a KNOWN ISSUE with these vehicles, but not yet covered by a recall. I may have to pay $8000 for a new engine. Please add me to the list of Escape owners with this problem. And TRY to get Ford to issue a recall!! Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine failed. Coolent detected in Cylinder. Code # PO302 Mis fire detected.Coolent resovoir Low. Infra-red Tested HC 985PP, CO 0.91%. Vehicle chugs during acceleration and is hard to start at times.Vehicle is covered underTSB 22-2229 Issued on June 9 2022.
New engine is needed because of a known manufacturing default. There is a class action law suit filed in March of 2024 for this exact problem. The coolant leaks directly into the gasket due to a design flaw.
Engine failure. Yes - available for inspection. Also have inspection report and video of problem. Vehicle has 49,801 miles on it - check engine light came on. Took it in for service - code was for misfire. Spark Plugs were changed - misfire continued at shop - boroscope was done and it shows coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coo…
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Engine failure. Yes - available for inspection. Also have inspection report and video of problem. Vehicle has 49,801 miles on it - check engine light came on. Took it in for service - code was for misfire. Spark Plugs were changed - misfire continued at shop - boroscope was done and it shows coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coolant intrusion significantly increases risk of engine failure, engine over heating and risk of fire. Therefore we were told that the vehicle cannot be driven. Per Fords June 2022 bulletin - to correct condition long block engine assembly needs to be replaced. According to Ford - this 2017 vehicle (engine manufacture date of [XXX]) does not qualify for recall repair. This is link to what was seen upon inspection - including video of coolant intrusion. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
bought a used 2017 Ford escape Titanium in 2022 with 38k miles. Didn't know anything about the issues with the car. Fast forward 8 months ago I started smelling coolant out of my exhaust. Had a friend to check it and coolant levels were low and coolant found it's way into my engine oil. This was around 58k miles on the odometer.…
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bought a used 2017 Ford escape Titanium in 2022 with 38k miles. Didn't know anything about the issues with the car. Fast forward 8 months ago I started smelling coolant out of my exhaust. Had a friend to check it and coolant levels were low and coolant found it's way into my engine oil. This was around 58k miles on the odometer. Fast forward again end of March 2024 my check engine light came on took it to dealership for a diagnostics. They kept my car all day just to tell me I need a new engine and turbo which would total 14k dollars.
Official recalls
426V374000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.