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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.

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
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Mileage unknown · May 15, 2024
Engine

Coolant is leaking into the cylinder. Engine block now needs to be replaced. This is a known design flaw but not being addressed by Ford.

NHTSA ODI #11588907

68,000 miles · May 14, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle misfired, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the RPMs were unusually low. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle misfired, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the RPMs were unusually low. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11588764

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2024
Engine

THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2024 . THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY IN 3 WEEKS. I FILLED IT BACK UP AND IT RAN EMTY AGAIN IN 3 WEEKS.

NHTSA ODI #11588730

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2024
EnginePower Train

The engine was emitting white smoke at approximately 55,000 miles. After a quick inspection a low coolant level was noted and a code for a misfiring cylinder 2 was noted. This issue is likely coolant intrusion into the cylinder. I was made aware of the Customer Service Program 21N12.

NHTSA ODI #11588429

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2024
Engine

On [XXX] 2024 my vehicle began to vibrate while driving, then the engine light came on. The following day I took the vehicle to the dealership, Sam Galloway Ford and was given an appointment to have the vehicle checked. The vehicle was dropped off on [XXX] and was left overnight. The following day [XXX], the service advisor Reid…

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On [XXX] 2024 my vehicle began to vibrate while driving, then the engine light came on. The following day I took the vehicle to the dealership, Sam Galloway Ford and was given an appointment to have the vehicle checked. The vehicle was dropped off on [XXX] and was left overnight. The following day [XXX], the service advisor Reid contacted me to let me know the diagnosis result which was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and that I need a new engine. I was told the cost to replace the engine is $9,329, this includes labor, materials, tax. Needless to say, I was astonished and informed Reid that I could not afford to do the repairs and needed to consult with family before I give permission to proceed with the work. I later found out that the Ford Escape is included in class action lawsuits due to the EcoBoost engine issues which cause the engine coolant to leak into the cylinders, this is the exact issue with my vehicle! I further learned that Ford Motor Company has been aware of this issue with their vehicles since 2010. I have only had my vehicle serviced at the Ford dealership for over 6 years, and at no time was I notified that there was a potential problem with the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape. This is negligence and I am extremely perturbed that this information was not shared. I now feel that I was putting my family at risk driving this vehicle. I feel that Ford Motor Company should take responsibility to inform customers and provide compensation accordingly. There should be a recall on these vehicles. Please investigate this matter, as I am sure there are thousands of customers who are not aware of the potential danger with the Ford EcoBoost Engine problems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11588201

101,000 miles · May 10, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a loud clanking noise coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the engine began to misfire. The vehicle was able to be restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurr…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a loud clanking noise coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the engine began to misfire. The vehicle was able to be restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was misfiring. The contact was informed that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted with the engine warning light illuminated and the engine continuing to misfire. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failure with the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11588164

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2024
Engine

The engine started using coolant. it uses so much I have to add coolant every other day. The engine now has started to be hard to start and chugs for a short time after starting. After research I found that the ecoboost engine had a design flaw the Ford corrected in 2020 with an engine upgrade. I think Ford should be responsible…

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The engine started using coolant. it uses so much I have to add coolant every other day. The engine now has started to be hard to start and chugs for a short time after starting. After research I found that the ecoboost engine had a design flaw the Ford corrected in 2020 with an engine upgrade. I think Ford should be responsible for replacing my engine not me.

NHTSA ODI #11588079

112,302 miles · May 10, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine fa…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a coolant leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,302.

NHTSA ODI #11588029

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2024
Engine

Coolant intrusion that ruined the engine known ecoboost issue

NHTSA ODI #11587723

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2024
Engine

My escape has 54,000 miles and while driving down the interstate it started to shake and lose power. Engine light came on and it started to smoke from exhaust. Thought the engine was going to catch on fire. Barely got it off the road safely. Towed to local Ford dealership and was diagnosed with cylinder 2 misfire and loss of pre…

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My escape has 54,000 miles and while driving down the interstate it started to shake and lose power. Engine light came on and it started to smoke from exhaust. Thought the engine was going to catch on fire. Barely got it off the road safely. Towed to local Ford dealership and was diagnosed with cylinder 2 misfire and loss of pressure. Engine needs to be replaced. I'm up to date with all maintenance and recalls. Last service of oil change/inspection was end of Jan 2024. There was no warning prior to this happening.

NHTSA ODI #11587555

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