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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

507 reports
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85,426 miles · Jun 12, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her grand-daughter had started the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine valve needed to be replaced. The…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her grand-daughter had started the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact's grand-daughter later informed the contact that the failure had recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who referred the contact to a dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the fourth cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 85,426.

NHTSA ODI #11666512

107,789 miles · Jun 12, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal, rough sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, w…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal, rough sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the third cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 107,789.

NHTSA ODI #11666497

60,000 miles · Jun 12, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the second cylinder was misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the second cylinder was misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11666490

41,000 miles · Jun 11, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was di…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was leaking, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #11666361

87,000 miles · Jun 10, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #11666065

58,000 miles · Jun 9, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally, and started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, cau…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally, and started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #11665766

112,513 miles · Jun 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Th…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown TSB related to coolant intrusion into the engine; however, the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,513.

NHTSA ODI #11665385

102,000 miles · Jun 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the earliest available date to diagnose the was 10-14 days. The vehicle was taken to the Dicky's Doghouse, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #4 h…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the earliest available date to diagnose the was 10-14 days. The vehicle was taken to the Dicky's Doghouse, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #4 head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was awaiting an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #11665384

188,415 miles · Jun 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that the coolant level was low and that there was a coolant leak somewhere in the engine. The contact was advised to monitor the coolant level because the contact was frequently adding cool…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that the coolant level was low and that there was a coolant leak somewhere in the engine. The contact was advised to monitor the coolant level because the contact was frequently adding coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who discovered coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 188,415.

NHTSA ODI #11665350

77,000 miles · Jun 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The dea…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #11665267

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