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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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114,000 miles · Feb 14, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. The vehicle failure related to TSB: [XXX] with NHTSA ID Num…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. The vehicle failure related to TSB: [XXX] with NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed the VIN was not covered under [XXX] ; NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 114,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571806

100,000 miles · Feb 12, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagno…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. Additionally, the contact was advised that coolant had also intruded into the transmission. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling; Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571418

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

Background: My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L Ecoboost engine has 65k miles. Engine light started flashing recently due to Cylinder missfire code P0301 , immediately brought it into Ford and upon their assessment they shared that my engine has a coolant leak in cylinder 1 which is causing major engine issues. This is my p…

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Background: My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L Ecoboost engine has 65k miles. Engine light started flashing recently due to Cylinder missfire code P0301 , immediately brought it into Ford and upon their assessment they shared that my engine has a coolant leak in cylinder 1 which is causing major engine issues. This is my primary car and I need it to transport myself to and from work. I have taken diligent car of this car and have only serviced it (routine and non-routine maintenance) at Ford Dealerships to ensure that all parts and the service is the best possible to keep the vehicle in top condition. Safety: If left untreated this coolant leakage into the engine will result in a variety of hazardous and life-threating issues for the driver as well as individuals on the streets such as engine overheating, engine corrosion and ultimately total engine failure. I am not comfortable driving this car at this time as it is a ticking time bomb unless I pay for the replacement of the engine. But as I understand this will not guarantee this issue will not resurface again as the engine replacement will be with the same engine type that has the same design defect of an "open block" which is prone to coolant leaking inside. Problem reproduced: Yes, reproduced by Ford Dealership. This problem appears to be routine enough for Ford Motor Company to issue a TSB regarding this issue [XXX] with the only fix being a total replacement of the engine, with an illogical cost of 10k. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: Yes, I have brought the vehicle into the Ford dealership that I bought the vehicle at and they shared the issue along with the TSB that describes the issue I am having along with the expected resolution and cost. Warning lamps: Yes, the engine light turned on randomly and immediately began flashing. The next day I brought it into the Ford Dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571413

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

Engine warning light came on while driving. Vehicle is operable but service department has indicated coolant intrusion needs new engine short block replaced to operate the vehicle. This is our only transportation and we have been advised not to drive the vehicle as the engine could seize up at any time.

NHTSA ODI #11571402

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling

my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly a…

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my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly and would happen off and on. it was serviced for this issue at Boubin Automotive in Waterloo, Iowa and they stated that it was empty on coolant refilled it and seemed to not have any leaks and it drove fine for a few weeks and then had the coolant issue where the car would read high temperature then would go back to normal and kept doing so. The day i parked it and returned to it and it would not start it showed high temperature immiedately and would not start. had it towed to a mechanic shop habhab's towing in ames iowa where they stated there was no coolant in it once again and they pressure checked the vehicle and it passed the pressure test for the motor but had no coolant in it, and still would not start stating that the pcm is bad in the vehicle. it has shown the exact signs of the recall in this vehicle that ford has released and i am trying to get the car covered under the recall because its showing the exact same issues as the new recall that was put out. please contact me at [XXX] is my cell phone number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571251

44,000 miles · Jan 29, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. After which, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehi…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. After which, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, and informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #11568647

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The engine has a known issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders. There is no fix for this. It affects all Escapes 2013-2019. Ford did a very limited recall restricted to just the 1.6L engines but the issue affects all engines. My escape is at the dealership now and has confirmed that my engine has this issue. I called Ford t…

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The engine has a known issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders. There is no fix for this. It affects all Escapes 2013-2019. Ford did a very limited recall restricted to just the 1.6L engines but the issue affects all engines. My escape is at the dealership now and has confirmed that my engine has this issue. I called Ford to ask what they were going to do to correct this issue. They acknowledged that there is a problem and that they know this is their issue but at this time will not do anything to help me. If I continue to drive my car it could catch on fire. I can not afford to replace the engine as it is $7500.

NHTSA ODI #11566947

78,000 miles · Jan 19, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was also idling roughly. The contact stated that while driving during the day the smoke ceased; however, the vehicle would idle roughly while stop…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was also idling roughly. The contact stated that while driving during the day the smoke ceased; however, the vehicle would idle roughly while stopped for a traffic signal or while slowing for traffic. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine cylinders and recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a manufacturer recall for the failure however, the vehicle was not included. The failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11566509

93,000 miles · Jan 16, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a left turn into traffic, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that when the heat was turned on, there was an abnormal burning odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a left turn into traffic, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that when the heat was turned on, there was an abnormal burning odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into a cylinder and caused damage to the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI #11565823

39,000 miles · Jan 11, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the contact informed the mechanic about the engine warning light. The mechanic informed the contact that the spark …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the contact informed the mechanic about the engine warning light. The mechanic informed the contact that the spark plug failed to release without being fractured, and it was also diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the repair and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ODI #11564948

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