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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

72 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I was driving down the road and my vehicle stalled out and had little to no acceleration Was stuck in the middle of an intersection until I could move it to a parking lot putting my safety at risk. Dealer (Brondes Ford Toledo) ran codes, yet would not tell me the codes after they tried to charge $11,000. No Warning lights yet, …

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I was driving down the road and my vehicle stalled out and had little to no acceleration Was stuck in the middle of an intersection until I could move it to a parking lot putting my safety at risk. Dealer (Brondes Ford Toledo) ran codes, yet would not tell me the codes after they tried to charge $11,000. No Warning lights yet, had engine lights on until the dealer replaced Fuel vapor assembly and crankcase pressure sensor a little less than 30 days beforehand. After service Ford said it was good to go and stated this could not have been related to the bushing already recalled.

NHTSA ODI #11617618

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Coolant leaking into cylinders, smell coolant through vents, smoke from exhaust, film of exhaust coming into front windshield, turbo charger 1, under boost, car just stopped accelerating

NHTSA ODI #11614587

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

My son was driving this car home from school and while going through a busy street, the car suddenly buckled and stalled and he was almost t-boned. Thankfully he was not hit. We later found out that this vehicle was assembled in a plant that has a known line issue with their engine blocks. This issue caused one of the cylinders …

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My son was driving this car home from school and while going through a busy street, the car suddenly buckled and stalled and he was almost t-boned. Thankfully he was not hit. We later found out that this vehicle was assembled in a plant that has a known line issue with their engine blocks. This issue caused one of the cylinders to crack and fluid to leak in causing the issue that almost caused the accident. We were made aware that this is a known issue by our service person. Ford is aware of it as they have issued CSPs and TSPs regarding the issue but have yet to issue a recall and will not cover repair costs or offer to fix vehicles before they have the issue. Ford should have a safety recall to prevent possible accidents as these vehicles age and the problem occurs more regularly.

NHTSA ODI #11611237

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

On a routine drive, my 2017 Escape SE, traveling at 68 mph on cruise control made a quick thud sound and instantly became unresponsive to gas pedal depression, and immediately began to slow down from 68mph, rapidly slowing to 30-35mph with fast moving traffic behind me. My Escape and displayed an Engine light that flashed contin…

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On a routine drive, my 2017 Escape SE, traveling at 68 mph on cruise control made a quick thud sound and instantly became unresponsive to gas pedal depression, and immediately began to slow down from 68mph, rapidly slowing to 30-35mph with fast moving traffic behind me. My Escape and displayed an Engine light that flashed continuously, and I drifted over to the shoulder and came to a stop noticing the rough and choppy engine operation. upon the use of a general OBD II scanner, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 were displayed as the cause for the engine light illumination. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop (receipt attached) and the spark plugs, coils were replaced at a cost upwards of $500. Upon the Escape being returned to me and its initial 50 miles driven, once again the engine light illuminated and the code P0302, P0303 were read once again as well as “Multi cylinder misfires detected” The vehicle vibrated violently, and accelerated was deeply compromised resulting in a near miss accident from the rear, and subsequently not being able to accelerate through an intersection. This was another safety issue as opposing traffic in all directions were required to go around my disabled vehicle at risk of collision with my vehicle. Vehicle was then taken to a Ford authorized dealership for inspection and possible repairs. At that time I was informed coolant had been leaking into cylinder 2 & 3 causing continued and extensive damage to the internal working components of my 1.5L Ecoboost engine. The repair required and sugggested was a Long Block Replacement with an estimated cost of $10,000+, surpassing the value of the vehicle three times over. I took the vehicle home and parked it, and bought a 2018 Ford Escape, and was unable to use my 2017 Escape as a trade in as it was considered a worthless vehicle due to its disrepair. Ford knows about this issue and refused assistance or advice knowing this problem exists and affects most of their vehicle lineup

NHTSA ODI #11607233

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

For the last few months, I’ve noticed that my vehicle’s brake mechanism hasn’t been stable, also audible /noises coming from brakes at time, vehicle has an EVAP leak, causing vehicle not to start after refilling with gas. Yesterday, 6/11, while traveling, there was a notice that said engine was overheated and to stop vehicle sa…

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For the last few months, I’ve noticed that my vehicle’s brake mechanism hasn’t been stable, also audible /noises coming from brakes at time, vehicle has an EVAP leak, causing vehicle not to start after refilling with gas. Yesterday, 6/11, while traveling, there was a notice that said engine was overheated and to stop vehicle safely. I was on a restricted highway on a very slim shoulder, very traumatized, but after 3 hours successfully has vehicles towed to a repair shop. No work has started.

NHTSA ODI #11601438

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic a…

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I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in Cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford refused and allowed me to drive back on the road in dangerous conditions. My coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. This is due to a manufacture defect in the open deck design of the engine block. My life was put at risk on the road driving with no coolant causing damage to my engine and reducing my car’s performance. Joes Auto shop confirmed my issue informing that I need a new engine costing around $8,000.

NHTSA ODI #11601327

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My check engine light on causing vehicle to run rough.and delay in engine performance.(transmission shifting). Ford dealer replace several Emission parts. (Warranty.) .Purge valve system. Oxygen sensors Etc. Car in shop for 12days.pick vehicle up drove 2miles check light came on again. Back to ford, Now ford wants Me to pay fo…

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My check engine light on causing vehicle to run rough.and delay in engine performance.(transmission shifting). Ford dealer replace several Emission parts. (Warranty.) .Purge valve system. Oxygen sensors Etc. Car in shop for 12days.pick vehicle up drove 2miles check light came on again. Back to ford, Now ford wants Me to pay for needed repairs to charcoal canister, Purge Valve system. $400,00 to $ 800.00. This repair is EPA and Federal Emission Policy. Which Fotd and Dealer States no it's not. Dealer will not HELP with any assistance. Tried to explained Ford and Federal.EPA rules. Per Ford Warranty Parts statements and policy . Dealer 1st stated to me this part is under extended Ford Warranty. Hours later called Me back,Stating It's My responsibility to repair. This part is Electric vacuum operated. Prt# GV6Z9D333A Purge Control Valve (Block off switching Valve ) Which is a Hose and Solenoid Assy. The say it's a hose nothing else. I explained a hose is only a HOSE and has nothing to do with opening and closing of Emission Purge Valve .System. That is what the Solenoid is for which opens and closes Purge System from fuel tank Vapors system to charcoal canister. Please Help me in this repair clarification.

NHTSA ODI #11587479

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The engine broke down and coolant was coming in somehow. It required a total engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11579855

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Vehicle indicated on the on board information screen that the engine has misfire and service engine soon. Inspected and noticed coolant lower than normal and engine would idle different. Took to dealer for check engine light. Inspected by certified technician and was told the coolant was "washing the cylinder walls of cylinder 2…

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Vehicle indicated on the on board information screen that the engine has misfire and service engine soon. Inspected and noticed coolant lower than normal and engine would idle different. Took to dealer for check engine light. Inspected by certified technician and was told the coolant was "washing the cylinder walls of cylinder 2 and dripping into cylinder 3 causing misfire and coolant to enter the combustion chambers and exhaust system ". Fords only fix to this was a complete engine replace. Quoted $8500 to replace. Was told by service writer that Ford has known about this problem on numerous models and passes the repair bill to the Customer with no help. This vehicle transport my 3 children and wife daily. After further review this could cause the engine to over heat cause the oil to become a the cooling solution until it the vehicle will stall and could bust in flames. One engine code indicated that the Evap system has malfunction and could not release the gas vapors from fuel tank. Which will cause the tank to explode with no warning. I bought this vehicle brand new and had services done when needed. 122k miles on a 6 year old vehicle and needing to replace a engine is not suppose to happen especially with a manufacturer that claim they are the leading manufacturer for the most sold and safest vehicles in America.

NHTSA ODI #11564793

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My car suddenly stopped accelerating. No warning lights came on. If I had been on a freeway, it could have been catastrophic. I had car towed to Sunrise Ford who said I needed a new Turbo boost, turbo charge assembly and VCT solenoids. I authorized that repair as cat only has 65,000 miles. After that repair, while the car was be…

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My car suddenly stopped accelerating. No warning lights came on. If I had been on a freeway, it could have been catastrophic. I had car towed to Sunrise Ford who said I needed a new Turbo boost, turbo charge assembly and VCT solenoids. I authorized that repair as cat only has 65,000 miles. After that repair, while the car was being test driven by the service technician from sunrise ford, the car failed again, completely immobilized and the tech pushed the car off to the side of the road. Now they say I have complete transmission failure and have to spend 7000-9000 to replace the transmission at 65,000 miles. It seems like a defect that could put other drivers at risk! It should be looked into as I hear other Fords have had issue with the turbo boost and transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11553253

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