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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

Power Train complaints

390 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2024
EnginePower TrainStructure

1. Coolant is either leaking or evaporating which makes the coolant reservoir tank lose water that requires many refills after daily use. This led to the car to heat up without any notice in the middle of a busy highway with a narrow shoulder. This causes the car to release white smoke from the back with a chemical stench. A mec…

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1. Coolant is either leaking or evaporating which makes the coolant reservoir tank lose water that requires many refills after daily use. This led to the car to heat up without any notice in the middle of a busy highway with a narrow shoulder. This causes the car to release white smoke from the back with a chemical stench. A mechanic checked the car by raising it on a car lift for any leaks but there were no obvious leaks. 2. Car sometimes violently shakes upon turning on the ignition letting out a loud noise that can be heard from afar. The warning was a misfire on the #2 Cynlinder. We have replaced the old spark plugs and coils with new ones but the car still shakes at times and on the screen it says, 'Engine Fault Service Now". 3. There is also a warning on the system that reads, 'Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power'. Upon start of the warning the car abruptly slows to 35 mph max which is a great concern for safety when driving on the freeway/highway with many cars going 70-80 mph. A couple of mechanics have all mentioned something is wrong because the system slows down the car to avoid any more problems to arise and is a big concern for them as well. The computer used to analyze any issues does not directly call out a specific error even though there is an obvious issue with the powertrain. 4. There was an issue with the latch on the lift gate of the car but was fixed by Ford because it was covered under Extended Ford Warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11568265

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2024
EnginePower Train

Engine coolant intrusion short block needed replaced was taken to mt orab dealership to have reprogramming done which I just found out they did not even do the reprogramming back in 2022 I had appointment scheduled for the reprogramming I had made one in November around 11th but not sure what happened so was rescheduled dec 6 …

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Engine coolant intrusion short block needed replaced was taken to mt orab dealership to have reprogramming done which I just found out they did not even do the reprogramming back in 2022 I had appointment scheduled for the reprogramming I had made one in November around 11th but not sure what happened so was rescheduled dec 6 th I am so disappointed in dealership lack of communication with customers about this program because they did not get me in until dec 6th the program ended this is completely unfair for me to pay out of pocket for dealership mistake with not disclosing they did not do reprogramming when vehicle was brought in and the program was over by the time they did

NHTSA ODI #11567807

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2024
EnginePower Train

Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. …

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Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. Upon review by a local shop, it was determfined that the engine failed due to coolant intrusion, a problem known to, and acknowledged by, Ford Motor Company. This was documented in Ford publication Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. There were absolutely no warnings or messages, nor were there any smells or sounds to indicate impending failure.

NHTSA ODI #11566589

49,543 miles · Jan 18, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had n…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact’s daughter was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that silicone plugs for the transmission drains had failed, and a significant amount of transmission fluid had leaked. The contact stated that the plugs were replaced, and the transmission fluid was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred again, and the transmission was slipping and the vehicle hesitated before shifting into gear. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,543.

NHTSA ODI #11566286

113,000 miles · Jan 11, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 60-65 MPH that while veering right coming off an exit ramp and driving approximately 60-65 MPH, and then coming to a stop at a stop sign; the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights il…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 60-65 MPH that while veering right coming off an exit ramp and driving approximately 60-65 MPH, and then coming to a stop at a stop sign; the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #11564856

110,000 miles · Jan 10, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the gears seized. The vehicle failed to reverse. The transmission became inoperable. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaig…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the gears seized. The vehicle failed to reverse. The transmission became inoperable. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer but was unable to obtain a timely appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11564539

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2024
EnginePower TrainFire

I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin fro…

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I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin from Ford's website below. Any help getting my vehicle fixed would be greatly appreciated. I am also having problems with my transmission. VIN NUMBER [XXX] Bulletin [XXX] · Number: TSB [XXX] · Date: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11563913

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2023
EnginePower Train

I started the vehicle and the engine was shaking, it had reduced acceleration and power while driving and the engine light started flashing with engine making popping noises and car bucking. I could not stay up with cars on freeway and after stopping would barely accelerate. I had to wait till traffic was not coming to turn acr…

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I started the vehicle and the engine was shaking, it had reduced acceleration and power while driving and the engine light started flashing with engine making popping noises and car bucking. I could not stay up with cars on freeway and after stopping would barely accelerate. I had to wait till traffic was not coming to turn across oncoming lanes to prevent being hit. I limped it back home and found low coolant and misfire codes for cylinders 2 and 3 . I am a 25 year ASE master certified auto technician , I pulled spark plugs and found coolant in cylinders 2 and 3. Engine was not overheating. this vehicle has 62120 miles. I found many complaints online for this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11560133

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Power Train

Transmission code fault I did not have power

NHTSA ODI #11558680

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2023
EnginePower TrainFire

Hi my name is [XXX] and I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 turbo all wheel drive SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a kn…

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Hi my name is [XXX] and I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 turbo all wheel drive SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin from Ford's website below. Any help getting my vehicle fixed would be greatly appreciated. My transmission is also slipping. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11558182

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