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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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30,000 miles · Aug 24, 2022
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the Auto START/STOP relay twice; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle turning o…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the Auto START/STOP relay twice; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle turning off and intermittently failing to restart immediately. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11480937

103,000 miles · Aug 22, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle jerked and drove forward. Additionally, the vehicle rolled forward while the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) and the parking brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the fa…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle jerked and drove forward. Additionally, the vehicle rolled forward while the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) and the parking brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. Rivertown Ford (1680 Whittlesey Rd, Columbus, GA 31904) was also made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which included the VIN; however, she had not yet received notification. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ODI #11480580

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle, the power train failed and the vehicle had to be towed to a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle, the power train failed and the vehicle had to be towed to a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11479942

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2022
Power Train

2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. CONSUMER IS ALSO SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR RENTAL VEHICLE. WHILE REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE.

NHTSA ODI #11479910

34,294 miles · Aug 18, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated shortly after receiving the recall notification, the vehicle failed to shift from park(P) to drive(D). The contact stated no …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated shortly after receiving the recall notification, the vehicle failed to shift from park(P) to drive(D). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where he was informed that parts were not yet available to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer: Koons Woodbridge Ford (13779 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge, VA 22193: (571) 339-3077) was also contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 34,294. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and the problem is resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11479897

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2022
Power Train

Transmission went out with no warning at all while traveling down a road. It just quit pulling. Dealership stated Ford is having to redesign due to issue with current design. Does not cover this with current recall on the cable. Five at dealership with same problem at a small town dealership Had we been on a interstate and this …

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Transmission went out with no warning at all while traveling down a road. It just quit pulling. Dealership stated Ford is having to redesign due to issue with current design. Does not cover this with current recall on the cable. Five at dealership with same problem at a small town dealership Had we been on a interstate and this happened we could have been killed. We were almost rear ended when it just stopped. Spoke with Ford company and they stated they do not issue recalls that it comes from NHTSA. PLEASE don't wait until fatalities happen to force this recall. If they know it is a design issue why want they correct it

NHTSA ODI #11478380

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2022
Power Train

2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PEFORM SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11478181

60,000 miles · Aug 5, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic w…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a coolant leak; however, the mechanic was unable to repair the vehicle. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11477833

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2022
Power Train

Driving home from work 8/3 the transmission began to slip, RPM’s going wild & the car stalling mid drive. When taking off from a stop the vehicles behind me often almost rear ended me because the car would only go 5-10 mph. Then all the sudden would get up to speed quickly only to slip again. Drove it the following morning to…

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Driving home from work 8/3 the transmission began to slip, RPM’s going wild & the car stalling mid drive. When taking off from a stop the vehicles behind me often almost rear ended me because the car would only go 5-10 mph. Then all the sudden would get up to speed quickly only to slip again. Drove it the following morning to the dealership just before work. Same issues as the day before except there was a red warning to service the transmission right away due to failure. 80,000 miles seems to be when this Ford 2017 transmission is famous for going out completely. The dealer was more concerned about accepting zero liability while charging an exorbitant amount for a rental car & declaring the car out of warranty so not their issue.

NHTSA ODI #11477682

61,000 miles · Aug 4, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact decided to park the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact decided to park the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic the next day however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose and determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated two days later she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11477521

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