IllustrationTHE PAINT ON MY LIGHTING BLUE FORD IS PEELING OFF NEAR THE WINDOWS. THERE APPEARS TO BE NOTHING UNDER THE PAINT. IT IS PEELING OFF IN SHEETS. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1510–25K
17625–50K
30450–75K
25375–100K
237100–150K
34150K+
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
Structure complaints
62 reportsPAINT IS PEELING OFF AT THE PERIMETER OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
REAR TAILGATE IS GOING OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND FORD WANTS TO CHARGE ME A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO GET FIX AND MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK.
RETAINER CLIPS FOR SPLASH SHIELD ARE FAULTY AND HAVE BROKEN OR GONE MISSING CAUSING THE SHIELD TO BECOME LOOSE AND FLAP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. OUT OF 10 CLIPS, ONLY TWO ARE HOLDING THE SHIELD IN PLACE. FOR A CAR OF LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF AGE, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. FORD WILL NOT COVERING THE $45 PARTS OR LABOR $100. TH…
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RETAINER CLIPS FOR SPLASH SHIELD ARE FAULTY AND HAVE BROKEN OR GONE MISSING CAUSING THE SHIELD TO BECOME LOOSE AND FLAP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. OUT OF 10 CLIPS, ONLY TWO ARE HOLDING THE SHIELD IN PLACE. FOR A CAR OF LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF AGE, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. FORD WILL NOT COVERING THE $45 PARTS OR LABOR $100. THIS KNOWN ISSUE CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE THE SHIELD TO ACTUALLY DETACH FROM THE FRAME OF THE UNDER BODY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IN TRAFFIC SITUATIONS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE DAMAGE OR EVEN AN ACCIDENT TO NOT ONLY THE VEHICLE THAT IS AFFECTED BY THE LOOSE SHIELD BUT THOSE IN THE PATH OF THIS OBJECT IF IT WERE TO DETACH FULLY FROM THE VEHICLE. MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT AND ISSUE IS PRESENT. VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS EVEN COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OPTION AS WELL- STILL NO COVERAGE FOR "CLIPS". DEALER EVEN INDICATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR FORD VEHICLES 2017 AND OLDER.
THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS NOT LATCHING. THE SECONDARY LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND CINCH THE HATCH CLOSED AND SECURED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS, THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP I HAVE BEEN TOLD OF THIS SAME PROBLEM HAP…
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THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE IS NOT LATCHING. THE SECONDARY LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND CINCH THE HATCH CLOSED AND SECURED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS, THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP I HAVE BEEN TOLD OF THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPING ON OTHER FORD ESCAPES AT LEAST 3 IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AT THIS ONE DEALERSHIP.
ALL DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AUTOMATICALLY. WHEN OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE THE LATCH WILL REMAIN EXTENDED AND NOT SPRING BACK INTO PLACE. IF UNNOTICED WHEN YOU GET INTO THE SEAT AND CLOSE THE DOOR IT WILL EITHER BOUNCE BACK OR SEEM TO BE CLOSED ONLY TO OPEN WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF PRESSURE AGAINST IT.
AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND WENT TO BRAKE. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. I WAS PUMPING THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T STOP, CAUSING ME TO HIT A CEMENT POLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND CONTINUING INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE SE…
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AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND WENT TO BRAKE. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. I WAS PUMPING THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T STOP, CAUSING ME TO HIT A CEMENT POLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND CONTINUING INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE SEATBELT TIGHTENED AND I GOT 2 BROKEN RIBS AND TERRIBLE BRUISING WHEREVER THE BELT IMPACTED MY BODY. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOTALED BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BODY AND UNDER THE HOOD.
CAR KEEPS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
THE CAR STALLS IN MIDDLE OF ROAD, SUDDENLY AND THE DASHBOARD READS TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE FIRST TIME WHEN RESTARDED THE CAR THE POWER STEERING WAS LOCKED AND THE CAR SPED UP AND HIT THE CAR AHEAD.THE CAR BEEN CHECKED BY TWO DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE DPTS AND THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE FIXED.
ON OCTOBER 3, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 P.M. MY WIFE WAS GETTING INTO OUR 2017 FORD ESCAPE. SHE HAD THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN, BUT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING, AS SHE WAS GETTING IN SHE FELT A JOLT, THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARD, THE DRIVER'S DOOR SIDESWIPED OUR OTHER CAR AND KNOCKED HER TO…
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ON OCTOBER 3, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 P.M. MY WIFE WAS GETTING INTO OUR 2017 FORD ESCAPE. SHE HAD THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN, BUT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING, AS SHE WAS GETTING IN SHE FELT A JOLT, THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARD, THE DRIVER'S DOOR SIDESWIPED OUR OTHER CAR AND KNOCKED HER TO THE GROUND. THE CAR ROLLED ACROSS THE STREET AND STRUCK THE CAR PORT BEAM AT THE ADJACENT HOME. SHE YELLED FOR HELP AND WHEN I GOT THERE SHE WAS TRYING TO STOP THE ROLLING CAR. THE CAR WAS IN PARK, I STARTED THE CAR AND MOVED IT OFF THE STREET.
Official recalls
426V374000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.