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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

2,677 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Cylinder (2) misfire causing coolant intrusion in engine block . Tested and failed damaged cylinder plug causing misfire. Engine ruined!

NHTSA ODI #11618562

30,000 miles · Oct 7, 2024
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that all the electronics had failed to turn on, after which the contact became aware that the battery was dead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that all the electronics had failed to turn on, after which the contact became aware that the battery was dead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that there was an electrical parasitic draw, consciously resulting in a dead battery but was unable to locate the electrical parasitic draw point. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently on the fourth replacement battery due to an electrical failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11618533

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
Engine

UNKNOWN. 2017 Ford Escape transmission went bad at 70k miles. After the June 2022 recall by ford on the Escapes transmission, the issues went downhill since then. It cost $8k to replace the transmission or $7k to rebuild the transmission according to Ford. Ford knows its transmissions in the older model escapes are faulty yet st…

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UNKNOWN. 2017 Ford Escape transmission went bad at 70k miles. After the June 2022 recall by ford on the Escapes transmission, the issues went downhill since then. It cost $8k to replace the transmission or $7k to rebuild the transmission according to Ford. Ford knows its transmissions in the older model escapes are faulty yet still would charge consumers an arm and a leg to replace or rebuild it. An investigation should be conducted into this transmission issue regarding the 2017 Escape and other 2013 - 2019 Escape models. It is not right to rip off consumers.

NHTSA ODI #11618377

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2024
Engine

The engine was randomly low on coolant, so I refilled the reservoir 2 days ago. Now I received a service engine soon light triggered by code P0303, Cylinder 3 misfire. I believe that my vehicle is affected by the Ford 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the engine cylinder issue.

NHTSA ODI #11618344

41,776 miles · Oct 4, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing e…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,776.

NHTSA ODI #11618170

43,000 miles · Oct 4, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 and engine failure. The …

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The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #11618137

35,346 miles · Oct 4, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly but after warming up the vehicle was running normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the messages "Engine Overhe…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly but after warming up the vehicle was running normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the messages "Engine Overheating" and "Pull Over and Stop Vehicle" were displayed. The contact checked and observed that the coolant reservoir was low. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program number: 19B37 - Coolant Intrusion into Engine Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 35,346.

NHTSA ODI #11618136

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2024
Engine

Engine blew at 52,000 miles

NHTSA ODI #11618113

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2024
Power Train

Vehicle suddenly started not shifting gears correctly and lost power, took to dealer and was told it is a known problem with this model of Ford Escape, the service manager went as far as stating there was nothing we could have done. We had no warning lights, no leaking of any type but was told the coolant was empty. Service man…

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Vehicle suddenly started not shifting gears correctly and lost power, took to dealer and was told it is a known problem with this model of Ford Escape, the service manager went as far as stating there was nothing we could have done. We had no warning lights, no leaking of any type but was told the coolant was empty. Service manager said engine had absorbed coolent. They stated it had also caused the transmission to malfunction and cost to repair would be around $20,500. This is way more than the vehicle is worth yet we still owe $6,800 on a vehicle we have made regular oil changes and has presented no prior signs of problems. Obviously, Ford is very aware of problem yet has not made a recall. What can we do?

NHTSA ODI #11618067

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaking in engine. Thick white smoke coming from tail pipe

NHTSA ODI #11617752

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