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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
75,000 miles · Jul 29, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on each occasion, the vehicle drove rough, and while decelerating the vehicle jerked continuously until shif…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on each occasion, the vehicle drove rough, and while decelerating the vehicle jerked continuously until shifted into park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11605058

47,000 miles · Jul 26, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine ran rough. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fail…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine ran rough. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #11604793

59,999 miles · Jul 26, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated the admissions warning light had been illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact noticed that around this time the heating system had failed. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic who noticed the anit-freeze tank had been low. The anti-freeze had been …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated the admissions warning light had been illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact noticed that around this time the heating system had failed. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic who noticed the anit-freeze tank had been low. The anti-freeze had been refilled and a fuse had been repaled. Approximately, 3 months after the admissions light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the anit-freeze was low again and that coolant was leaking with cylinder # 3 causing the engine to overheat and fail. The engine needed to be replaced. The engine had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and it was confirmed the VIN was not covered under a recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 59,999.

NHTSA ODI #11604710

88,000 miles · Jul 26, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in stop-and-go traffic, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started running hot. The contact was able to pull over and check the coolant level and became aware that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The contact …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in stop-and-go traffic, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started running hot. The contact was able to pull over and check the coolant level and became aware that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to the Technical Service Bulletin, NHTSA ID:10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11604700

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2024
Engine

Started driving vehicle one morning and white smoke came of the exhaust. Took it back to Cascade Auto where I purchased the car. Head gasket has to be repaired. Cascade is currently repairing the head gasket. $3,000 repair. The car only has 70,000 miles on it. Ford Motor Company would not help with this repair. I talked with Kla…

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Started driving vehicle one morning and white smoke came of the exhaust. Took it back to Cascade Auto where I purchased the car. Head gasket has to be repaired. Cascade is currently repairing the head gasket. $3,000 repair. The car only has 70,000 miles on it. Ford Motor Company would not help with this repair. I talked with Klaben Ford and North Canton Ford. Also, I called the ford hotline and they would not help with the repair.

NHTSA ODI #11604699

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2024
Engine

My 2017 Ford escape has been diagnosed with a coolant intrusion problem. Error code P0303 and P0316 Car is out of Ford warranty but my Auto Nation Protection plan did not expire until 6/18/24. Mileage is only 51607 on day of diagnosis. 7/11/24. My protection plan will not do anything as it is expired. I did first have troub…

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My 2017 Ford escape has been diagnosed with a coolant intrusion problem. Error code P0303 and P0316 Car is out of Ford warranty but my Auto Nation Protection plan did not expire until 6/18/24. Mileage is only 51607 on day of diagnosis. 7/11/24. My protection plan will not do anything as it is expired. I did first have trouble on 4/20/24 when the engine light came on. Took to mechanic as a veri scan showed Cylinder 3 misfire detected. Mechanic made repairs, ignition coil and spark plugs. work done on 5/7/24. Brought it back a few times to mechanic as the engine light kept coming on. He said to bring it to the dealer as it may be a computer problem. I took to dealer and they diagnosed this coolant intrusion problem. No one will fix this as the warranty is out. I called Ford and they said to repair the car and hold on to the receipt. Seriously????? This is an $8000 repair and I only owe $7,000. I have since researched this and I found out this is a known issue with the escape 2.0. I believe the 1.5 may have had a recall, I am not sure. What about the 2.0. What am I to do now? Please advise. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11604524

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2024
Engine

Known problem with coolant leaking into cylinders could cause engine to seize at any moment while driving. Can’t afford to replace engine, so I’ll just keep driving it until it causes an issue…

NHTSA ODI #11604522

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2024
Power Train

Barber Ford in Holland reported that the transmission has failed at 66,000 miles. Looking online this seems to be a common issue.

NHTSA ODI #11604228

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2024
Engine

Engine was overheating, found out no coolant in overflow, no engine code shown, took to Ford dealership. They found system was clearing out the codes and found coolant leaking into engine. Was quoted 10, 661.29 to replace engine They said my engine wasn't covered under the current recalls on the engines that are leaking cool…

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Engine was overheating, found out no coolant in overflow, no engine code shown, took to Ford dealership. They found system was clearing out the codes and found coolant leaking into engine. Was quoted 10, 661.29 to replace engine They said my engine wasn't covered under the current recalls on the engines that are leaking coolant into the engine. They know of this problem, but mine wasn't one of them I attached the receipt from Lasco Ford that has details on it. Please let me know if you weren't able to view the receipt. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11604184

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2024
Power Train

We have only had our 2017 Ford escape for less than two years. We are the second owners of the vehicle and have maintained its prestigious service record with none stating that the transmission was or is faulty. Woke up one morning, driving to work and all of a sudden I go to press the gas and it felt like I hit a brick wall. It…

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We have only had our 2017 Ford escape for less than two years. We are the second owners of the vehicle and have maintained its prestigious service record with none stating that the transmission was or is faulty. Woke up one morning, driving to work and all of a sudden I go to press the gas and it felt like I hit a brick wall. It was the scariest thing! My head almost hit the steering wheel!!! I was NOT expecting that at all! Took it to our mechanic on a trailer and they stated that the transmission did NOT even come up on the diagnostic computer. They informed me that they tested the fluid and that was OK. They called me to come pick it up. I told them there’s no way it’s OK because of what happened. My dad went and picked it up he was only a minute or two down the road and it happened to him . He called our mechanic back, put it back on my dad‘s trailer with help from a friend. Got it back to their service department and again hooked it up to the computer and it did not say the transmission. But with the mechanics expertise, it was the transmission. They also stated that for this particular vehicle you cannot “rebuild the transmission” it is a “throwaway transmission” and you have to buy a whole new one. This is a huge safety concern. Like I mentioned, it felt like hitting a brick wall. It just completely stopped with no indication that there’s even a transmission issue or signal on my dashboard and now this is going to cost about $7000 to replace. We have to get it fixed. When we purchased the vehicle a year and a half ago it was over $20,000. This is a major issue for me and my family because we will not be able to afford this, but this needs to get fixed somehow. If someone in your department can escalate this and give me a call I would greatly appreciate it. We can provide any documentation needed from two different Mechanic shops. The place where we bought it where I get it regularly maintained, and the mechanic that informed us that it is the transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11604141

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