← New search

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
88,000 miles · Jul 15, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the coolant fluid was significantly low. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a relative who replaced the spark plugs; however, the…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the coolant fluid was significantly low. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a relative who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing an excessive amount of coolant fluid and needed to be refilled every three days. The contact stated that on one occasion, the warning light indicating that the engine was overheating had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11602298

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2024
Engine

Engine block design is defective and allows coolant to leak into cylinders 2 or 3. This causing white smoke, engine misfires and overheating that can cause an engine fire. Ford has issued service bulletins to replace the engine but no recall at this time.

NHTSA ODI #11602289

100,175 miles · Jul 15, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to slow down to exit the Interstate and the vehicle started jerking and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that coolant had leaked i…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to slow down to exit the Interstate and the vehicle started jerking and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After receiving the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact decided to trade the vehicle instead of repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,175.

NHTSA ODI #11602266

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
Engine

There is a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (19-2208) that deals with a coolant intrusion into the engine through a cracked cylinder. My vehicle falls into the category of this particular issue. After multiple repairs to my vehicle due to my engine light coming on intermittently my car warning lights came on while I was driving…

Read full complaint

There is a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (19-2208) that deals with a coolant intrusion into the engine through a cracked cylinder. My vehicle falls into the category of this particular issue. After multiple repairs to my vehicle due to my engine light coming on intermittently my car warning lights came on while I was driving down the interstate and had to pull over. I sat at the side of the road until I could get a tow truck to pick my vehicle and myself up. There has been no notification to owners about this issue because Ford is telling me that it's not a recall but a Technical Service Bulletin so I'm being told I have to pay $10,000 for a new engine. I have 73,000 miles on my 7 year old vehicle which I shouldn't have to buy a new engine. This is definitely a safety issue, I could have broken down at night, fortunately, I got off work 2 hours early so it was still light outside. I'm a [XXX] and this has been a very stressful time due to a manufacturing defect that is not of my making INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11601615

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11601548

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
Engine

I purchased my Ford Escape SE eco boost 2017 new. and now the engine light came on and I had ford checked to see what was the issue. once diagnosis was done they told me I had to replace my engine for eleven thousand (insane ) my coolant was leaking into my cylinders and engine. I looked up this issue and found that there are th…

Read full complaint

I purchased my Ford Escape SE eco boost 2017 new. and now the engine light came on and I had ford checked to see what was the issue. once diagnosis was done they told me I had to replace my engine for eleven thousand (insane ) my coolant was leaking into my cylinders and engine. I looked up this issue and found that there are thousand of people with this issue. Ford is aware of this yet will not recall these engines. hard working people like myself are stuck with a lemon for a car due to not being able to afford this new engine. how is this possible! I really pray for all of us who are going through this and not having any help from Ford. Please Please help.

NHTSA ODI #11601532

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
EnginePower Train

When I am driving my 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost, the engine seems to hesitate/skip when I am driving along at speeds from 25-55, once it accelerates from 55 to 70, the skipping doesn't seem to happen. It feels like the engine is skipping or gear shifting is skipping. This has been happening for a long time since it …

Read full complaint

When I am driving my 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost, the engine seems to hesitate/skip when I am driving along at speeds from 25-55, once it accelerates from 55 to 70, the skipping doesn't seem to happen. It feels like the engine is skipping or gear shifting is skipping. This has been happening for a long time since it passed 60,000 miles and it's at approx. I was told by an independent mechanic that the transmission needs to be flushed, but flushing it wouldn't necessarily stop what's happening. I am now at 140,000, the car seems to still operate, and the engine light has never come on indicating an issue/malfunction. It's even had a part fixed in the transmission from a recall and the issue continues. However, recently I noticed when I am coasting down a hill and I tap my brakes to slow down and usually during this time braking triggers the hill assist function, the RPMS have been racing up to 3,000-4,000 RPMs and it usually won't go back down unless I press the gas to get it to shift gears. Usually this makes me have to accelerate instead of slowing down or keeping my speed at the legal speed limit on that road the hill is on. I was recently told that there is an engine block recall on 2017 Ford Escapes, and I am not sure if this could be the issue. But if it is, I would like to have my vehicle looked at by a Ford garage and have it replaced at no cost.

NHTSA ODI #11601498

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

For the last few months, I’ve noticed that my vehicle’s brake mechanism hasn’t been stable, also audible /noises coming from brakes at time, vehicle has an EVAP leak, causing vehicle not to start after refilling with gas. Yesterday, 6/11, while traveling, there was a notice that said engine was overheated and to stop vehicle sa…

Read full complaint

For the last few months, I’ve noticed that my vehicle’s brake mechanism hasn’t been stable, also audible /noises coming from brakes at time, vehicle has an EVAP leak, causing vehicle not to start after refilling with gas. Yesterday, 6/11, while traveling, there was a notice that said engine was overheated and to stop vehicle safely. I was on a restricted highway on a very slim shoulder, very traumatized, but after 3 hours successfully has vehicles towed to a repair shop. No work has started.

NHTSA ODI #11601438

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic a…

Read full complaint

I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in Cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford refused and allowed me to drive back on the road in dangerous conditions. My coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. This is due to a manufacture defect in the open deck design of the engine block. My life was put at risk on the road driving with no coolant causing damage to my engine and reducing my car’s performance. Joes Auto shop confirmed my issue informing that I need a new engine costing around $8,000.

NHTSA ODI #11601327

118,000 miles · Jul 11, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts to accelerate, the vehicle lunged forward. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated t…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts to accelerate, the vehicle lunged forward. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the failure occurred after releasing the brake pedal or after coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11601274

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