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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 · Jul 11, 2024
Engine

While driving on the expressway the check engine light came on and the car started to shake violently. The car doesn't accelerate right away. After inspection, the auto shop provided the following comments: Engine is burning coolant, upon arrival vehicle low 1 gallon of coolant no coolant leaks present. After adding coolant and …

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While driving on the expressway the check engine light came on and the car started to shake violently. The car doesn't accelerate right away. After inspection, the auto shop provided the following comments: Engine is burning coolant, upon arrival vehicle low 1 gallon of coolant no coolant leaks present. After adding coolant and starting up white smoke coming out of tail pipe smelling like burnt coolant. Codes present for check engine light P0300 random misfire detected P0302 cylinder 2 misfire detected P0316 misfire detected upon start up p0456 evap system lean p1456 unable to bleed fuel fuel tank P2196 02 sensor signal. Oxygen sensors needed due to coolant burning Purge valve needed Engine needed internal damage. After contacting Ford Corporate and a Ford Dealership it was determined that the car would not be under warranty (odometer is 59,225). The car has not been repaired due to the expense of a new or used engine replacement. Many reports online have stated this problem is very common for this type of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11601267

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Engine

At 37,775 miles on Aug 23, 23; 1st check engine light. The cause was unclear, possibly an intermittent purge valve, which was replaced. The second check engine light was at 46,919 miles on Jul 03, 24; and that's when it was noted the coolant level had dropped a little bit. Excessive carbon was also seen in the #1 cylinder and t…

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At 37,775 miles on Aug 23, 23; 1st check engine light. The cause was unclear, possibly an intermittent purge valve, which was replaced. The second check engine light was at 46,919 miles on Jul 03, 24; and that's when it was noted the coolant level had dropped a little bit. Excessive carbon was also seen in the #1 cylinder and the shop suspected a coolant leak. A pressure test was performed but the result was negative...so all the required and recommended maintenance was performed. The next day, the engine light came back on. On Jul 09, 24; the shop then performed an overnight coolant pressure test, and it showed that coolant was indeed leaking into the #1 and #2 cylinders. This could be a fire hazard and could also lead to a catastrophic engine failure. My autoshop (Accurate Automotive, in Yuma AZ) pointed out the Ford bulletin for my engine...a block defect, (Reference# 22-2229, issued Jun 09, 22) and recommended I take the vehicle to the Ford dealership in Yuma... which I did on Jul 10, 24. The service representative (Jesse) did not accept the finding of my shop and said Ford will perform their own assessment. No Ford recall has been issued for this defect. There should be, though. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11601237

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The headlights keep burning out, alternating from driver’s side to passenger’s side. The bulbs burn out about every three months but have burnt out in as little as 1 month (same bulbs). A search on the Internet shows numerous persons having the same problem with their Ford Escapes.

NHTSA ODI #11601195

100,000 miles · Jul 10, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that water had entered the light assemblies. The headlight and taillight assembli…

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The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that water had entered the light assemblies. The headlight and taillight assemblies were not properly sealed. The bulbs were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11600823

96,000 miles · Jul 9, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnos…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced, and the dealer related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11600422

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2024
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.

NHTSA ODI #11599862

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaking into the engine causing the vehicle to overheat

NHTSA ODI #11599859

23,000 miles · Jul 5, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle during a rainstorm, the contact observed water pooling inside the taillight assembly. The contact then became aware that the taillights were not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle during a rainstorm, the contact observed water pooling inside the taillight assembly. The contact then became aware that the taillights were not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the taillight assembly water seal allowing water to leak into the assembly and short-circuiting the taillights. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 23,000.

NHTSA ODI #11599242

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2024
Exterior LightingService Brakes

All four of the tail lights, on the hatch and on the sides of the car are leaking and retaining water which has caused the brake/tail lights on the rear to fail. This is an obvious safety hazard and a quick Google search reveals that it is a widespread problem. There has always been some water in the light, starting with condens…

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All four of the tail lights, on the hatch and on the sides of the car are leaking and retaining water which has caused the brake/tail lights on the rear to fail. This is an obvious safety hazard and a quick Google search reveals that it is a widespread problem. There has always been some water in the light, starting with condensation about a year ago, but as of the last few weeks, the lights are inconsistent, and now appear to not be working at all.

NHTSA ODI #11599240

70,000 miles · Jul 3, 2024
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in park(P), the vehicle rolled forward inadvertently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed twice and held down to stop the vehicle. Additionally, on several occasions, the contact observed an abnormal sound coming from the ve…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in park(P), the vehicle rolled forward inadvertently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed twice and held down to stop the vehicle. Additionally, on several occasions, the contact observed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds, and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired approximately four times in one year; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11598564

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