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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 · Feb 14, 2024
EnginePower Train

July 2022, check engine light came on. Vehicle taken to dealer where purchased (Scott Peterson Ford-Sturgis, SD). They found the code indicated #1 cylinder misfire, running and upon start up. They cleared codes and could not duplicate the misfire. Said they could not figure out the issue and sent us back on the road. The vehicle…

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July 2022, check engine light came on. Vehicle taken to dealer where purchased (Scott Peterson Ford-Sturgis, SD). They found the code indicated #1 cylinder misfire, running and upon start up. They cleared codes and could not duplicate the misfire. Said they could not figure out the issue and sent us back on the road. The vehicle was still under factory warranty. We continued to use the vehicle with check engine light coming on and going off occasionally. The check engine light appeared in Sept 2023. We had the spark plugs changed and the coolant system flushed at our service station. The check engine light went off. It would come on again, go off, sporadically. Then in January 2024 the check engine light came on and the heater wouldn't work. We checked the coolant level and it was almost completely out. We filled coolant back up, the check engine light went off, and all seemed good. Within 2 weeks the check engine light came on again and the coolant was completely out. No leaks noticed anywhere. I researched and found lots of articles/lawsuit against Ford for this very issue. It included potential fire issue from engine overheating and more. We returned the vehicle to the dealership (now Wareing Ford Sturgis) and they indicated it was probably a leak into the engine itself, which was a known problem by Ford and the dealerships. They mentioned some customers were buying extended warranty coverage before having the dealership diagnose the problem and that it could save us a lot of money. I said that was dishonest and not something I would do. They then diagnosed the issue and they were correct, coolant was leaking into the engine and had caused engine failure. The repair estimate is $13,000. I have complaint filed w/ Ford, which is saying the car is out of warranty. They said to keep our receipts in case Ford ends up having to pay. I said I want it covered under warranty, engine only has 56k miles and we brought it in with problem while still under warranty in 2022.

NHTSA ODI #11571896

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2024
Engine

My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure. This is a known issue from Ford in which coolant leaks into the engine and causes issues. They have posted bulletins about the issue but there has been no recall. I experienced no warning signs such as check engine lights or any issues that would have prompted me to bring my ve…

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My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure. This is a known issue from Ford in which coolant leaks into the engine and causes issues. They have posted bulletins about the issue but there has been no recall. I experienced no warning signs such as check engine lights or any issues that would have prompted me to bring my vehicle into a shop to get repaired. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by an independent service shop as well as a certified Ford dealership. The issue that occurred correspond with Ford bulletin 22-2134, 21N12, and customer program number 19B37

NHTSA ODI #11571892

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2024
Exterior Lighting

Rh and Lh low beam headlamps keep burning out have replaced the bulbs in both lamps 3 times in 9 months issue causing sudden problem driving at night currently now found the connector on both lamps have melted and required replacing Dealer wanted $3500 to replace both headlamp assemblys as there was an issue with the connectors …

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Rh and Lh low beam headlamps keep burning out have replaced the bulbs in both lamps 3 times in 9 months issue causing sudden problem driving at night currently now found the connector on both lamps have melted and required replacing Dealer wanted $3500 to replace both headlamp assemblys as there was an issue with the connectors there was no warning when the lamps went out

NHTSA ODI #11571852

60,000 miles · Feb 14, 2024
Wheels

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to rotate the tires, it was discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and damaged. The contact indicated that the lug nuts were unable to be removed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of th…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to rotate the tires, it was discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and damaged. The contact indicated that the lug nuts were unable to be removed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11571813

110,000 miles · Feb 14, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge had increased to "HOT”, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine causing damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the en…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge had increased to "HOT”, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine causing damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571808

114,000 miles · Feb 14, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. The vehicle failure related to TSB: [XXX] with NHTSA ID Num…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. The vehicle failure related to TSB: [XXX] with NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed the VIN was not covered under [XXX] ; NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 114,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571806

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2024
Back Over PreventionEngineLane Departure

Engine check engine came on and found coolant low, refilled, and 2 weeks later coolant low again. I suspected coolant leaking into the engine since no coolant on the ground. Dealership confirmed this and said new engine block is required. It is a 2017 Escape with only 33,000 miles now. It is ridiculous that Ford knowingly we…

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Engine check engine came on and found coolant low, refilled, and 2 weeks later coolant low again. I suspected coolant leaking into the engine since no coolant on the ground. Dealership confirmed this and said new engine block is required. It is a 2017 Escape with only 33,000 miles now. It is ridiculous that Ford knowingly went into production with this bad engine design which they redesigned later. I found out that there was a TSB to replace the engine block. Ford knows the engine is an issue and only fixed some of the vehicles as the issue happens. However, my SUV has no warranty and I was told engine replacement is not covered. This poses a risk to my daughter with the possibility of engine fire if coolant burns out, not to mention hesitation at lights while turning that can cause an accident. SUV is available for your inspection. I feel Ford issued a TSB to prevent a recall so they do not have to address problem with all the vehicle. NHTSA should force this recall or force Ford to expand TSB to all affected vehicles with no limit. Communication with Ford Dealership and Ford Customer Relations is available.

NHTSA ODI #11571512

100,000 miles · Feb 12, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagno…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. Additionally, the contact was advised that coolant had also intruded into the transmission. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling; Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571418

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

Background: My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L Ecoboost engine has 65k miles. Engine light started flashing recently due to Cylinder missfire code P0301 , immediately brought it into Ford and upon their assessment they shared that my engine has a coolant leak in cylinder 1 which is causing major engine issues. This is my p…

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Background: My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L Ecoboost engine has 65k miles. Engine light started flashing recently due to Cylinder missfire code P0301 , immediately brought it into Ford and upon their assessment they shared that my engine has a coolant leak in cylinder 1 which is causing major engine issues. This is my primary car and I need it to transport myself to and from work. I have taken diligent car of this car and have only serviced it (routine and non-routine maintenance) at Ford Dealerships to ensure that all parts and the service is the best possible to keep the vehicle in top condition. Safety: If left untreated this coolant leakage into the engine will result in a variety of hazardous and life-threating issues for the driver as well as individuals on the streets such as engine overheating, engine corrosion and ultimately total engine failure. I am not comfortable driving this car at this time as it is a ticking time bomb unless I pay for the replacement of the engine. But as I understand this will not guarantee this issue will not resurface again as the engine replacement will be with the same engine type that has the same design defect of an "open block" which is prone to coolant leaking inside. Problem reproduced: Yes, reproduced by Ford Dealership. This problem appears to be routine enough for Ford Motor Company to issue a TSB regarding this issue [XXX] with the only fix being a total replacement of the engine, with an illogical cost of 10k. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: Yes, I have brought the vehicle into the Ford dealership that I bought the vehicle at and they shared the issue along with the TSB that describes the issue I am having along with the expected resolution and cost. Warning lamps: Yes, the engine light turned on randomly and immediately began flashing. The next day I brought it into the Ford Dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571413

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

Engine warning light came on while driving. Vehicle is operable but service department has indicated coolant intrusion needs new engine short block replaced to operate the vehicle. This is our only transportation and we have been advised not to drive the vehicle as the engine could seize up at any time.

NHTSA ODI #11571402

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