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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 11, 2024
Engine

Vehicle was being driven. All of a sudden the vehicle made a shudder, started misfiring, and the check engine light came on. Because of the power loss, the vehicle behind me almost rear ended us, because we were at full speed (60 mph) and on a steeper inclined road. The incident happened on 1/26/2024 and the vehicle was taken …

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Vehicle was being driven. All of a sudden the vehicle made a shudder, started misfiring, and the check engine light came on. Because of the power loss, the vehicle behind me almost rear ended us, because we were at full speed (60 mph) and on a steeper inclined road. The incident happened on 1/26/2024 and the vehicle was taken to the dealer on 1/27/2024 only to be told that the vehicle needed an engine cylinder block replacement due to a failure that Ford Motor Company was aware of. To this date, I have received no recalls or warnings of this issue. This is a. $6,000-$8,000 repair that the dealership is not even willing to do.

NHTSA ODI #11571275

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling

my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly a…

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my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly and would happen off and on. it was serviced for this issue at Boubin Automotive in Waterloo, Iowa and they stated that it was empty on coolant refilled it and seemed to not have any leaks and it drove fine for a few weeks and then had the coolant issue where the car would read high temperature then would go back to normal and kept doing so. The day i parked it and returned to it and it would not start it showed high temperature immiedately and would not start. had it towed to a mechanic shop habhab's towing in ames iowa where they stated there was no coolant in it once again and they pressure checked the vehicle and it passed the pressure test for the motor but had no coolant in it, and still would not start stating that the pcm is bad in the vehicle. it has shown the exact signs of the recall in this vehicle that ford has released and i am trying to get the car covered under the recall because its showing the exact same issues as the new recall that was put out. please contact me at [XXX] is my cell phone number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571251

133,919 miles · Feb 9, 2024
EnginePower Train

I have had to have my engine and my transmission replaced within 2 months apart I keep writing and calling everyone I can I keep hearing the 1.0 l engines are blowing up too due to the wet belt and they're doing nothing with the 1.5 l engines due to the coolant issues I had no warning lights going off in my car and it blew the m…

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I have had to have my engine and my transmission replaced within 2 months apart I keep writing and calling everyone I can I keep hearing the 1.0 l engines are blowing up too due to the wet belt and they're doing nothing with the 1.5 l engines due to the coolant issues I had no warning lights going off in my car and it blew the motor if it wouldn't have been for me going downhill I could have easily been killed. I need some reimbursement I have worked out over almost 20 grand between the transmission and engine for repairs and I owe people money I can't afford this anymore. Why can you not make Ford pay for these. All of these engines are bad and the 1.0's and the 1.5 leader engines. I have all the documentation from what I paid for both all I would like is for half back. It seems like nobody's doing anything about this you keep asking for the approximate date and I do not remember. I'm going to try to get as close as I can. It's not a mileage thing on these vehicles they're all having coolant problems or they're all having wet belt problems it does not matter. It's faulty on their part. I've done all my oil changes I've kept up to date with everything I should have. Ford dealership actually refused to put a new engine in my car because they know these cars these vehicles are all bad. They're literally turning people away because they don't want to work on them.

NHTSA ODI #11571107

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Engine

Vehicle started idling weirdly, engine light came on the next day which was a code of P0304 (misfire cylinder 4) the day after that I took it to the dealership where I got the car from and they switched the coils on the cylinders and said I needed new spark plugs (those were not replaced) and they told me to come back when it mi…

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Vehicle started idling weirdly, engine light came on the next day which was a code of P0304 (misfire cylinder 4) the day after that I took it to the dealership where I got the car from and they switched the coils on the cylinders and said I needed new spark plugs (those were not replaced) and they told me to come back when it misfires again. Couple days later my car overheats and I pull over to let it cool down. I then get home and make an appointment at a Ford dealership, which it had to be towed and now I am being told I need a new engine because coolant intrusion into cylinders. Currently waiting on warranty to approve repairs

NHTSA ODI #11570531

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2024
Power Train

The transmission on my vehicle failed at 120K miles. The vehicle had been meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealer at each recommended service date. While travelling up hll, the car would not stay in gear and we were barely able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being hit by cars behind us.

NHTSA ODI #11570419

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2024
EnginePower Train

The engine has had coolant leaking into it. Clouds of white smoke, stalling and regular low coolant level. Once the recall work was performed, I was still having these issues and told the ford service dept. They said there is nothing they could do. Now my transmission has completely gone out at less than 100k miles even though a…

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The engine has had coolant leaking into it. Clouds of white smoke, stalling and regular low coolant level. Once the recall work was performed, I was still having these issues and told the ford service dept. They said there is nothing they could do. Now my transmission has completely gone out at less than 100k miles even though all ford suggested maintenance work has been completed at suggested intervals. It’s hard to justify replacing the transmission when I don’t know when the engine will quit working due to the coolant intrusion.

NHTSA ODI #11570170

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Transmission went out at about 70,000 miles. There was ZERO warning or notification with a warning light. I thought my car needed new tires as it was slow to start after stopping at a stop light. It also slipped gears. I did not know that this was the "warning" signs of a transmission going out until after I researched transmiss…

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Transmission went out at about 70,000 miles. There was ZERO warning or notification with a warning light. I thought my car needed new tires as it was slow to start after stopping at a stop light. It also slipped gears. I did not know that this was the "warning" signs of a transmission going out until after I researched transmission issues w/ the FORD ESCAPE. It was a dangerous situation as it was stalled in the middle of an intersection.

NHTSA ODI #11569662

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2024
Engine

My Ford Escape 2 liter ecoboost engine failed and had to be replaced per a Ford Technical Service Bulletin and was replaced by an Authorized Ford Dealership. Engine was liable to fail at any time and a failure could have caused a serious road incident putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. There was no prior warni…

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My Ford Escape 2 liter ecoboost engine failed and had to be replaced per a Ford Technical Service Bulletin and was replaced by an Authorized Ford Dealership. Engine was liable to fail at any time and a failure could have caused a serious road incident putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. There was no prior warning of the problem until the failure occurred. There were no messages from Ford. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS ENGINE A scanned copy of the dealer repair invoice is attached.

NHTSA ODI #11569656

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaking into engine, making it misfire, and eventually engine will lock up. Verified by dealer. Needs engine replaced. This is happening to engines built prior to 2019. Ford has a service bulletin for it. Ford needs to issue a recall. The check engine light comes on due to the misfire as the coolant burns out of the cyli…

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Coolant leaking into engine, making it misfire, and eventually engine will lock up. Verified by dealer. Needs engine replaced. This is happening to engines built prior to 2019. Ford has a service bulletin for it. Ford needs to issue a recall. The check engine light comes on due to the misfire as the coolant burns out of the cylinders.

NHTSA ODI #11569652

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

Coolant intrusion into the engine, causing vehicle to overheat with the overheat alert flashing on dash. Refilling coolant before every drive and still overheating, with the coolant always being empty despite being filled daily. Consistent cylinder 1 misfire, even after mechanical inspection/replacement. Vehicle misfiring upon…

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Coolant intrusion into the engine, causing vehicle to overheat with the overheat alert flashing on dash. Refilling coolant before every drive and still overheating, with the coolant always being empty despite being filled daily. Consistent cylinder 1 misfire, even after mechanical inspection/replacement. Vehicle misfiring upon starting, where some instances the engine will not start for 2-3 tries. Vehicle misfiring while driving, stopped at traffic lights, and when using Auto Stop-Start feature during daily drives (traffic lights and stop signs). White smoke coming from exhaust. Engine block cracked due design of engine - defective design. 100K miles, 2nd owner.

NHTSA ODI #11569348

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