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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
41,400 miles · Jan 23, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. 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 41,400.

NHTSA ODI #11567349

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The engine has a known issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders. There is no fix for this. It affects all Escapes 2013-2019. Ford did a very limited recall restricted to just the 1.6L engines but the issue affects all engines. My escape is at the dealership now and has confirmed that my engine has this issue. I called Ford t…

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The engine has a known issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders. There is no fix for this. It affects all Escapes 2013-2019. Ford did a very limited recall restricted to just the 1.6L engines but the issue affects all engines. My escape is at the dealership now and has confirmed that my engine has this issue. I called Ford to ask what they were going to do to correct this issue. They acknowledged that there is a problem and that they know this is their issue but at this time will not do anything to help me. If I continue to drive my car it could catch on fire. I can not afford to replace the engine as it is $7500.

NHTSA ODI #11566947

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2024
EngineFire

Antifreeze is leaking into the small block, causing a fire in the engine. This was a known issue on the other Ford Fusions and other year Escapes. Upon viewing other users on reddit, this is a major issue.

NHTSA ODI #11566895

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2024
Electrical System

Liftgate wont open. It’s been going in and out for the past 3 years. Some times it opens, most times it doesn’t. Now it won’t open at all.

NHTSA ODI #11566773

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The Turbo Charger failed. It has since been replaced. My safety was put at risk because, I could not accelerate fast enough to get up to the required speed limit. It has been inspected by a Ford repair shop. There was only one warning: a check engine light came on while I was in route to work. The car's performance immediatel…

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The Turbo Charger failed. It has since been replaced. My safety was put at risk because, I could not accelerate fast enough to get up to the required speed limit. It has been inspected by a Ford repair shop. There was only one warning: a check engine light came on while I was in route to work. The car's performance immediately deteriorated and I turned around and went back home.

NHTSA ODI #11566594

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2024
EnginePower Train

Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. …

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Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. Upon review by a local shop, it was determfined that the engine failed due to coolant intrusion, a problem known to, and acknowledged by, Ford Motor Company. This was documented in Ford publication Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. There were absolutely no warnings or messages, nor were there any smells or sounds to indicate impending failure.

NHTSA ODI #11566589

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The headlights keep going out. Every couple weeks to a month one of them blows out. Alternates between both of them to the point that there are times that both are out

NHTSA ODI #11566571

78,000 miles · Jan 19, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was also idling roughly. The contact stated that while driving during the day the smoke ceased; however, the vehicle would idle roughly while stop…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was also idling roughly. The contact stated that while driving during the day the smoke ceased; however, the vehicle would idle roughly while stopped for a traffic signal or while slowing for traffic. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine cylinders and recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a manufacturer recall for the failure however, the vehicle was not included. The failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11566509

46,000 miles · Jan 19, 2024
Steering

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel began flickering. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the flickering ceased. The contact stated that shortly after the flickering stopped, the steering wheel became firm, and was unresponsive causing the vehicle to…

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The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel began flickering. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the flickering ceased. The contact stated that shortly after the flickering stopped, the steering wheel became firm, and was unresponsive causing the vehicle to collide with a telephone pole. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as designed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #11566440

49,543 miles · Jan 18, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had n…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact’s daughter was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that silicone plugs for the transmission drains had failed, and a significant amount of transmission fluid had leaked. The contact stated that the plugs were replaced, and the transmission fluid was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred again, and the transmission was slipping and the vehicle hesitated before shifting into gear. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,543.

NHTSA ODI #11566286

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