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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 · Dec 9, 2023
Engine

Coolant leak into the engine, the irreparably damages the engine. Ford refuses to repair.

NHTSA ODI #11559317

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2023
Engine

Car misfires and loses coolant due to antifreeze intrusion into the engine. Engine warning light came on, concern of overheating. I have taken it to a car dealership and they have said yes, it is a know problem. There was a customer satisfaction program-21N12, that replaced customer satisfaction program 19B37-Supplement #4; that…

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Car misfires and loses coolant due to antifreeze intrusion into the engine. Engine warning light came on, concern of overheating. I have taken it to a car dealership and they have said yes, it is a know problem. There was a customer satisfaction program-21N12, that replaced customer satisfaction program 19B37-Supplement #4; that references Technical Service Bulletin 22-2134, of which I was never made aware of the 21N12 customer satisfaction program that offered a one time repair to affected vehicles by November 30, 2022. I did not receive the paperwork, sample letter sent is dated June 9, 2022, thus making me unaware of the dire issue and offer for repair. I do not know if my car was experiencing the problem then, but I would like to have know there was a known engine concern from Ford. Instead, I have had the following timeline since not receiving the notification: Extended Warranty expires: February 2023 Replace Water pump, costing $1666.82 in May 2023 Replace Auxillary pump, all vehicle filters, and spark plugs in August/September 2023. Found out about Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 and know engine issue in September 2023. Vehicle will now not start. I continued to own my car that had an extended service warranty expire in February 2023.

NHTSA ODI #11559146

98,686 miles · Dec 7, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started, and h…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started, and he was able to drive the vehicle for several days. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir and the radiator had to remain full of water to prevent the vehicle from overheating. The contact stated that the most current failure, the vehicle failed to start, and there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact checked the engine fuel level and there was a white creamy substance on the dipstick. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with oil leak in the cylinder and a cracked engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,686. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11558965

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2023
Unknown Or Other

My Vehicle have a coolant leaking and I hope that you can help us to issue the ford company a recall because this all happen on all ford ecoboost and they want us to pay for $10,000 for engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11558942

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Engine

Blown head gasket at 55,000 miles. Coolant intrusion into cylinder. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 19-2346 19 December 2019 Ford Motor Company has known about this problem, but refuses to pay for the repairs, because the vehicle is 6 years old. Powe…

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Blown head gasket at 55,000 miles. Coolant intrusion into cylinder. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 19-2346 19 December 2019 Ford Motor Company has known about this problem, but refuses to pay for the repairs, because the vehicle is 6 years old. Powertrain warranty: 5 years 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11558809

45,000 miles · Dec 6, 2023
EngineSteering

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced under …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced under a Customer Satisfaction Program at approximately 45,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flex plate was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11558795

55,000 miles · Dec 6, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was driving rough and would not properly accelerate with the odor of coolant present inside the vehicle. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire due to coolant leaking int…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was driving rough and would not properly accelerate with the odor of coolant present inside the vehicle. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire due to coolant leaking into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11558700

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Power Train

Transmission code fault I did not have power

NHTSA ODI #11558680

44,346 miles · Dec 5, 2023
Wheels

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer declined to c…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer declined to cover the cost of repairs due to wear and tear. The failure mileage was 44,346.

NHTSA ODI #11558497

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2023
Engine

Coolant leak and need new heard gasket at only 71000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11558412

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