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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
52,930 miles · Oct 8, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The engine warning light was turning on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the power booster. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stat…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The engine warning light was turning on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the power booster. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated there was a design flaw. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 52,930. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11692054

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2025
Engine

My check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnostics reveal coolant has leaked into the cylinder and ruined the engine. Now the engine needs to be replaced altogether. There is no crack in the engine block that the dealer sees and there have been no previous issues with the head gasket or cylinder heads. My understanding is t…

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My check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnostics reveal coolant has leaked into the cylinder and ruined the engine. Now the engine needs to be replaced altogether. There is no crack in the engine block that the dealer sees and there have been no previous issues with the head gasket or cylinder heads. My understanding is that this is a problem for which Ford has created some "programs" (23N03, 22-2174, 20-2271 are the ones I found). Ford does not appear to have widened this program to include my car YET. The car has 71,100 miles, which is the same timeframe the recalled vehicles averaged their issue.I believe my car has a defect in the engine as well and this problem is a direct result of this defect.

NHTSA ODI #11691887

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2025
Engine

Coolant leaking into cylinders 2 and 3. Engine overheating.

NHTSA ODI #11691726

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2025
Engine

My 2017 Ford Escape SE has the original 2.0 engine, 90857 miles, no accidents. A widely known Ford engine defect called “coolant intrusion”marked by engine error code P0301, causes the car to consume coolant and overheat without notice. Issue is documented in TSV-22-2229 replacing TSV 22-2133. Byers Ford dealer, in Delaware Ohi…

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My 2017 Ford Escape SE has the original 2.0 engine, 90857 miles, no accidents. A widely known Ford engine defect called “coolant intrusion”marked by engine error code P0301, causes the car to consume coolant and overheat without notice. Issue is documented in TSV-22-2229 replacing TSV 22-2133. Byers Ford dealer, in Delaware Ohio, pressure tested the cylinder and identified the internal coolant leak with engine bore scope. Dealer service quoted an engine replacement over $9,100 as the only repair option. Ford Motor is unwilling to provide any financial assistance for this widely known defect because it’s outside of their eligibility window. I am requesting this vehicle and year be placed on a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11691674

77,900 miles · Oct 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact’s son reported that the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally, and he pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an in…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact’s son reported that the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally, and he pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine block, causing a crack in cylinder #2. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to a defect in the 1.5L GTDI engines. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 77,900.

NHTSA ODI #11691607

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2025
Engine

When starting the engine ran very rough. Took it do a repair place to get checked out and they scoped the cylinder and found that the engine block cracked leaking coolant into #3 cylinder. Unrepairable. Requires a new engine.

NHTSA ODI #11691559

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2025
Engine

I have a 1.5L ecoboost engine in my 2017 Ford escape. Known now for it's design flaw allowing coolant to enter the engine and cause catastrophic damage. This has happened to my vehicle and it is not covered under any recall.

NHTSA ODI #11691381

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2025
Engine

Ford Dealer found Coolant Intrusion into cylinder 4 with 2.0L Ecoboost engine at 82,000 miles for 2017 Ford Escape. This is a well known issue that had recall issued in 2022. Ford offered no resolution or support for repair estimated at $8,000 to a well know engine flaw.

NHTSA ODI #11691304

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

After visiting the mechanic 4 times in a month and half and having my spark plugs and ignition coils changed 4 times, they found my 2017 Ford escape had a coolant intrusion which was affecting the engine. Every time I turn on my car it shakes uncontrollably and when it runs it occasionally shakes or stutters. Ford knew of this …

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After visiting the mechanic 4 times in a month and half and having my spark plugs and ignition coils changed 4 times, they found my 2017 Ford escape had a coolant intrusion which was affecting the engine. Every time I turn on my car it shakes uncontrollably and when it runs it occasionally shakes or stutters. Ford knew of this issue and could of have mitigated by recalling the vehicle for repairs. Especially the financial strain many people face from being told it would cost close to 10k to get it fixed. Without many people having funds to pay for repairs or purchase a new car, it forces people to continue to use the vehicle until it finally complete shuts down. Additionally, many people don't even know of the issue until its too late and it has caused issues. This a significant concern because this issue can cause cars stalling/seizures and significant car accidents because of those stalls.

NHTSA ODI #11691286

134,003 miles · Oct 2, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering intermittently. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering intermittently. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with alternator and pistons failure. The second mechanic replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the second mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was oil and coolant dilution, and metal shavings were found inside the engine. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,003.

NHTSA ODI #11690989

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