Illustrationengine overheating allegedly caused by an internal engine coolant leak
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1510–25K
17625–50K
30450–75K
25375–100K
237100–150K
34150K+
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 reportsEngine failure do to leaking coolant into the engine that is a known problem with the 2017 2.0l eco boost engines
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the engine overheated. The message to "Immediately Pull Over" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where coolant was added. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact s…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the engine overheated. The message to "Immediately Pull Over" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where coolant was added. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The contact filed a complaint with the Ford chat division and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Water intrusion severe in both taillight assemblies with normal rain. Safety issue due to water dimming or completely blocking out the bottom light Car has less than 40k miles.
1-The piston of cylinder 1 exploded due to the coolant leak in the engine (. 87000 miles) 2- Regarding the Explosion, it caused a movement to the left and we ended up going the wrong way. 3- Confimed by a mechanical garage center 4- No, we just call FORD to prevent but just said after warranty and this engine doesnt have recall …
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1-The piston of cylinder 1 exploded due to the coolant leak in the engine (. 87000 miles) 2- Regarding the Explosion, it caused a movement to the left and we ended up going the wrong way. 3- Confimed by a mechanical garage center 4- No, we just call FORD to prevent but just said after warranty and this engine doesnt have recall now but few other Ford 2017 with Ecoboost 2.0 had same issue 5- No warning, no heather lamp and no engine motor warning.
#2 cylinder is misfiring caused by coolant leaking into engine block. There is a technical service bulletin 22-2322 describing the issue and the recommended repair. To solve the issue the short block & head gasket must be replaced
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and hitchhiked to her destination. In addition, wh…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and hitchhiked to her destination. In addition, while the vehicle was being lifted to be towed, a transmission fluid leak was noticed coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
My 2017 Ford Escape 1.5 Liter has an engine that failed due to antifreeze intrusion as confirmed by a Ford service center, where it is currently located. The vehicle is 8 years old and has approximately 125,000 miles. This problem (engine failure due to antifreeze intrusion) was addressed by Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 2…
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My 2017 Ford Escape 1.5 Liter has an engine that failed due to antifreeze intrusion as confirmed by a Ford service center, where it is currently located. The vehicle is 8 years old and has approximately 125,000 miles. This problem (engine failure due to antifreeze intrusion) was addressed by Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, Ford and my dealer stated my vehicle was not part of the program. However it seems to have the same problem as other vehicles that were included. While that program has expired, I bought the vehicle while it would have met the mileage and age requirements. It would seem to me that there are more vehicles that should have been included in the CSP since they are showing symptoms of the same defect.
I bought a used 2017 Ford Escape Titanium in Jan, 2025. The car had no issue at time when bought it. But a few weeks ago, the engine starts to have issue, after the engine starts for a couple minutes, the idle dropped and run rough with the engine check on. The fault code reading P0302, #2 Cylider misfired. I took to auto repai…
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I bought a used 2017 Ford Escape Titanium in Jan, 2025. The car had no issue at time when bought it. But a few weeks ago, the engine starts to have issue, after the engine starts for a couple minutes, the idle dropped and run rough with the engine check on. The fault code reading P0302, #2 Cylider misfired. I took to auto repair shop for a repair and later got a call from them telling me that Ford built defective engine where #2 and #3 cylinder block wall too thin causing leak air compression in the #2 cylinder.
My car has been diagnosed by the dealership with a coolant intrusion issue. This is triggered by a "check engine light" warning on my dashboard. The dealership advised me to replaced the whole Engine Block due to some crack or something, thus the coolant intrusion. The amount to pay is $10K++ CAD. Seems this issue is common to …
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My car has been diagnosed by the dealership with a coolant intrusion issue. This is triggered by a "check engine light" warning on my dashboard. The dealership advised me to replaced the whole Engine Block due to some crack or something, thus the coolant intrusion. The amount to pay is $10K++ CAD. Seems this issue is common to Ford Escape car and I believe this is a Ford Mfg. issue. My car is on time regular maintenance twice a year, yet this issue just happening now without prior report from the last maintenance two months ago.
Official recalls
426V374000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.