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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
149,000 miles · Dec 17, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the message "Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The cont…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the message "Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact inspected the coolant level and noticed no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact was able to drive back to the residence at 5 MPH, add coolant to the coolant reservoir, and replace the coolant temperature sensor; however, the failure recurred approximately 3-4 weeks later. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ODI #11631284

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2024
Power Train

Transmission failed and burned after only 80,000 miles. Bought car used and only drove for 30,000 miles before it failed. I almost crashed on a busy road. The issue was confirmed by 2 service centers. Only 1 warning light saying oil change required the same day appeared.

NHTSA ODI #11631208

90,400 miles · Dec 17, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,400.

NHTSA ODI #11631181

62,000 miles · Dec 17, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the audible alarm was sounded while driving at approximately 35 MPH. The contact stated that the heater failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the audible alarm was sounded while driving at approximately 35 MPH. The contact stated that the heater failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and verbally confirmed that it was a known failure and was an accurate diagnosis. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the engine replacement was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #11631145

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

Coolant intrusion cylinder 4 no indicator light extremely low coolant level. A pressure leak down test was performed and it's getting in through the head gasket/cylinder wall.

NHTSA ODI #11631005

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Engine

Vehicle overheated due to low coolant level. Coolant was escaping cooling system and penetrating the 1.5L engine block, which required engine removal and replacement of short engine block and cylinder heads. My case#: CXH03199782 Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (#20-0010) which covered the cost of this repair through…

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Vehicle overheated due to low coolant level. Coolant was escaping cooling system and penetrating the 1.5L engine block, which required engine removal and replacement of short engine block and cylinder heads. My case#: CXH03199782 Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (#20-0010) which covered the cost of this repair through November, 30, 2022. This is a known problem caused by poor design of the cooling system. Ford will not cover the cost (over $5,000) for the engine repair now, even though I work at a Ford dealership. I had purchased my 2017 Ford Escape pre-owned in 2022 from a Hyundai dealership. Did they have an obligation to disclose that service bulletin to me?

NHTSA ODI #11630941

108,000 miles · Dec 16, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out of the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was eventually taken to the local dealer who diagno…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out of the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was eventually taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside the cylinders, causing damages to the engine short block. The contact was informed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #11630882

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Power Train

Transmission went out. No warning. 145,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete failure. Car started whining when accelerating out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then failed completely. Have had it serviced and maintained regularly and always at the dealer. Ford is aware of the problem on these transmissions and doin…

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Transmission went out. No warning. 145,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete failure. Car started whining when accelerating out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then failed completely. Have had it serviced and maintained regularly and always at the dealer. Ford is aware of the problem on these transmissions and doing nothing to fix it. Service department confirmed it’s an issue they see with regularity. Transmission replaced by dealer at great expense and issue resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11630854

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Exterior Lighting

Vehicle burns out low beam headlights at a rapid rate. I’ve been the only owner of this car, and have replace the headlights 8 times in 168k miles. I do not drive abundantly at night, primarily during the day. In the span of the past two weeks I have replaced the headlights twice. I have come to a point that I keep spare headlig…

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Vehicle burns out low beam headlights at a rapid rate. I’ve been the only owner of this car, and have replace the headlights 8 times in 168k miles. I do not drive abundantly at night, primarily during the day. In the span of the past two weeks I have replaced the headlights twice. I have come to a point that I keep spare headlights in the glove box for when they will go out again. Researching the issue online lead me to many forms of drivers with the same vehicle going through the same issue. The vehicle causing the headlights to go out at such a fast rate has presented a dangerous nighttime driving scenario when combined with the daytime running lights that give off enough light to make it unknown if the headlights are truly functioning or not. Given the consumable nature of bulbs the issue has not been taken to the dealer for, only serviced by replacement of bulbs.

NHTSA ODI #11630851

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2024
Engine

Took it to a mechanic was informed I had coolant leak into the 2nd rear cylinder cracking the head. Which caused the car to prematurely overheat and stall randomly on the highway. Was notified there is a issuse with coolant leaks with this model from the mechanic for the 2017 ford escape ecoboost models. Only had the coolant lig…

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Took it to a mechanic was informed I had coolant leak into the 2nd rear cylinder cracking the head. Which caused the car to prematurely overheat and stall randomly on the highway. Was notified there is a issuse with coolant leaks with this model from the mechanic for the 2017 ford escape ecoboost models. Only had the coolant light come on the day prior to stalling.

NHTSA ODI #11630737

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