NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
2,677 reports67,000 miles · Dec 4, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe at start-up. The contact stated that the check engine and "Vehicle Overheating" messages were displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was info…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe at start-up. The contact stated that the check engine and "Vehicle Overheating" messages were displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance; the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
NHTSA ODI #11628756
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2024
Engine
Our 2017 ford escape is experiencing an engine coolant intrusion and causing issues with vehicles handling a performance. Our vehicle is well maintained and only 72000 miles on it. This is a known issues with the eco boost engine and is currently a class action lawsuit against ford for other vehicles with a different VIN than th…
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Our 2017 ford escape is experiencing an engine coolant intrusion and causing issues with vehicles handling a performance. Our vehicle is well maintained and only 72000 miles on it. This is a known issues with the eco boost engine and is currently a class action lawsuit against ford for other vehicles with a different VIN than the one we own. Our vehicle is meeting all the requirements but is not covered.
NHTSA ODI #11628746
185,000 miles · Dec 3, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while starting the vehicle and while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was running rough, and the vehicle almost stalled while dri…
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The contact owns 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while starting the vehicle and while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was running rough, and the vehicle almost stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the coolant hoses, the radiator cap, the spark plugs, the ignition coils, and other unknown parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine was running rough and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal simultaneously, the contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred and the vehicle almost stalled while decelerating. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 185,000.
NHTSA ODI #11628610
130,000 miles · Dec 3, 2024
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn to right while attempting to enter a McDonald's parking lot. The message "Steering Assistance Fault Failure - Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towe…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn to right while attempting to enter a McDonald's parking lot. The message "Steering Assistance Fault Failure - Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed and that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11628547
120,000 miles · Dec 3, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized due…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11628546
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine
There was a coolant leak in to the engine that caused a head gasket issue. When we got the headgasket replaced, a month and a half later the same issue came back but this time it caused a crack in the engine block and we're now being told we need a new engine. The car only has 83000 miles on it.
NHTSA ODI #11628445
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine
Engine service lights on and overheated. Replaced fan clutch, but same issue a week later. Repair shop stated coolant leaked into cylinder, needs engine replaced. I see online that others have had the same issue with 2017 Ford Escapes. I checked with Ford, they said to reach out to you for financial assistance as a safety issue…
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Engine service lights on and overheated. Replaced fan clutch, but same issue a week later. Repair shop stated coolant leaked into cylinder, needs engine replaced. I see online that others have had the same issue with 2017 Ford Escapes. I checked with Ford, they said to reach out to you for financial assistance as a safety issue since it is a known issue. Also seen a Ford technical bulletin 19-2139 dated November 21, 2019 for the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11628424
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine
An internal coolant leak has caused the engine to fail and the dealer is quoting nearly $7,000 for a new front block. A quick Google search indicates this is a known and common problem with this model/year Escape. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it but Ford is not willing to assume any responsibility. Based on our exp…
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An internal coolant leak has caused the engine to fail and the dealer is quoting nearly $7,000 for a new front block. A quick Google search indicates this is a known and common problem with this model/year Escape. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it but Ford is not willing to assume any responsibility. Based on our experience and the well-documented issues online, we believe the manufacturer should be required to implement a recall and cover repair costs for this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11628249
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2024
Engine
2017 Ford Escape with 66,000 miles, garage kept, well maintained. My steering wheel started to shake when shifting from park to drive but after idling for 30 seconds in park it was perfectly fine. Check engine light comes on, take it to a Ford dealer and they tell me the engine has a small coolant leak and the shaking was becaus…
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2017 Ford Escape with 66,000 miles, garage kept, well maintained. My steering wheel started to shake when shifting from park to drive but after idling for 30 seconds in park it was perfectly fine. Check engine light comes on, take it to a Ford dealer and they tell me the engine has a small coolant leak and the shaking was because the coolant was soaking a spark plug and it was burning it off. They told me the only repair they could do was replacing the engine for $10,000 or I could trade it/sell it to them and get $2,500 for it. And it is not covered by warranty and not recalled, but a known issue in these models/years. In this day and age a car should last more than 7 years and I’m not sure I understand if it’s a known issue why it isn’t recalled. Now I’m expected to pay out for something that was an engine defect and nothing I did/created as the driver. We are taking the $2,500 and never buying a Ford again.
NHTSA ODI #11628192
127,987 miles · Nov 30, 2024
Engine
On start-up the check engine light came on and the vehicle will vibrate at lower speeds, such as within a neighborhood. When going faster, it seems like it would act more normal. Took it into the dealer on 11/18/24. Dealer points out that this engine has a common known problem. Same applies to the year/make/model/engine which i…
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On start-up the check engine light came on and the vehicle will vibrate at lower speeds, such as within a neighborhood. When going faster, it seems like it would act more normal. Took it into the dealer on 11/18/24. Dealer points out that this engine has a common known problem. Same applies to the year/make/model/engine which is on recall for coolant intrusion cylinder 3. However, my vin does not show this recall. The fix would be TSB 22-2229.
NHTSA ODI #11628029
Official recalls
4Jun 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗