2017 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2,686 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 39 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 56 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, power window devices and controlsJun 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."
A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V374000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsAug 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."
If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
1,983 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the piston cylinder 4-mainly (and 2). It’s leaking because of the imperfection in the block. In the new engines, the imperfection has been fixed
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
Engine slowly started consuming coolant into the cylinders. After starting the engine, the engine would run rough until coolant was burned from the cylinders. A month or two later the engine lost compression and needs to be replaced. From what I've investigated on the internet, this is a known problem with the 1.5L Ecoboost engine and there is a class action lawsuit pending in California. We have contacted the law firm handling the suit in order to be included in the class action.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH with her partner, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she and her partner became worried. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the lower engine block, and the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,038.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after a tune-up was performed by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,199.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 1, 2025
Parasitic draw in battery that Ford can't find reading for. Paid almost 1k in parts they suggested ' may' work along. Did not work and told us not to call corporate because they'll just tell us to go back to dealer. Then engine throws a p0303 code. Cylinder 3 seems to have the death sentence these cars are facing. We still owe 9800 on this car. It has 70k miles. The battery issue has been problem for over a year. It's our family car so never unsafe for my wife to be stranded with a child somewhere because the battery might die. And now the engine may seize. From reading all over, Ford was certainly negligent about this issue and it's sad so many people are in the same situation as our family
Engine, Aug 30, 2025
My 2017 Ford Escape has a coolant intrusion/ engine failure. Check engine light came on. The car started shaking. Took the car to a service center and they confirmed it was due to engine failure due to a coolant intrusion. They checked and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. I did some research and this is a common issue within my car’s year, make, and model but there has been no recall for it. There is a code CSP 21N12 for this issue. Yet when I put in my VIN it shows no recalls for my vehicle. I contacted Ford and was told again there is no recall. I have the eco boost 1.5L. It matches the make, year, and engine for the problem. My car is misfiring, white smoke from exhaust from cold start, and having coolant loss with no dripping on the ground. This is a known flaw that Ford has been aware of and has a technical service bulletin out for this issue but, after contacting Ford, they will not help with engine replacement. I am making payments, I purchased this car so I can attend college, I also have a job and now I have no car. The vehicle is not repaired because they are quoting too much and I believe Ford needs to issue a recall and repair this known to them issue. I am still having to make payments on a car that is just sitting here. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Engine, Aug 30, 2025
I bought my 2017 Ford Escape when it was brand new. It has been excellently maintained and has had no issues. 2 weeks ago the idle seemed rough, but got better when driven. Had diagnostics done and codes indicated spark plugs issue. Replaced spark plugs, but rough idle (misfire) continued. While attempting to address misfire, a sudden and large cloud of smoke was emitted from tailpipe and engine area. Dashboard lights all came on. Coolant reservoir emptied. Car was immediately shut off. All signs point to blown head gasket, cracked engine block, coolant entering engine. Getting estimates, now. But, probably won't repair. Car has 86,000 miles.
Engine, Aug 29, 2025
2017 Ford escape purchased new, and always maintained. This vehicle has a 2.0 EcoBoost engine. The mileage on the car is 26,340. We experienced the same problem that was reported on EcoBoost engines where the coolant leaks into the cylinders which leads to Engine failure. The engine temperature light came on indicating we needed to pull over, which we did immediately. We had just left home and were only 2 blocks when this occurred. The engine was cool to the touch. According to the reports, it could result in engine fire. The vehicle just stopped when the engine failed.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic with CarMax, who diagnosed that the engine was failing due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant inside cylinder #3, and the long block needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked and there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Coolant in the engine leak with 1.5 L Ecoboost. Only have 73,900 miles on car. Just bought car last March. Still have 3 and 1/2 years of payments. Vehicle is non drive able right now. Check engine light on. Engine malfunction came on and took to mechanic right away. Mechanic confirmed coolant leak in engine.
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Within 2 days of initially experiencing an engine shudder during acceleration on 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost with 44,000 miles, the car was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. Ford TSB 19-2172 requires an engine long block to remedy the situation. Many others have reported this problem both to NHTSA and online but Ford has not formally addressed this defect as far as I can tell. This is a very costly repair that Ford needs to take ownership for.
Engine, Aug 27, 2025
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Engine Failure in 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at 137,000 Miles – Known Issue Not Under Recall Make & Model: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 137,000 miles I am filing this complaint to report a complete engine failure in our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at only 137,000 miles. We have been informed by the Ford dealership service department that the engine must be replaced at a cost of approximately $9,000+. This is despite the fact that the vehicle has been perfectly maintained and no prior engine issues. The dealership clearly stated to us that the failure was not due to any negligence or misuse on our part. They also acknowledged that this specific engine has a known issue and has been prone to cracking or internal failure around the 130,000-mile mark. That they will also replace the engine with one that will not have this known cracking and failure issue, but at our own cost. They have confirmed our car is known to have premature engine failure issues. Despite this, we were told by the dealership that Ford has not issued a recall because "not enough" 2017 models have yet reported the issue. We are forwarding this issue to escalate and get coverage relief for ford escape drivers. We were advised to contact Ford for “Goodwill Assistance.” We did so, but our request was denied, and no financial or repair support was offered. The car remains undrivable and in need of a full engine replacement. This is a known engine defect, acknowledged by Ford service staff, yet no formal recall or campaign has been initiated. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning in a vehicle that had no prior engine issues and was in otherwise excellent condition. The failure renders the vehicle effectively totaled, forcing consumers like us into an expensive repair or unnecessary vehicle replacement. Dealership: Ford in Schaumburg IL Best, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
My 2017 Ford Escape is leaking water from the radiator and it is probably going to the engine. From what I've researched, this is a chronic problem with Ford Escapes that causes engine failure, which is very expensive to repair.
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
MY 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBurst engine is experiencing a check engine light...I took it to my mechanic and Ford on separate occasions and but found that there is coolant leaking into the cylinders covered by Technical Service Bulletin 19-2436...Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction (21N12)...but my vehicle was over the years by 5 months... It is a design issue with the engine that has been corrected in Ford 2.0L EcoBurst engines built after 2019. I think that since it is a design flaw with the engine that Ford should be replacing the engine no matter how long past the Customer Satisfaction lists...In fact Ford has multiple extended warranty programs in place for 10 years or 100,000 miles for other NEWER vehciles with engine issues...
Engine, Aug 24, 2025
I'm Sept 2024 there has been coolant intrusion in the engine. A known flaw that Ford is aware of and has a technical service bulletin out for this issue but, after contacting Ford, they will not help with engine replacement. We were still in our payment period and have had to change jobs to accommodate only having one car to drive as we cannot afford three car payments and thus has to take lower pay. Also submitted a claim with the legal suit in CA.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2025
My car is having a coolant intrusion/ head gasket failure. There is a recall already for my car which was code CSP 21N12 for this issue. Yet when I put in my VIN for CSP coverage it shows no recalls for my vehicle. I have a 2017 ford escape eco boost 1.5L. It matches the make , year, and engine for the problem. My car is misfiring, white smoke from exhaust from cold start , and having coolant loss with no dripping on the ground.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was running rough and idling rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,173.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 had resulted in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2025
My check engine light came on and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. The mechanical shop I took my car to ran a diagnostic and said my spark plugs were cracked and needed replacing. They were replaced and some says later my coolant reservoir was empty. They topped it off and told me to come back if it still wasn’t right. The next week my check engine light came back on and they said there is a coolant intrusion and that I need a new engine. I did some research and this is a common issue within my car’s year, make, and model but there has been no recall for it.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. A code scanner was used and retrieved a code for a misfire in cylinder r#3. Upon additional inspection, the contact became aware of excessive coolant consumption. One day, while stopped at a stoplight, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature was hot(H). The contact pulled over and discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact parked the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a dealer the following day. The contact was later informed by a mechanic that coolant intrusion into the engine had caused engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating - Please Pull Over" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,400.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
Car displayed CEL and was losing coolant with no visible leaks. Read about coolant intrusion issue and took car to dealer with around 104,000 miles. Dealer said no problem found with car. Finally decided to try a new head gasket. Metal between cylinders on block and head show no problems, but sealing material on gasket completely eroded between cylinders. We have no idea if this will fix the problem or for how long. Ford prescribed fix is $8k+ long block. Would be insane to put that kind of money in an 8 year old car. Shame too, because the car is perfect otherwise. Paid $19,000 for it at a reputable dealer in 2022 - Blue Oval certified.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
Drove around normally last week, and on Saturday with no issue. Monday morning, I started my car and could feel a rough idle. The check engine light was flashing. The idle returned to normal and the check engine light turned off. I drove to work, and the car sat for 9 hours. Afterward, there was a rough idle again, and the check engine light stayed on (solid). The idle got better, but did not go away. I drove straight to the dealership. Dealership said it was coolant intrusion into at least one of the cylinders because of a cracked block. Vehicle has 70K miles on it, mostly highway. Looking online, I see a class action suit is coming Ford's way. It's a known defect in the Ecoboost engines, but for some reason they determine that mine doesn't qualify.