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 and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle was running rough on several occasions. The service light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 121,764.
Engine, Jul 29, 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, but the vehicle was not fully diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the engine had failed, and that the contact would be notified what part of the engine needed to be repaired, or if the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
On Sunday, 7/6 the check engine light came on. The vehicle was dropped off at a Ford dealership for review and it was determined that a coolant leak into cylinders causing internal damage to the engine. Recommendation is to replace the main engine assembly (long block) at $10,000. Which is more than what the car is worth. The car currently has 102,062 miles. This appears to be a known issue among the model year of the Escape and engine type. Currently there is no assistance in helping with the cost of repairs. We have contacted Ford and asked for assistance as we are long time Ford vehicle owners. They logged the following: CXH-05084174-H2Q6H1 and recommended that we log an issue with the NHSTA.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
Started having issues with the power of the engine, white smoke from exhaust, and loss of coolant. Apparently there are multiple TSBs about this problem, and has been discovered to be an engine design failure for several models under Ford and Lincoln and it is still not a recall. This issue is known to ruin the head gasket and ultimately crack the cylinder head. If I had not spoke to my mechanic about the white smoke and power loss, he would not have recommended that I check my fluids and saw I was losing coolant untimely. Due to it leaking into the engine every time I drove my car. He also stated that he’s seen this issue before, found multiple sources around the country that have seen the same issue and basically fixing the issue won’t ultimately fix the problem. Because the engine design is defective, the problem will happen again. The engine would have to replaced. Which costs more than the car is worth. It’s very dangerous to have a faulty engine design and not do a proper recall or replacement plan.
Engine, Jul 28, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Escape with approximately 102,000 miles. I am the original and only owner and have had regular maintenance done on my vehicle the entire time I've owned it. After a recent 9-hour road trip, I experienced sudden engine failure with no prior warning signs. My local dealership has diagnosed the issue as coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused catastrophic engine damage and now requires a full engine replacement at a cost of $8,800. After researching the issue, I discovered this is a known and widespread problem with EcoBoost engines in 2013-2019 Ford Escapes and other Ford vehicles. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins regarding this, and there is at least one ongoing class action lawsuit related to engine failure caused by coolant intrusion. This problem poses serious safety concerns, especially when it causes vehicles to fail unexpectedly at highway speeds or in unsafe conditions. I am filing this report to document the issue and urge NHTSA to investigate this known defect.
Engine, Jul 28, 2025
[XXX] Car began to run rough as if it had bad gas and the engine would not idle smoothly. When I got into the vehicle the next day the instrument panel flashed lights and the vehicle stalled. I had it towed to the repair shop thinking it was overheating due to a bad thermostat. I was told that the engine coolant was leaking into cylinder 4 of the engine and I would have to replace the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 28, 2025
My vehicle has been suffering coolant intrusion into the engine, specifically the cylinders, causing significant damage and leading to my vehicle overheating. After discovering the issue at my mechanic, I found out there was a recall for my specific vehicle for this issue, but my VIN was not included. Not being notified of this issue by a recall risked my vehicle overheating and potentially starting a fire which could have been hazardous to myself and any passengers.
Engine, Jul 27, 2025
There is an issue with the type of engine used in these vehicles where coolant leaks into the engine causing cylinder misfires. This is a known issue that has not been issued a recall. I have had a complete repair done in the past involving the complete reconstruction of the engine, however after only 21,000 miles the repair failed.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge displayed that the engine was overheating. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,993.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start in the morning as expected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in damages 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 150,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2025
NO VISBLE COOLANT LEAKS, HAVE TO REFILL ANTIFREEZE RESEVOIR WEEKLY, MISSFIRING #2 CYLINDER AS RESULT, IGNITION COIL FOR THAT CYLINDER AND PLUG WORK FINE
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 25, 2025
This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “Steering Assist Fault” that clearly ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
Coolant intrusion at only 56,000 miles due to defective engine design. Engine replacement is the only remedy. This has been happening to cars with as little as 20,000 miles. Ford knows about it, there is a TSB that says the repair is "replace engine." At a cost of ~$10,000. Ford can't be allowed to sell cars with defective engines that fail at low mileage saddling consumers with astronomical repair fees. These vehicles can catch fire or leave someone stranded in the middle of nowhere, as well. It's absolutely outrageous that there has not been a recall with how many vehicles have been affected. The government needs to step in and help people. I have tried to upload files, but the site won't let me.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 code, rough idle, and loss of power. This time the dealership found suspended metals in the oil, and discovered scoring in the chambers. They refuse to look at the cam phasers or belt to see if there is wear or damage.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Midas where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #1, causing engine failure. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. A tune-up was performed on the vehicle, and spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact arrived at the dealer to pick up the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact was informed that several maintenance repairs were completed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
Engine is being less powerful and losing coolant like crazy, looked up what issue is and these engines are known to leak coolant into the engine, in the long run ruining the engine, mine is misfiring and running awful at this point, tried to have ford do something and they acknowledged it’s an issue but won’t do anything without me paying thousands of dollars
Engine, Jul 22, 2025
The problem with my 2017 Ford Escape began in June 2021 (mileage 65652) when the engine warning light came on and there was white exhaust smoke. Our local mechanic tried various actions to determine why the engine light was on, such as performing a GDI treatment for carbon buildup, but over the summer months none of his actions were successful but each action was an incurred expense. By August 30, 2021, a new warning appeared “High Engine Temp. Stop Safely”. At this point our mechanic found a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost engine coolant in cylinders and my car was towed to our local Ford dealership in Prince Frederick, MD. The Ford dealership verified our concern as follows: “Tech Notes: Verified Concern, Check Engine Light Missfire Code Cylinder #3. Remove Plug, Coolant Fouled. Coolant Intrusion. Ford Assisting Customer on Repair. CAS-33032232-M8C9Z8. Remove and Replace Long Block Assembly. Test Drive After Repair. Concern Corrected. Approval Code MSPA102662” Answers to Your Questions: (1) It's a engine failure (2) Potential of sudden stops with engine failure (3) Ford Dealer inspected my engine and verified the problem and Ford corporate issued Technical Bulletins on problems with Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost engine (4) Yes, engine warning light and High engine temp light with instruction to stop safely06/23/2021.
Engine, Jul 22, 2025
Coolant intrusion into engine causing the car to over heat and break down multiple times. On going issue unable to be repaired by multiple mechanics for a year and a half. Coolant leak confirmed during diagnostic using a scope.
Engine, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started manually, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred three days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,900.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a cracked fuel injector had leaked fuel into cylinder #3, creating a hole in the cylinder and the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
Known issue with coolant intrusion into EcoBoost engines
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The engine block of this vehicle is suspected of having a coolant loss/coolant intrusion fault per my independent, certified mechanic. Issues began about a year ago, before 70,000 miles. Several trips to the Ford dealer did not yield any helpful information. This issue started with an occasional misfire or rough idle on startup. A MIL engine scanner revealed code P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. The code was reset and the issue went away for a short period of time. However, it has been returning more frequently, and I've been stranded more than once out of fear of the engine overheating. Coolant consumption is higher than usual, and it is being replaced with approved Ford coolant only. An independent mechanic performed a few tests, the most basic being inspection of the plugs and cylinder, and noted possibility of coolant in cylinder 2 and 3. A midstream sample of the oil during an oil change was bottled and sent to a specialty laboratory for testing. The oil test confirms presence of small amounts of coolant in the used engine oil. My own research into the issue reveals there was a Ford TSB 19-2346, "Coolant in cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated MIL," of which I was never informed by Ford as the original owner since new purchase of the vehicle in 2017.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling at several different gas stations, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact added fuel cleaner to the fuel tank. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.