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
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2025
About my 2017 Ford Escape 2021 engine failed and was replaced. 2025 transmission failed. Repairs cost too much! Car is now junk. $500 to junk it! Body and interior are fine. Ford Escapes as I now understand, are a terrible car from what I have witnessed, read AND heard from others. Ford is not right on this car, and I will not buy another Ford. I see there are no recalls on this car but there should have been. Ford knows about the issues with Escapes! This is horrible!
Engine, Jun 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment and exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and was able to confirm there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2025
Ford knows about a manufacturing flaw on their engine. I have a coolant leak that caused white smoke to come out of my exhaust while I warm up my car in the garage. I immediately had a mechanic look at it and was told my car is not drivable until I have a head gasket replacement. I am an avid backpacker, and could have been stranded in the middle of nowhere without cell service for a flaw they know about and should remediate.
Engine, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine in June 2022. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle misfired. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle and had persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown cylinder and valve needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer confirmed that there was no coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,671.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her grand-daughter had started the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact's grand-daughter later informed the contact that the failure had recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who referred the contact to a dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the fourth cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 85,426.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal, rough sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the third cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 107,789.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the second cylinder was misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
Engine began misfiring while driving, and received a check engine light. Brought to a mechanic, who confirmed that coolant had begun leaking into the engine cylinder, consistent with Ford TSB 22-2229. Total engine replacement recommended, but Ford refuses to cover the replacement under warranty, or recall. Vehicle is no longer safely operable.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2025, fire
When driving the vehicle it suddenly lost all acceleration power. I coasted to side of road and opened hood to determine the vehicle was on fire from rear of engine bay. I then proceeded to offload what I was able from behind the vehicle of my tools for my job. There was no over heat warning or other indicators of any major issues with the vehicle prior to the fire.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was leaking, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
Cylinder 2 has coolant intrusion causing a misfire spark plug and ignition coil have already been replaced after a few days half a gallon of coolant is lost no external leaks coolant is going into cylinder 2 fouling the plug on cylinder 2 causing the vehicle to go into limp mode because the coolant pump is throwing a code because there's lack of coolant in the engine called Ford because there is a warranty extension through 88,000 mi for the vehicle knowing that this is an issue with these motors and these vehicles Ford says our VIN number is not included in the warranty extension or the recall don't want to spend $10,000 for an engine nor can we afford $10,000 for an engine replacement on a vehicle that we still have a couple thousand dollars left on payments will try to call the Ford dealer to see if we can get any assistance from them was already turned down from Sarasota Ford said they can do nothing for us
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine 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 87,000.
Engine, Jun 9, 2025
Coolant intrusion ruined block. Overheated on interstate. My family and I had to wait on side of interstate for many hours in 100 degree weather with nothing to drink. We were sunburnt and dehydrated by the time we got to a motel that evening. Vehicle was towed to Pep Boys. Had to pay for a motel room for 3 days waiting on a diagnosis from them. Finally they informed me of the devastating news so I had to rent a U-Haul and car dolly to tow it back home since we were 300 miles away when this happened. There was a warning light that came on about 5 seconds before car shut off. It is available for inspection at this time.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally, and started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine, Jun 7, 2025
The vehicle began shaking when the engine was turned on and the acceleration was not reliable. It was then accessed by a dealership and found that the engine needs replaced due to coolant leaking into the engine. The dealership told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle has been maintenanced regularly and only has 76,000 miles on it. The engine needing replaced is due to a defect in the build of this model.
Engine, Jun 7, 2025
COOLENT INTRUSION INTO THE CYLINDER WHICH CUSE THE CAR STALL AND STOP DURING DRIVING IN TRAFIC ON THE HIWAY. FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF THE ISUE AND REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown TSB related to coolant intrusion into the engine; however, the vehicle was not included in the TSB. 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 112,513.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the earliest available date to diagnose the was 10-14 days. The vehicle was taken to the Dicky's Doghouse, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #4 head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was awaiting an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that the coolant level was low and that there was a coolant leak somewhere in the engine. The contact was advised to monitor the coolant level because the contact was frequently adding coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who discovered coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 188,415.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
Apparently coolant leaked into the engine causing engine failure. No warning! No fix except to replace the engine for $9,500.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025, crash
The contact called on behalf of her husband, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her husband was approaching a stop sign at 5 MPH, and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal with both feet in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop; no warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions where the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle. On a most recent occasion, the contact parked in an empty lot when the vehicle accelerated, causing her to crash into a wall in front at an unknown speed. The building's wall was damaged, and the vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local repair center. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where the failure could not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shaking and vibrating, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion inside the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 71,000. The VIN was not available.