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, Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving under 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road each time and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred five months later. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction and concern regarding a serious mechanical failure in my 2017 Ford Escape, which has associated with safety issues. The issue began with a check engine light accompanied by a diagnostic trouble code indicating a misfire in cylinder 2. Upon further inspection, it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine — a problem that ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure. Searched online and found it is common issue for this type of car but we did get notice and no warranty coverage offered to address it. The fact that this is a widely reported problem suggests a potential manufacturing or design defect that Ford has failed to proactively acknowledge or address. This issue also caused a big safety issue to the customer.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
The engine suddenly failed mid-driving, began sputtering and became very weak. It would stutter at intersections or when trying to accelerate and became quite scary to drive. I was on a major freeway heading home when this happened. Upon taking it to a dealership for analysis, they reported a well known TSB-22-2229 had been out for this issue for a few years, but that since none of the "warning signs" were reported at earlier service appointments, they were instructed by Ford to not report it to us consumers unless we first mentioned those issues occurring. When speaking to the technician at the dealership, he acknowledged that due to a design flaw in the original engines, they have been replacing these specific engines in both Ford Escapes and Fusions with wholly new redesigned engines quite frequently. Its should be noted that Ford has extended the TSB at least once since releasing to accommodate more vehicles for coverage, further acknowledging the error on their part. As for warnings - the only warning I had to this catastrophic engine failure was an engine light code P0303 the day before for cylinder 3 misfire, and 1 "warning" the day after it occurred when I started the car and some white smoke came out of the tailpipe. The P0303 code could have been confused with a simple spark plug change, not total engine failure. According to the TSB, these were things that supposedly happened long in advance of failure. The problem has been confirmed by both the dealership I took it to, as well as many people across internet forums and other body shops. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and the diagnosis provided below.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced rough idling. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was damaged due to coolant intrusion and need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the cylinder. Overheating. It's the known ecoboost coolant intrusion
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
COOLANT IS LEAKING/RUNNING ONTO ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE. VEHICLE INSPECTED BY SUTTON FORD, MATTESON, IL AND ADVISED A LONG BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 29, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders, causing misfire. Per this document that you guys posted: "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12", this is a known manufacturing defect in the engines that are in the model of car that I am driving currently. This is a safety issue and an environmental issue. Coolant gets into the cylinders and burns, emitting into the atmosphere. But the coolant also runs low, and the engine could overheat or catch on fire. The mechanic is estimating currently that the repairs to either change the head gasket or take the engine apart and rebuild it will cost around 7-9k, money we don't have. Ford should fix this manufacturing defect at not cost to us, as their CSP 21n12 document states. The only caveat is that the car has 98k miles on it while the cutoff for these repairs ends at 84k miles.
Engine, May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, May 29, 2025
Coolant is disappearing. It isnt in the oil and nit leaking under vehicle. It is going into cylinder and burning off causing vehicle to miss and shudder while driving. There is 117,000 miles on my vehicle. I keep oil changed every 5,000 miles. I can smell coolant intermittently and have to keep pulling over to check levels to prevent it overheating. I have read several people are having this issue and there is technical bulletin from Ford. So they are aware and have not issued a recall yet. I shouldn't have to pay over $5 grand for a new motor installation with this low of mileage.
Engine and engine cooling, May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered for thirty seconds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine misfired with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,755.
Engine, May 27, 2025
When driving highway speeds the check engine light started flashing then a large whoosh sound and the car lost power. I had to have it towed to a repair shop and sure enough the engine blew. Had to replace it, cost $5120 and the car is only worth $7500
Seat belts, Service brakes, Engine, May 24, 2025
Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.
Engine, May 24, 2025
Coolant leaking in #2 cylinder needs long block replacement
Engine, May 23, 2025
Coolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine misfires, spikes in engine temperature, and issues with car starting. The check engine light came on as I started the car, and the engine shuddered as if misfiring. As I was driving the vehicle to get the issue checked out, the vehicle’s extreme temperature warning went off, instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off immediately. The coolant reservoir was found to be empty. After replacing the coolant, the car had difficulty starting. After finally getting the vehicle to start, I got it to a service center where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and coolant was present in the engine oil. I was informed that the vehicle WAS NOT safe to drive and needed a complete engine replacement.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the spark plugs. The spark plugs were cleaned. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe and vehicle was sputtering while idling or accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders, and cylinder #3 cylinder was filled with coolant. The dealer confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (Engine and Engine Cooling) was previously completed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. Additionally, while shifting from fourth to fifth gear, there was a violent clunk coming from the transmission. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who test-drove the vehicle for an hour but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the failure persisted. While the contact’s wife was driving, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head had fractured, and coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer recommended that the engine and transmission be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the dealer was servicing the vehicle, the dealer noticed that coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, causing coolant to leak into the engine cylinder, and the spark plugs were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a vehicle safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 101,800.
Engine, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle a month prior. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, May 22, 2025
Coolant leaking into engine, brought to Ford dealership for repair. Was charged for repair. Less than two months later the same problem occurred. Took vehicle back to same Ford dealership for repair. Was told needed new head gasket. Ford would not refund me for the first repair made and I had to pay for replacement head gasket.
Engine, May 21, 2025
After having head gasket replaced a year ago. Coolant leaked again into cylynder 3 causing white smoke to come out of exhaust. Ford Dealer looked at car and said the engine was designed wrong... engine needed to be replaced. the headgasket replacement cost 3,000 and now new engine is 7,000
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times for maintenance or service, and the contact inquired about the cause of the white smoke. The contact was informed on several occasion that the smoke as normal, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was informed that there was a misfire coming from cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 20, 2025
White smoke coming out of the exhaust with unusual smell. Check engine light with a misfire reading. Consistent with known coolant intrusion issue with the 1.5 Ecoboost engine.
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,786.