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, Oct 7, 2024
UNKNOWN. 2017 Ford Escape transmission went bad at 70k miles. After the June 2022 recall by ford on the Escapes transmission, the issues went downhill since then. It cost $8k to replace the transmission or $7k to rebuild the transmission according to Ford. Ford knows its transmissions in the older model escapes are faulty yet still would charge consumers an arm and a leg to replace or rebuild it. An investigation should be conducted into this transmission issue regarding the 2017 Escape and other 2013 - 2019 Escape models. It is not right to rip off consumers.
Engine, Oct 6, 2024
The engine was randomly low on coolant, so I refilled the reservoir 2 days ago. Now I received a service engine soon light triggered by code P0303, Cylinder 3 misfire. I believe that my vehicle is affected by the Ford 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the engine cylinder issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, 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. The failure mileage was approximately 41,776.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 4, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 and 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 a case was filed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly but after warming up the vehicle was running normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the messages "Engine Overheating" and "Pull Over and Stop Vehicle" were displayed. The contact checked and observed that the coolant reservoir was low. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program number: 19B37 - Coolant Intrusion into Engine Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 35,346.
Engine, Oct 4, 2024
Engine blew at 52,000 miles
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
Coolant leaking in engine. Thick white smoke coming from tail pipe
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
Dear All, I am reaching out to you regarding my 2017 Ford Escape (VIN: [XXX] ), which has only 72,900 miles and is showing error code P0303, indicating a serious engine failure due to coolant intrusion. My vehicle was manufactured in Louisville. On the morning of [XXX], the engine began to shake, and I had to have my car towed to the garage. I only received the diagnostic on [XXX]. The garage is unwilling to provide me with the full analysis (only the error code P0303) until I accept the repairs, and the repair estimate exceeds $12,000 (the engine needs to be replaced). In my opinion, my vehicle meets all the criteria for the Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37, which has no expiration date. This program concerns Ford Escapes manufactured in Louisville between September 17, 2015, and April 8, 2019 (which is the case with my vehicle). However, the garage claims my VIN number is not listed. Additionally, the 21N12 program covers vehicles with similar criteria, but FSA VIN lists will not be activated for this service action. As a result, I have not received any notification regarding issues with this vehicle, nor any notification regarding 19B37 program and the additional Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (which allows for engine replacement for error codes like P0303, similar to my vehicle’s issue). This situation has serious consequences for me, as I cannot afford such an expense, and as a student, I find myself without a vehicle. I believe that my vehicle qualifies for both of these actions (19B37 and 21N12) and I would like the repairs to be covered by Ford. I am attaching the two Ford documents related to these programs, as well as the CARFAX report for my vehicle. Thanks in advance. Best regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,700.
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
Engine had a hesitation while running for approx a week, then one morning it flashed on dash that push button start not operable must be manually started.. It would not run after that and was towed to Brandon Ford Dealership near Tampa Florida. This was around the [XXX], today on [XXX], Brandon Ford sends message stating that the engine has "COOLANT INTRUSION" and that it will cost $14,228.00 for a whole new engine!! They even have a name for the issue, not like "blown head gasket", "warped head", etc. Upon further research on internet, this is a MASS PROBLEM with these engines from 2013 to 2019 and is still happening even though Ford claims to have conducted a "redesign" of the coolant ports on the engine block.. IF THIS IS NOT A CLASS ACTION OR A RECALL SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2024
I was driving down the road and my vehicle stalled out and had little to no acceleration Was stuck in the middle of an intersection until I could move it to a parking lot putting my safety at risk. Dealer (Brondes Ford Toledo) ran codes, yet would not tell me the codes after they tried to charge $11,000. No Warning lights yet, had engine lights on until the dealer replaced Fuel vapor assembly and crankcase pressure sensor a little less than 30 days beforehand. After service Ford said it was good to go and stated this could not have been related to the bushing already recalled.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
UPDATE FOR TRACKING 11613924: Ford tech ran their diagnostics and have determined that it is still showing a Cylinder #2 misfire. They have advised me that I need a new Long Block and have quoted me at $7,800. Ford Corp states that there are no recalls, TSBs, or Customer Satisfaction posts that will cover my repairs, and I am out of any type of warranty for financial assistance from them for this known issue on the 2017 Escape 2.0L. I’ve had this car for 2 years, put a little over 5k miles on it. Total mileage right now is less than 98K.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
Found the dreaded coolant intrusion, with a misfire on cylinder four. The ford dealer found the design flaw of the slits cut in between the cylinders. The dealer is stating that the car needs a new lower block. No engine check lights on, motor lags as you take off from a stop. This i believe is dangerous to anyone driving this car with this known problem. After exploring the internet many other people are experiencing this same problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated with heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant leak into cylinder #1. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recall or warranty on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine warning light was illuminated. The message to “Turn Off the Vehicle Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2024
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 that the engine was severely damaged due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Sep 29, 2024
Engine misfired while driving down highway causing car to shake, and emitting smoke from the tailpipe. Vehicle has 93,000 miles and has always been well maintained. Driven carefully and never driven rough. Due to the abrupt failure of the engine driver nearly lost control of the vehicle and had to pull to the side of the road immediately. The problem was confirmed by the dealer who admitted that they know there is a problem with this years engine failing prematurely but wanted $11404.47 to replace it. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford Technician at Koch 33 ford in Bethlehem PA. This failure was unprovoked, there were no warning lights, messages, or any symptoms. FORD KNOWS about this issue and refuse to issue a recall or address the problem once it fails. There is ZERO reason a car that is 7 years old is now completely worthless. When asked about this the dealer said that they would be happy to roll the outstanding cost of the vehicle into a new loan on a new car but they would not address the vehicle that failed.
Engine, Sep 28, 2024
Coolant is continually, but slowly, leaking. The car has alerted me twice now that the engine is too hot and to safely stop the vehicle. There is also an oil leak. The vehicle needed oil replaced, not just changed, within the window of scheduled oil change. This car has been routinely taken into Ford for oil changes and nothing has been said about this issue.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
#1 cylinder misfire. Many complaints on Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders
Engine, Sep 26, 2024
The head gasket of the engine failed, allowing the intrusion of coolant in to the combustion chamber as well as exhaust gas entering the cooling system. After starting up the engine there is white smoke exiting the exhaust pipe. If you open the coolant reservoir you will also see bubbles coming up (exhaust gas). The issue was diagnosed by a machine shop with pressure testing. The report is attached. The issue was noticed because the car showed a low coolant check light. The car was immediately pulled over without the engine overheating. The ODB2 scanner also showed an engine misfiring for the first 1000 revolutions. This is a known Ford issue and design flaw in the 1.5L engine built between 2017 and 2019. Being a small, high powered turbo engine the engineers needed a better cooling capacity and added a channel between the cylinders to allow for more surface cooling. This channel significantly lowers the ability of the head gasket to perform for the expected life span of the engine. The surface area between the combustion chambers is way too small. Ford addressed the coolant intrusion issue and mitigated it by a change in the coolant passages. It was introduced in early 2019. The issue is confirmed by Ford as well as the dealership where we purchased this car. The issue can only get permanently fixed by replacing the engine block. Only changing the head gasket means the issue can reappear any time, making the car unsafe to drive. Living in Arizona, we feel that it is unsafe to drive a car like this. The desert heats up to 120 degrees over the summer. If your car breaks down in an area without cell phone coverage you have a huge problem. Your car should only break down because parts get old and worn out rather than a design flaw by the manufacturer. If you are selling a baby crib that possibly fails because of a design flaw there would be an immediate recall. I feel that Ford should address this issue again and offer its customers a reasonable to feel safe.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2024
I went in for the recall notice I had received and wanted the dealership to check on a concern I had towards my Escape that came afloat the day prior. I had scheduled to bring my car in for the recall/car concerns, except, I ended up bringing it in early. Now, the car was shimmying and the ck engine light came on. After the inspection, I was read the tech's notes. I was then told the cost of its repairs was nearly $7200! My car is only 6/7yrs old with 56,000 miles. I have not had any engine issues. After seeing the NHTSA report concerning my vehicle, I feel the needed repair cost should not be from my wallet. Here is my Escape's VIN [XXX] as well as the notes from my dealer's tech. "Verified the concern, engine has a misfire, CEL on some white smoke when started and also low on coolant. Hook up the IDS and found codes P0304, P0316 and P051B. Performed a cylinder balance test and found cylinder 4 misfiring. Performed a relative compression test and relative compression is ok. Reviewed mode 6 data and found cylinder 4 has been misfiring. During my visual inspection I found the coolant reservoir was empty/ low on coolant. Removed the cylinder 4 spark plug and the porcelain was cracked. Looked into the cylinder with my bore scope and the piston was clean aluminum indicating it has been steamed with coolant. Pressure test the cooling system ond found cylinder 4 is seeping coolant into the cylinder. The short block will have to be replaced to fix the concern." If you can get back to me ASAP. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The owner was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine, Sep 25, 2024
The engine block cracked and coolant is leaking into the cylinders at 55k. Car is at the dealers and Ford says it knows this is a defect but won't recall or make it right. The repair is a total engine replacement for over $8k!! This set off a check engine light off which is how I found out. This could've caused the engine to stop running at any speed and cause an accident. I want Ford to pay for the known defect but they refuse.
Engine, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was running extremely rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the coolant reservoir was being refilled every three to four days. The contact stated that there were no visible coolant leaks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leak and 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 a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.