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
Electrical system, Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2024
my car randomly would not start upon shutting car off and returning to vehicle the car would not start with the keys that was given to me from the dealership that i purchased the vehicle from. it has been having coolant issues where it was reading high temperature then would go back to normal operating temperature very shortly and would happen off and on. it was serviced for this issue at Boubin Automotive in Waterloo, Iowa and they stated that it was empty on coolant refilled it and seemed to not have any leaks and it drove fine for a few weeks and then had the coolant issue where the car would read high temperature then would go back to normal and kept doing so. The day i parked it and returned to it and it would not start it showed high temperature immiedately and would not start. had it towed to a mechanic shop habhab's towing in ames iowa where they stated there was no coolant in it once again and they pressure checked the vehicle and it passed the pressure test for the motor but had no coolant in it, and still would not start stating that the pcm is bad in the vehicle. it has shown the exact signs of the recall in this vehicle that ford has released and i am trying to get the car covered under the recall because its showing the exact same issues as the new recall that was put out. please contact me at [XXX] is my cell phone number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2024
I have had to have my engine and my transmission replaced within 2 months apart I keep writing and calling everyone I can I keep hearing the 1.0 l engines are blowing up too due to the wet belt and they're doing nothing with the 1.5 l engines due to the coolant issues I had no warning lights going off in my car and it blew the motor if it wouldn't have been for me going downhill I could have easily been killed. I need some reimbursement I have worked out over almost 20 grand between the transmission and engine for repairs and I owe people money I can't afford this anymore. Why can you not make Ford pay for these. All of these engines are bad and the 1.0's and the 1.5 leader engines. I have all the documentation from what I paid for both all I would like is for half back. It seems like nobody's doing anything about this you keep asking for the approximate date and I do not remember. I'm going to try to get as close as I can. It's not a mileage thing on these vehicles they're all having coolant problems or they're all having wet belt problems it does not matter. It's faulty on their part. I've done all my oil changes I've kept up to date with everything I should have. Ford dealership actually refused to put a new engine in my car because they know these cars these vehicles are all bad. They're literally turning people away because they don't want to work on them.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024
Vehicle started idling weirdly, engine light came on the next day which was a code of P0304 (misfire cylinder 4) the day after that I took it to the dealership where I got the car from and they switched the coils on the cylinders and said I needed new spark plugs (those were not replaced) and they told me to come back when it misfires again. Couple days later my car overheats and I pull over to let it cool down. I then get home and make an appointment at a Ford dealership, which it had to be towed and now I am being told I need a new engine because coolant intrusion into cylinders. Currently waiting on warranty to approve repairs
Power train, Engine, Feb 6, 2024
The engine has had coolant leaking into it. Clouds of white smoke, stalling and regular low coolant level. Once the recall work was performed, I was still having these issues and told the ford service dept. They said there is nothing they could do. Now my transmission has completely gone out at less than 100k miles even though all ford suggested maintenance work has been completed at suggested intervals. It’s hard to justify replacing the transmission when I don’t know when the engine will quit working due to the coolant intrusion.
Engine, Feb 3, 2024
My Ford Escape 2 liter ecoboost engine failed and had to be replaced per a Ford Technical Service Bulletin and was replaced by an Authorized Ford Dealership. Engine was liable to fail at any time and a failure could have caused a serious road incident putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. There was no prior warning of the problem until the failure occurred. There were no messages from Ford. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS ENGINE A scanned copy of the dealer repair invoice is attached.
Engine, Feb 3, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine, making it misfire, and eventually engine will lock up. Verified by dealer. Needs engine replaced. This is happening to engines built prior to 2019. Ford has a service bulletin for it. Ford needs to issue a recall. The check engine light comes on due to the misfire as the coolant burns out of the cylinders.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the engine, causing vehicle to overheat with the overheat alert flashing on dash. Refilling coolant before every drive and still overheating, with the coolant always being empty despite being filled daily. Consistent cylinder 1 misfire, even after mechanical inspection/replacement. Vehicle misfiring upon starting, where some instances the engine will not start for 2-3 tries. Vehicle misfiring while driving, stopped at traffic lights, and when using Auto Stop-Start feature during daily drives (traffic lights and stop signs). White smoke coming from exhaust. Engine block cracked due design of engine - defective design. 100K miles, 2nd owner.
Engine, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the temperature gauge immediately indicated that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant leak into the cylinders. 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 advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. After which, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, and informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Jan 27, 2024
1. Coolant is either leaking or evaporating which makes the coolant reservoir tank lose water that requires many refills after daily use. This led to the car to heat up without any notice in the middle of a busy highway with a narrow shoulder. This causes the car to release white smoke from the back with a chemical stench. A mechanic checked the car by raising it on a car lift for any leaks but there were no obvious leaks. 2. Car sometimes violently shakes upon turning on the ignition letting out a loud noise that can be heard from afar. The warning was a misfire on the #2 Cynlinder. We have replaced the old spark plugs and coils with new ones but the car still shakes at times and on the screen it says, 'Engine Fault Service Now". 3. There is also a warning on the system that reads, 'Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power'. Upon start of the warning the car abruptly slows to 35 mph max which is a great concern for safety when driving on the freeway/highway with many cars going 70-80 mph. A couple of mechanics have all mentioned something is wrong because the system slows down the car to avoid any more problems to arise and is a big concern for them as well. The computer used to analyze any issues does not directly call out a specific error even though there is an obvious issue with the powertrain. 4. There was an issue with the latch on the lift gate of the car but was fixed by Ford because it was covered under Extended Ford Warranty.
Engine, Jan 27, 2024
Coolant has been leaking into the engine on low mileage 2017 Ford Escape titanium 2.0L ecoboost turbo engine.
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
While driving 40-45 mph the engine randomly shut off. I was able to pull over place into park and restart. The vehicle started normally and I continued to and from work with no issue. I drove to Ford dealership and they cannot duplicate problem.
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
This car has had many issues regarding the engine there was a tbs put out on it. But as a single mother with 2 kids I just bought this car it was in good working condition with a clean car fax I have only owned it since October 2023. Now I have white smoke coming from the exhaust and it keeps losing coolant. I have seen numerous complaints online regarding the engine of the 1.5 liter Ecoboost not only in the escape but also in the fusion. I believe this engine should be recalled and not a TSB
Power train, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
Engine coolant intrusion short block needed replaced was taken to mt orab dealership to have reprogramming done which I just found out they did not even do the reprogramming back in 2022 I had appointment scheduled for the reprogramming I had made one in November around 11th but not sure what happened so was rescheduled dec 6 th I am so disappointed in dealership lack of communication with customers about this program because they did not get me in until dec 6th the program ended this is completely unfair for me to pay out of pocket for dealership mistake with not disclosing they did not do reprogramming when vehicle was brought in and the program was over by the time they did
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2024
The engine has a known issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders. There is no fix for this. It affects all Escapes 2013-2019. Ford did a very limited recall restricted to just the 1.6L engines but the issue affects all engines. My escape is at the dealership now and has confirmed that my engine has this issue. I called Ford to ask what they were going to do to correct this issue. They acknowledged that there is a problem and that they know this is their issue but at this time will not do anything to help me. If I continue to drive my car it could catch on fire. I can not afford to replace the engine as it is $7500.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024, fire
Antifreeze is leaking into the small block, causing a fire in the engine. This was a known issue on the other Ford Fusions and other year Escapes. Upon viewing other users on reddit, this is a major issue.
Power train, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
Without warning, while driving on the freeway, my car lost power due to an engine fault. The car went into limp mode and I made my way off the freeway and into a parking lot, where I contacted a tow company. My safety, and the safety of those around me, was compromised due to the sudden loss of power during rush hour traffic. Upon review by a local shop, it was determfined that the engine failed due to coolant intrusion, a problem known to, and acknowledged by, Ford Motor Company. This was documented in Ford publication Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. There were absolutely no warnings or messages, nor were there any smells or sounds to indicate impending failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was also idling roughly. The contact stated that while driving during the day the smoke ceased; however, the vehicle would idle roughly while stopped for a traffic signal or while slowing for traffic. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine cylinders and recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a manufacturer recall for the failure however, the vehicle was not included. The failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a left turn into traffic, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that when the heat was turned on, there was an abnormal burning odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into a cylinder and caused damage to the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and the spark plugs and coils were replaced however, the check engine warning light returned. The vehicle was then taken to Pep Boys and the contact was made aware of the engine cylinder failures. 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 39,744.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024
As my vehicle was being operated, it began to shake and shudder while stopped in traffic. Each time the vehicle was stopped in gear, the entire vehicle would shake horribly. On Thursday January 11th, 2024 the vehicle was taken to the Grieco Ford dealership where I purchased said vehicle as new. Vehicle currently has 70,292 miles and is up to date on its maintenance. Upon inspection, the service advisor indicated the technician found all motor mounts broken, as well as a broken flywheel flex plate. Doing due diligence, I discovered that the motor in my vehicle is the same motor which has an active recall in three other Ford models. The Ford Fusion, Ford Edge and MKZ models. The same damage to my vehicle is commensurate with their recalls. I believe the motor in my vehicle, a Ford Ecoboost 2.0L is the same in a long line of faulty motors and should be added to the line of recalled motors. The damage to my vehicle is one which should be added to the line of recalled motors, and the cost of repair should be reimbursed and covered by the Ford Motor Company and its subsidiaries. Today, January 16th, 2024 at 0934hrs, I received a phone call from the dealership advising me that the torque converter is also faulty, as the vehicle's motor is still shaking after replacing all the motor mounts.
Engine, Jan 15, 2024
At approximately 55k miles (mid-December 2023), the engine started to misfire on startup. It did not happen every time, but happened enough that the check engine light appeared several days later. The diagnostic codes were P0301-00 (Cylinder 1 misfire detected) and P0316-00 (Misfire detected on startup - first 1000 revolutions). All 4 spark plugs and cylinder 1 ignition coil pack were replaced, engine continued to randomly misfire. Battery was replaced, engine still misfired. After replacing the battery, I noticed the coolant tank was empty. I added coolant, and the level continued to drop. I took the vehicle to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in Fort Collins, CO where they confirmed on [XXX] that coolant was leaking into the cylinder and the engine would need to be replaced. There are several Technical Service Bulletins for this issue, the most recent being [XXX] dated [XXX]. Issue is as follows: Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the long block engine assembly. This is a known design flaw with the engine, and makes the vehicle completely unreliable. The engine was confirmed by the Ford dealer to be malfunctioning beyond repair due to a defect with the engine cylinders. Many other instances of this issue are documented online, and confirmed by dealer to be a known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated on a several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently for approximately three months. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number was provided. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 12, 2024
The KNOWN issue with the 1.5L ecoboost engines happened to my 2017 Escape at 79k miles right after having a the transmission shifter cable bushing recall fixed. Coincidentally, it didn't have the extensive issue before bringing it in for the recall and also ,coincidentally, my warranty expired last month and they told me it's my problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the contact informed the mechanic about the engine warning light. The mechanic informed the contact that the spark plug failed to release without being fractured, and it was also diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the repair and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.