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, Dec 4, 2023
Coolant leak and need new heard gasket at only 71000 miles.
Power train, Engine, Dec 3, 2023, fire
Hi my name is [XXX] and I have a problem with my coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 turbo all wheel drive SE. case, [XXX] is from ford I have contacted ford several times on this issue. My vehicle is currently in the shop now since 11/14/2023. Ford says they are not going to fix my vehicle and it's a known issue I have included the service bulletin from Ford's website below. Any help getting my vehicle fixed would be greatly appreciated. My transmission is also slipping. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 30, 2023
The engine failed due to antifreeze leaking into the #2 cylinder. I use the vehicle daily and drive long distances on the highway several times per year. From my understanding an engine fire could be a result of this issue. I have the car at a garage now to replace the engine at a cost $8700.00. The issue first appeared approx. 11-7 when the temperature gauge immediately shot to hot after running for only 2 or 3 minutes. The vehicle was then taken to my local garage as I thought it was a minor issue. When Vickers Garage did a thorough inspection he found that there was coolant in the engine. He stated that he thought I needed a new engine but insisted I get a second opinion before I made any decision because of the cost that would be incurred. I then took the car to another garage, Benzy's Diesel where he confirmed that a new engine was needed and I instructed him to complete the repairs - again at a cost of $8700.00.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the diagnostic result showed that coolant was leaking from the head gasket which caused engine failure. The contact had the vehicle repaired out of pocket; however, the failure recently returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that engine coolant had leaked out due to a faulty engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
I purchased a brand new 2017 Ford Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost from a Ford dealership. I also had the maintenance service so every service was done by the dealership. Due to the Covid pandemic, I had not driven the car much so it only has 39,777 miles on it. On the evening of Nov 9th, 2023, I noticed the car sputtering a bit when pressing on the gas while on my way home and the engine light briefly came on and then went away. The next morning, on the way into work, it was much worse and the car started to shake randomly while driving it and didn't always respond to pressing the gas pedal. The engine light came on and stayed on. It was less than 6 miles to the dealership so I took it straight there where it still remains. After a week, I got word (17th) that coolant has leaked into cylinder 2 and that I would need to replace the long block and some other items for a total of $7,641.17. They are filing something called a "GCCT" where they approach Ford with the issue and ask for them to cover the replacement but told me Ford hasn't been helping customers. I'm very upset that I spent nearly $40,000 on a top of the line Ford Escape, have put only 39,777 miles on it, done every single service at the dealership, and less than one year after my powertrain warranty and extended service are up, I have coolant leaking into my cylinders causing major vibrations and power loss. After some research, it appears this is known issue with the engines going back to the 1.5L Ecoboost. It appears there is a known fault in the manufacturing of the engine design and Ford is not taking responsibility for ALL of those engines. The 1.5L engines seems to have reached some sort of settlement. It appears the 2.0L engine needs to be addressed. The car is no longer safe to drive until the $7,641 repair, and even then, no guarantee that the same issue won't happen again in the future while driving 65 down the freeway.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing into the driveway, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed smoke coming from an unknown location. The smoke eventually dissipated independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the freeze plug. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
I have been told by my mechanic and the Ford dealership that my 2.0 Ecoboost engine overheated as a result of coolant leaking into the cylinders and cracking the engine block. I addressed the issue immediately when the check engine light came on and had the #2 cylinder replaced. The car ran for a brief period of time before the engine light came back on along with the information signal which turned red and stopped the car due to overheating. I had not driven the car that day and travelled about 7 blocks. The car was towed to the dealership on 10/31/23. I had an appt for an unrelated recall on 11/1. Otherwise, I would have had to wait until 11/20 for an appt. My car remains at the dealership awaiting delivery of the 30 parts required. I have no estimate when it will be addressed. In the interim I have been told I am not eligible for a loaner car. At the request of the dealership I contacted Ford Customer Service and was given a case number. The rep said my car didn't qualify for any form of compensation from Ford Motor. When I questioned this, I was told very politely that the information was "proprietary". The dealership later said my car was "too old" and approximately 10,000 over the limit of approx. 84,000 miles to qualify for Ford to cover the repair, quoted at just under $8,000. While the dealer has been professional, it is clear they have dealt with this problem multiple times. I have read on-line extensively and on Consumer Reports that this is the result of a redesign to the engine to improve performance and mileage to something called the "open deck" engine. It didn't exist with previous engine designs and subsequent ones when the problem was addressed. The volume of complaints is extensive and well known to Ford and the automotive industry for a very long time. I have always maintained this car exquisitely addressing problems and regular maintenance. Ford's faulty design caused this and they should be held responsible for the entire cost.
Engine, Nov 24, 2023
I have filled out this form before. I had to have my engine replaced in my 2017 Ford escape 1.5l. so many people are having problems with these cars with the coolant intrusion problem. Ford refuses to acknowledge it don't know why you guys won't make them put a recall on these engines people owe too much money on their vehicles to keep doing this they can't just get rid of their cars. Now some people are realizing the new engines are not working either and they're forced to get a second new engine or lose all that money on their car. There is a Facebook page it's Ford EcoBoost Nightmares. You might want to check in on this so you actually know what's going on. This is not a joke anymore people are losing a lot of money Ford needs to be reimbursing people for their engine problems and if they have other engine problems they need to replace them too until they can learn how to fix these engines. I'm in the hole now and I have no money I have put every penny I have into this car and I still owe nine grand on it. I'm barely keeping a roof over my head. Please make them put the recall out people need to get reimbursed.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the long block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
I spoke to jasmine, This is [XXX] and we recently spoke regarding my case, [XXX], for the coolant leaking in the engine of my 2017 Ford Escape SE. the issue: Bulletin [XXX] · Number: TSB [XXX]· Date: 12-20-2019 My vehicle has been in the shop since 11/14/2023. Mathews ford has my vehicle now. 1101 W SW Expy Dr, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Phone number Call (918) 251-3673 matthewsfordba.com I also paid for new coils and spark plugs and a coolant flush hopefully I can get reimbursed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and the speed was reduced to approximate 35 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 19, 2023, fire
TRANSMISSION cable broke. Transmission failed and we had to replace it for $5,500. Car was at 101,000 miles. Ford wouldn't help. Now getting a cylinder 4 misfire - P0304 code, U3000-04. Also, coolant leaks constantly and there is no leak. per the recall of the 2017 Ford Fusion, this coolant leak into the cylinders is happening to us as well.
Engine, Nov 19, 2023
Becoming a common issue. The head gasket warped, which allowed engine coolent into the cylinders. Now it has to have an engine replacement. Vehicle has 88,000 miles
Engine, Nov 18, 2023
Since I purchased the vehicle second hand from a dealer, I've had a recurring check engine light that comes on a couple of times a month indicating a Cyclinder 1 misfire. I've replaced the spark plugs twice and the engine coils for almost $1000. Then, at 75,000 miles, Cylinder 4 caused a blinking engine light and that coil needed replacing for $5000. The cyclinder 1 misfire has remained and the Ford dealership has now taken a closer look and has diagnosed that coolant is leaking into the cylinders and it will require a full engine replacement to the tune of $8000+. The car has 80,000 miles and is 6 years old - there is no way I should need to replace the engine for this. Online (and apparently reported to you), there are countless indications of this issue and to date, Ford has refused to do anything to support their customers who have to shell out $8000 or more, or make the decision to cut their losses with their vehicles. I truly hope that the NHTSA will force them to make this right for the many many customers impacted.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicle started and idled rough. The engine malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed, and coolant had leaked into the cylinder. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway before coasting into a parking area. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had caused a misfire in cylinder #2. 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
My vehicle had shown a misfire of cylinder 3 at 300000 miles. Had it mantaineced and was told it was a fluke. A year later my car began stalling after starting, smoking out of the tail pipe, and having issues with low coolant levels causing the heat not to work. After research I found this issue to be reported on hundreds of times on forums and with technical service bulletins. There have been reports of engine failure while driving, smoking engine due to low or no coolant from leakage into the engine, and engine FIRES. There are over 502 complaints on the Ford Escape 2017 2.0 FWD engine alone. I have taken my car to a certified Ford dealer and had confirmation of a coolant leak into the engine cylinders due to defective cylinder parts failing prematurely. My car is currently at 60000 with a complete engine failure caused by defective parts. This problem has been reported on 1.5 ecoboost engines as well. This is a
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
Coolant intruded into the cylinders due to an engine defect
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was running rough. The contact stated that shortly afterwards the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a misfire in cylinders #4 and #6. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB: 22-229. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
I purchased car new and had all recommended service performed by the same dealership. At 56k miles (and six years) the check engine light came on. A Ford dealership diagnosed coolant in the engine block. The repair cost $7,700 for a new engine. Ford agreed to assist but only covered 2,700 leaving me an almost 5 thousand bill
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
Cooling system-related engine failure. Coolant intrusion leading to misfires, engine lag, overheating, and ultimately engine failure. The vehicle was purchased in July 2020 with approximately 30,000 miles and driven without issue until late July 2022 when the engine issue began to occur. By early August at approximately 68,000 miles the cooling system-related engine failure began to occur and made the vehicle inoperable. Inspection can be available upon request. The safety of myself, family, and all others nearby was put at risk due to this engine failure issue as it occurred and shutdown the vehicle while being operated on a local roadway. This engine problem has been identified by Ford Motor Company in one of their own Technical Service Bulletins and many other owners of this same vehicle have had the issue occur. The vehicle has been inspected by a local Ford Dealership Service staff and confirmed to have the defective engine issue described. There was an Engine Maintenance indicator code that coincided with the described issue that started to occur approximately 1 week before the engine issue occurred.
Engine, Nov 11, 2023
Coolant leaked into my Ford 2.0 Ecoboost engine and needs a full repair. It has been inspected by a Ford dealership. Ford is aware of this problem, it is a well known issue, and they are refusing to cooperate with me. The block on the 2.0L Ecoboost engine had a slot running between the cylinders for coolant. In some cases the coolant was going into the adjacent cylinders (coolant intrusion). The safety of me and my family were definitely at risk. My engine could fail in traffic, causing an accident. Fires have also been reported. This is a dangerous situation. The problem has been confirmed by the service department at a dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, not a direct manufacturer to my knowledge. A check engine light was on, the code was misfire. Then a red warning came on a few times advising me to pull over immediately and turn the engine off, and that it was too hot.
Engine, Nov 8, 2023
Coolant entering engine
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
I was told that my head gasket failed and that there was coolant leaking into my engine which caused a total engine failure. I had the engine replaced, and am now having the same issue with a different engine that is being replaced now as I type this. I have read online that I’m not the only person having this issue with their Ford and I feel that there needs to be a recall on the engine. My car was first diagnosed at a small shop then diagnosed the second time at the ford dealership. Before the engine failed the first time I had the check engine light appear and the code was reading as a cylinder misfire. It appeared about a month or two before the engine failed.