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
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 2, 2026
NHTSA Complaint SummaryVehicle: 2017 Ford Escape SEEngine: 1.5L EcoBoostVIN: [XXX] Defect: Engine Block Design Flaw / Coolant IntrusionTechnical Description of the Issue:My vehicle is experiencing a well-documented manufacturing defect specific to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine block was designed with a "v-groove" between the cylinders that is prone to structural failure. This allows engine coolant to leak into the combustion chambers (coolant intrusion) and allows engine oil to contaminate the cooling system. My vehicle currently exhibits "milky," tan-brown sludge in the coolant reservoir, confirming that oil and coolant are cross-contaminating due to internal engine failure.Extreme Safety Hazards and Dangers:This defect creates several critical safety risks for the driver, passengers, and other motorists:Sudden Loss of Power at High Speeds: The mixing of oil and coolant destroys the engine’s ability to lubricate internal bearings. This can lead to a catastrophic engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion, causing an immediate loss of power and power steering, which creates a high risk of collisions on highways.Engine Fire Risk: When coolant enters the combustion chamber, it can cause severe engine misfires and overheating. Overheated oil or pressurized coolant spraying onto a hot exhaust manifold during a mechanical failure presents a significant fire hazard.Hydro-locking: If coolant floods the cylinder while the vehicle is in operation, the engine can hydro-lock, causing the engine to stall instantly and potentially throwing metal debris onto the roadway, endangering other drivers.Visibility Hazards: Excessive white smoke from the exhaust (caused by burning coolant) can suddenly obscure the driver’s rear-view visibility and the visibility of trailing motorists.Conclusion:Ford Motor Company was aware of this defect, as evidenced by Customer Satisfaction Program 21N08 and TSB 19-2346. However, because these programs have arbitrary expira INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 30, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety-related engine defect on my 2017 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost. The vehicle has a history of repeated coolant loss and white smoke, followed by engine failure/no-start. The trouble codes later provided by the dealer included P1285 and P1299, which are related to engine over-temperature protection/thermal event concerns. The local Ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle as “out of time” and recommended a major timing/engine repair path. However, after repeated written questions, the dealer confirmed that my prior history of repeated coolant loss and white smoke was not taken into account as part of the current diagnosis. I am concerned that the vehicle should have been evaluated under a coolant-intrusion / thermal-event failure pathway associated with this engine family, rather than being limited to a timing-only diagnosis. My concern is that this may represent a safety-related engine failure pattern involving coolant loss, overheating protection, and possible coolant intrusion, which could cause sudden vehicle disablement or engine failure. I have also opened a case with Ford requesting an independent review: Case CXH-07588177-W3Z8K7.
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2026
Coolant intrusion defect. Had to replace engine. Power train fail also.
Engine, Apr 29, 2026
2017 Ford Escape. 58K miles. Engine light turned on, took vehicle to Ford was informed there was an issue with a coil. $5000+ for repair. Warranty had already lapsed, took to an auto repair shop, coil replaced. Problem solved. 1 month later car overheats, zero coolant in vehicle. Coolant replaced and within 3-5 days level of coolant is less than half. Research and find a recall for coolant problems causing misfires. No letter received, VIN not listed in recall however the problem looks pretty prevalent via blogs and consumer feedback.
Engine, Apr 29, 2026
The engine cooling system and engine block failed due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. This is a known issue in certain 2017 Ford Escape vehicles with the 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and an engine malfunction while my daughter was driving it, which created a dangerous driving situation for her. The issue has been diagnosed by a mechanic. Prior to the failure, there were symptoms including the check engine light on, the car overheating, and the car running rough.
Power train, Engine, Apr 28, 2026
April 2025 our Ford Escape, a 2017 model, had an issue with the car overheating, we brought to a dealer and the diagnosis was coolant leaking into the cylinders of the engine . Repair costs range $8-10,000.00 , new engine $11,000 plus. Through research on chat rooms we have discovered that this is a known issue with Ford's design, several consumer complaints and open class action lawsuit exists. Our dealer offered no assistance financially, we were told auto is out of warranty and no restitution is available to us. We've taken excellent care for this car and are seniors on fixed income. Like many other consumers facing the same engine issues, we are left with no choice but to absorb costs to repair the auto. Any trade in or resale value is diminished. Thank you for accepting our submission on this critical consumer issue. We are the original owners of this vehicle. Ford is showing no customer loyalty and, no concern for consumer safety as this "coolant intrusion" issue can cause the car to fail, shut down or catch fire.
Engine, Apr 27, 2026
DAILY COOLANT LOSS WITH NO LEAK. LARGE VOLUME OF WHITE SWEET-SMELLING SMOKE IN MORNING AT START UP AS WELL AS ENGINE STUMBLING AT STARTUP. UNKNOWN COOLANT LOSS CAUSED OVERHEATING
Engine, Apr 23, 2026
I had noticed the "sluggish" during my travels either to/from work, I had thought that it may be local gasoline. After fueling once again, my car started with an emblem on the dash, which I later looked up in the book provided and it stated that I needed to have the "coolant" looked at, I believe it was a engine emblem.?. My last oil change was October 2025. I stopped 03/10/26 by AutoZone to see if they could do a diagnostic. Which stated several options that could be evaluated. The AutoZone information suggested: spark plugs, coil packs and two other options that it might be. Then the next signal my car gave me was during driving from my evening job on 04/02/26, which was so quick I did not get to see it, however, the alarms were loud enough that I was scared. I pulled over for safety d/t the "emblem that I remember seeing said something about "Fire and Safety". I allowed about 20 minutes to pass and nothing had taking place, so I call to husband re: the warning lights. **Wrench Sign: with the signage of Engine Fault Service Now. I was traveling to work after the car sat in my garage over the weekend. The alarms started going off and suddenly I was without control over the vehicle, the car stopped and there was no power.
Power train, Engine, Apr 23, 2026
There is a known issue with coolant intrusion into the engine with this vehicle. The vehicle has less than 40,000 miles. The engine stalled three times over a two mile trip and completely shut off during a left hand turn with oncoming traffic putting my family and other drivers in danger.
Engine, Apr 23, 2026
Coolant intrusion into the Engine issue with my 2017 Ford Escape was confirmed by University of Ford with a $12,000 price tag. I was told my car wasn't part of the recalls and it had 106,000 miles on it so it wouldn't be a part of it anyway. They offered me $500 to buy my car.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant, and the coolant pipes were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. Due to the failure, the contact was informed that the engine needed to repaired or replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Engine, Apr 20, 2026
coolant intrusion
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 19, 2026
Engine fault light came on took to mechanic nothing popped up on the codes. Then check engine light came on took to another mechanic it showed it was misfiring along with other codes. Then check engine light went away. Then moved car out of driveway and engine overheating light came on.
Engine, Apr 18, 2026
coolant intrusion
Engine, Apr 18, 2026
We received notification about the PCM needing reprogrammed and we had that done in 2020 at 41K miles. In Oct 2025 we had the water pump and timing belt changed at 106,236 miles then 5 months later it started shaking and the check engine light came on. The light had never come on before this. It has 109,630 miles. I put a scanner on it and it showed P0302 misfire so I replaced the plug and coil in the #2 cylinder and no change. I had already replaced all spark plugs around July/August in 2025. We had it towed to a local mechanic shop and they did a compression check and said the #2 cylinder had 15% left and that the mechanics didnt see any evidence of a coolant intrusion and we needed a new engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in two cylinders and determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Engine, Apr 17, 2026
Coolant intrusion in the engine. Causes failure if engine and oil leak on engine. Had it diagnosed with a mechanic.
Engine, Apr 16, 2026
Mechanic looked at vehicle couldn’t find a coolant leak from anywhere, could be a cracked head.
Engine, Apr 16, 2026
1. The failed component is the engine. The dealer confirmed that coolant intrusion caused internal engine damage and that the engine requires full replacement. This is especially serious because Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 had already been performed on the vehicle and was supposed to correct this exact coolant intrusion issue. The dealer even acknowledged that this repair should have prevented the failure, yet the same problem still occurred less than 30,000 miles later. The vehicle has low mileage, has been properly maintained, and should be available for inspection upon request, depending on whether the dealer or repair facility retains the parts. 2. This created a major safety risk. My teenager was driving the vehicle when the engine died, which put them in immediate danger. A sudden engine failure can cause loss of power, rough running, misfiring, or stalling in traffic, at intersections, or at highway speeds, leaving the driver unable to accelerate or move out of the way of other vehicles. This was not just an inconvenience; it created a very serious risk of a crash and potential injury to my child, passengers, and others on the road. 3. Yes. The problem was confirmed by the dealership service department. They diagnosed the failure as the 19B37 coolant intrusion issue and stated that the engine needs to be replaced. They also acknowledged that the prior CSP repair should have fixed this problem. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/service center. Ford has also been contacted regarding the issue. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Yes. Before the failure, there were symptoms consistent with coolant intrusion, including coolant loss and engine performance problems such as rough running or misfiring. Warning lights and engine-related symptoms appeared before the complete failure and worsened over time until the dealer confirmed internal engine damage. The vehicle had low mileage, all ma
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and was turning on and off. The thermostat gauge increased to hot. The contact became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the oil light was illuminated even though an oil change had been performed two months prior. The vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that there was an internal coolant leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Engine, Apr 13, 2026
I am reporting a serious engine defect with my 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost. Coolant has leaked into cylinder number 4, causing engine damage and failure. The dealership confirmed this diagnosis and stated that a full engine replacement is required, with an estimated cost of 9,000–10,000. I purchased this vehicle new in 2016 and have been the sole owner. This issue is consistent with known defects affecting EcoBoost engines, including internal coolant leaks and engine block failures. I am submitting this report to ensure it is documented and to request investigation of this safety and reliability concern.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2026
2017 Ford Escape 65,000 miles,1.5l coolant intrusion.#2 cylinder misfire code. First thing upon raising the hood noticed and acknowledged there was no coolant in resevoir. Attempting to replace spark plugs. Removed/replaced #4 plug. Attempting to replace #3 spark plug, plug broke off. Researching and collaborating with reputable mechanic concluded that short block coolant intrusion has occurred. Upon disassembly have encountered turbo boost and catalytic converter full of oil, also needing replaced. Head has been sent to machine shop for inspection and repair. Presently awaiting for repairs to be completed and costs established. Present estimate over $5000. I paid cash for this vehicle in 2019. Vehicle had been leased for 2 years previous. Vehicle had 20,000 miles on it. Ford was well aware of the coolant intrusion (bad engineering) is before they sold me the vehicle in November 2019. They never mentioned or offered any warranty specific to this issue. They sold me a a vehicle knowing that if enough things went wrong while driving this vehicle, catastrophic situation was possible. They should have corrected this issue before they sold it to the next customer.
Engine, Apr 10, 2026
The vehicle suddenly began running roughly, and produced a loud clicking/knocking noise and engine shut off while driving. We were advised by the Ford mechanic we had it towed to that it was due to the EcoBoost engine failure, and that this is a known issue.Ford has issued technical service bulletins related to this defect, but no recall has been initiated. Given the safety implications of an engine shutting off while driving, the widespread nature of this problem, and the refusal of Ford to own up to this dangerous defect I felt I had to report it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 7, 2026
Coolant leaking into cylinders. Repair shops said it was a known Ford issue with the 1.5 ecoboost engine. Causes the coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat and the overflow tank to leak.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2026
Engines has a severe issue with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders due to a design defect in the engine block. This "coolant intrusion" lead to misfires, engine overheating, and complete engine failure, and is requiring a full engine replacement.