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, Sep 26, 2023
Coolant is leaking into engine. Check Engine light then engine shutting down on highway.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2023
Auto Start/Stop feature stopped working. Shows unavailable no matter setting. Have had battery checked multiple times and dealership supposedly fixed prior but it is not working again
Engine, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle began to shake abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home; however, upon restarting the vehicle, the engine began to shake abnormally while idling. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was discovered there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,200.
Engine, Sep 23, 2023
In March of 2021, I was traveling to the Tyrone, PA for a bridal shower, when my check engine light began flashing, and my car was running very rough (bumpy, not accelerating, etc). A Firestone Complete Auto Care in Altoona, PA was able to take my car and diagnose the issue. They determined that coolant leaked into cylinders 2 and 3, and that a Ford dealership would need to conduct the repairs. Stuckey Ford in Hollidaysburg, PA took my car and found the same problems. They recommended the engine be completely replaced, totaling $7,262.42. At this time, Ford stated that the issue wasn't covered, so it was paid out of pocket. 6 months later in November 2021, the transmission died. Ford recommended a replacement. I'm unsure if the transmission dying is at all related to the initial coolant leak issue. This was also not covered by Ford, and paid for out of pocket. I have recently learned about the Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. After talking to local dealerships, I was forwarded to Ford Customer Care, where they informed me that the bulletin expired in November 2022, meaning I would not be reimbursed for the engine replacement. I have moved a handful of times in the past several years, so any notice of this may have been lost in the mail or delivered to the incorrect address.
Engine, Sep 22, 2023
At 95,000 miles the vehicle would jump shifting gears. We took it the mechanic and they noticed one of the cylinders is missing firing. They noticed it is due to a coolant leak. Also, there is smoke coming out of the exhaust and there is a smell. The ford mechanic has said this is due to a coolant leak issue and needs a full engine block replacement that costs over $8,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally; however, when the vehicle was started in the morning, the vehicle was idling rough for approximately 5 minutes. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had entered the cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge started climbing into the high temperature and then went below the normal engine temperature and then fluctuated. There was a message to stop and turn off the vehicle due to the engine temperature. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346 - Coolant in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Sep 19, 2023
Coolant is leaking into cylinders just like in the 1.5L engines. Currently no help from Ford on the 2.0L
Engine, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pull Over Safely” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of coolant intrusion into the engine and that the cylinder block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall for the failure however, the recall had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 54,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant had leaked into the cylinder block, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. On another occasion, while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
The engine needs to be replaced due to antifreeze in cylinder 3. There were no warning lights or codes, just kept topping off the antifreeze until I saw TSB 22-2229 and took it to a dealer where it currently sits and has been there 3 weeks waiting for the engine. My vehicle only has 50,000 miles on it.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS. DIAGNOSED BY A FORD DEALER.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, coolant was leaking into the engine cylinder. The vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle overheated and failed to restart. The "Engine Fault - Service Soon" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,381. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Car started over heating the coolant is leaking into the cylinder heads causing a misfire and the engine needs to be replaced. Cost to replace it is almost what i owe. I have almost 70,000 miles on it and now I am stuck paying for a car I can't even drive.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
2017 Ford Fusion Coolant Intrusion into cylinders
Engine, Sep 11, 2023
Coolant leaked through spark plugs and into the engine. The whole engine needs to be replaced. My mental health has been severely affected due to the repair being roughly the same amount I still owe on the vehicle ($11k) and have not been able to make it to work. Ford has acknowledged this specific known issue on a Technical Service Bulletin 22-2134. Check engine light came on indicating cylinder 3.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced. After the repair, the engine started to misfire and jerk while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant had leaked into the engine. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2023
Known common problem of coolant leaking into engine and ford says they will only replace up to 84,000 miles. This is clearly a dangerous manufacturing flaw.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
Ford Motor Company has a known defect with their ecoboost engine in the 2013-2019 Ford Escapes, 2013-2019 Ford Fusions, 2015-2018 Ford Edges, 2016-2019 Lincoln MKCs, and 2016-2019 Lincoln MKZs. My 2017 Ford Escape started experiencing signs of this issue and had the check engine light come one. My research found that the issue can lead to overheating, engine damage, smoke from the exhaust pipe, the constant need to replenish coolant, and most importantly, engine fires. Upon inspection, the Ford Dealer is charging me $6,400 to repair the vehicle. I’ve driven it 49k miles out of the 60k warranty, but have owned the car slightly over the 60 months provided in the manufactures warranty. I don’t understand why the NHTSA won’t take a more aggressive approach by forcing Ford to repair a significant and serious issue. There have been recalls of other Ford models that have this same issue - they should be forced to recall these model years to ensure these cars are safe. They should also be forced to reimburse consumers who had to pay for these repairs out of pocket.
Engine, Sep 6, 2023
With just under 61,000 miles and no check engine light my car overheated on shut off while driving I was able to pull over on the side of the road. Brought to a Ford dealership they a coolant intrusion in cynlinders which means I engine long block assembly
Engine, Sep 6, 2023
Check engine light points to cylinder 2 misfire, low coolant, white smoke from tailpipe, odor of coolant. A known defect in 1.5L Ecoboost engines causes coolant intrusion into the cylinder but for some reason 2.0L engines were left off the list for repair by the Ford dealers TSB 21N12. I’ve made an appointment with the dealer but I have to wait three weeks for that. I’ve had to stop driving my vehicle because I’m afraid it could overheat and start a fire due to lack of coolant and driving it could cause more damage.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
Check Engine light was going on and off for a month on 2017 Ford Escape SE with less than 60,000 miles. Was driving to dealership to have it checked out. Before getting to the dealership, an audible and visual Overheating Engine warning occurred. The dealership said they could not look at the car for at least two weeks. They replied that the engine needed replacement "REPLACE LONGBLOCK COOLANT IN CYL#4" with a price tag of $9,339.29. Ford knows about the issue and will not issue a recall. Not only is this extremely horrible product and customer service, it is a huge safety issue as the car could have overheated while going at high speeds and/or caused harm and damage to occupants and others on the road.
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2023
Just purchased this vehicle on July 3rd and now have Coolant Intrusion and need a new long block engine. I've read online about the MULTITUDE of people having this same exact issue. 2017 Ford Escape SE (2.0 engine) Ford even issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) about it, but refuses to recall the vehicle, which doesn't make any sense. Ford TSB 22-2229