2017 Ford Escape

What owners report most often

1. Engine1,572
2. Engine and engine cooling508
3. Power train391
4. Electrical system155
5. Other or unspecified153
6. Wheels76
7. Fuel/propulsion system72
8. Structure62

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

1. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2026

   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 Auto Zone, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs; however, the following day, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the contact took the vehicle to another Auto Zone, the vehicle was diagnosed with cylinder #2 misfire. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and there was white smoke coming from the coolant intrusion into the engine. The independent mechanic used a borescope and determined there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

2. Engine, Mar 31, 2026

   Coolant intrusion into engine from poor design. A known issue which causes overheating which may cause fires or engine failure while driving. With thousands of Ford escape owners affected. It has a recall on certain models but models that aren't on the recall are also affected.

3. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2026

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine caused by a crack in the engine block. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was a design flaw. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was deemed a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

4. Engine, Mar 30, 2026

   Coolant Intrusion – Engine Defect Concern “Coolant intrusion” is a known engine design defect in which coolant leaks into the cylinders, leading to internal damage, misfires, and eventual engine failure. In our case, we own a 2017 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost, which is now inoperable. The vehicle was properly maintained, with no prior issues. At approximately 103,000 miles, the engine began to fail unexpectedly. There was no overheating condition. Outdoor temperatures were normal (around 75°F), and the vehicle had been running properly up to that point. We have always used good quality fuel and kept up with regular maintenance. The first signs of failure included a check engine light with a cylinder misfire code, followed by noticeable white smoke from the exhaust. At the same time, coolant began rapidly disappearing despite being refilled. There are no external leaks, indicating the coolant is entering the engine internally. The vehicle now will not operate properly and cannot be driven. This failure occurred without warning and without any owner-related cause. Given the widespread reports of identical issues affecting Ford vehicles with this engine, this is clearly not an isolated incident but a systemic design problem. The pattern of coolant intrusion, white smoke, misfires, and sudden engine failure is well-documented among Ford customers. This issue requires immediate attention. It should be addressed as a recall, as it stems from a defective engine design rather than normal wear, misuse, or neglect.

5. Engine, Mar 29, 2026

   2017 Ford Escape equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost engine with coolant leaking into engine cylinder head leading to possible safety concerns and engine damage due to coolant intrusion into engine cylinders (according to Ford dealership)

6. Engine, Mar 29, 2026

   Coolant intrusion into cylinder heads requiring a full engine replacement. Posted in a Ford technical bulletin, but not covered by Ford at all. Expecting full price for service to change the engine.

7. Engine, Mar 27, 2026

   I have had so many problems with this car And now I cannot drive it. There is coolant in the engine. My car only has 69000 miles on it, great condition other than the engine. I took it to my mechanic I started having problems with it overheating and going right back to normal. Water pump replaced, spark plugs replaced, fuel injector replaced. Spent so much money on it and than started seeing white smoke out the muffler. Water in my resivor was disappearing Coolant in my engine

8. Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2026

   Vehicle suffered acute catastrophic engine failure. No dash lights alerted me. Engine just started rattling and smoking. Dealership it was towed to pulled codes p0302 p0304 p0012 p0014 tried to blame it on us despite known coolant intrusion issue

9. Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Mar 25, 2026

   Coolant leak and dealership advises that the car will need a engine replacement to fix the problem. The car is constantly running rough and misfiring. Driving this vehicle this way put myself and small children at risk that there could be a potential complete engine failure while driving the vehicle. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership and I was told that Ford Motor Co. is aware of the issue however they are choosing to do nothing about it or offer a recall. The vehicle has been inspected by a police officer who has driven the car and states that the car is very unsafe to drive. The car has a current "check engine" light constantly on. The car also has severe issues with the electrical system and sealing system. The car is now leaking water when it rains through the front windshield. Also, the pain is chipping in areas all over the vehicle.

10. Engine, Mar 25, 2026

    ‘Coolant Intrusion’ - A defect in engine design where coolant leaks into the cylinders, depleting coolant along with damage to motor etc. Overwhelming amount of both frustrated Ford owners suffering from having to pay for engine replacement while not at fault, and even larger amount of PROOF that this should be a recall, that it is still happening after year of insult and that Ford is content to continue not taking responsibility for it. Our 2017 Escape 1.5 eco boost will not even leave the driveway. The first time the vehicle detected “engine overheating” the vehicle dropped to ten miles per hour “limp home mode” and wouldn’t let me steer properly to move off to the side. I was going 50 mph, and almost wrecked. The engine wasn’t over heating, it was 53 degrees outside and I had just pulled out of my driveway.. engine still cold. Now , I can completely fill the engine and reservoir with coolant and it still depletes the coolant as well as won’t drive just to leave the driveway. We cannot afford an engine replacement, but this issue was also certainly not caused by us. This coolant intrusion problem is so far beyond obviously being Ford responsibility because of the massive amount of FORD CUSTOMERS with the same issue (affecting many other models btw) that it is both insulting and fraudulent for this to continue.

11. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 24, 2026

    My vehicle was inspected by a mechanic after experiencing sudden loss of power and stalling while merging onto the expressway in active traffic. At the time of the incident, the vehicle became unable to accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump had failed. During inspection prior to replacement, the mechanic identified metal shavings present in the fuel system, which appear to have originated from the fuel pump. These metal fragments contaminated the system and pose a risk of further engine damage. This failure appears to be related to a known issue involving fuel pump defects in Ford vehicles. The design and/or function of the fuel pump may allow internal deterioration that leads to system-wide contamination and potential engine failure. This issue presents a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden stalling and loss of power while driving, particularly during high-speed merging conditions.

12. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2026

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 5 MPH. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. There was no coolant visible on the ground. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

13. Engine, Mar 18, 2026

    Due to a design flaw the 2.0 Ecoboost engine has confirmed coolant intrusion. This diagnosis has been confirmed by both the Pierre Ford Dealership and a local mechanic, Chaplin Auto. The car is available for inspection. The engine light came on before full engine overheating. As soon as the light came on I had it checked immediately and the only code pulled had to do with the evap. I was told that was nothing urgent and could be handled in time. A week after that, without warning, I left my house to pick up my son from preschool and got less than a mile down the road before the car completely freaked out. The dash lit up red and showed the warning for high engine temp. The car became entirely undrivable. We stopped, pushed it off the road and had it towed to the Ford dealership. Where they had it for 5 days and ultimately told me (after a pressure test) that the car has coolant intrusion a "common problem with these cars" he said. This could've stopped on the freeway driving my child at any time. I now understand Ford knows about this problem and is actively refusing to do anything about it. This is a SAFETY issue.

14. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2026

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 45-55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, with a message that the engine was overheating displayed. The vehicle experienced reduced power and decelerated to 8 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and coolant was added to the coolant reservoir. The contact replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs; however, the check engine warning illuminated three days later. Upon scanning the vehicle, the contact retrieved DTC: P0302 for cylinder #2 misfire. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was not covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

15. Engine, Mar 14, 2026

    Coolant intrusion to cylinder #3 deeming the engine bad needing to be replaced.

16. Engine, Mar 12, 2026

    My car was just fine, then I noticed white smoke coming from the exahust pipe. It started to smell like antifreeze. Then the next day my antifreeze level got really low fast and over heated. I put antifreeze in it, to get it to a mechanic right away. I was then told it has an internal leak and the head gasket is blown or it may need a whole new engine to fix. Estimated from 6,000 to fix for head gasket, but could be no more than 10,000 if they need to replace the engine/long block. My car is a 2.0L Ecoboost. After reviewing the internet/reddit, this is showing as a major common problem that has been occuring, and thousands of people in America are reporting this problem in their 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost AWD. However, Ford has not helped in fixing the problem and only helping people who have a 1.5L. This is corruption at its finest, Ford new this would be a problem in the 2.0L as well and as the only owner of my vehicle this is not right and should be fixed by Ford completely! I am a teacher, that is extremly low income, I can not afford to fix my only car that I have taken a loan out on. Now, my car sits as I can't pay for it to be fixed because I still pay 500 a month to cover the initial loan and the mechanic wants payment upfront before fixing the major issue!

17. Engine, Mar 11, 2026

    2017 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 Eco boost, 86,000 miles coolant in engine block [Intrusion] blown motor. Me who still owes 9.300 on a loan me angry, not knowing how to fix. Shame on Ford for not building Ford motors to last over 150,000 miles or the duration of a 5-7 year loan. I had ignition coils and plugs replaced twice over 600,00 cost each time. Then an engine block test confirmed I need a new motor coolant in motor. I the disabled-can not afford as Ford dealer wants 10 grand for motor on a vehicle- blue book value less then 10 grand. Why did I buy this Ford? My 2018 Nissan Versa motor and transmission started to die at 18,000 original miles and completed death at- 20,000 original miles. Shame on manufacture companies- if you go to dealer I did today: 3-11-2026 and see 2026 brand new cars with only 35,000 mile drive train warranties- 100% confirms manufacture does not wish to make good motors in any brand, make & model.

18. Engine, Mar 10, 2026

    My 2017 2.0L Ford Escape experienced the commonly known coolant intrusion issue that this model faces. It started out as a P300 cylinder misfire code every now and then. I replaced all the spark plugs and coil packs but the engine light would still come on. The vehicle was looked at by Ford. They conducted a cylinder pressure test which indicated microfractures in the engine block. They quoted a replacement close to $8k. The mileage was maybe around 90k or 100k in March 2025. This was past the point of the free one time engine replacement with max mileage at 83k miles. I continued to drive the vehicle hoping it would last a little longer. The vehicle's heating stopped working over time (since it was loosing coolant). Soon after, on a 27 degree winter night of December 2nd, 2025 , I was driving the vehicle and a flashing message came on the screen saying something like "engine overheating, stop the vehicle safely now". The temperature gauge was all the way up on H. The next morning, I saw that the coolant reservoir was empty and that the oil cap had a milkshake appearance indicating coolant had mixed with the oil. The mileage was at 115,763 and I haven't driven it since. This voluntary one time engine replacement under the "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12" should not be conditional with how many vehicles have been affected by this issue. This should be a full recall.

19. Engine, Mar 9, 2026

    First trip (12/9) to mechanic for regular maintenance...technician discovered empty coolant reservoir, found leaking auxiliary water pump...repairs made. Two weeks later (12/23), engine light comes on...technician found faulty ignition coil in cylinder two...removed and replaced all ignitions coils and spark plugs. Took car on the highway, but couldn't get above 35 mph without lurching, car wouldn't go into higher gear. Technician reprogrammed computer twice before the issues seemed to be resolved (12/27). Six days later (1/02), car was idling unusually high, once on the road the idle settled down. Three days later (1/05), started the car and the temperature gauge flew up above HOT LEVEL. Warning light came on that the car was overheated. Turned it off. Checked under hood a few hours later, no coolant in reservoir. No coolant on the ground (there was never any evidence of a coolant leak on the ground). Diagnosed (1/07 and 1/14) as internal coolant leak by two different technicians (an independent service center and a Ford dealer). Need to replace engine block, etc. Cost for repair over $10,000. Unable to drive car for at least two weeks. Cost of repairs were over $1500, before final diagnosis made. Car cannot be driven safely without repairs. No inspection by police or insurance representatives.

20. Engine, Mar 9, 2026

    Ford did a recall on certain vehicles with the 1.5L ECVOBOOST motor, when in fact everyone of these motors are know to have issues, either white smoke out the exhaust, loosing coolant into the engine or in our case the motor now has a cracked head, and cannot be driven. The recalls for motors from the Louisville, KY plant. Our vehicle came from that plant. It seems that Ford knows all of their 1.5l eccoboost motors have the same issues, abd they refuse to address the issues, whike consumers are being screwed over by Ford. We need help with this ASAP. PLEASE HELP US.

21. Engine, Mar 8, 2026

    Coolant intrusion causing need for engine replacement. Like many others I've read about this is a KNOWN ENGINE DEFECT that Ford does not want to fix.

22. Engine, Mar 6, 2026

    Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car started having issues with skipping limited power. Took it to the mechanic and once again being told we need a new engine because it misfiring and low compression in the same cylinder number 3 and it's an internal issue. The new engine we purchased only had 60,000 miles on it. Ford needs to issue a recall and replace the engines for free and refund what consumers have already paid out for repairs. This issue is dangerous and Ford has done nothing to fix the issue. This year model for the escape has had nothing but problems and Ford knows it and does nothing

23. Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 5, 2026

    Engine failure due to coolant intrusion. Ford has issued a technical bulletin to its technicians regarding this issue. While my wife was driving the vehicle, a warning light first appeared indicating that the engine temperature was high. Shortly afterward, the warning escalated to a red alert stating that the transmission was blocked. My wife immediately turned off the engine to prevent further damage. The vehicle was then towed to a Ford dealership for inspection. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership informed us that the engine had suffered severe damage and would need to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. We have maintained the vehicle responsibly and have documentation of regular oil changes and other maintenance and repairs. When we contacted Ford Motor Company, we were informed that the vehicle was outside the warranty period. We opened a case with Ford’s customer relationship department requesting assistance; however, the case was denied. Although the vehicle is outside the warranty period, Ford has acknowledged this issue in a technical service bulletin, indicating that coolant intrusion is a known problem affecting this engine design in the Ford Escape 2017.

24. Engine, Feb 27, 2026

    White smoke from vehicle exhaust. Vehicle misfires and jumps when trying to engage gears. Then vehicle goes limp after running for a while.

25. Engine, Feb 27, 2026

    Our car just turned over 91,000 miles. The check engine light came on so I had spark plugs replaced. The repair shop noticed that our coolant level was way down so they ran a scope into the cylinders. They found fluids leaking into the #4 cylinder. I took car to Ford dealer and they confirmed water leaking into cylinder. They say I need a completely new motor and want to charge full price even though this has been a known "issue" for this motor since 2019 (Tech service bulletin 19-2346). They refuse to give any discounts and are telling me it will cost over $9,400 to replace the motor. I'm now being told it will be unsafe to drive the vehicle any long distances.