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 and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband noticed that the antifreeze smelled like fuel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that antifreeze had leaked into the engine cylinder. The mechanic also found pieces of the piston inside the oil pan. The mechanic then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the contact was given an estimate for the cost of a new engine. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
Engine developed a coolant leak that irreparably damaged the engine with 72,000 miles. The coolant leak is a known issue and Ford failed to inform consumers or offer a repair. The vehicle is inoperable and still has payments due on the loan.
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
After learning that the car was the subject of a TSB fir this issue, "Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. Customer symptoms include coolant loss, excessive tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights (MIL) due to engine misfire. Over time, this condition may damage the engine, requiring replacement of the engine short block." We had this issue occur to us. The vehicle needs an engine. The coolant is leaking down into the cylinder walls. It is 8600.00 plus tax to replace the engine.
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
While driving home from work the piston cracked causing the engine to fail. No advanced warning lights until vehicle started missing and the engine light came on at that time. The vehicle was only 500 miles over the power train warranty. It had 60,500 miles o. It when ot happened.
Engine, Jul 13, 2022
Fue necesario cambiar la transmisión debido a la falta del "Buje", el cual tenía un problema de fábrica, según comunión de Ford Motor Company de fecha Julio del 2022, con referencia: Campaña de Seguridad 22V413 de la NHTSA.GOV
Engine, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The engine began to overheat with the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle also ran rough. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to another certified mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then decided to take the vehicle to a dealer and was notified of coolant intrusion into the cylinders which caused the engine failure. The dealer replaced the engine. The contact had not yet retrieved the vehicle to confirm if the fix had repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
After arriving at my designation 250 miles from my home my I arrived safely but when leaving from there the car would start. I waited 20 minutes before I tried starting it and it started. I was there for the weekend for a graduation. Sunday the car started and I proceeded to come home to the same distance. I stopped at Costco in Portland, Or. which was about 5:30 evening. I went to put my groceries in the car but the hood would not open. I tried to use the Fob but again it would not start. I took the key out of the Fob and opened the door and the horn started blasting and the car lights started blinking. My son was in Portand, Or. as well and meet me at Costco. He opened the Fob and put in a new battery but that did not work. We figured that it was probably dead even though it was never used and new. He went and bought a 5 pack of batteries. We tried again and again it would not start. Before I called him I had gotten hold of my roadside insurance and since it was not considered an accident nor anyone hurt, they said it would take about 1 to 2 hours to get there. That's when I called my son. After numerous times trying to get it started with a new battery it finally started. Drove home with my son following behind and made it home. I was thinking that it was just the Fob but it started to do the same thing in days to come. As of today July 11, 2022 my car has been at the dealer where I bought it since May 23, 2022. I took it there for an oil change, which I always do and it's been there almost 2 months. I did send a letter to Ford Motor Company , Customer Relationship Center in Dearborn, MI 48126. I believe that my 2022 Ford should be considered a safety defect. I'm just glad that, had my car lost power on the freeway or any other place it I would not had any control over it. I did not mention that my granddaughter was with me when I drove the 250 miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
Engine was not able to continue accelerating onto a freeway entrance ramp or up a hill. It began to struggle and would not increase in rpms. The low pressure oil light flashed for a second when this happened. Never saw an engine light go off. Since the engine light never went off I continued to drive this vehicle, on highways where there were situations where I could not maintain a safe highway speed. It was scary and felt the engine would quit any second. But it would settle and again no indicators went off. After any struggle on a freeway the next 24 hours the engine would struggle even driving on local roads (under 40mph); could not accelerate and all and felt the car would stall any second. Sometimes the oil indicator would go off, sometimes not. This was reproduced and confirmed by a Ford Dealer. They found metal in the engine oil and said the entire engine needed to be replaced. They currently have the faulty engine. No others have inspected the engine at this point. Again no engine warnings went off and my entire engine needed to be replaced, it was not an option to wait. It wasn't safe to drive. This is not related to the current recall.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light and the "Engine Fault Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body and crankshaft case pressure sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,100.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
Engine light kept coming on. Eventually stopped in traffic and went into limp mode. Took it to the local Ford dealer and they said it was a coolant leak into the engine and that they've seen it before and that it would cost $8,000 to replace the engine. We were able to get an independent mechanic to replace the faulty engine with a pre-owned engine with 11,329 miles for $5,000.
Engine, Jul 8, 2022
I had a 2017 Ford Escape SE FWD. Check light came on for cylinder 2 misfire. Took it to the dealership to have it diagnosed. It failed a pressure test due to coolant leaking into cylinder walls. Motor failure was at 109XXX miles.
Engine, Jul 7, 2022
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, and the dealer replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine block was allowing coolant to leak into the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
Car engine stopped running while driving. Car was taken to dealer, they said transmission but Ford Corporate says they have no record of the issue. How is that? The car is doing the same thing again and I am afraid to drive it, if it would start. Now ,it won't even start. How are they allowed to keep this stuff secret? I know nothing will happen , but the next time this occurs someone could die as it doesn't care where it shuts off.
Power train, Engine, Jul 5, 2022
Cylinders 1 & 3 began to misfire, sparkplug, wires, coils replaced, 2 days later engine light pops back on with same error codes. Noticed very low coolant and then discovered coolant in oil.
Engine, Jul 5, 2022
Check engine light came on and took it to the dealer. quick diagnosis was a misfire on piston #1. Was told that there is a known problem with coolant leaking into the piston and it happened with previous ford engines. took it in to be tested and was just told that the engine needs to be replaced for a total of $6000.
Engine, Jun 30, 2022
Coolant leaking into the engine cylinders - it's a known problem with 1.5L and 2.0L Ecoboost Engines for Ford Escapes and other vehicles manufactured between 2013-2019, ours is a 2017. Ford was sued with a class action lawsuit for the 1.6L engines but no fix or recalls for the other engines experiencing the same problem. Please help! this is very dangerous as it can cause the engine to seize and no warning! More details here: Engines in their Ford vehicles overheat due to an internal coolant / antifreeze leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. In many cases, the defect is alleged to have caused total engine failure and to require replacement of the engine block. While some consumers report the check engine light comes on to alert them to the issue, others state they got no warning. Similarly, some consumers note they saw blue or white smoke coming from their vehicles to alert them to the issue. Several observed that their vehicle misfired when coolant leaked into the cylinders. The most common vehicle PCM codes reported as associated with misfire related to the internal coolant leak are P0316 and P0302. Consumers additional report that the prevalence of the problem has caused replacement parts to be on backorder, causing significant increased wait times for vehicle repair. Ford previously recalled certain 2013 and 2014 Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.6L engine for a similar issue under recall campaigns 12V551 and 17V209. No such recall has been made, however, for vehicles with the 1.5L and 2.0L Ford Ecoboost engines presenting similar problems.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. Additionally, a warning chime sounded in the vehicle. The next day, the contact stated that the same failure occurred while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was discovered that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The contact then drove the vehicle to a dealer where they confirmed the failure and gave him an estimate for a new engine block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 90,767.
Engine, Jun 29, 2022
THE ENGINE IS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDERS FOR THE PAST YEAR. KEEP ADDING AND ENGINE MISS. ECOBOOST ENGINES ARE ALL DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT BE SOLD...... NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND NO CODES PRESENT. NEVER OVER HEATED AND ONLY ADDED ANTI FREEZE TO STAY AT FULL LINE.
Engine, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the purge valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, three days later, the check engine warning light returned and the engine started sputtering when started. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that coolant had leaked into cylinders #2 and #4. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
With no warning the suv over heated and I took it to pep boys to see what was happening. They simple told me that I needed to replace the entire engine. This isn’t fair because I didn’t even get a warning. This suv has other problems as well that Ford should have issued recalls for but there’s so many to list. I would just like my suv to be fixed as I’m a single mom trying to make it through this trying times and now I have no car to get work, take my children to school, or even the day to day things that we need like a grocery store trip. I don’t 6,000 to 9,000 to repair my truck and I can’t afford to lose it either as I’m still paying the note on it. Can you please help us, I’m only trying.
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
6/17/22 drove from VA to NY check engine light came on, took it to Ford dealership Simmons-Rockwell, in Hornell NY, they completed a diagnostic test and told me that my SUV needed to have long block replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Its a known manufacturing defect in the aluminum motor. Affecting all Ford vehicles from 2013-2020. Repair cost $8800. Ive contacted Ford Corp. to see if they will cover the repair since its a known defect and they keep pushing me off to the dealership and the dealership said they cant do anything until they hear from Ford Corp. What can i do?
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
Check engine light came on, took to dealership. I was informed that coolant is leaking into the cylinders causing misfiring and engine would need to be replaced. I was told this is a known issue for my car but no recall is issued for this problem by Ford.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Traveling on I-77 in Bland County Virginia. I was doing 70 mph and had to slow to 40 mph due to a tractor trailer. Brakes failed, made it off the interstate safely. I went to a garage. They installed front brake pads which did not help. Upon checking, they recommended a vacuum pump as my brakes were no better and all of the oil was leaking out of my car. I checked with Ford and my warranty expired on May 16, 2022. Cannot even drive the car due to the oil and brake issue. The vacuum pump had disintegrated.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating and was difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had coolant leak into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine had to be replaced and related the failure to TSB 19-2208: 2.0 L Eco Boost - Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) 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 resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the short block and head gasket. Yes, it is available for inspection Safety issue could arise when engine malfunctions Vehicle has been inspected by two different auto repair shops Yes, the check engine light went on when the car started to malfunction