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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2022
While stopped at a red light the car spontaneously shut off and had to be put in park and restarted. This happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks on extremely hot days. No engine warning light has come on.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the engine was idling at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that a “Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2022
3-4 times a year my 2017 Ford Escape doesn't automatically start after auto stop start turns the engine off and i have to shift into park and restart the car. This has happened basically since new.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
On 06/07/2022 I started my car in the morning and as I put the car in reverse I was greeted with a message "engine is hot pull over safely" the heat gauge was all the way to the top. After 1/2 block I turned around and pulled back in the driveway. The engine was running roughly and kept turning off. We opened the hood to check the coolant and it was empty. We put water in the radiator so I could go to a nearby store for antifreeze/coolant, but the car was running so roughly and wouldn't accelerate, so after a couple of blocks I turned around and went back to my driveway. Trouble shooting research uncovered many many 2017 Ford Escape eco boost models have had this exact experience, yet there are no recalls... Please advise my next steps regarding proceeding from here. My car only has 42,000 miles on it and I still have 4 yrs of payments to make...
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
I hit the gas in the passing lane during heavy traffic and the car lost power and shuddered. Check engine light came on. Called in a tow truck. Vehicle was 3 months out of 5 years warranty but only 34,607 miles. Ford goodwilled a portion but I'm still billed over $2000. Technician says oil leaked into the cylinder and damaged the piston. These engines are apparently famous for leaking into the cylinder....
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2022
I’ve had my 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost since December 3, 2020, I first noticed a problem around late November 2021 (after Thanksgiving). I would put fuel in my car and it would putter (idled low) when I started it back up. As this issue became progressively worse, I began to notice around mid January 2022 that I would have to refill my antifreeze at least once per 2wks but there wasn’t any leakage on the ground, check engine light came on but went off on its own a few days later. In late March 2022 the check engine light came back on and stayed on, so on May 23, 2022 I took it to CarX for an engine diagnosis. The diagnostic revealed misfire codes concerning #4 coil and to replace sparks plugs, also an EVAP Purge Valve Solenoid Assembly would be required (I have an image of the print-out for the diagnostic). I’ve had the #4 coil and spark plugs replaced by a reputable mechanic (on 6/1/2022), ordered the purge valve solenoid (which hasn’t arrived yet), and I have had the air filter replaced. In spite, of these initial repairs the car has run hot (on 6/4/2022), and the radiator reservoir is extremely low. When it did start this morning (6/5/2022), it took 3 tries for the engine to turn over, and there was blueish white smoke coming from the tail pipe. I’ve researched the vin number and noticed that there are no recalls, despite numerous complaints of this nature. Sadly, now my vehicle won’t start at all.
Electrical system, Engine, May 31, 2022
Three weekends in a row my vehicle failed to start. No power, no lights, nothing. Figuring that the issue was the battery, I went to Orilleys and got a new battery. The salesperson at the time said the old battery still had a good charge and is not sure why the car wouldn't start. I went ahead and got the new battery, anyway. Installed it and the car started. The very next weekend the same thing happened again (with a new battery). After 30 or 40 minutes of trying, the engine will start. This has happened, consistently, over the last 3 months. I do not have any other equipment plugged into my vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2022
Ford ECO-Boost 2.0 engine has a cracked block, cylinder head, or blown head gasket at 76,200 miles. Car cut off while driving on the highway and I was almost hit in the rear end when trying to pull over. Engine light confirmed misfire in cylinder 1 and 2. Purcis Ford in Fredericksburg VA has confirmed the engine has water / antifreeze in the cylinders and needs replacement. They explained it's a common problem with this engine.
Engine, May 24, 2022
1. Check engine light came on, the vehicle was not leaking coolant underneath but was going thru coolant which I would fill repeatedly made appointment immediately, brought into Ford Dealership for first available appointment told Lower Cylanoid 1 crack and that the coolant was leaking thru that point into the engine, Mechanic stated this is a known issue, retired mechanic confirmed they have specifically hired mechanics just to fix the 1.5L and 2.0L engines in the Ford Escapes. They would replace the lower block of engine and they have a kit specifically made to order for this fix. Cost would be $7,500. 2. Called Ford Corporation in Houston, TX spoke to Operation Supervisor and CXS person-they confirmed this is a known issue but has not made the recall list anything they can do because of the vehicle not being inside the warranty, told me to save receipts for future recall told me to call (313)-322-3000 3. Called Customer Service said there is nothing they can do call the dealership
Engine, May 24, 2022
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the driver was driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of an oil coolant failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Engine, May 17, 2022
2017 Ford Escape Ecoboost beware consumers. Shame on Ford Motor Company for it's failed attempt.Issues with it's Ecoboost powertrain still leaves customers found on side of the road with a disable vehicle. No indication warning lights other than à flashing check engineer. No overheating or visible leaks under hood/vehicle. A rumble shift before lost of power. Check engineer light now stay on. Diagnosis report powertrain after 90 days of ownership. Major repair without extended warranty with Ford Motor Company. Unfortunately at 90980 miles it's in need of very expensive updates/repairs.The reality part is Ford Motor Company,doesn't believe this is an manufacturer default. Recalls or extended warranties? Beware consumer the auto market pandemic is real also.
Engine, May 12, 2022
The car jerks and engine misfires causing the check engine light to come on. I had the car checked by a Ford mechanic in July 2021. It was diagnosed as a spark plug issue. In May 2022, the car started doing the same thing. I had the car checked by a Ford mechanic. I was told coolant was leaking into the engine and I would need a new engine. Because of the mileage on my vehicle, it is no longer covered under warranty, so I have to pay the full amount or purchase a new car. The mechanic also stated Ford knew the 2017 Escapes had engine issues. When I asked why there was no recall issued, I was told it was because the issue was rare. Based on my research, it is not a rare issue. Based on the number of complaints, a recall should have been issued. Now, consumers are stuck with a huge expense and are put into precarious situations because Ford did not issue a recall. Also, my engine would shut off when the vehicle came to a stop. I would have to put it in park and restart the car, which was dangerous due to traffic behind me. Initially I was told there was no fix. About a month later, the Ford mechanic was able to repair it with the fix that was sent out.
Engine, May 11, 2022
Engine block is leaks coolant into cylinder. This problem appears to be extremely common in these engines and there has not been recall issued for it.
Engine, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken the local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the crankcase pressure sensor had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the VIN was not included in an unknown Technical Service Bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2022
The check engine light came on. I was told by my regular repair shop that there was a bulletin from Ford and I had to have it fixed by a dealer’s service department. I was then made aware by the Ford dealer’s service department that coolant had leaked into the engine and destroyed it leading to the engine needing to be replaced. My car is 5 years old with 79,000 miles. This is unacceptable. Initially the dealer told me I would have to pay $8600 to have my car fixed. I still owe $7500 on the car. Ultimately, Ford agreed to part of the cost but I am still out of $3300 for the repair and this should not have happened.
Engine, Apr 26, 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 where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing a cylinder misfire. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a spark plug failure and the check engine light was turned off. The dealer informed her to drive the vehicle and if the warning light illuminated again to bring the vehicle back to the dealer. The check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact stated that she was driving and the coolant light illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that coolant was added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the piston. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. A case was not opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2022
We discovered that our 2017 Ford Escape was leaking coolant onto our garage floor. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership for repair. It turned out that our water pump assembly was defective and required replacement at only 30,251 miles. Our trusted local Mechanic revealed to us that this is a common problem. Our Ecoboost engine could have overheated, and no warning lamps were present. A water pump failing at just over 30,200 miles is unreasonable, and I just feel that the Federal Government should force Ford to issue a Recall on their faulty water pumps.
Engine, Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer several times however, the used car dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired due to coolant leaking into the cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced TSB Number: 22-2134. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test discovered that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The mechanic linked the failure to a service bulletin discovered on the Ford website and repaired the vehicle according to the service bulletin. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned a few days later. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic where a second diagnostic test discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty and leaking into cylinder #2. The contact was then informed that the engine block was damaged. The contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer then referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine, Apr 6, 2022
Engine ran rough on a number of occasions. Repaired once. Sometime later failed completely. When running rough in traffic it created uncomfortable issues with rough acceleration. Independent service center stated there was a Ford bulletin saying only fix was replacing engine. Confirmed by Ford dealer. Check engine light did come on.
Engine, Mar 31, 2022
The throttle body stopped working with no previous warning or indication. The vehicle has been inspected. The light appeared and issued a failure/problem at the onset of the part not working. The car was not able to accelerate beyond 10mph.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with an engine coolant failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided contact with a long block service replacement kit. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine, Mar 18, 2022
Warning lamp came on, I repaired. A month later warning light again. Repaired again. Warning light back on a week later. I called Ford company to let them know what happened to their engine. They told me to get this checked out at their automotive company and I did. The result was I needed a new engine due to coolant leaking into cylinder 2. My life and others were a danger any time I was driving the vehicle due to fire hazard while driving. Yes it has been inspected
Engine, Mar 18, 2022
coolant runs into cylinder blocks, engine overheats and left stranded.