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 and engine cooling
508 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the contact informed the mechanic about the engine warning light. The mechanic informed the contact that the spark plug failed to release without being fractured, and it was also diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the repair and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the computer system was down. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinder and the engine. The check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and the contact was informed that there was a cylinder misfire. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 56,767.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated as if the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program NHTSA ID Number: 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however after checking on Manufacturer’s website, the contact learned that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into a cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that an unknown cylinder was misfiring. An unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the engine fan continued to run. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH with his 5-year-old son in the rear passenger’s seat, the vehicle lost motive power intermittently. Additionally, the RPMs were fluctuating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking spot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine was replaced; however, the failure increased more frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating significantly while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 73,285.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, the vehicle lurched forward when shifted into reverse and then stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed 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 was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was driving rough and would not properly accelerate with the odor of coolant present inside the vehicle. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire due to coolant leaking into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the diagnostic result showed that coolant was leaking from the head gasket which caused engine failure. The contact had the vehicle repaired out of pocket; however, the failure recently returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that engine coolant had leaked out due to a faulty engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing into the driveway, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed smoke coming from an unknown location. The smoke eventually dissipated independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the freeze plug. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the long block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and the speed was reduced to approximate 35 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicle started and idled rough. The engine malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed, and coolant had leaked into the cylinder. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway before coasting into a parking area. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had caused a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
Coolant intruded into the cylinders due to an engine defect
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2023, crash
My vehicle shut off while i was driving on the highway. The check engine light flashed for a few seconds and then the whole car shut off while i was doing 70 on the highway. Thankfully nobody was hurt but i'm lucky to be alive. Cars swerving everywhere! When i took it to the dealer they say it was a cylinder misfire and its caused by coolant leaking into the engine through porous materials used by FORD. Its been to several ford dealerships. They inspect it, they know right away what the issue is because they see it all the time and they all say the same thing. Yes we know about it, no we wont fix it. I spoke to ford about the issue and they admitted that they know about the problem but they're refusing to recall my vehicle. These vehicles are at risk hurting thousands of people. Im being told that these engines were used in most ford vehicles from 2012 on... PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. There were no visible coolant leaks. The contact was constantly adding coolant to the vehicle. The check engine and power train malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The contact detected an abnormal odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the coolant was going intruding into the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact there was no coverage on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine block was fractured and there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the coolant was burning in the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,862.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was hesitating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact smelled fumes coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the coolant was leaking onto the floor. The Engine Service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during cold starts, the engine shuddered, and the check engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced cylinder #2 and the spark plugs. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 2 MPH. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle then started to sputter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that cylinder #4 coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving for two miles, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to cylinder #4 failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under Extended Warranty and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the check engine light illuminated and a chime went off and "service engine now" appeared on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that he pulled over and turned the engine off due to seeing the "over heat" warning illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer due to a known manufacturer problem with the motor. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.