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, Engine, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would enter LIMP Mode, with the high engine temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant had entered the engine cylinder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Warranty Extension for the vehicle had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the coolant level was low. The mechanic flushed the coolant. However, the vehicle failed to start two days later. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the engine, leading to low engine compression. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made, and the engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine started to vibrate and misfire. The contact stated that DTC codes: P0302 (Cylinder #2 Misfire) and P0012 (Intake A cam shaft position timing) were retrieved. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that coolant had intruded into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a TSB: 19-2346 Coolant Intrusion into The Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling) related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
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 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 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 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 and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2107 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently, and the engine seemed to misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine resulting in damage to the engine, requiring replacement of the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an excessive loss of coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was damaged due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,300.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with white smoke coming from the exhaust before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the engine cylinders causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine short block 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 31,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that engine was damaged due to coolant intrusion. 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 however, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to run rough, causing the vehicle to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine failure was intermittent. The contact was unable to start the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into cylinder #1. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the dealer advised that the failure was related to TSB Number: 22-2229 - Coolant in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 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 an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic a second time and the cooler pack was replaced. The contact was informed there was a misfire in cylinder #4. While driving, the temperature gauge rose to the hot level. The contact pulled over to let the engine cool down. The driver became aware there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. Additional coolant was added on several occasions. The contact called the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 27, 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 where it was diagnosed that the engine had misfired, and spark plug #1 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that at start-up, the engine rumbled, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact saw smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,300.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine overheated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,766.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle stalled and would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the cylinder head. The contact was informed 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 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power and was running rough and vibrating. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had been advised by the manufacturer that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 - Coolant Intrusion Into Engine Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 22, 2023
The contact’s wife owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating after driving 20-25 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinders, causing the vehicle to overheat. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was an Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the vehicle idled roughly with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346 Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and engine default warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the temperature gauge rose to the red zone. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that a big puff of white smoke came from the exhaust pipe. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to a shopping mall and filled the radiator with one gallon of water. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local parts dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2 and #3. The contact called a dealer and was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346 Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.