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, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate and shake while depressing the accelerator pedal. The shaking of the vehicle forced the contact to pull over. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and that the engine block was cracked near cylinder #2. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The contact was able to continue driving and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the coolant had leaked into a cylinder, causing the cylinder head gasket to be blown. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer and was provided the same information as the dealer. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, by turning off the vehicle, allowing the engine to cool down, and then adding coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact also inspected the vehicle with a scanner and retrieved DTC: P0302 - Cylinder #2 Misfire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, which required the contact to add coolant to the vehicle daily. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Trans Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a parking lot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the control arm had fractured in half. The contact was informed that the spark plug, head gasket, turbo, and engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was freon inside the engine and the turbo was leaking. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a Ford mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and recommended that the spark plug and ignition coil be replaced. The parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer related the failure to Ford TSB Number: 22-2229. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,258.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting up the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, and drove at a reduced speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Worrall Carburation & Machine, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The mechanic replaced the engine with a new crate engine that was purchased from the dealer. Additionally, the mechanic replaced the turbo charger. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving out of town at 65-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle jerked and vibrated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact continued driving 35 MPH to the destination. The check engine warning light illuminated and blinked. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, "The High Engine Temperature" message was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for AAA to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,143.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the messages "Engine Hot - Stop Safely" and the "Engine Fault" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced, and the engine needed to be disassembled and reassembled and coolant needed to be added. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2025
The contact called for an elderly friend who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, causing an engine misfire and damages to the engine. The owner of the vehicle was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2025
The contact's partner owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of the engine, the vehicle would shake when idle and while driving as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where a pressure test was performed; the test showed that cylinder #1 was measuring below standard operation. The contact called a dealer and an appointment was made to have the vehicle inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as coolant intrusion leaked into the cylinder which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 35 MPH, the engine stalled, and all of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact proceeded to pull over onto the side of the road where she attempted to restart her vehicle however the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and would need to be replaced. The failure occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,510.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plug failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion leaked into the cylinder which caused the engine to fail. 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 referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the engine hesitated prior to stalling and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to pull over onto the side of the road, where the contact attempted to restart the vehicle but failed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown, due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to pull over onto the side of the road and restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was driving at a reduced speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and then lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked engine due to a leak in the eco-boost system. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer as the manufacturer had requested to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,488.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The front of the vehicle began to jerk. The contact was able to pull over to a rest area before the engine seized. The vehicle failed to crank up. The contact used a scope to see if the camshaft was moving. The low pressure and engine light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the message "Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact inspected the coolant level and noticed no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact was able to drive back to the residence at 5 MPH, add coolant to the coolant reservoir, and replace the coolant temperature sensor; however, the failure recurred approximately 3-4 weeks later. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the audible alarm was sounded while driving at approximately 35 MPH. The contact stated that the heater failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and verbally confirmed that it was a known failure and was an accurate diagnosis. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the engine replacement was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.