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: power train
391 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at various speeds, the transmission was slipping into gear, and the vehicle started to jerk while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, the contact was advised that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Power train, Dec 17, 2024
Transmission failed and burned after only 80,000 miles. Bought car used and only drove for 30,000 miles before it failed. I almost crashed on a busy road. The issue was confirmed by 2 service centers. Only 1 warning light saying oil change required the same day appeared.
Power train, Dec 16, 2024
Transmission went out. No warning. 145,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete failure. Car started whining when accelerating out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then failed completely. Have had it serviced and maintained regularly and always at the dealer. Ford is aware of the problem on these transmissions and doing nothing to fix it. Service department confirmed it’s an issue they see with regularity. Transmission replaced by dealer at great expense and issue resolved.
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2024
Vehicle currently has 86K miles. The transmission is being replaced for the SECOND time. Replaced for the first time 2/17/23 at 63206 miles (invoice included). The dealer also informed me that coolant is leaking into the engine block pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 [XXX] ) but I would have to replace the engine at my expense. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Dec 11, 2024
2017 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost engine failure. Check engine light came on, engine did not overheat, but continued to misfire and make strange noises and motions during idling. After diagnostics, it was seen as a coolant leak issue, they later found pistons in my oil pan. Cost is $11,000 and they won't help cover any cost despite class action lawsuits and recall campaign. My car is out of warranty by year. I only have 78,000 miles on it, again should not be happening to a vehicle with this mileage. This is an obvious manufacturer issue and huge safety issue that Ford should be held accountable for.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2024
The oil pump failed due to the coolant intrusion into the engine, causing low pressure and sludge. My mechanical breakdown warranty inspected it and will not cover the replacement due to the sludge. The check engine light came on and off after I hit 70000 miles, and I was alerted to a recall when I got my last oil change in March of 2024, but the Ford dealership stated I had no warranty and no recall to address.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2024
Coolant intrusion into combustion chamber requires new engine. Verified by Ford dealer. Not covered by warranty. Ford technician states engine block manufacturer issue.
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2024
Notice coolant reservoir was empty after warning light, refill coolant check reservoir couple days later low again. Research and come to find out common issue with ecoboost engines produced by Ford. Design flaw in the engine block that allows engine coolant to get into cylinders. Took car to Ford dealership were it issue was confirmed, coolant in cylinders. Dealership wants 9k to replace engine that has 71k miles on it. The car is unsafe to drive possible engine failure or fire.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2024
Our car started slipping gears, jerking, take forever to accelerate, and would lose power. We took to dealership thinking it was a transmission. They told us no it wasn’t the transmission and we needed the replace the fuel pump injector we did that. A week later SAME issues happened again they replaced the pump again. A month later SAME symptoms again this time they told us we needed our engine replaced. So we got a brand new engine in. A month later I lost power while turning onto to a highway and the dealership told me that it was the new engine breaking in. Not even 3 months later after the new engine being put in our car starts to act up with the SAME symptoms. We took it back since the engine was under warranty. They tell us we need a new transmission. We told them we knew it was the issue the first time around. We can’t afford a new transmission after just putting a new engine in 3 months ago! Stay away from this year ford escape. Our car only had 116,000 miles and it’s our family car so we can’t drive it anymore cause we can’t afford another big issue to be fixed. Mainly because we think the dealership doesn’t want to admit their mistakes and won’t resolve the issue for us. Can’t believe the car has these two huge issues in one year let alone less than 6 months apart!
Power train, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to jerk, and she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. Later, the contact received a notification from the ford app reading "Powertrain malfunction reduced power." No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. 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 158,000.
Power train, Nov 11, 2024
Transmission went out. No warning. 121,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete transmission failure. Car started whining upon acceleration out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then out it went. Have had it serviced and maintained meticulously. Ford is aware of the problem and doing nothing to fix it.
Power train, Engine, Nov 10, 2024
At approximately 24509.37 miles the engine broke a valve and damaged a piston (hole in piston). We were never notified about Ford Motor Company's "Customer Satisfaction Program" 21N12 & 19B37 and Technical Service Bulletin reference (Technical Service Bulletin) 22-2134 pertaining to 2017-2019 Ford Escape Models. I have a copy of the Ford Motor Company letter sent to all U.S. Dealers dated June 9 2022 that was recently given to me by another Escape Owner. I believe this is commonly known as a "silent recall." The engine damage occurred on [XXX] at [XXX] at the mileage listed above. I believe there was a Class Action Lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Company that I, as an owner of this vehicle, was not notified about as required by law. This issue needs to be investigated so I can file a claim and seek remedy for damage to my vehicle. All the Diagnostic Trouble codes on my vehicle match all the codes on Ford's Program 21N12 as referenced above. All information points to Ford Company admitting to a known engine design defect that affects my vehicle. I have attached as many documents as can find to date since my engine damaged occurred. The local Ford Dealership provided Diagnosis of the engine damage and said they were well aware of the trouble with this Model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area – Flex plate Cracks); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of white exhaust smoke coming from the rear exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (transmission fluid pump, and torque converter); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Power train, Nov 5, 2024
At 7 years and 68,000 miles, the driving became sluggish at low speeds. There were intermittent periods of low/no power from stop to low speed, making speed control dangerous. By the time the vehicle could be brought in for service, the "Transmission Fault - Service Now" warning came on. Diagnosis of fault states trouble code relating to an incorrect gear 3 ratio, indicating internal transmission failure. Confirmed at independent mechanic.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty spark plugs and failed ignition coils. The contact was informed that the four spark plugs and the four ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that transmission fluid needed to be refilled, and the transmission filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22-2229; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,250.
Power train, Nov 1, 2024
In May 2023, I paid an independent service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate. In December 2023, I paid the same service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate a second time. The repairs exceeded $5000. In November 2024, I paid Morries Minnetonka Ford to diagnose transmission vibration. It determined that the torque converter was failing and that I needed a new transmission. The cost of the repair is expected to be in excess of $6000. A search on the internet revealed that Ford recalled torque converters (Recall Number 17S16). Not that the internet is the source of truth, but it appears that transmission issues with Ford vehicles with lower miles is a relatively common event. I believe that my issue is a manufacturing issue. The torque converter and flex plate are parts that should not fail at 73,000 miles. They are designed to last the life of a vehicle. Further, the flex plate should not fail independently of other failures. The parts are interconnected. Neither Morries Minnetonka Ford, nor Ford are willing to consider that this is manufacturing issue that Ford should cover the cost of repair. I would appreciate the NHTSA looking into the matter with Ford.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2024
For the past two years I have drove a 2017 ford escape. Over the past two years my car has failed me multiple times My question is for ford motor company. Knowing this is a known issue with escapes…why are they doing nothing to help customers who have had a total engine failure due to manufacturing’s flaws ?
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but failed to shift into gear. While driving 55 MPH, the speedometer decreased, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The contact was able to veer over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called for a tow truck. The tow truck driver informed the contact that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. 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 208,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 19, 2024
In September my check engine light came on, codes were for spark plugs, ignition coil and misfire cylinder 2. I took it to mechanic he said my spark plugs were covered in oil I changed the spark plugs, replaced valve cover gasket and intake gasket. Engine light went off car felt great not even 2 days later I felt the misfire again and there's the engine light back on and white smoke from my exhaust. Brought it back to mechanic I mentioned my coolant issue to him I have to fill my coolant every 2 days no puddles under my car. After looking at my car he said coolant is leaking into cylinder 2 so that's why when I start my car is shakes really bad coolant is burning off from the cylinders. He said I need new heads but they are warped so my best option is to get a new engine or trade my car in. I don't have money for a new engine I'm a single mom I'm upside down on this car because it's only worth $3600. Ford wake up and do something and stop screwing us customers who trusted you and your vehicles and now you left us stranded no help nothing. I have a vehicle that doesn't drive unsafe for my kids and I still need to make car payments on for years still. Someone needs to help and do something
Power train, Oct 18, 2024
Cold intrusion into the engine causing major repair, including full engine replacement.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2024
Driving back home from downtown Tupelo, my transmission completely went out. Vehicle had to be turned off and back on to move a few feet. It took over 45 minutes to drive 4 miles to my house. Cost of transmission more than value of the vehicle. Ford stated there is no recall on the vehicle for the transmission.
Power train, Engine, Oct 10, 2024
My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k
Power train, Oct 4, 2024
Vehicle suddenly started not shifting gears correctly and lost power, took to dealer and was told it is a known problem with this model of Ford Escape, the service manager went as far as stating there was nothing we could have done. We had no warning lights, no leaking of any type but was told the coolant was empty. Service manager said engine had absorbed coolent. They stated it had also caused the transmission to malfunction and cost to repair would be around $20,500. This is way more than the vehicle is worth yet we still owe $6,800 on a vehicle we have made regular oil changes and has presented no prior signs of problems. Obviously, Ford is very aware of problem yet has not made a recall. What can we do?
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2024
I was driving down the road and my vehicle stalled out and had little to no acceleration Was stuck in the middle of an intersection until I could move it to a parking lot putting my safety at risk. Dealer (Brondes Ford Toledo) ran codes, yet would not tell me the codes after they tried to charge $11,000. No Warning lights yet, had engine lights on until the dealer replaced Fuel vapor assembly and crankcase pressure sensor a little less than 30 days beforehand. After service Ford said it was good to go and stated this could not have been related to the bushing already recalled.