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, Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who determined that the failure was due to the torque converter. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the messages that "Engine Overheating, Do Not Drive" and "Power Train Failure" were displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was placed in Neutral(N) and coasted back into the garage. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Power train, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not 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 failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2024
Per my mechanic, after 2 rounds of Cylinder #2 misfire, it seems as though there is coolant leaking into the engine. I have had this card for 2.5 yeas and have less than 100K miles on it. Research shows that I may need a new engine at $6-8K on a car that I have put 5k miles on in 2 years and still owe over $10k on. Per research, this has been a known issue for years and nothing has been done about it. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request, if it will assist in my situation. Per research, this issue causing severe overheating and some cars run the risk of catching on fire and some just stop functioning altogether. My car was sputtering on a cold start, and then my car and Ford App told me there was an issue with the engine. My first plug/wire/boot replacement was on 8/10/24 due to the check engine light. ODB showed it was a misfire on #2, and on 9/7/24, the check engine light came on again and per the readouts from the ODB, it is another misfire on #2 and the plug has fouled again. I have currently spent over $600 on just diagnosing this issue, and the paperwork uploaded it just for the first visit. I have also reached directly out to Ford, who advised me to take it to a Ford Dealership for their diagnostics, and then they will see what is covered, if anything. My case number for that is CXH-02610243-K4Z7X8. My diagnostic for Ford will only be covered if they find an issue that is covered by a recall, warranty, Service Plan, or Customer Satisfaction Program. So that is going to add to additional costs, as according to my research, there is no recall.
Power train, Engine, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine Now" and "Engine Service Require" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, who replaced the transmission for the second time; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the alternator and coolant pump; however, the failure recurred, and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after shifting into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, while the transmission was in park(P) or neutral(N), the engine continued to rev high. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure but indicated that the transmission was faulty. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,456.
Power train, Engine, Sep 1, 2024
Engine misfires/rough start, check engine light on, and coolant level leaks with coolant intrusion to the engine causing major risk of engine failure, fire, etc.
Power train, Aug 30, 2024
Just recently had an issue with overheating. I took in for an oil change and asked them too look into. They stated that coolant is leaking into the engine. There was a service bulletin issued, however, this vehicle is over miles. I tried to look up the bulletin on the ford website, but it gives server error. The bulletin was TSB 21-22-69
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of an oil leak, and transmission and engine failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis and repair. The contact was informed that the engine block and turbocharger needed to be replaced; additionally, the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Power train, Aug 23, 2024
7 year old car with less than 90k miles is going to new a new transmission at the cost of $8.1k. Very unacceptable from Ford this needs to get look into. So many people on forums are having same issue right outside of warranty coverage ending. There is even a potential lawsuit out there.
Power train, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 100,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, Aug 19, 2024
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 with a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the repair would take approximately three weeks. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,632.
Power train, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed with the accelerator pedal depressed. The transmission failure warning light was illuminated temporarily before the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 6, 2024
Two years ago in 2022, my engine block was replaced at a ford dealership free of charge due to the customer service bulletin/satisfaction program. A month ago I was hearing a super loud rattling and the engine completely cut off while I was driving. Thank goodness I was able to get over to the side of the road and have it towed back to the ford dealer that did the repair previously. With less than 80k miles, they are now telling me that there is something in the engine head and will be more than 10k to fix. They cannot tell me what is in the engine head and claim it could have nothing to do with the other issue fixed previously. I am having to completely scrap a car that should otherwise be worth 10k. Something is wrong here. Not only is it a dangerous situation but just horrible customer service on the part of Ford.
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
This morning while driving think white vapor started pouring from the exhaust and the whole vehicle started shuttering and lost power. Needs a new engine now. Thanks Ford. The 2.0 issue/no issue has struck another.
Power train, Engine, Aug 1, 2024
This vehicle has an internal coolant leak causing white smoke out of the tail pipe, rough idling and constant misfiring. I know its an internal coolant leak because I have to constantly add coolant to the vehicle as well as the rough idling and rough start/ misfiring
Power train, Jul 24, 2024
Barber Ford in Holland reported that the transmission has failed at 66,000 miles. Looking online this seems to be a common issue.
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
We have only had our 2017 Ford escape for less than two years. We are the second owners of the vehicle and have maintained its prestigious service record with none stating that the transmission was or is faulty. Woke up one morning, driving to work and all of a sudden I go to press the gas and it felt like I hit a brick wall. It was the scariest thing! My head almost hit the steering wheel!!! I was NOT expecting that at all! Took it to our mechanic on a trailer and they stated that the transmission did NOT even come up on the diagnostic computer. They informed me that they tested the fluid and that was OK. They called me to come pick it up. I told them there’s no way it’s OK because of what happened. My dad went and picked it up he was only a minute or two down the road and it happened to him . He called our mechanic back, put it back on my dad‘s trailer with help from a friend. Got it back to their service department and again hooked it up to the computer and it did not say the transmission. But with the mechanics expertise, it was the transmission. They also stated that for this particular vehicle you cannot “rebuild the transmission” it is a “throwaway transmission” and you have to buy a whole new one. This is a huge safety concern. Like I mentioned, it felt like hitting a brick wall. It just completely stopped with no indication that there’s even a transmission issue or signal on my dashboard and now this is going to cost about $7000 to replace. We have to get it fixed. When we purchased the vehicle a year and a half ago it was over $20,000. This is a major issue for me and my family because we will not be able to afford this, but this needs to get fixed somehow. If someone in your department can escalate this and give me a call I would greatly appreciate it. We can provide any documentation needed from two different Mechanic shops. The place where we bought it where I get it regularly maintained, and the mechanic that informed us that it is the transmission.
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the transmission slipped out of gear. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the "Service" with an exclamation point warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local mechanic who flushed and refilled the transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the transmission failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and 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 93,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
When I am driving my 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost, the engine seems to hesitate/skip when I am driving along at speeds from 25-55, once it accelerates from 55 to 70, the skipping doesn't seem to happen. It feels like the engine is skipping or gear shifting is skipping. This has been happening for a long time since it passed 60,000 miles and it's at approx. I was told by an independent mechanic that the transmission needs to be flushed, but flushing it wouldn't necessarily stop what's happening. I am now at 140,000, the car seems to still operate, and the engine light has never come on indicating an issue/malfunction. It's even had a part fixed in the transmission from a recall and the issue continues. However, recently I noticed when I am coasting down a hill and I tap my brakes to slow down and usually during this time braking triggers the hill assist function, the RPMS have been racing up to 3,000-4,000 RPMs and it usually won't go back down unless I press the gas to get it to shift gears. Usually this makes me have to accelerate instead of slowing down or keeping my speed at the legal speed limit on that road the hill is on. I was recently told that there is an engine block recall on 2017 Ford Escapes, and I am not sure if this could be the issue. But if it is, I would like to have my vehicle looked at by a Ford garage and have it replaced at no cost.
Power train, Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts to accelerate, the vehicle lunged forward. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the failure occurred after releasing the brake pedal or after coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
My vehicle is currently with a Ford Dealership and I was advised one of the cylinders is bad and the repair bill is $13,000.00. I have 55,000 miles on the vehicle. This appears based on my research this has been a common problem. Since the 60 months has passed, I am told I have no recourse to address this problem. Ford needs to honor any problems that happen before 60000 miles and not 5 years OR 60000 miles whichever comes first! In this society people work from home and don’t drive cars like they have in the past!
Power train, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and shift between gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure was related to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front pump failure and a faulty part in the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,125.