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, Engine, Oct 6, 2023
Transmission. Was replaced at 101,000 miles. Made driving situation unsafe, at risk for transmission failure. Replaced at independent service. Has been brought to a ford dealership and looked at. Check engine light appeared. 6 months before replacement.
Power train, Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the gear shifter was firm causing the vehicle to become inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Power train, Sep 9, 2023
Transmission would shift from 2nd gear to 3rd gear extremely hard out of no where after about 120k miles. It would also violently shake the entire car when shifting from drive to reverse. No warning lights. Dealer claimed they couldn't confirm it until transmission completely went. My safety was at risk as the car would shake when shifting at highway speeds and would not accelerate when I came to a complete stop on the highway or local roads. The Transmission failed and the Waldorf Ford has the old transmission. To repair cost me $6000 WALDORF Ford has all transactions.
Power train, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. The contact’s wife depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission 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 63,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2023
Just purchased this vehicle on July 3rd and now have Coolant Intrusion and need a new long block engine. I've read online about the MULTITUDE of people having this same exact issue. 2017 Ford Escape SE (2.0 engine) Ford even issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) about it, but refuses to recall the vehicle, which doesn't make any sense. Ford TSB 22-2229
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while shifted to drive(D), the vehicle was unintentionally reversed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into park. The contact’s husband also experienced the failure and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,400.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 12, 2023
Auto restart stopped working Coolant leaking into 2 cylinders, causing full engine replacement
Power train, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly into the intended gear and the RPM was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was an incorrect gear ratio, metal in the oil, and a noisy pump that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to file a complaint online. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost at 58K miles after "the works" oil change at Ford Dealership I noticed coolant tank was empty, engine was heavily leaking oil, engine was running very rough, whitish exhaust smoke, check engine light came on "misfire code", replaced spark plugs and ignition coils, added coolant and engine oil fluid every week, it just kept rolling downhill from there. It is criminal what is going on here...the repair costs aren't worth it and clearly don't fix the problem...do you want to buy a used Ford Escape that either needs a new engine or has had the engine replaced once already before 60K (and probably needs another new engine)? Do you want to buy a new(er) Ford Escape? "Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure. 2020-2023 recalls on ford escapes." I'll never buy another Ford vehicle again. I shouldn't have to investigate Ford dealerships/Fords work to make sure they are being honest about my vehicle, it's condition and the warranty, I shouldn't have to explain and argue with Ford dealership / Ford to try to get them to fix the situation, I shouldn't be stuck with it and have to wonder or double check if my vehicle is low on essential fluids every time I go somewhere due to Fords design flaws and constantly buy more fluids (there's no way that this meets environmental regulations), I shouldn't have to worry about my vehicle catching fire and/or lose all function at any moment while driving it or after driving it, I shouldn't have to fear parking my car in my garage (catching fire and burning house down with it) or being stranded where I am (whether I'm close to home or far away), could cause accident, injury and/or death. I paid good money for a vehicle that was advertised and marketed (by Ford dealership/Ford) as top rated, safe and reliable vehicle (this can't be legal). FIX THIS NOW BEFORE...
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost at 50K miles after "the works" oil change at Ford Dealership I noticed coolant tank was empty, engine was heavily leaking oil, engine was running very rough, whitish exhaust smoke, check engine light came on "misfire code", replaced spark plugs and ignition coils, added coolant and engine oil fluid every week, it just kept rolling downhill from there. It is criminal what is going on here...the repair costs aren't worth it and clearly don't fix the problem...do you want to buy a used Ford Escape that either needs a new engine or has had the engine replaced once already before 60K (and probably needs another new engine)? Do you want to buy a new(er) Ford Escape? "Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure. 2020-2023 recalls on ford escapes." I'll never buy another Ford vehicle again. I shouldn't have to investigate Ford dealerships/Fords work to make sure they are being honest about my vehicle, it's condition and the warranty, I shouldn't have to explain and argue with Ford dealership / Ford to try to get them to fix the situation, I shouldn't be stuck with it and have to wonder or double check if my vehicle is low on essential fluids every time I go somewhere due to Fords design flaws and constantly buy more fluids (there's no way that this meets environmental regulations), I shouldn't have to worry about my vehicle catching fire and/or lose all function at any moment while driving it or after driving it, I shouldn't have to fear parking my car in my garage (catching fire and burning house down with it) or being stranded where I am (whether I'm close to home or far away). I paid good money for a vehicle that was advertised and marketed (by Ford dealership/Ford) as top rated, safe and reliable vehicle (is this not false advertising?). Ford should be held accountable and at a loss, not me.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2023
While driving sometimes even the speed is below 40mph pushing the accelerator will not accelerate the vehicle making a loud engine noise for 4-5 minutes deaccelerating the vehicle. And again, working fine. It happens random and had happened 5-10 times after I purchased the vehicle in 2020. The frequency of the problem is random.
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
On June 15th I took my car to AllStar Ford in Palestine Texas because my check engine came on flashing and I started my car it was running rough and having trouble accelerating. I was called later that day and told I needed 1 new spark plug. I told them to replace all of them and they also did a tune-up. I picked my car up on June 21st and it seemed to be fine. The next morning my check engine light was flashing again. I took it back and was later told there was a cracked spark plug. Skip to July 14th and my check engine light was back on. I took it back to the dealership. On July 20th they called to tell me there was a leak in my coolant reservoir and they found coolant intrusion in cylinders. Now I'm being told I have to replace my engine. There has been a recall on 2014 to 2019 Ford EcoBoost because of the very same issue. For some reason my car was not part of that. I have researched this issue and found a lot of owners having the same problem and being told the cost is on them. There are also class action lawsuits in California for this problem. Had I know these cars had this severe problem I would have purchased something different. My car could over heat and blow the motor and even catch on fire. I owe less on my car than what it will cost to fix and that doesn't guarantee it won't happen again.
Power train, Engine, Jul 19, 2023
Car misfires and shuddering at certain speeds. It was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. $7500 bill to replace the 2.0L engine. Car had around 130km. Ford would not cover any of the costs. This should not be happening with a car of the age/mileage. Ford needs to do something about this and cover the cost.
Power train, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while stopped a traffic light, the signal turned green and the contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The engine revved and the contact stated that the check transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, shifted to drive (D) and was able to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2023
I just bought this car less than a week again. 2017 Ford Escapes are known to have cylinder misfires and similar issues. My car just had to issue occur. It raises a lot of safety issues and can render the car unusable.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle is at 130000 miles and Transmission pump is failing. Car stalls out at low RPM. Taken to Ford dealership for diagnosis and told about transmission pump and coolant getting into engine. This seems unreasonable for a 5 year old vehicle driven new with routine maintenance.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
Engine failure. Check engine light came on and then went back off a day later. Took it to multiple places to get it checked out. They all told me it was a faulty engine and Ford knows about it. My car really started smoking. Took it to a Ford dealer ship and the even tried to get me some help. The are now denying to fix my car so I took it somewhere else. I'm just glad my engine didn't catch fire. Ford didn't seem to care. In the last 3 month I have paid 16,000 dollars to get it fixed.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she had experienced the failure on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer in March of 2023, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on April 11, 2023. The contact stated that the engine failure warning light illuminated on June 4, 2023. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jun 12, 2023
Transmission started having trouble shifting gears at 68,000 miles. Took it to Greenwood Ford and they acted like it know what I was talking about. Then I took it to B & B Tires in Bowling Green and had their mechanic do the 60,000 - 75,000 mile recommended replacement of transmission fluid and he told me that the torque converter is failing. He also said this a common problem. After some research, I realized that Ford know this. They redesigned the torque converter in the years since 2017. Why is there not a recall on their transmissions? I called Ford customer service and they know it is a problem but don't care. Many of the testimonies I read online said that they didn't even get a warning light until the transmission failed. My car is drivable for the moment but I am afraid the warning light is going to come on and my car is going to slow to a stop and I will stranded or worse. Please look into this problem and force a recall on the transmissions in 2017 Ford Escapes.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
Transmission Failed - Vehicle has been repaired When the transmission failed, I was turning at an intersection and was unable to accelerate to make the turn causing other vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident. The dealership diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced There were no warning lamps or messages.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
Vehicle Started to shake when stopped at an intersection. Drove it to the local Ford dealer and was informed that I needed a new transmission. If the transmission failed while the vehicle is in motion or turning at an intersection, there would be no acceleration due to the transmission failing and i would not be able to clear on coming traffic while turning. The dealer diagnosed the transmission issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared.
Power train, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH uphill, the vehicle was bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle was skipping gears while shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was hesitating, and the transmission was not changing gear properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer prior to the failure and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, May 22, 2023
The vehicle has been going low on coolant and when it does the check engine line comes on. We took it to the dealership and were told the engine is bad. After searching online, it appears this is a widely known design flaw with the 2.0 ecoboost engine. If this is correct, then it seems Ford should have to do something about it.
Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
My car has 41,000 miles on it only I have always added oil, done changes. Ford is telling me the entire engine needs replacement, for 12,600$. I am being told only the same line from Sill-Terhar Ford. “There are several holes in vital parts of the engine due to lack of maintenance. Error codes are P0014 & P0087.” But why is it that the camshaft and fuel pump are making contact? Why is this happening to my car and it’s not being acknowledged that this shouldn’t happen.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 13, 2023
I am currently financing the 2017 Ford Escape Ecoboost as of 2019. On multiple occasions my car has been in the shop due to the faulty engineering of the Ecoboost engine system leaking coolant. I have paid close to $4,000 in out of pocket repairs that Ford will not reimburse or address the issue. I have also made multiple calls to Ford where one person told me Ford did not know about this issue and another told me Ford is not responsible and there is nothing they can do about it. Ford issued a recall back in 2017 and put Band-Aid on the issue which obviously did not rectify the safety problem. On the first occasion back in January 2022 I was on highway the car started to shake and would not accelerate properly when the engine light came on with a “High temperature warning” across the screen. Had that repair done and then the same thing happened again months later. I was told since I work from home 4 out of 5 days a week it bought me more time than expected with the repair since the design of the Ecoboost engine is faulty and this was bound to happen again. As of April 2023 my car is in the shop again and Im being told the engine needs to be replaced which may not be a permanent solution. In reading the numerous complaints on this issue with other consumers this car has the potential to catch on fire while driving. This is a safety issue for consumers, their loved ones and anyone else on the road as well as a danger to the environment with the coolant leaking. The vehicle is available upon request for inspection.