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: other or unspecified
153 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2024
The splash shield on underneath both the driver and passenger sides are falling off the vehicle. Passenger side started last year and the driver side was yesterday 5/17/2024 it appears the plastic pieces holding to the care are failing. Have zip tied them in to place to keep them on. I have seen many reports of this happening to other 2017 ford escapes online but dosnt seem like they have found a way to fix it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2024
My check engine light on causing vehicle to run rough.and delay in engine performance.(transmission shifting). Ford dealer replace several Emission parts. (Warranty.) .Purge valve system. Oxygen sensors Etc. Car in shop for 12days.pick vehicle up drove 2miles check light came on again. Back to ford, Now ford wants Me to pay for needed repairs to charcoal canister, Purge Valve system. $400,00 to $ 800.00. This repair is EPA and Federal Emission Policy. Which Fotd and Dealer States no it's not. Dealer will not HELP with any assistance. Tried to explained Ford and Federal.EPA rules. Per Ford Warranty Parts statements and policy . Dealer 1st stated to me this part is under extended Ford Warranty. Hours later called Me back,Stating It's My responsibility to repair. This part is Electric vacuum operated. Prt# GV6Z9D333A Purge Control Valve (Block off switching Valve ) Which is a Hose and Solenoid Assy. The say it's a hose nothing else. I explained a hose is only a HOSE and has nothing to do with opening and closing of Emission Purge Valve .System. That is what the Solenoid is for which opens and closes Purge System from fuel tank Vapors system to charcoal canister. Please Help me in this repair clarification.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2024
Cooling system malfunction. Coolant Intrusion. Car is not drivable. White smoke emitting from exhaust. Service Engine Soon light came on approximately 4 weeks ago. Took it into a mechanic who advised that the Turbo Charge needed replacing.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2024
Brought car to a Ford dealer for standard service. Dealer found that lug nuts were swollen and could not be removed via standard procedure. 20 lug nuts had to be replaced at my expense.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2024
Transmission went out at about 70,000 miles. There was ZERO warning or notification with a warning light. I thought my car needed new tires as it was slow to start after stopping at a stop light. It also slipped gears. I did not know that this was the "warning" signs of a transmission going out until after I researched transmission issues w/ the FORD ESCAPE. It was a dangerous situation as it was stalled in the middle of an intersection.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the engine, causing vehicle to overheat with the overheat alert flashing on dash. Refilling coolant before every drive and still overheating, with the coolant always being empty despite being filled daily. Consistent cylinder 1 misfire, even after mechanical inspection/replacement. Vehicle misfiring upon starting, where some instances the engine will not start for 2-3 tries. Vehicle misfiring while driving, stopped at traffic lights, and when using Auto Stop-Start feature during daily drives (traffic lights and stop signs). White smoke coming from exhaust. Engine block cracked due design of engine - defective design. 100K miles, 2nd owner.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. 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 41,400.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2024
The Turbo Charger failed. It has since been replaced. My safety was put at risk because, I could not accelerate fast enough to get up to the required speed limit. It has been inspected by a Ford repair shop. There was only one warning: a check engine light came on while I was in route to work. The car's performance immediately deteriorated and I turned around and went back home.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 26, 2023
Received a warning on vehicle. However when diagnostics were run through the Ford's onboard system everything came back as normal. Went to find out what code was appearing. The code stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Had all four replaced, but noticed that the coolant level had dropped off suddenly without warning, no notification notice in car, and the only reason I found out was my vehicle's temperature gauge was increasing quickly. After filling it up with coolant a second time and the check engine light not resetting after the spark plugs replacement, all of a sudden white smoke and smell came out of the exhaust. Knowing something was not right, quickly shut off vehicle, and called a local Ford dealership to verify that my Ford Escape with less than 74,000 miles on it had blown a head gasket!!! Even though the 2017 - 2019 did have a recall for this exact problem it ONLY APPLIED TO THE 1.5 ENGINES AND NOT TO THE 2.0 ENGINES!!! Why is that when there are a high number of complaints for the exact similar problem as mine?
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2023
My Vehicle have a coolant leaking and I hope that you can help us to issue the ford company a recall because this all happen on all ford ecoboost and they want us to pay for $10,000 for engine replacement.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2023
On November 26, 1923 I had a flat tire on my 2017 Ford Escape. I tried to take the flat tire off & put the spare tire on with the lug wrench provided by Ford & it would not fit on the lug nuts enough to remove them. The size of the lug nuts were bigger than the opening on the lug wrench & I could not get any lug nuts off. My son gave me the lug wrench from his wife’s 2014 Ford Focus. It was identical to my lug wrench. He told me this lug wrench would not fit the lug nuts of his wife's car. It would not fit on the lug nuts of my car. We called roadside assistance to change the flat, but they could not. We borrowed our daughter’s 2016 Ford Escape to drive home. I took the lug wrench out of her car & it was an exact match of my lug wrench & the one from my sons wife's car. I tried to put this lug wrench on the lug nuts of my daughter’s car & it would not fit. All 3 vehicles had lug nuts that could not be loosened by the lug wrenches Ford provided. The next day our 2017 Ford Escape was towed to a Walmart & they fixed the flat tire without any difficulty removing or reinstalling the lug nuts. I have spent about $50 on tools that allow me to remove & tighten the lug nuts on my 2017 Escape. On November 30, 2023 I took our car to my local Ford dealer & they confirmed I had swollen lug nuts. They said the solution was for me to buy new ones that would not swell & the cost would be about $100. On December 1,2023 I talked to Ashley at the Ford Customer Care Center about this & was told Ford considers swollen lug nuts normal wear & tear. I have been driving & maintaining Ford vehicles for 50 years & never experienced this problem before now. I sent a letter to the Ford Customer Care Center requesting Ford solve this problem. Ford should tell owners of its vehicles that may have swollen lug nuts of the possible implications. In certain circumstances this could have caused my wife & I great harm or death. I have attached the letter I sent to Ford.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2023
FORDPASS Module is controlling the car through the fob key. The dashboard appears "Ford Key Free No Key Detected". I was at the drive thru of IN & OUT BURGER Store last October 15, 2023 when I'm about to leave the car suddenly stopped, engine stopped running and it blocked the drive way no other car can pass thru. Towed the car to the dealership and charged me a new fob keys. Next day I pass by a gas station, locked the car. After pumping, the door can't open and found no key detected in my Fordpass app. If someone try to harm me that moment, I would be in danger because the car is controlled by the FORDPASS MODULE. It happened again in a parking lot of Costco, I'm denied of entry and the apps said there's a time for it to be activated, I am using the car to my destination without stopping the engine until I reach home.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 25, 2023
Hello - I had my 2017 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost engine replaced by a Ford dealership in July of 2020 after a well-documented manufacturer defect (Ford Service Bulletin 222-2229) involving coolant intrusion into the engine occurred. This known defect can lead to engine failure, overheating, and combustion/fire. The automaker has failed to recall or address the inherent defect and safety risk. On October 15, 2023, noxious smoke came out of my exhaust pipe. There was no warning signal or indication from my vehicle that it required servicing, oil change, engine repair, or coolant replacement. I took the vehicle in for inspection immediately at a local Ford dealership. The service department concluded that the engine would again need to be completely replaced due to the exact same well-documented coolant intrusion manufacturer defect (Ford Service Bulletin 222-2229). It is important to note that the engine failure occurred only 30,000 miles after the first engine replacement in July of 2020. This time the full repair/engine replacement will require $9,191.96 payment out of pocket. The dealership directed me to Ford Corporate. They refused to provide financial assistance or repair despite the well-documented defect that has rendered the car completely useless and unsafe. I am so very disappointed and alarmed by the situation. Any support and assistance with this matter is sincerely appreciated, as Ford Corporate and related dealerships have been of no help.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2023
Auto Start/Stop feature stopped working. Shows unavailable no matter setting. Have had battery checked multiple times and dealership supposedly fixed prior but it is not working again
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2023
The automatic idle stop jerks very bad I have had to disengage it for safety It should be a recall issue in my opinion ASAP. Thankyou
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2023
When I had my Ford Escape serviced today, they told me the lug nuts were swollen and distorted so they needed to be replaced or they could end up being a safety hazard.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2023
We have a 2017 ford escape with a 1.5 4 cylinder ecoboost. The car started using large amounts of coolant and misfiring. Took it to the dealership and they found every code needed to diagnos the issue as coolant intrusion. There was a recall on this issue but apparently ford is no longer doing the repair. The engine block has a design flaw that allows coolant to leak and cause issues. The vehicle only has 56000 miles on it and is no longer safe to drive. Was told some can even catch on fire from overheating. Ford has denied to cover any fix evwn know it had a recall and is 100 percent a manufacturer defect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
Technical Service Bulletin #22-2229 needs to be added to my car's vin number. Car was brought to dealership after check engine light was illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes indicated misfire detected on cylinder 1, misfire detected on start up. Dealership did an additional review, and found coolant intrusion into cylinder 1. Entire engine replacement has been reccomended. Car was picked up from dealership on 7.11.23 for regular maintenance, check engine light illuminated again on 7/31/23, car was brought to dealership on 8/1/23, and dealership recommended replacement on 8/2/23. Engine replacement is $8,500.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2023
Car is leaking water in weather strip across the right side of the roof. Causing water to leak into my trunk, pooling in my spare tire area, also leaks near a fuse box that's in my trunk. That's a safety hazard & very scary foe such a new car. I've browsed online and have seen thousands of others that have this same issue with newer cars. So this to me should be taking care of by Ford. I'm a mom of 2 kids that doesn't have 1,700 to fix a leak. It was fixed in October 22' for the same issue. Here we are again with the exact same issue but now it's traveled what appears to be the full length of the roof. I beg that this is resolved with a recall etc. Nobody should have a pool of water literally in their car. I'm sure my spare needs to be replaced. Also, if I hadn't opened my trunk right after a rain storm & noticed it was wet. I probably wouldn't have ever noticed it till it was too late. Thanks for any help on resolving this issue with not only my car but others with the same problem. Have a blessed day!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2023
I was on the highway doing 70+ and my car overheated and shut off. When i turned it back on the engine light was on and it was shaking like crazy. I took it to the dealership and they told me that it is a known prob and it has a coolant leak into the engine. I can see online that this is happening to thousands of people and ford is refusing to fix it. I could be dead right now. They’ve known about this problem for years but will not replace my engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 4, 2023
Coolant leaking
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 4, 2023
No wrecks at the moment
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.