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
2,686 reports, newest first.
Engine, Sep 7, 2025, crash
My engine is internally leaking coolant. I consistently smell a sweet smell. I consistently have a service engine soon light on and it has a P0301 code. My car is only at 63,450 miles. My mechanic informs me the rememdy requires a complete long block replacement.
Engine, Sep 5, 2025
Previously reported coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Ford knows of this issue, there is a technical service bulletin addressing it (attached), but Ford refuses to take responsibility for it or pay for repairs. I was driving my car when backfires started and then engine stopped. Could not get engine restarted and pushed car out of traffic lane. Car towed to mechanic and now entire engine needs to be replaced at a cost of approx $7000. Again, Ford refuses to pay for repair. This is a recurring problem with Ecoboost engines that Ford should repair. I am requesting a recall on all Ford Ecoboost Engines with more than 70,000 miles to assess coolant leaks and to replace engine if leak is found.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was violently shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who detected a burning odor while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked engine block and coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2025
Flaw in the design of cooling of the gaskets. Coolant incursion because the wall built to thin.
Tires, Sep 4, 2025
This happened to all of my tires that were not even 3 years old yet. I purchased my used vehicle from Anderson Nissan in Lake Havasu City AZ a year and a half ago. The Scorpion Perilli Tires 235 45/R19 on my vehicle seemed to be like new. Starting in December is when I started to have problems my low tire pressure light came on and I took it to America Tire Company in Cathedral City CA and they put air in the tires told me if i had any issues with the tires to bring it back. I had to return several times 8 times regarding the low tire pressure. There was a small leak between the tire and rim when they submerged the tire in the water and it took me the customer to find the problem. I thought they had fixed the issue. January 2025 came around had issues again then I took it back in they found a nail in it. They put a patch on it. I had to take it back 8 more times after that. Leading up to [XXX] my low tire pressure light came on again pulled in they put air in my tires. Last month in August I had to take it back in for the low tire pressure light which was a Saturday made the appt for Monday and they had to replace my tire due to they could not fix it. It had a small hole next to the patch and had another screw it. When I got home I had taken pictures of all my tires and noticed they had splits in all the grooves all the way around the tire and the middle of the tread of tires. The were manufactured defect tires and I had to take my car back to America Tire Company to have them all replaced. They told me that if the tires are not safe we do not let you leave the store. They let me leave the store on the tires that look like that. I travel from CA to AZ and I did not feel safe. No lawyer will take the case if you have not been injured or in an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
Engine warming light came on, codes P0301 and P0316. Brought the vehicle into a Ford dealership and was told it is coolant leaking into the engine, and has been a very common problem, and even had a Customer Satisfaction program that existed for it that is now expired. (CS21N12). Was told engine needs to be completely replaced at a cost of $9,275.50 (estimate attached). The engine can fail, which is a safety issue to being with. Upon research online, many others have had this issue, insomuch that Ford replaced engines for free through November 2022 under 21N12. I, along with many others, were unaware of this issue until our cars hit 60,000 or more miles. I purchased the car used with 14,000 miles on it, and never received a letter from Ford about this potential issue. This should be a recall. It should not cost me over $9,000 to fix. Ford knows of the issue and refuses to remain responsible for it.
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
Check Engine light came on at approx 93,000 miles. Diagnosed as needing tune up. After dealer replaced spark plugs, check engine light came on again. Took it back and they told me coolant was in the #2 cylinder. They replaced spark plug, but couldn't tell me why coolant was in cylinder. Check engine light came on again, and then they told me it would be an $8600 cylinder block assembly replacement. It is available for inspection. Ford dealership confirmed problem. Found out this is a known issue with 2017 Ford Escapes with EcoBoost.
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
We were going down the road and my car started shaking within the engine area, pull over and it felt like my car was going to stall out, but it still ran very roughly. Took it to a service mechanic and they said it was a blown engine, due to coolant getting into engine. A engine light did come on at the time.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
I bought this vehicle march of 2024 it had 59880 mile or so on it.it now has 65220 miles in it and it started blowing white smoke and is running rough took it to my mechanic and they said it needs a new engine.i had the water pump replaced because it was loosing antifreeze.well I had no idea that this has been a ongoing issue with these vehicles.its high time ford steps up and takes blame for the faulty engines.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the piston cylinder 4-mainly (and 2). It’s leaking because of the imperfection in the block. In the new engines, the imperfection has been fixed
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
Engine slowly started consuming coolant into the cylinders. After starting the engine, the engine would run rough until coolant was burned from the cylinders. A month or two later the engine lost compression and needs to be replaced. From what I've investigated on the internet, this is a known problem with the 1.5L Ecoboost engine and there is a class action lawsuit pending in California. We have contacted the law firm handling the suit in order to be included in the class action.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH with her partner, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she and her partner became worried. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the lower engine block, and the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,038.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
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 cracked cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after a tune-up was performed by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,199.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 1, 2025
Parasitic draw in battery that Ford can't find reading for. Paid almost 1k in parts they suggested ' may' work along. Did not work and told us not to call corporate because they'll just tell us to go back to dealer. Then engine throws a p0303 code. Cylinder 3 seems to have the death sentence these cars are facing. We still owe 9800 on this car. It has 70k miles. The battery issue has been problem for over a year. It's our family car so never unsafe for my wife to be stranded with a child somewhere because the battery might die. And now the engine may seize. From reading all over, Ford was certainly negligent about this issue and it's sad so many people are in the same situation as our family
Engine, Aug 30, 2025
My 2017 Ford Escape has a coolant intrusion/ engine failure. Check engine light came on. The car started shaking. Took the car to a service center and they confirmed it was due to engine failure due to a coolant intrusion. They checked and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. I did some research and this is a common issue within my car’s year, make, and model but there has been no recall for it. There is a code CSP 21N12 for this issue. Yet when I put in my VIN it shows no recalls for my vehicle. I contacted Ford and was told again there is no recall. I have the eco boost 1.5L. It matches the make, year, and engine for the problem. My car is misfiring, white smoke from exhaust from cold start, and having coolant loss with no dripping on the ground. This is a known flaw that Ford has been aware of and has a technical service bulletin out for this issue but, after contacting Ford, they will not help with engine replacement. I am making payments, I purchased this car so I can attend college, I also have a job and now I have no car. The vehicle is not repaired because they are quoting too much and I believe Ford needs to issue a recall and repair this known to them issue. I am still having to make payments on a car that is just sitting here. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Engine, Aug 30, 2025
I bought my 2017 Ford Escape when it was brand new. It has been excellently maintained and has had no issues. 2 weeks ago the idle seemed rough, but got better when driven. Had diagnostics done and codes indicated spark plugs issue. Replaced spark plugs, but rough idle (misfire) continued. While attempting to address misfire, a sudden and large cloud of smoke was emitted from tailpipe and engine area. Dashboard lights all came on. Coolant reservoir emptied. Car was immediately shut off. All signs point to blown head gasket, cracked engine block, coolant entering engine. Getting estimates, now. But, probably won't repair. Car has 86,000 miles.
Engine, Aug 29, 2025
2017 Ford escape purchased new, and always maintained. This vehicle has a 2.0 EcoBoost engine. The mileage on the car is 26,340. We experienced the same problem that was reported on EcoBoost engines where the coolant leaks into the cylinders which leads to Engine failure. The engine temperature light came on indicating we needed to pull over, which we did immediately. We had just left home and were only 2 blocks when this occurred. The engine was cool to the touch. According to the reports, it could result in engine fire. The vehicle just stopped when the engine failed.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic with CarMax, who diagnosed that the engine was failing due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant inside cylinder #3, and the long block needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power train, Aug 29, 2025
Please reference the NTSB tracking # 11683952 and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 29, 2025
Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked and there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Coolant in the engine leak with 1.5 L Ecoboost. Only have 73,900 miles on car. Just bought car last March. Still have 3 and 1/2 years of payments. Vehicle is non drive able right now. Check engine light on. Engine malfunction came on and took to mechanic right away. Mechanic confirmed coolant leak in engine.
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Within 2 days of initially experiencing an engine shudder during acceleration on 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost with 44,000 miles, the car was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. Ford TSB 19-2172 requires an engine long block to remedy the situation. Many others have reported this problem both to NHTSA and online but Ford has not formally addressed this defect as far as I can tell. This is a very costly repair that Ford needs to take ownership for.
Engine, Aug 27, 2025
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Engine Failure in 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at 137,000 Miles – Known Issue Not Under Recall Make & Model: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 137,000 miles I am filing this complaint to report a complete engine failure in our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at only 137,000 miles. We have been informed by the Ford dealership service department that the engine must be replaced at a cost of approximately $9,000+. This is despite the fact that the vehicle has been perfectly maintained and no prior engine issues. The dealership clearly stated to us that the failure was not due to any negligence or misuse on our part. They also acknowledged that this specific engine has a known issue and has been prone to cracking or internal failure around the 130,000-mile mark. That they will also replace the engine with one that will not have this known cracking and failure issue, but at our own cost. They have confirmed our car is known to have premature engine failure issues. Despite this, we were told by the dealership that Ford has not issued a recall because "not enough" 2017 models have yet reported the issue. We are forwarding this issue to escalate and get coverage relief for ford escape drivers. We were advised to contact Ford for “Goodwill Assistance.” We did so, but our request was denied, and no financial or repair support was offered. The car remains undrivable and in need of a full engine replacement. This is a known engine defect, acknowledged by Ford service staff, yet no formal recall or campaign has been initiated. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning in a vehicle that had no prior engine issues and was in otherwise excellent condition. The failure renders the vehicle effectively totaled, forcing consumers like us into an expensive repair or unnecessary vehicle replacement. Dealership: Ford in Schaumburg IL Best, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
My 2017 Ford Escape is leaking water from the radiator and it is probably going to the engine. From what I've researched, this is a chronic problem with Ford Escapes that causes engine failure, which is very expensive to repair.