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.
Power train, May 27, 2025
2017 Ford Escape, have had less than 1 year. Transmission failure. Stopped at traffic light, would not move forward when pressed gas pedal. After a few seconds it jerked hard and went into gear. I was able to get to a parking lot out of traffic. Had vehicle towed to Ford dealership where they ran diagnostics and said there was a torque conversion failure which allowed sludge to get into transmission. Transmission would need to be replaced. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to failure. Quoted $9500 to repair. Asked if Ford would compensate since there were so many recalls and law suits; they stated no.
Steering, May 27, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and turning away from the curb, there was a snap, and the steering wheel became horizontal regardless of the efforts to manually center it in its normal position. The vehicle continued veering to the right. The vehicle crashed into the rear of another parked unoccupied vehicle, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated prior or after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries or medical attention were sought. A police report was not filed. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic for a front passenger side tie rod failure and was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, May 27, 2025
When driving highway speeds the check engine light started flashing then a large whoosh sound and the car lost power. I had to have it towed to a repair shop and sure enough the engine blew. Had to replace it, cost $5120 and the car is only worth $7500
Seat belts, Service brakes, Engine, May 24, 2025
Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.
Engine, May 24, 2025
Coolant leaking in #2 cylinder needs long block replacement
Engine, May 23, 2025
Coolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine misfires, spikes in engine temperature, and issues with car starting. The check engine light came on as I started the car, and the engine shuddered as if misfiring. As I was driving the vehicle to get the issue checked out, the vehicle’s extreme temperature warning went off, instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off immediately. The coolant reservoir was found to be empty. After replacing the coolant, the car had difficulty starting. After finally getting the vehicle to start, I got it to a service center where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and coolant was present in the engine oil. I was informed that the vehicle WAS NOT safe to drive and needed a complete engine replacement.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the spark plugs. The spark plugs were cleaned. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe and vehicle was sputtering while idling or accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders, and cylinder #3 cylinder was filled with coolant. The dealer confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (Engine and Engine Cooling) was previously completed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. Additionally, while shifting from fourth to fifth gear, there was a violent clunk coming from the transmission. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who test-drove the vehicle for an hour but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the failure persisted. While the contact’s wife was driving, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head had fractured, and coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer recommended that the engine and transmission be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the dealer was servicing the vehicle, the dealer noticed that coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, causing coolant to leak into the engine cylinder, and the spark plugs were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a vehicle safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 101,800.
Engine, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle a month prior. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, May 22, 2025
Coolant leaking into engine, brought to Ford dealership for repair. Was charged for repair. Less than two months later the same problem occurred. Took vehicle back to same Ford dealership for repair. Was told needed new head gasket. Ford would not refund me for the first repair made and I had to pay for replacement head gasket.
Engine, May 21, 2025
After having head gasket replaced a year ago. Coolant leaked again into cylynder 3 causing white smoke to come out of exhaust. Ford Dealer looked at car and said the engine was designed wrong... engine needed to be replaced. the headgasket replacement cost 3,000 and now new engine is 7,000
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times for maintenance or service, and the contact inquired about the cause of the white smoke. The contact was informed on several occasion that the smoke as normal, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was informed that there was a misfire coming from cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 20, 2025
White smoke coming out of the exhaust with unusual smell. Check engine light with a misfire reading. Consistent with known coolant intrusion issue with the 1.5 Ecoboost engine.
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,786.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the 9-1-1 Assistance and seat belt warning alerts activated. The contact stated that the key fob sensor intermittently failed to recognize the key fob inside the vehicle with the message "No Key Detected" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle hesitated, and the RPM became elevated. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was then illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Eby Ford (2714 Elkhart Rd, Goshen, IN 46526) where the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into engine and cylinder #4. The contact stated that the engine relay was replaced after the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 20, 2025
Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 Ford Motor Company P. O. Box 1904 Dearborn, Michigan 48121 June 09, 2022 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion REF: REF: Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 - Supplement #4 Dated: June 09, 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2134 Dated: December 19, 2019 Fire Hazard ! Demand a recall NOW !
Engine, May 19, 2025
2017 Ford Escape with 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Experienced rough engine/shutter and check engine light (MIL) came on. Code scanner found P0302 for PCM. Took to dealership and they found coolant intrusion into cylinder requiring a full engine replacement. They quoted almost $10,000 to fix. This is a know design flaw/defect with this engine and Ford has reworked design at least twice to address. Unfortunately, they left existing owners with ticking time bombs in the form of a likely expense repair or early demise to the vehicle.
Power train, May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to move as intended. The contact stated that the "Service Transmission Now" message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Engine, May 19, 2025
I was driving on the interstate when all of a sudden I lost all power, the car started shaking violently, it started leaking and burning oil. I brought it to my local shop and they confirmed that cylinder 3 had a catastrophic failure and it can no longer create any pressure. There were no warning signs. This just happened randomly driving down the interstate.
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Ikon Motorcars Group, where the water pump and the temperature gauge sensor were replaced, and coolant was added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the mechanic confirmed that there was no visual leaks coming from the cooling system. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure might be an internal coolant leak into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, May 19, 2025
I am writing to formally file a complaint against the Ford Motor Company concerning a serious issue with our 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the EcoBoost engine. The engine suffered a catastrophic failure at approximately 120,000 miles with no previous warning. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic, it was determined that the failure stemmed from a known defect (coolant leaking into the cylinder) in the 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost engine, which has been widely reported by other consumers experiencing similar issues. This failure resulted in an unexpected and significant financial burden, with repair/replacement costs estimated at approximately $14,000. I find it unacceptable that a relatively new vehicle with a supposedly reliable engine would experience such a severe issue that appears to be a systemic defect rather than a result of misuse or neglect. I contacted Ford Motor Company to report this issue and seek assistance or coverage for the repairs. Unfortunately, I received no resolution or offer of goodwill, despite this being a known and documented problem. There have been class-action lawsuits and technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the EcoBoost engines, which further indicates that this is not an isolated case. I have attached a copy of the repair invoice from a local Ford dealership.
Engine, May 18, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the cylinder bores of the engine, potentially causing overheating and engine failure. Its unfair to me that I would have to throw $6,000 into a vehicle that going to cost me literally half of what I would be paying off for the vehicle itself.... obviously got the car at a used dealership, no one had given me any extended warranties at all.
Engine, May 15, 2025
White smoke runs very rough, misfires constantly. Put over $600 new parts myself but cylinder 2 has the leak into it. It's only getting worse and worse.