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, Mar 28, 2025
On February 3,2025 I was driving car on highway when engine's red light came on. I called local Ford dealership and they said to drive car in to them. On February 19, 2025 after they performed inspection I was told engine light came on due to " long block due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2".
Power train, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator failed to display the correct gear that the gear shifter was shifted into. The contact stated that there was a message for a transmission issue; however, the contact was unsure what the message indicated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Mar 27, 2025
January 2, 2025, I took my car to Huntley Ford for a Complete Multi Point Inspection and oil change. It passed on all accounts. One of the many items checked was the Transmission Fluid. It was marked Good. March 25, 2025 (3 months later) I took my car back to Huntley Ford for a vibration / noise. They informed me that the transmission is now shot and needs to be replaced. They said the transmission fluid is black and thick and filled with debris. The inspection report they gave me 3 months ago, said that the Transmission Fluid was Good. My transmission didn't go from Good to damaged beyond repair, in just 3 months. Huntley Ford is negligent, and they expect me to pay $7,000 to replace the transmission. In addition, when Huntley Ford replaced the engine just 8 months ago, they made no note of a failing transmission. It’s common practice to check the transmission during an engine replacement. The engine and the transmission work together to provide the power and control for driving.
Engine, Mar 27, 2025
coolant leak and intrusion into cynlinder. resulted in spark plug corrosion, siezed spark plug, unable to remove
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
My engine died due to coolant leaking into the cylinder due to a manufacturing defect that FORD had known about for many years but about which we, the drivers were not warned. This could have happened on a busy freeway and been very dangerous.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a crack in cylinders #3 and #4. The dealer recommended that the engine 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 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during the initial start-up, the vehicle shuddered for a while before running properly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. 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 53,000.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The engine has a coolant leak to the engine block. Faulty engine design.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while leaving her property. The vehicle was restarted, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that there was an abnormal chemical odor coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact stated that the spark plugs, coil packs, and purge valve were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. 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 78,500.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
Had the motor replaced in 2021 for cylinder 3 misfire , i had the car parked in my driveway & i go to start the car & the temperature is immediately going to hot. I had the car diagnosed and the motor is blown once again. My car is well taken care of with oil changes & maintence.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The engine over-temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted; however, while driving 5 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and 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 117,200.
Seat belts, Mar 24, 2025
The driver seatbelt will not lock when fully extended or in the event of an accident. This will be the third time that I will have had to have this repair done. Ford warrants the part for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I am out of the five year window but I just turned 60,000 miles. Repair will cost upwards of $800. Unfortunately I am not in the habit of checking my seatbelt to see if it works. There was no warning that the seatbelt was not operating properly. If I am in an accident, the seatbelt will be useless. I discovered the malfunction by chance the other day.
Engine, Mar 23, 2025
I was driving from Colorado to Moab, Utah in Feb 2025 when my car’s engine started making a ticking noise. It had only about 80,000 miles on it at the time and had never had any major issues in the past. I’ve only ever taken it to the Ford service department for regular maintenance and they do a multi point inspection every time—I went in January a month before the trip to Moab and they had found no issues. I took it into 2 mechanics and both said I’d need to replace the engine. The diagnostic from Ford is below. Customer Reports: C/S HEARING A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. CHECK AND ADVISE. Caused by: AUDIBLE TICKING NOISE AROUND CYLINDER 3. NO CODES. REQUIRES TEAR DOWN TO PINPOINT. ADVISE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. Because both mechanics said we’d need a new engine for $6-9k we had to sell the car in Moab and try to figure out how to get back home to Colorado.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2025
Issues described in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229. 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant in Cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated malfunction indicator light.
Engine, Mar 21, 2025
Coolant leak caused head gasket to leak on cylinder which consistently washed the car's spark plug. This caused the cylinder walls to become washed out which has caused significant damage to the car's engine. The consistent washing of the spark plug has caused the car to not be able to accelerate beyond 20mph - 45mph. This is a danger while driving on main roads as well as the highway. The car has also overheated because of the problem, causing the car to not start as well as to stall. The check engine light typically blinks or stays idle before the issue occurs. The vehicle was first inspected by the car dealer that sold me the car, because the check engine light was on, they stated there was nothing wrong with the car. A Tire Plus mechanic did a diagnostic and discovered the spark plug to need replacement. Most recently, the Ford dealership has given the most recent diagnosis, stating the engine needs to be replaced.
Power train, Engine, Mar 20, 2025
I was driving stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I proceeded my car continuously jerked and would not pick up speed then it would go and start jerking while in the middle of traffic putting me and others at risk for possible pile up multi accidents.Given no warning just out if the blue no lights on dash either.Yes it's is available for inspection took it to shop today was advised to take it to transmission specialist which I plan to.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started shaking. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The spark plugs and coil pack were replaced; however, the following day, there was no antifreeze in the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the oil. The contact checked cylinder #3 and found coolant leaking into cylinder #3. The contact contacted the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,940.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
Car started to jump while accelerating, then wouldn’t shift or move. Mechanic stated that the torque converter let go and filled the transmission with steel. He also stated that the transmission shop said they are doing on average 2 of these transmissions per week for the same problem.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
It is a coolant leak into the engine which can cause the car to catch on fire. The car is not drivable without a new engine.
Power train, Mar 19, 2025
I tried to accelerate pulling out of a parking lot and there was a whizzing sound and no acceleration. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and restarted it. I got up to 55 mph and the transmission service light came on and it de-acelerated. I ended up going 20 mph for the next mile to get it home in my driveway to park it. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership for diagnostics, the same dealership that had to replace the short engine block due to coolant intrusion in my engine at 84,000 (which I found by accident EVEN though I had a Ford.com account - they never notified me even though they had my email, address, and phone number - also to note i tried to get the repair at three other local dealerships that said they did not see the CSP for this issue and would not get me in - I did notify Ford customer service). The same dealership also replaced a shifter bushing cable when they did the engine. Dealership called today to advise that it was the torque convertor and I needed a new transmission. They are going to have warranty department see if Ford will assist with repairs, but I'm sure they won't. Mileage is 121,000. At this point there is a class action for transmission related issues for this year, make and model and Ford has STILL Not issued a recall. In speaking with the dealership, they said this is a common issue with the year, make, and model. And that anything over 100,000 is subject to trannie issues for this car. So obviously Ford knows this is an issue. I see they also recalled the torque convertors for other vehicles. And I see several other complaints where customers are being told the same thing as I am. Could a defective shifting bushing cable cause this? Should the torque convertor have been included in their other recall for the Ford Escapes? How does both an engine and transmission need replaced with 120,000 miles on the car. I used to love Ford. I will NEVER buy another Ford again as long as I live.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced hard shifting and shuddering, with a pinging sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's Extended Warranty coverage for the engine failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the engine (1.5 liter Ecoboost) in my 2015 Ford Escape (less than 50,000 miles). After the check engine light came on recently (within the last week) the code was read by a local auto repair shop and a Ford dealer. Both confirmed (codes P0302, P0316). I initially went to my local mechanic before going to Ford dealership. He found the coolant was low and the engine was running rough. He topped off the coolant. He mentioned that there was a known problem with some Fords with coolant leaking into the cylinders. I then went to a Ford dealership for service when the light came on a second time becuase I have an extended warranty. The Ford service tech said I need a new engine becuase coolant is leaking into the cylinder. I'm reading about this now when I researched it. I never received a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 letter from the Ford dealership I purchased this from in 2021. My Ford was manufactured in Louisville which seems to be common in Fords with this problem. Someone from the warranty company will inspect the car to confirm within 24 to 48 hours.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally upon starting and while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local AutoZone, where a diagnostic test retrieved DTC: P0304. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2025
The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks