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 and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate and shake while depressing the accelerator pedal. The shaking of the vehicle forced the contact to pull over. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and that the engine block was cracked near cylinder #2. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start after refueling. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the vehicle shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted and responded as needed after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had become a consistent failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Feb 8, 2025
At 69,500 miles, my check engine light came up on and the engine began running rough. I also saw that the coolant reservoir was low. I refilled the coolant and it was immediately low again. This is the same coolant intrusion that is a known issue with the ford ecoboost engine in the Escape.
Engine, Feb 8, 2025
Oil in coolant reservoir via engine. Engine replacement.
Engine, Feb 7, 2025
Check engine light started flashing and engine started stuttering. It is available for inspection. Safety was compromised because vehicle would not go above 35-40 mph. Engine has been inspected by the dealership and needs to be replaced. There was no prior warning.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The contact was able to continue driving and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the coolant had leaked into a cylinder, causing the cylinder head gasket to be blown. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer and was provided the same information as the dealer. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Feb 7, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced under warranty by the dealer. The contact stated that recently the failure recurred with an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective flywheel and transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 62,798.
Power train, Engine, Feb 6, 2025
Transmission failed at 96,000 miles requiring replacement Cracked/bad cylinder block at 110,000 requiring replacement Ford knows of engine problem (Technical Service Bulletin 22-2322) will not assist with repair Repair invoices available upon request
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
My daughter told me our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium’s engine light came on. She said the engine was sputtering and losing power. I scheduled an appointment with Ford the next day, and paid for them to do a diagnostic on the vehicle. The vehicle has 105k miles on it. They said the engine had coolant intrusion in cylinder number one. The engine needs to be replaced, it’s out of warranty, and would cost $8,000 to replace, I was expecting the vehicle to last until 200k miles with proper servicing , and the repair is more than the value of the vehicle. Now the vehicle is sitting in my driveway, since I don’t want anyone driving it on the highway with an engine that loses power and could go at any time.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, by turning off the vehicle, allowing the engine to cool down, and then adding coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact also inspected the vehicle with a scanner and retrieved DTC: P0302 - Cylinder #2 Misfire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
Check engine light flashing, took to a local mechanic and need the whole engine replaced due to an internal coolant leak. Coolant level was low so the car overheated. Couple days later it was empty again
Engine, Feb 3, 2025
My vehicle leaks coolant and shakes while accelerating. It sometimes struggles to accelerate at all as it steadily misfires. This would put me and my family at risk even when trying to leave our driveway or turn off our street. The leaking coolant has been confirmed by a dealer and independent service center since it started in 2023. They confirmed that it is identical symptoms to what they see relating to TSB 20-2100 (19-2375 before that). Ford continues to deny that this vehicle is attached to this TSB. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. There was no warning prior to the symptoms first appearance, the Check Engine light illuminated only after issues began to arise.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, which required the contact to add coolant to the vehicle daily. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Trans Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Engine, Feb 3, 2025
I was advised by the Ford dealership that my engine needs to be replaced due to a coolant leak into the engine. This is a known issue for this vehicle. This car has a little over 98k miles on it. There is a board post about this issue TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 22-2229 09 June 2022 I was told there is no recall for this issue even thought they know it is an issue and the cost to replace is over 8k. I called and spoke to the corporate office as well and they told me they will not cover it. This is an issue for a lot of people and sadly there is still no recall. This is not fair that I have to pay more to get the vehicle fixed than the vehicle Is worth. The Ford company should be held responsible for an issue they know is not a fault of the customer.
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2025
Prior to May 2022, both of the quarter panel mounted tail light assemblies on my 2017 Ford Escape SE started taking in water due the seals on the tail lights failing. Soon after those started failing the same thing began happening to the tail light assemblies on the hatch. I have replaced all 4 tail lights with OEM parts sourced from a salvage yard. All parts sourced from the salvage yard had a perfect conditions rating per the salvage yard. Fast forward to November 2024 and I began to notice the seals on the quarter panel mounted tail light assemblies begging to fail. Since then, the passenger side tail light assembly has began taking on water, with the driver side soon to take on water as well. Water and electricity do not mix. The tail lights are available for inspection upon request and I have included pictures. Driving at night or in low light conditions with my tail lights like this puts me and other drivers at risk due to water potentially shorting out my lights/electrical system and making my lights harder for other drivers to see. The problem, to my knowledge has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. First appeared prior to May 2022 and again, after replacing the components, around November 2024. I have appealed to the Ford motor company about this and no recall or programs are in affect for this issue at this time. I have also consulted with other owners of the same vehicle with the same issue and there are multiple online forum threads about this issue.
Engine, Jan 29, 2025
The vehicle was bucking and shaking after turning the key in the ignition. It lurched and drove shakily, and the next time the vehicle was started, the engine failed to begin running, and an "engine fault" light instructing the driver to "service now" was displayed. At this time, a loud, liquid sloshing noise was heard coming from the direction of the dashboard. In subsequent attempts to later start the car, the car did start, and ran, but when taken to a mechanic, it was revealed that a coolant intrusion occurred without any perceptible cause, of severity enough to completely ruin the engine and necessitate its rebuild or repair.
Engine, Jan 28, 2025
After almost a year of problems, the Ford Dealership just diagnosed the car with coolant intrusion. It will cost $8000 for a new engine. This is a known Ford Escape 2017 problem, and Ford won’t do anything about the issue. Right now it’s available for inspection, but I’m going to have to get rid of it soon as it is a hazard and not reliable.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2025
Upon a routine visit to my ASC certified mechanic it was found that the rear axle AND water coolant pump were close to failure which would cause loss of steering for the former issue and a catastrophic engine failure due to overheating in the second,. Vehicle has a clean title and an odometer reading under 60K. These are components that are expected to have durability that is well in excess of 100K mileage. Note that this car has been service regularly, driven by one owner with a very conservative driving style and meticulous in meeting all servicing intervals.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2025
Both low beam head lights stop working while driving. This is the third time in 18 months this has happened. The temporary fix has been to replace an electrical harness that has been burnt from heat. I understand a safety recall has been issued for other Ford Escapes with this condition.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L, and my mechanic recently diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. This issue has caused potential risks to the engine’s performance and longevity. I discovered that many other Ford Escape owners have reported the same issue online, particularly with models equipped with 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Despite this widespread issue, Ford has only issued a recall and Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) for the 1.5L engine, leaving owners of 2.0L vehicles like mine without coverage.
Power train, Jan 27, 2025
Vehicle stopped in roadway. Bad transmission at 64k miles.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Missfire from coolent leaking in engine
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal the vehicle to respond normally. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the failure. No additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a parking lot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the control arm had fractured in half. The contact was informed that the spark plug, head gasket, turbo, and engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was freon inside the engine and the turbo was leaking. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2025
It has a known defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine's cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which results in engine failure. Ford failed to disclose these defects creating a safety risk, because of the lack of coolant created by these leaks causes overheating, cylinder head cracking and engine failure, or engine fires. After the check engine light came on, the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer, they then replaced the ignition coil and spark plug for the number 3 cylinder. They had to do this twice because upon leaving the dealership, the check engine light came on again and they said they could only use OEM parts. The 3rd time the engine light came on, it was inspected again by the manufacturer, it was then disclosed about the known defect that the coolant leaking into the engine's cylinders causes engine failure.