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, Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact discovered that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flex plate and transmission clip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2024
Car began putting out heavy grey exhaust. Occurred twice at the beach and thought it related to the high temperature. Returned home and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Three weeks later, I went to turn on the car, the car immediately began to shudder violently and the check engine light kicked on. I immediately turned off the car and got it to a Lincoln dealer. It was covered under extended warranty, but they held my car to replace the engine for 3 months. Had to pressure the dealership to get a loaner for the 2.5 months.
Engine, Nov 19, 2024
Coolant leaked into cylinder 1.
Suspension, Wheels, Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection at a local dealer, it was noticed that the 16 lug nuts for all four tires were swollen and the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty with the same parts used prior to the failure. The contact was concerned that the repair was intern and the failure would be recurring. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2024
Notice coolant reservoir was empty after warning light, refill coolant check reservoir couple days later low again. Research and come to find out common issue with ecoboost engines produced by Ford. Design flaw in the engine block that allows engine coolant to get into cylinders. Took car to Ford dealership were it issue was confirmed, coolant in cylinders. Dealership wants 9k to replace engine that has 71k miles on it. The car is unsafe to drive possible engine failure or fire.
Engine, Nov 16, 2024
Car was not accelerating properly. Took the car to a repair shop. Cylinder 2 completely ruined by a coolant leak into the cylinder. Mechanic stated only fix was a new engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became regular. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into multiple cylinders had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was running roughly after a cold start. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH the vehicle was losing power. The contact said when she depressed the accelerator pedal the check engine light was flashing and the vehicle was not gaining forward momentum. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was again exhibiting the same failure symptoms and was taken back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to a known problem with coolant intrusion into the engine block. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the Safety Hot Line to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
Engine light became illuminated, car spewing white smoke on cold start-up. My 2017 Ford Esacape Titanium has under 97,000 miles. Took to dealership. Codes P0302 & P0316 Misfire on start & Cylinder 2 Misfire. Found Cylinder 2 has Coolant Intrusion. TSB 22-2229 needs a Long Block Motor Replacement. TSB was written in 2019 & Ford did nothing about Notification to anyone. Cost of repair is $ 7130.66, which I should not responsible for, seeing that Ford knew about this issue. NHTSA needs to hold Ford Motor Company liable for the repairs to all the affected parties.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2024
Our car started slipping gears, jerking, take forever to accelerate, and would lose power. We took to dealership thinking it was a transmission. They told us no it wasn’t the transmission and we needed the replace the fuel pump injector we did that. A week later SAME issues happened again they replaced the pump again. A month later SAME symptoms again this time they told us we needed our engine replaced. So we got a brand new engine in. A month later I lost power while turning onto to a highway and the dealership told me that it was the new engine breaking in. Not even 3 months later after the new engine being put in our car starts to act up with the SAME symptoms. We took it back since the engine was under warranty. They tell us we need a new transmission. We told them we knew it was the issue the first time around. We can’t afford a new transmission after just putting a new engine in 3 months ago! Stay away from this year ford escape. Our car only had 116,000 miles and it’s our family car so we can’t drive it anymore cause we can’t afford another big issue to be fixed. Mainly because we think the dealership doesn’t want to admit their mistakes and won’t resolve the issue for us. Can’t believe the car has these two huge issues in one year let alone less than 6 months apart!
Power train, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to jerk, and she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. Later, the contact received a notification from the ford app reading "Powertrain malfunction reduced power." No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 158,000.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
A few weeks ago, the car started running rough. Upon inspection, what was first thought to be a faulty spark plug, has turned out to be a cracked engine block. It is burning coolant and running rougher and rougher. Took it to a local repair shop and, per guidance received from Ford, we have to replace the full engine. No warranty coverage, nothing.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
1.5L EcoBoost - Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL Issue: Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the short block and head gasket
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
Ecoboost 2.0 engine leaks coolant into cylinder. Check engine light came on took to dealer they said needed a tune-up. When we took it in for the tune up we told them we are now losing coolant and don't find any leaks. They checked and said the coolant is in the cylinder. Got estimate of $7703
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
My 2017 ford was over heating got the head gasket replaced, the car was working fine for about a thousand miles when the wheel locked up and over heated again. Took it to ford and another mechanic and was told the problem was with a recall but my vehicle’s vin is not on the list. The engine short block as well as other parts.
Power train, Nov 11, 2024
Transmission went out. No warning. 121,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete transmission failure. Car started whining upon acceleration out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then out it went. Have had it serviced and maintained meticulously. Ford is aware of the problem and doing nothing to fix it.
Engine, Nov 10, 2024
After driving 200 miles for a vacation, the car overheated and would not start. The coolant had leaked into cylinder head and evaporated. Smoke was coming from underneath the hood. Had it towed to a shop where they did $2500 in repairs. Car ran for two months, and the same thing happened again. After looking online, discovered Ford knew about the design flaws that cause engine failure. There have been recalls regarding this issue, but not in Wisconsin.
Power train, Engine, Nov 10, 2024
At approximately 24509.37 miles the engine broke a valve and damaged a piston (hole in piston). We were never notified about Ford Motor Company's "Customer Satisfaction Program" 21N12 & 19B37 and Technical Service Bulletin reference (Technical Service Bulletin) 22-2134 pertaining to 2017-2019 Ford Escape Models. I have a copy of the Ford Motor Company letter sent to all U.S. Dealers dated June 9 2022 that was recently given to me by another Escape Owner. I believe this is commonly known as a "silent recall." The engine damage occurred on [XXX] at [XXX] at the mileage listed above. I believe there was a Class Action Lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Company that I, as an owner of this vehicle, was not notified about as required by law. This issue needs to be investigated so I can file a claim and seek remedy for damage to my vehicle. All the Diagnostic Trouble codes on my vehicle match all the codes on Ford's Program 21N12 as referenced above. All information points to Ford Company admitting to a known engine design defect that affects my vehicle. I have attached as many documents as can find to date since my engine damaged occurred. The local Ford Dealership provided Diagnosis of the engine damage and said they were well aware of the trouble with this Model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 9, 2024
Purchased Vehicle on October 11, 2024. Took car out of town check engine light came on. Took back on October 16th as it had a P0301 cylinder 1 misfire code. They replaced a coil pack said it was good to go. Check engine light came back on a few days later, went to auto zone to scan same code informed dealership. Took it to dealership on November 5th, 2024 they kept overnight to do a leak down test and found coolant in cylinder 1. Engine is bad. Vehicle has 60,000 miles on it and since it is new to me I can’t confirm how long this has been a problem and been covered up.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area – Flex plate Cracks); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2024
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, who determined that coolant intrusion had caused a misfire in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine would eventually need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of white exhaust smoke coming from the rear exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12 (transmission fluid pump, and torque converter); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed that the coolant reservoir was empty but was unable to determine if there was a coolant leak. The contact inspected the engine but found no damages. After further inspection, the dealer observed that the fuel pump was cracked. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was running abnormally rough, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder four was causing a misfire, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.