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 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who replaced the spark plugs and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the Extended Warranty Coverage under TSB: 22-2229. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine, Nov 7, 2024
On the way to work, MIL came on that stated, “high engine temperature stop safely”. After pulling over and turning car off for about 10 minutes, trip to work continued and MIL came on again. Had vehicle TOWED IN to a trusted mechanic and he checked and advised: CONFIRMED OVERHEAT CONDITION, VEHICLE WAS LOW ON COOLANT, OVERHEAT CODE STORED IN PCM. REFILLED WITH COOLANT AND FOUND STEADY STREAM OF COMBUSTION LEAVING THE COOLING SYSTEM THROUGH COOLANT BOTTLE. SUSPECT DAMAGE TO HEADGASKET AND POSSIBLY ENGINE BLOCK OR CYLINDER HEAD.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 6, 2024
My 2017 Ford escape 1.5L ecoboost. Had the brake booster completely fail while driving down the highway on Oct. 27th. I took it the next day to the Ford Service center in my area. They informed me it was the Brake booster and would cost around $1100. They called me two days later and told me instead it was the vacuum pump, and that it was be cheaper to fix. They said it would be done that following Monday. On Monday I got a phone call asking me when the last time I changed/checked my oil. I told them it was changed on Aug 7th. It was checked (with video evidence) on October 19th. They told me they were “test driving my vehicle and heard a loud pop, followed by my car turning off.” They informed me that there was very little oil in my pan and that my car had thrown a rod. I explain that my oil level was fine, and that my car had no indication of needing oil. They replied with similar comments such as “the car gave no warning or indication light. It was driving just fine, it was shifting fine. Everything was fine until pop.” My husband asked his mechanic (who was unavailable at the time) and was told “when a vacuum pump goes out the engine will continue to supply oil in an attempt to cool the pump. The oil will then go to the exhaust and due to the eco system on the exhaust. The driver won’t know.” With this information, an investigation into a recall seems necessary.
Steering, Nov 6, 2024
Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock, the problem wentg away. I tried numerous times to recreate the problem and could not. However, I am very apprehensive that this car is now unsafe.
Power train, Nov 5, 2024
At 7 years and 68,000 miles, the driving became sluggish at low speeds. There were intermittent periods of low/no power from stop to low speed, making speed control dangerous. By the time the vehicle could be brought in for service, the "Transmission Fault - Service Now" warning came on. Diagnosis of fault states trouble code relating to an incorrect gear 3 ratio, indicating internal transmission failure. Confirmed at independent mechanic.
Engine, Nov 5, 2024
Escape had a miss and the check engine light went on and stayed on. I took it to the dealer for a diagnostic. They informed me that the engine needed replacement due to coolant leaking into the cylinder bore. The cost of repair is $7,100. The vehicle has 105,000 miles on it. The service person told me that the leak was due to a design flaw and I had done nothing to cause it.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder head. The dealer related the failure to Ford TSB Number: 19-2346 and determined that the long block 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 107,853.
Engine, Nov 5, 2024
Internal coolant leak into the cylinder.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty spark plugs and failed ignition coils. The contact was informed that the four spark plugs and the four ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that transmission fluid needed to be refilled, and the transmission filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22-2229; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,250.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning out of a parking lot onto a road, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ignition coil and spark plugs needed to be replaced with OEM parts. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine light was again illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346 - Coolant Intrusion Into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,849.
Engine, Nov 3, 2024
Having to add coolant multiple times. White smoke from tailpipes. Engine idling rough check enginelight. Code p0303
Engine, Nov 1, 2024
Coolant intrusion that lead to engine failure due to Ford's known faulty system.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2024
The contact's fiancé owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for sale. The contact stated that while the dealer was test-driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer determined that the head gasket and engine block had failed, resulting in coolant intrusion into cylinders #1 and #3. The dealer also discovered that the engine had consumed a quart of oil, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe due to engine blowby. The dealer added a quart of engine oil and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle was not responding as needed. The contact stopped and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was still shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0304 (Coolant Intrusion into engine) Engine and Engine Cooling. The mechanic linked the failure Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 - Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Power train, Nov 1, 2024
In May 2023, I paid an independent service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate. In December 2023, I paid the same service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate a second time. The repairs exceeded $5000. In November 2024, I paid Morries Minnetonka Ford to diagnose transmission vibration. It determined that the torque converter was failing and that I needed a new transmission. The cost of the repair is expected to be in excess of $6000. A search on the internet revealed that Ford recalled torque converters (Recall Number 17S16). Not that the internet is the source of truth, but it appears that transmission issues with Ford vehicles with lower miles is a relatively common event. I believe that my issue is a manufacturing issue. The torque converter and flex plate are parts that should not fail at 73,000 miles. They are designed to last the life of a vehicle. Further, the flex plate should not fail independently of other failures. The parts are interconnected. Neither Morries Minnetonka Ford, nor Ford are willing to consider that this is manufacturing issue that Ford should cover the cost of repair. I would appreciate the NHTSA looking into the matter with Ford.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started to overheat. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was raised beyond the hot level. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked head gasket and a failed sensor. The contact was informed that the head gasket and the unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The contact stated that the dealer installed a camera on the head to check for a coolant leak. The contact was unclear of the diagnostic reports; however, the contact was informed that the spark plugs, and the crankcase sensor needed to be replaced. The spark plugs and crankcase sensor were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2024
Vehicle operated poorly at start up for 10-20 seconds. Check engine light came on. I had limited control with braking and accelerating. If my son was outside, I could have accidentally run him over. The dealership told me that it is a known issue involving coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. This issue can only be rectified by replacing the entire engine, which is not covered by any recalls, warranties, etc. at this time. The dealership printed a Technical Service Bulletin for me 22-2229 "2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL". This is a known and documented issue that costs $10,000+ to fix and there is no recall?!?!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2024
For the past two years I have drove a 2017 ford escape. Over the past two years my car has failed me multiple times My question is for ford motor company. Knowing this is a known issue with escapes…why are they doing nothing to help customers who have had a total engine failure due to manufacturing’s flaws ?
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the message "Engine Hot" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #1 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 53,500.
Engine, Oct 30, 2024
Service engine light came on took to Ford dealer to be checked was told need new engine due to coolant intrusion
Wheels, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection at a local Tire Shop, the contact was informed that the lug nuts on all four wheels were cracked. The contact had 14 lug nuts replaced out-of-pocket; however, there were 6 lug nuts that still needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The lug nuts were OEM parts. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,135.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe with several warning lights illuminated. The crankshaft position sensor, power control module short circuit sensor, and other warning lights are illuminated. The contact had reset the sensors however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the coolant was leaking however, there was no location of the leak. The contact stated that driving and then shifting into the park(P), the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but failed to shift into gear. While driving 55 MPH, the speedometer decreased, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The contact was able to veer over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called for a tow truck. The tow truck driver informed the contact that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2024
Coolant was leaking into the engine creating a need for a full engine replacement. Signs of the issue included check engine lights appearing on dashboard twice in two weeks and no coolant remaining in the vehicle. This issue has been reported multiple times by other owners of Ford Escapes with no recourse from Ford. Issue was reported to me by an independent car mechanic. Engine is being replaced this week, therefore no receipt for repairs is yet available, but estimate was $9000.