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, Sep 10, 2024
Coolant intrusion causing engine damage. Unable to drive. Ford knows about it because they had a Customer Satisfaction program 21N12 but only made coverage last until November 30, 2022. There needs to be a recall NOW.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and lost motive power. The contact stated that the message "Engine over temperature" was displayed and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). Additionally, the contact observed an abnormal burning odor after exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine was idling rough. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Engine misfired, caused coolant leak into the engine causing a faulty engine and white smoke to go out the tail pipes.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Started having repeat misfires on #3 cylinder and high engine temperature warning. The coolant level is low every morning after the vehicle sits overnight. Misfire happens at initial start up and seems to clear as the vehicle is driven. I believe this condition is related to a known design flaw.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the engine. Engine blown at 89,000. Always kept maintenance done at the dealership.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
coolant intrusion issues engines. This can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which can lead to engine failure. misfiring and engine coolant leaking in the cylinders due to cracking in the engine block, I was told this is wrong with my suv and need a new engine! Cost 10,000
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning light illuminated. 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 stated that hours prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for a scheduled oil change. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to shake and vibrate abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Engine, Sep 7, 2024
We were driving, and soon the check engine light came on, And car started overheating, plugged in the scanner and found that cylinder 1 was misfiring, did and oil changed after and found that coolant was mixed in with the oil
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the radiator started overheating, and the vehicle started to leak coolant. The contact added water into the radiator. The contact stated that the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Engine, Sep 6, 2024
Vehicle over heated on the freeway on my way home. Engine light came on and info display said to stop driving immediately. Also had a loss of power reducing my speed to 25 mph. I pulled to the side of the road and opened hood. There was no coolant in the reservoir. I was able to get a ride to an auto parts store to purchase more collant. Took it to the ford dealer ship and the discovered coolant leaking into cylinder 2 and said a complete engine replacement was required. They quoted me $11,000 to replace. Found many similar issues posted online. Dangers included possible engine fire.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after shifting into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, while the transmission was in park(P) or neutral(N), the engine continued to rev high. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure but indicated that the transmission was faulty. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,456.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the message that the “Engine was overheating - Stop Driving" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 5 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block and the cylinders. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally while idling. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off independently while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and 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, Sep 5, 2024
Known issue that is documented in detail here: Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 [XXX] Coolant leaks into engine valves. Dealership says the entire engine block needs to be replaced. This occurred at 65,000 miles. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE. admitted by the Ford service tech and Ford car forums. Absolutely ridiculous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine caused by known 1.5L EcoBoost engine defect. I had no prior knowledge of CSP 21N12 until recently (as Ford did not send letters to owners or otherwise publicize this issue), and when I brought it to Ford's attention, I was told 1) that my VIN was not subject to CSP 21N12 even though it was subject to the precursor CSP 19B37, and 2) that I was outside the time and mileage limit (my car is under the mileage limit but just over the 8 year limit) despite the fact that the CSP was not attached to my VIN and therefore I would not have had any notice. Moreover, the issues began within the warranty period but since Ford did not inform owners of this issue, I assumed (as per my mechanic) that this was related to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils and fuel injectors. Ford has refused to repair this well-documented engine defect, even though this leak can cause engine fires. I do not understand why NHTSA has taken the position that this is not a safety issue that requires a formal recall.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The engine in our 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 liter ecoboost has again died from coolant intrusion. This is the second engine since new. The first engine had 55k miles on it and the second one has died at 67k. Both engines have been destroyed by the coolant intrusion design flaw issue Ford has been well aware of but refuses to repair.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while idling and driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was failing and might need to be replaced or repaired. The contact believed that the pistons were dryer than expected. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was contacted, and it was stated there were no recalls but there were several Technical Service Bulletins that might relate to the failure. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer to verify if the vehicle was included in and TSB’s. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in any recalls or TSB’s. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking onto the spark plugs, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver’s side brake light accumulated approximately 4 inches of water causing the light to fail to illuminate as needed. The passenger’s side brake light accumulated approximately 1 inch of water but was still able to illuminate as needed. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the lighting assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to reach a representative. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the tailpipe. In addition, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced rough idling and an abnormal vibration. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 64,733.
Structure, Sep 4, 2024
White pearl paint is pealing from around the windshield. The bare metal of the frame is exposed. A local body shop reported the issue may be related to the windshield and could be a safety issue with the windshield getting loose. Other areas, such as the engine hood are also showing signs of pealing.
Power train, Engine, Sep 1, 2024
Engine misfires/rough start, check engine light on, and coolant level leaks with coolant intrusion to the engine causing major risk of engine failure, fire, etc.