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, Jul 15, 2024
Engine block design is defective and allows coolant to leak into cylinders 2 or 3. This causing white smoke, engine misfires and overheating that can cause an engine fire. Ford has issued service bulletins to replace the engine but no recall at this time.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to slow down to exit the Interstate and the vehicle started jerking and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After receiving the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact decided to trade the vehicle instead of repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,175.
Engine, Jul 12, 2024
There is a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (19-2208) that deals with a coolant intrusion into the engine through a cracked cylinder. My vehicle falls into the category of this particular issue. After multiple repairs to my vehicle due to my engine light coming on intermittently my car warning lights came on while I was driving down the interstate and had to pull over. I sat at the side of the road until I could get a tow truck to pick my vehicle and myself up. There has been no notification to owners about this issue because Ford is telling me that it's not a recall but a Technical Service Bulletin so I'm being told I have to pay $10,000 for a new engine. I have 73,000 miles on my 7 year old vehicle which I shouldn't have to buy a new engine. This is definitely a safety issue, I could have broken down at night, fortunately, I got off work 2 hours early so it was still light outside. I'm a [XXX] and this has been a very stressful time due to a manufacturing defect that is not of my making INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 12, 2024
I purchased my Ford Escape SE eco boost 2017 new. and now the engine light came on and I had ford checked to see what was the issue. once diagnosis was done they told me I had to replace my engine for eleven thousand (insane ) my coolant was leaking into my cylinders and engine. I looked up this issue and found that there are thousand of people with this issue. Ford is aware of this yet will not recall these engines. hard working people like myself are stuck with a lemon for a car due to not being able to afford this new engine. how is this possible! I really pray for all of us who are going through this and not having any help from Ford. Please Please help.
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
When I am driving my 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost, the engine seems to hesitate/skip when I am driving along at speeds from 25-55, once it accelerates from 55 to 70, the skipping doesn't seem to happen. It feels like the engine is skipping or gear shifting is skipping. This has been happening for a long time since it passed 60,000 miles and it's at approx. I was told by an independent mechanic that the transmission needs to be flushed, but flushing it wouldn't necessarily stop what's happening. I am now at 140,000, the car seems to still operate, and the engine light has never come on indicating an issue/malfunction. It's even had a part fixed in the transmission from a recall and the issue continues. However, recently I noticed when I am coasting down a hill and I tap my brakes to slow down and usually during this time braking triggers the hill assist function, the RPMS have been racing up to 3,000-4,000 RPMs and it usually won't go back down unless I press the gas to get it to shift gears. Usually this makes me have to accelerate instead of slowing down or keeping my speed at the legal speed limit on that road the hill is on. I was recently told that there is an engine block recall on 2017 Ford Escapes, and I am not sure if this could be the issue. But if it is, I would like to have my vehicle looked at by a Ford garage and have it replaced at no cost.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2024
For the last few months, I’ve noticed that my vehicle’s brake mechanism hasn’t been stable, also audible /noises coming from brakes at time, vehicle has an EVAP leak, causing vehicle not to start after refilling with gas. Yesterday, 6/11, while traveling, there was a notice that said engine was overheated and to stop vehicle safely. I was on a restricted highway on a very slim shoulder, very traumatized, but after 3 hours successfully has vehicles towed to a repair shop. No work has started.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2024
I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in Cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford refused and allowed me to drive back on the road in dangerous conditions. My coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. This is due to a manufacture defect in the open deck design of the engine block. My life was put at risk on the road driving with no coolant causing damage to my engine and reducing my car’s performance. Joes Auto shop confirmed my issue informing that I need a new engine costing around $8,000.
Power train, Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts to accelerate, the vehicle lunged forward. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the failure occurred after releasing the brake pedal or after coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Jul 11, 2024
While driving on the expressway the check engine light came on and the car started to shake violently. The car doesn't accelerate right away. After inspection, the auto shop provided the following comments: Engine is burning coolant, upon arrival vehicle low 1 gallon of coolant no coolant leaks present. After adding coolant and starting up white smoke coming out of tail pipe smelling like burnt coolant. Codes present for check engine light P0300 random misfire detected P0302 cylinder 2 misfire detected P0316 misfire detected upon start up p0456 evap system lean p1456 unable to bleed fuel fuel tank P2196 02 sensor signal. Oxygen sensors needed due to coolant burning Purge valve needed Engine needed internal damage. After contacting Ford Corporate and a Ford Dealership it was determined that the car would not be under warranty (odometer is 59,225). The car has not been repaired due to the expense of a new or used engine replacement. Many reports online have stated this problem is very common for this type of vehicle.
Engine, Jul 11, 2024
At 37,775 miles on Aug 23, 23; 1st check engine light. The cause was unclear, possibly an intermittent purge valve, which was replaced. The second check engine light was at 46,919 miles on Jul 03, 24; and that's when it was noted the coolant level had dropped a little bit. Excessive carbon was also seen in the #1 cylinder and the shop suspected a coolant leak. A pressure test was performed but the result was negative...so all the required and recommended maintenance was performed. The next day, the engine light came back on. On Jul 09, 24; the shop then performed an overnight coolant pressure test, and it showed that coolant was indeed leaking into the #1 and #2 cylinders. This could be a fire hazard and could also lead to a catastrophic engine failure. My autoshop (Accurate Automotive, in Yuma AZ) pointed out the Ford bulletin for my engine...a block defect, (Reference# 22-2229, issued Jun 09, 22) and recommended I take the vehicle to the Ford dealership in Yuma... which I did on Jul 10, 24. The service representative (Jesse) did not accept the finding of my shop and said Ford will perform their own assessment. No Ford recall has been issued for this defect. There should be, though. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2024
The headlights keep burning out, alternating from driver’s side to passenger’s side. The bulbs burn out about every three months but have burnt out in as little as 1 month (same bulbs). A search on the Internet shows numerous persons having the same problem with their Ford Escapes.
Exterior lighting, Jul 10, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that water had entered the light assemblies. The headlight and taillight assemblies were not properly sealed. The bulbs were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced, and the dealer related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. 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 96,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2024
The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.
Engine, Jul 7, 2024
Coolant leaking into the engine causing the vehicle to overheat
Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle during a rainstorm, the contact observed water pooling inside the taillight assembly. The contact then became aware that the taillights were not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the taillight assembly water seal allowing water to leak into the assembly and short-circuiting the taillights. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 5, 2024
All four of the tail lights, on the hatch and on the sides of the car are leaking and retaining water which has caused the brake/tail lights on the rear to fail. This is an obvious safety hazard and a quick Google search reveals that it is a widespread problem. There has always been some water in the light, starting with condensation about a year ago, but as of the last few weeks, the lights are inconsistent, and now appear to not be working at all.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in park(P), the vehicle rolled forward inadvertently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed twice and held down to stop the vehicle. Additionally, on several occasions, the contact observed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds, and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired approximately four times in one year; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
My vehicle is currently with a Ford Dealership and I was advised one of the cylinders is bad and the repair bill is $13,000.00. I have 55,000 miles on the vehicle. This appears based on my research this has been a common problem. Since the 60 months has passed, I am told I have no recourse to address this problem. Ford needs to honor any problems that happen before 60000 miles and not 5 years OR 60000 miles whichever comes first! In this society people work from home and don’t drive cars like they have in the past!
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her boyfriend, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was overheating. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and inspect the vehicle; however, there was no coolant leak found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and shift between gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure was related to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2024
After purchasing a 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L engine, a check engine light came on, indicating misfires in cylinder 1. Local mechanic found coolant leaking into the engine and advised not to drive more than a few miles as potential for further damage and/or possible engine fire may occur as oil may also be leaking into the cylinders. I found there is a TSB by Ford to it's mechanics as a known problem, but the Ford dealer is indicating they won't cover it as the car is 94k miles and there is no official recall.
Engine, Jun 30, 2024
Seems I have one of the Ford Escapes that coolant is leaking into the cylinders, I have 47500 miles on my 2017 Escape. Was informed that the engine needs to be replaced. Car overheated with my [XXX] in the car during a torrential rainfall driving on a highway where people had their hazard lights on because of the rain. By the time we got home there wasn't a drop of coolant. Added some and it was empty the next day, nothing on the road, My mechanic said it's not leaking it's going into the cylinder to the motor. Now I have to go car shopping can't have a dangerous car like this with my granddaughter in the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 28, 2024
I have a 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 w/ a long engine block. Coolant is leaking into the cylinders causing misfires. Apparently this is a known condition, but Ford has only been addressing the 1.5 engines. It’s a slow, almost undetectable condition and a design flaw in the engine. The recall / extended service bulletin that NHTSA sent out doesn’t cover the 2.0 vehicles. But it is happening, and after talking w/ Ford Service Center today, they are refusing to assist w/ repairs. My car has just over 65,000 miles and I’ve kept up w/ maintenance. Ford needs to address this fundamental design flaw in this engine and assist, if not fully cover the cost of repairs. This is a life safety issue. Because this is a slow leak and almost undetectable, I never knew or was notified of the situation. If I had, I could have sought some sort of remedy. Now I’m looking at over $8700 in repairs. Please assist and advocate for myself and others in this situation. Thank you.