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, Jun 28, 2024
We purchased a vehicle from Tom Holzer ford in Farmington Hills, MI back in 2017. We just took the vehicle in for service and the repair shop stated we need a new motor because it is leaking coolant into cylinder number 1. They are able to see exhaust in the cooling system and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. There is a technical service bulletin and is a known issue for ford escapes. We need to have Ford cover the cost of the new motor and get it done immediately.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the messages “Engine Overheating” and “LIMP Mode” were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leak into the engine. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated became of a coolant leak on the driveway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was able to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that a system failure warning light was illuminated. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the CPU motherboard had been wiped. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,480.
Engine, Jun 27, 2024
Mine was the 2017 2.0L 4-cylinder, with about 86,000 miles at time of incident. Code read as "P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire" Had a crack in Cylinder 3, allowing coolant and oil to get into the cylinder. I got my engine light code around 6 thousand miles before incident. When first addressing the issue, I took it in to dealer i bought it from (Fox Motors). According to their certified techs, the same problem was reported for the 1.5L engines and covered under recall(s), but not for the 2.0Ls. The fix for those cars was a whole new long block motor, approx $7,000. Throughout the next 6,000 miles, while trying to save up for said motor, the butt-end of Cylinder 3 blew out while on the road.
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front pump failure and a faulty part in the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,125.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shut off. Additionally, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to another auto body shop, and an oil change was performed, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the bottom of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle should not be driven to prevent a catastrophic engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir nor the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke emanating from the exhaust. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 79,000.
Engine, Jun 26, 2024
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR MISFIRED A LITTLE. HAD CAR CHECKED BY MECHANIC. THEY TOLD ME THIS VEHICAL HAS HISTORY OF ENGINE COLLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS. TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE CYLINGER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. CAR ONLY HAS 67,600 MILES BUT WAS TOLD ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT A COST OF ALMOST $10,000 OR ENGINE WILL FAIL IF I KEEP DRIVING IT.
Engine, Jun 26, 2024
There is a known design flaw in 2013-2019 Ford EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks into the cylinders and causes the engine to overheat/fail. There are currently lawsuits pending about this issue but they are mostly focused on the 1.5L model; however, my 2017 2.0L model was just diagnosed with this issue at only 71,150 miles and the car is done. It needs a new engine and Ford has, as of yet, refused to issue a recall or make this right. All three versions of this engine have the same design flaw. I’m being told that my car is “too old” to meet any of Ford’s requirements for help, so I’m essentially being punished for using my car gently and because the issue did not manifest until after the warranty expired. This issue eventually causes a fire if the driver is not able to safely pull over when the engine begins overheating. Luckily, this did not happen in my case but the car is now undriveable.
Engine, Jun 25, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the cylinders due to a faulty design on the engine block. The only fix for this is engine replacement. 2017-2019 ford 2.0 ecoboost motors. Ford technical service bulletin 22-2229 issued June of 2022 to its service departments acknowledges that there is a know issue and to correct it the engine must be replaced [XXX] This video explains in detail the issue and the fact that for motor company knows of this issue. In 2020 ford changed the deign to correct the issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 25, 2024
This is my 18 year old daughters vehicle, she was driving on the highway at a high speed of 75 and all of a sudden it dropped to 50 (TERRIFYING), this happened probably a handful of times before we had the vehicle looked at! The vehicle gave her a check engine light, we had someone look at it at, they replaced her high pressure fuel pump, no one said anything about her transmission failing. It lasted 2 more weeks and completely stopped on her. We had the transmission rebuilt and hasn't given her issues for 1 week. NOW my 2018 expeditions transmission is a goner, having it now looked at. Should not happen after 5 years!
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact's daughter 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 failure mileage was approximately 128,215.
Engine, Jun 25, 2024
Coolant intrusion causing engine failure
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull to the side of the road and then drove to the residence. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the cylinders due to a crack in the engine block. The dealer determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Engine, Jun 24, 2024
On [XXX], I needed to add a small amount of coolant to the reservoir. Mileage was approximately 69,000. On [XXX], I added more coolant, and then began adding small amounts every week or so. Mileage was approximately 91,000. Sometime in early 2024, I noticed rough idle at start-up, lasting 5-15 seconds. In mid-April, I noticed some white tailpipe smoke. Also mid-April, check engine light came on. After relaying these symptoms to my grandson, who was a Ford dealer mechanic, I made an appointment for service. On the way to the dealer, the car had poor performance and the cruise control feature would not turn on. On April 22, 2024, I had the car diagnosed at Lenoir City Ford in Tennessee (my new home area). On April 24, I was informed that the engine had coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. DTCS PO304 and PO304 with coolant intrusion on Cylinder 4. Upon investigation of coolant intrusion, I learned that this engine issue is/was a known design flaw. There was no recall, but there was a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) to replace the engine at no cost to the customer. Fortunately my car was under the # of years, but unfortunately had more miles (105,000) than stated on the CSP. Also, the CSP expired November 2022. At car check-in, I asked the service manager and he agreed to send car information to Ford Motor to request assistance with the cost of repair. When I picked up the car on [XXX] (4 weeks in the shop), I was told Ford Motor denied my “warranty” claim. I paid $9,972.51 for this repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 23, 2024
Coolant leaks into the coils and this is a known design flaw with no recall issued
Power train, Engine, Jun 23, 2024
Ford dealership performed EEC test and ran OASIS- identified TSB 22-2229 and verified that my 2017 Escape SE 2.0L (purchased in July 2020) met criteria for inspection on 02/27/2024. The vehicle had been experiencing an intermittent engine light, coolant loss x 3-4 months, rough start up, and white exhaust. An OBD code of P0302 was noted one week prior to the dealership appointment and was verified during the inspection. The dealership performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope on the cylinders, and identified coolant intrusion. Along block replacement was recommended at a cost of $7900. I contacted Ford Motor Company for help, as this is a known engineering flaw of the Ecoboost engines that causes (per Ford Motor Company) coolant intrusion in the 2015-2019 Escapes. My extended warranty had expired, and I still owe ~$8500 on my auto loan. I was told there was no help available for me, but to keep receipts in the event of an issued recall. I continued to keep my coolant reservoir filled after each trip ( I have a 35 minute trip to and from work), and the dashboard indicators all came on 2 weeks ago while driving to work (had no other option except to keep using my vehicle). The engine will now not turn over. Luckily, I now have a family member's car for driving to/from work. My question is when will Ford finally issue a recall for the 1.6 & 2.0L Escape engines, as they did in 2022 for the 1.5L engines?? Lots of folks out there with these engines are in the same boat as me, unless the engine is still under warranty. And coolant mixing with the engine oil after the head gasket fails? A fire hazard, correct? Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue already. I have been a loyal customer (my Escape is my 5th Ford vehicle) and have always followed manufacturer recommendations. This will be my last Ford vehicle for sure.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 had caused damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a thumping noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local auto service center which diagnosed a misfire in cylinders #1 and #4. The cylinders and coils were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the service center who diagnosed and determined that cylinder #4 was faulty and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 59,000.
Engine, Jun 19, 2024
The engines head gasket has failed causing coolant intrusion into cylinder 3. This seems to be a recurring problem with the 1.5L short block ecoboost engines. This caused the vehicle to be extremely low on power and unable to maintain speed dropping to 40mph on the highway with nowhere to safely pull over for a mile or so.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
2017 Escape with fewer than 60k Miles on it is now requiring an engine replacement because of a coolant leak. The coolant leak causes a cylinder to misfire and shake the entire vehicle. This is apparently a known issue with this model year and those surrounding it according to my mechanic and a myriad of others on online forums.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
Ford told me I need a NEW ENGINE that will cost $11,000. Coolant leaked into the cylinder. The car only has 62,000 miles on it.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
Ford Escape 2017 78,831 miles. 5/13/24 Had car inspected at Brannen Ford of Perry. I was concerned that the check engine light was illuminated. The Ford service department noted the Code P0456 but cleared the code and did not advise repair. [XXX] Drove from Georgia to Memphis and began to notice rough crank with cold start only. 5/19/24 In Memphis took to Autozone for a OBD scanner read. Scanner said P0456 and P031. First cylinder is misfiring. 5/20/24 Took to Holt Automotive to investigate code. 5/23/24 Holt referred to Madison Automotive since technician believed the code indicated an engine issue beyond the scope of Holt. 5/23/24 Delivered to Madison Automotive for diagnostics. Ran codes and noted a 2.0L engine. Removed and replaced the ignition coil and relevant spark plug per OBD scanner. Cost $526.39 6/1/24 Took back to Autozone for OBD scan due to check engine light coming on again. Same codes. 6/3/24 Took back to Madison Automotive. Ran codes again and realized, by coincidence, purge valve was bad. Replaced purge valve. Cost $462.47. Could not note the rough start or find a specific leak. Informed that usually leaks only occur with temp change, hence the rough cold crank noted by us. [XXX] Check engine light on again and would not start at gas station. Had to go through manual start process. 6/14/24 Took back to Madison Automotive. They decided to try a cold crank in the morning after it sat unused through the night. White smoke filled the parking lot. Confirmed that defective head gasket is leaking coolant into the cylinders. Recommended replace engine. 6/17/24 Called Ford Motor in Memphis. Told representative of codes and symptoms and was informed of TSB 21-233 which informs Ford of these exact defects. No recall issued as of yet. Since these same issues were noted in the 1.5 L engines and recalls were issued, I am contacting you with the same request to have Ford recall 2.0 L engines from these defective years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough. The contact stated that there was an engine misfire, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2346 - Coolant in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.