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, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the engine overheated, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that engine coolant was present inside the cylinders and caused severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Engine, Jun 5, 2024
Engine light on, coolant leaking into turbo
Engine, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure progressed causing the vehicle to fail to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The failure occurred, the high temperature, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked, coolant had leaked into the cylinder, and the coolant had leaked onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was made aware of TSB: 222322. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red warning light illuminated. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact about a TSB regarding the engine block, which might cause the engine to warp or crack and allow coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine block failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and accepted a claim, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 133,375.
Engine, Jun 4, 2024
Coolant intrusion into cylinder. This is a known problem on my 2.0l ecoboost engine. The dealership is recommending an engine replacement to fix the problem. Only 94000 miles on it and 7 years old.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the vehicle 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 71,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2024
The Paint is coming off due to Ford forgetting to put primer on first.
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
2017 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Two mechanics verify coolant leak in the engine block. This failure is addressed by Ford CSP 21N12 which covers engine replacement for vehicle less than 7 years and 84k miles. The CSP was issued June 2022 but "expired" November 2022 so Ford will not honor the cost of repairs even though my vehicle meets the criteria.
Engine, May 31, 2024
Coolant intrusion - confirmed by a Ford dealer. After researching, I discovered this is a KNOWN ISSUE with these vehicles, but not yet covered by a recall. I may have to pay $8000 for a new engine. Please add me to the list of Escape owners with this problem. And TRY to get Ford to issue a recall!! Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, May 31, 2024
I was driving to work, and I reversed out of my driveway. I stopped, put the transmission in Drive, and proceeded forward. I let my foot off of the accelerator, and the transmission slipped and the car lurched and made a "thunk" noise. I stopped, and then accelerated again. After about 10 minutes of driving (while stopping and going at several stoplights), I was driving at 45 mph. The engine suddenly started revving past 4000 RPM, and the car would not accelerate forward anymore. I let my foot off the accelerator, then pressed on it again. The engine again revved with no forward movement, and several clunking and grinding noises. I was fortunately able to pull over on the shoulder of the road. I put the vehicle in park, then drive again. It would not move. After turning the car off and on again, and putting the transmission in drive, it clunked loudly and lurched forward. I was able to drive another 1/4 mile slowly, and pull into a parking lot. After that, the car would not move in forward or reverse gear. It was towed to the dealership on May 15, and has been there evere since. I am submitting this due to the Ford Motor Corporation's awareness of the issues with the transmissions on these vehicles, and the safety risk that they pose. I was lucky that there was a place to safely pull off of the road and move the vehicle to a parking spot.
Power train, May 31, 2024
My car doesn't have 70,000 miles on it and the flex plate is cracked. There have been other models of Ford ie the edge that have had the same problem. Something needs to be done about this because hundreds of people are reporting the same problem. With a quick Google search you can see that.
Engine, May 31, 2024
Engine failed. Coolent detected in Cylinder. Code # PO302 Mis fire detected.Coolent resovoir Low. Infra-red Tested HC 985PP, CO 0.91%. Vehicle chugs during acceleration and is hard to start at times.Vehicle is covered underTSB 22-2229 Issued on June 9 2022.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Engine, May 29, 2024
New engine is needed because of a known manufacturing default. There is a class action law suit filed in March of 2024 for this exact problem. The coolant leaks directly into the gasket due to a design flaw.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with an error message of "Vehicle Overheating – Turn Off Vehicle" prior to the engine overheating. The vehicle was able to be moved to the shoulder before the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 26, 2024
Engine failure. Yes - available for inspection. Also have inspection report and video of problem. Vehicle has 49,801 miles on it - check engine light came on. Took it in for service - code was for misfire. Spark Plugs were changed - misfire continued at shop - boroscope was done and it shows coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coolant intrusion significantly increases risk of engine failure, engine over heating and risk of fire. Therefore we were told that the vehicle cannot be driven. Per Fords June 2022 bulletin - to correct condition long block engine assembly needs to be replaced. According to Ford - this 2017 vehicle (engine manufacture date of [XXX]) does not qualify for recall repair. This is link to what was seen upon inspection - including video of coolant intrusion. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, May 25, 2024
bought a used 2017 Ford escape Titanium in 2022 with 38k miles. Didn't know anything about the issues with the car. Fast forward 8 months ago I started smelling coolant out of my exhaust. Had a friend to check it and coolant levels were low and coolant found it's way into my engine oil. This was around 58k miles on the odometer. Fast forward again end of March 2024 my check engine light came on took it to dealership for a diagnostics. They kept my car all day just to tell me I need a new engine and turbo which would total 14k dollars.
Electrical system, Engine, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had caused the engine block to overheat and to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Engine, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow in responding. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle while the vehicle was still moving and applied the parking brake. The contact stated that when he attempted to restart the vehicle the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the mechanic was not returning his calls. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, May 24, 2024
Coolant leak into engine. Was informed at Ford dealership that this is a known issue, but is not under recall
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 23, 2024
2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with a 4 CLYINDER D 1.5 DI TURBO engine. We purchased this vehicle used, in 2019 with 42,384 miles. We have kept up with all scheduled maintenance through the dealership. Until April of this year, we have had ZERO issues with this vehicle! First, the check engine light came on Upon starting, another warning "Engine Fault Service Now" would appear. Aside from the lights, the only initial indication something may be off was the "sloshing" noise that came from the engine after shutting it off. Initially, we took the car to our independent mechanic who informed us that the car was experiencing coolant intrusion into the engine and the only remedy would be to replace the engine. He shared with us that this type of engine is NOTORIOUS for this malfunction. Being as Darling's could not give us an appointment promptly, , we just kept checking the coolant levels and cautiously drove the vehicle. On May 3, I was driving when the dash lit up with "High Engine Temperature-stop safely" warnings and the gauge went from normal to all the way to H. We added coolant and this did not happen again. However, between May 3 and the date of our appointment at the dealership, May 17th, a host of new problems seemed to happen overnight. The car would not start several times both after being driven and sitting overnight. While backing down my driveway, the car stalled and wouldn't start again, luckily I wasn't in traffic. Right before our appointment and the final straw was when I was leaving for work. The car wouldn't start, so I left it for a few minutes and I was able to restart it. I drove down the street maybe a block away when all this white smoke filled the inside of the car along with pouring out the back exhaust. Darling's stated it "coded P0304, for a misfire on 4, coolant was entering cylinder 4, needs a motor". Cost to fix is more than what the car is worth and we still owe $4000 on it. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?
Engine, May 22, 2024
I bought this vehicle at 150,000 miles from a reputable dealership only to drive it for 2 days and the engine light comes on. First it was spark plugs, then an intercooler leak, next the turbo, and now it’s on for a a multitude of codes. This is ridiculous! Ford needs to take responsibility for this mistake and recall the vehicles. I have been quoted for 10s of 1000s of thousands to fix these issues and I bought it for 17k.
Steering, May 22, 2024
Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communication with Steering Control Module A. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic for repairs.
Engine, May 22, 2024
Cylinder 2 misfire. Coolant and oil are leaking down cylinder number 2 causing it to misfire. This was diagnosed and confirmed by an independent service center. The engine was slipping which prompted the service appointment. Contacted Ford Motor Company and was advised to file this claim.
Engine, May 21, 2024
Vehicle started shaking a little upon cold start. This did not happen every day and would only do it when first started of a morning. Took for service and was told vehicle needs a new engine. No check engine lights ever came on and vehicle has had no other problems. We are shocked at this news! Researched and saw numerous reports of recalls, etc. on this particular model and engine. Never received any information about recall on our engine.