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, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a coolant leak. 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 the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,302.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Engine Fault, Service Now" and "Change Oil Soon" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the oil change was due after 2,000 miles. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The message "Engine Fault, Service Now" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a mixture of oil and coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine 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 122,000.
Engine, May 8, 2024
Coolant intrusion that ruined the engine known ecoboost issue
Engine and engine cooling, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine which caused an engine misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Numbers: 21N12 and 19B37. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the Customer Satisfaction programs. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, May 7, 2024
My escape has 54,000 miles and while driving down the interstate it started to shake and lose power. Engine light came on and it started to smoke from exhaust. Thought the engine was going to catch on fire. Barely got it off the road safely. Towed to local Ford dealership and was diagnosed with cylinder 2 misfire and loss of pressure. Engine needs to be replaced. I'm up to date with all maintenance and recalls. Last service of oil change/inspection was end of Jan 2024. There was no warning prior to this happening.
Steering, Engine, May 7, 2024
COOLANT LEAK ENGINE
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the spark plugs had been replaced previously; however, there was a misfire in the engine, and there was coolant leaking into the engine. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir had to be refilled constantly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak present and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2024
My check engine light on causing vehicle to run rough.and delay in engine performance.(transmission shifting). Ford dealer replace several Emission parts. (Warranty.) .Purge valve system. Oxygen sensors Etc. Car in shop for 12days.pick vehicle up drove 2miles check light came on again. Back to ford, Now ford wants Me to pay for needed repairs to charcoal canister, Purge Valve system. $400,00 to $ 800.00. This repair is EPA and Federal Emission Policy. Which Fotd and Dealer States no it's not. Dealer will not HELP with any assistance. Tried to explained Ford and Federal.EPA rules. Per Ford Warranty Parts statements and policy . Dealer 1st stated to me this part is under extended Ford Warranty. Hours later called Me back,Stating It's My responsibility to repair. This part is Electric vacuum operated. Prt# GV6Z9D333A Purge Control Valve (Block off switching Valve ) Which is a Hose and Solenoid Assy. The say it's a hose nothing else. I explained a hose is only a HOSE and has nothing to do with opening and closing of Emission Purge Valve .System. That is what the Solenoid is for which opens and closes Purge System from fuel tank Vapors system to charcoal canister. Please Help me in this repair clarification.
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the overheating message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact added coolant. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,140.
Engine, May 7, 2024
The engine is at 157,000 miles. I have taken it to 2 mechanics in the last few weeks that have diagnosed it with a blown head gasket. They have said this type of engine cannot be repaired and has to be replaced.
Wheels, May 7, 2024
Wheel lug nuts have swollen and are distorted. Have been told by ford dealer to replace them. Car has 41,000 miles. Ford is responsible and needs to replace.
Engine, May 6, 2024
I have a 2017 Fords Escape Titanium with the 2.0 Ecoboost Motor with 24.394 miles on it since purchased new at our Dealer in Albany, NY. This Car is Driven by an elderly woman (grandmother) to the grocery store and bank in our small down only and once a week to doctors. When driving the 2017 Esape with the 2.0L vehicle started to shake violently and check engine light came on due to what I found later to be misfire in cylinder two. We had to pull over to the side of the road on the highway as best we could in fear of getting rearended by traffic.This is the second ford escae in the [XXX] family that has done this to us and put us at risk. The other 2017 family-owned Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost was taken to the Ford shop and after review needed a new Short Block replacement due to Coolant Intrusion into cylinder 2 &3. Car was at Ford Dealer for over 8 weeks getting repair with no rental. Ford did have a bulletin (Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37-Supplement #4) that covered this full replacement. So, Ford admitted they had an issue and would replace these then at no cost to the customer. When i called the Dealer on this 2017 Escape 2.0L Escoboost with the Same Faulty head design they said it's out of Warranty and even though there is a service bulletin stating to replace the Engine, Ford Does not have a Recall or Customer Satisfaction Program for this as before. I am having this escape brought to a Ford shop to have it diagnosed officially as i had to with the other Escape. I know the symptoms and have scoped the cylinder. When speaking to Ford Directly they confirmed this and told me to contact you. I do not feel it's right for a Company that our family has been so invested in for generations and currently have 7 fords in our fleet to say well it's not covered on a motor with 24.393 miles on it. The Risk that that failure put us in on the highway of not being able to accelerate and get over to the side of the road in a timely manner is unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo was leaking oil, and the turbo drain tube was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe while starting and while driving the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle mainly responded while depressing the accelerator pedal harder than normal. The contact also stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal tapping sound and was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was related to the purge valve; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The mechanic recommended a compression test and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, May 5, 2024
Coolant leaks into the engine. Vehicle no longer operable. Over $8,100 to replace long block.
Engine, May 5, 2024
I brought my 2017 Ford Escape Ecoboost to a Ford Dealer repair shop because the SES light is on, it was running rough, jerks upon acceleration and cold start didn't sound right. The repair shop performed a pinpoint test, performed internal coolant leak, removed #4 spark plug. Borescope cylinder found coolant intrusion in #4 cylinder. They stated the fix would be a longblock assembly with a cost of $9300. After some research, this is a common problem with this model. This issue is known to increase the risk of cars fires and engine failures. It appears Ford knew of this coolant intrusion defect in this model of vehicle and continued to manufacture them. Ford needs to step up and cover the repair costs for this known defect. I was driving this car with my kids and family. Scary to think what could have happened due to this known defect.
Engine, May 3, 2024
Coolant intrusion into engine. This problem is known to Ford. See CSP Letter #21n12 and Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229. Ford only would fix problem if it existed in a 6 month window in 2022. Ford will not help with any costs even though it is their fault. Was advised by many other 2017 Ford Escape owners to report this issue to NHTSA.
Engine, May 2, 2024
The check engine light came on and the vehicle had a rough idle at startup. I took it to the Ford dealer and they told me that there's a coolant leak in the engine and I'd need to purchase a new engine $7900. Upon doing research I've since learned that there was a recall for this exact issue but only for 1.5L engines and not the 2.0L variant. I'd like to know if there's any recourse here with this being a known issue, and an internet search shows that this is common across all engine variants for the 2017 Ford Escape. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2024
My check engine light came on, so I brought my car into the Ford Dealership within 2 days (their earliest appointment). I had noticed some jumpiness on startup, and white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The dealership service department diagnosed it with a coolant leak into the cylinder, and requested a repair of $9880. This car has only 45,000 miles on it and has been well maintained. This appears to be a manufacturing defect that others have experienced as well.
Engine, Electrical system, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the spark plug and an ignition coil in cylinder #4 needed to be replaced. The spark plug and coil were replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after the repair, the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic and it was determined that the ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a third mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a manufacturer defect and had carbon in the engine that was caused by a coolant leak, which made the spark plugs crack. The mechanic advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
Due to a design flaw, engine coolant is leaking into the cylinder, causing the engine to stutter. I have been told this could eventually lead to the engine overheating or seizing up while driving.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and determined that the engine block 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 contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2133 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke, And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine would shake. The contact scanned the vehicle and diagnosed that cylinders #2, #3, and #4 were misfiring and there was a coolant leak. Additionally, the vehicle started to stall on a few occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 119,887.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the temperature gauge displayed that the engine was overheating. An unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #3 misfire, and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Engine, Apr 27, 2024
Coolant level measuring low again. Engine light on on the dash. My mechanic changed spark plug per error code P300 (random misfire) recorded in the car's memory. Plugs were noted as being dirty and advised to use additive to clean it up. Only have $35,000 total miles on the vehicle. There is a known problem that coolant is getting into the cylinders. The following is the Ford documentation. Summary This article supersedes TSB 19-2208 to update the parts list. Issue: Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may..... The service advisor at Tuttle Click Ford said they knew about it but I was NOT on their list those that were taken care of. Please help. Thank you. [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 26, 2024
Started to lose power check engine came on found out it was cylinder 1 and 4 misfire leads to coolant leaking in the engine. This is my second engine the first did it at 45000 miles this one is doing it at 15,000 miles I paid 10,000 for a new block and now the same thing again please do something about this