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, Apr 9, 2024
Coolant leaked into cylinders
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was shaking and then lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion to the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar failure description, however, the contact's VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Engine, Apr 8, 2024
The problem first started out 4 days after I bought it from Graff Jeep in Rockford, MI at 150,000 miles. The engine light came on. I took back to the dealership and they told me it was the turbo and it would cost me $3000 to replace, but they don’t repair Fords, so I would have to call a mechanic. I drove it home and the engine light went off. It was off for months and then it came on again. So I took it to an Autozone and had them run codes on it. This problem has been consistent since I bought it. Light comes on then goes off for 2 weeks-1 months. Every time I brought it to have the codes ran it came up as something different. Turbo, intercooler, spark plugs. The car runs relatively fine. But I am now noticing white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes when I turn it on which means coolant intrusion somewhere in the engine block. I’ve only put 50,000 miles on this car. I’ve owed it for under 3 years and am now worried as a young [XXX] who has this car on payments for the next 3 1/2 years that it’s going to quit on me. I don’t have sort of resources to pay for a new engine. So a recall is a must. Enough people have had to pay $14k. Ford needs to own up and pay their dues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Apr 5, 2024
The coolant is leaking into the engine. Mine and my families safety is at risk because if the coolant runs out, it can overheat the engine which could cause a fire. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. The initial warning happened about a month ago (March 8th 2024) when we saw that the coolant had lowered. We filled it back up and have had to refill it a couple times so that it would not go below the "minimum" line. Ford knows about this issue and has even released a recall for a software update (which was fixed on this specific vehicle) and release a "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12". Unfortunately, this program only lasted until November 2022.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65-70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for a while. The contact stated that while continuing to drive, the warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated that approximately two days after the first failure, the failure reoccurred; and the warning light started blinking instead of remaining constantly illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into the cylinders causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds downhill, the vehicle jerked, hesitated to accelerate, and stalled. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving uphill, and the vehicle stalled; however, the vehicle was still running. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated for several days, and the failure recurred while driving at approximately 65 MPH. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a fuel line failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with unknown failures and recommended that the vehicle be taken to the dealer due to the failure being related to a possible recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 4, 2024
CYLINDER 3 MISFIRING AND CRACKED CAUSING COOLENT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, 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 failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
There is a known problem with the Ford Escape engines leaking coolant into the cylinders. I have a 2.0 which for two years there have been issues with engines needing to be replaced but Ford will not help owners of the 2.0 engine, only 1.5 and 1.9l engines. My 2.0 has coolant in the cylinders and needs a new engine. Ford claims there is not an issue with this engine yet and will not cover the repair. The warranty ran out two weeks ago and been dealing with this issue for months. There needs to be a recall on all Escape engines to protect the owners from being charged for an issue that Ford knows about but will not help all owners.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The check engine light came on so we called the dealership. This is a 7.5 year old vehicle with under 50,000 miles. They made an appointment for us to come up over a week later. In the meantime the vehicle started to blow a lot of smoke when starting. Smelled like anti-freeze. We took it to the dealership early. Two days later they told us it needed a new engine. Our extended bumper to bumper warranty just ran out 6 months prior and we were hit with an estimate of $8000. I researched and found that Ford knows about this issue, and has for a few years now. There are recalls for this 2.0L engine in the Fusion, but not in the Escape. From what I read it seems to be a flaw in the design of the coolant channels, which can cause a coolant leak, engine over heating, and possibly a fire. We did not have this happen as we seem to have caught the issue early enough, however at this point we are without the vehicle and waiting for a new engine to be installed. And we are stuck with the bill.
Power train, Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, a heavy, blueish-colored smoke would emit from the exhaust pipe as the check engine light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant had leaked into an engine cylinder. The dealer replaced the turbo; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact also stated that the pistons were missing. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Engine, Mar 30, 2024
1.5L EcoBoost engine coolant draining into engine. Code P0302 Cylinder 2 (and now P0303 Cylinder 3) misfire. Causing the engine to overheat and stall on cold start.
Fuel system, Other, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted less than six months later. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 FORD Escape. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, it ran rough and the contact noticed the cooling level was low. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the water pump was replaced. However the failure persisted. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V416000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2024
There is a know problem when the 2 cylinder engines in the 2017 to 2019 Ford Escapes. It has a coolant leak that gets into the cyclinders and blows the engine. In our small town of Paris, Texas there has been 3 replaced this week as I know people in the Ford Lincoln parts department. Know they want me to pay 7k to replace their faulty engine. Please investigate.
Power train, Mar 28, 2024
The vehicle has been well maintained. It has a sealed transmission, and the recall item was scheduled to be serviced because a transmission fault. Light triggered after lurching forward into route 114 while oncoming traffic was traveling at 55 mph and nearly Hit the vehicle. Occurred, Then the transmission light came on advising faulty transmission service immediately. I shifted and a few times it would not go into gear, When I did go into gear, made a loud grinding sound. This is due to the recall However, there should be additional information to note for the recall. Rowe Ford would not cover the faulty transmission because they said it was due to debris inside of the system. This is a transmission and debris should not occur unless gears are grinding. I immediately parked the vehicle at my home and called Rowe Ford service center to schedule service. Transmission failure should not have occurred and would not have occurred if the bearing and shifting cable allowed for proper shifting. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints about 2017 Ford escapes transmissions completely destroyed before it reaches 80,000 miles. This warrants an investigation. This cannot be a coincidence or driver error. This is due to inferior metal and slight grinding from the shifter bushing being faulty - creating the debris that clogs solenoids and plugs the filter. Remember, this is a closed system and there is no way to replace a dirty filter. I believe Ford purposely used inferior grade metal inside of the transmission to create issues that would increase revenue for sales and service. This absolutely warrants an investigation. I am asking for samples of the debris because it is my belief that Ford intentionally used low-grade metal inside the transmission because it would wear away quicker which would cause an uptick in sales and service.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle had experienced engine misfiring and rough operation. Also, the check engine warning light had been illuminated and white smoke was present coming from the exhaust system. While inspecting under the hood it was discovered that the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant was present inside the engine cylinder number four and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 82,194
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2024
The engine broke down and coolant was coming in somehow. It required a total engine replacement.
Power train, Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at unknown speeds, the message "Transmission Fault, Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to another independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2024
I am reaching out in regards to my 2017 Ford escape vin: [XXX] . I am hoping you can assist me in resolving this matter quickly. In August 2020 I bought my used Ford Escape from a local dealership (Vandevere Buick, Akron Ohio 44303), with high hopes of a reliable and smooth ride. I did receive the attached letter from Ford in July of 2022 regarding the customer satisfaction programs [XXX] and [XX] and it states “it may be possible for coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores”. I was told by Vandevere that no active recalls or work was needed on this Escape. We did not have any of the issues listed on the July 2022 letter (tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights MIL). I had oil changes and inspections done on [XXX] On [XXX] the check engine light came on. I was told that coolant was leaking into the cylinders by Spitzer Ford - Dylan Yavorsky (service advisor) 543 West Maple Street. Hartville, Ohio 44632 (330) 877-2252. Spitzer said they were aware of the problem and have the needed tools and parts to do the repair. Dylan said Ford had a warranty extension for this issue until 84,000 miles as stated in the letter from July 2022 or covered until November 30, 2022. Unfortunately, I did not have any problems with my Escape until the engine light came on and was evaluated by Spitzer at 99,000 miles. Dylan said Spitzer submitted a goodwill claim with Ford that was denied. He was very surprised it was denied. I am requesting that Ford motor company reimburses me the cost of repairing the engine in my 2017 Ford Escape for $5,991.34 that was paid on [XXX] to Spitzer Ford (see attached paid invoice). I feel it is a fair and reasonable expectation for a company with a strong reputation to stand by its products and provide support when things go wrong. I would really appreciate if you could take a look at my case and get back to me as soon as possible. If you nee INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
There was a customer satisfaction program that was issued for the motor. 21N12 certain 2017-2019 model year Fusion and escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L gtdi engine - short block replacement after coolant intrusion Ref: Customer satisfaction program 19B37 - Supplement #4 Ref: Technical service bulletin (TBS) 22-2134 WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE FOR THIS WHEN, CLEARLY, THERE ARE STILL CARS OUT THERE WITH THE MOTOR IN THEM AND THEY HAVENT BEEN REPLACED. MY CAR BEING ONE OF THEM I BOUGHT THE 2017 FORD ESCAPE IN AUGUST OF 2023. I ONLY DROVE IT FOR ONLY 5000 MILES BEFORE THE MOTOR THREW A CODE THAT MATCHED THE SAME CODES THAT ARE LISTED ON THE “REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO COST ONE TIME REPAIR”
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contacted stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front end and the rear end of the vehicle were shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was replaced; however, the front end of the vehicle continued to shudder while starting the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 was misfiring. The mechanic replaced the shock absorbers and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford TSB Number: 22-2229. Additionally, the contact related the failure to Ford TSB Numbers: 22-2133 19B37 and 19-2172. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,789.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine per EcoBoost system and can cause engine to stop car in motion or can also start fire. Whites Ford in Orrville, Ohio quoted the report and needs a whole new engine to correct known issue at $9,000 I am not clear why there is no safety recall for my vin# If you can resolve this safety issue with Ford soon and keep us informed Thank you [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)