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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost at 50K miles after "the works" oil change at Ford Dealership I noticed coolant tank was empty, engine was heavily leaking oil, engine was running very rough, whitish exhaust smoke, check engine light came on "misfire code", replaced spark plugs and ignition coils, added coolant and engine oil fluid every week, it just kept rolling downhill from there. It is criminal what is going on here...the repair costs aren't worth it and clearly don't fix the problem...do you want to buy a used Ford Escape that either needs a new engine or has had the engine replaced once already before 60K (and probably needs another new engine)? Do you want to buy a new(er) Ford Escape? "Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure. 2020-2023 recalls on ford escapes." I'll never buy another Ford vehicle again. I shouldn't have to investigate Ford dealerships/Fords work to make sure they are being honest about my vehicle, it's condition and the warranty, I shouldn't have to explain and argue with Ford dealership / Ford to try to get them to fix the situation, I shouldn't be stuck with it and have to wonder or double check if my vehicle is low on essential fluids every time I go somewhere due to Fords design flaws and constantly buy more fluids (there's no way that this meets environmental regulations), I shouldn't have to worry about my vehicle catching fire and/or lose all function at any moment while driving it or after driving it, I shouldn't have to fear parking my car in my garage (catching fire and burning house down with it) or being stranded where I am (whether I'm close to home or far away). I paid good money for a vehicle that was advertised and marketed (by Ford dealership/Ford) as top rated, safe and reliable vehicle (is this not false advertising?). Ford should be held accountable and at a loss, not me.
Engine, Jul 30, 2023
Engine coolant intrusion causing engine failure intermittently while driving at 51k miles. Repaired by Ford at my cost even though it was within warranty mileage but exceeded time by 7 months. This is a known issue by Ford…see Ford Service Bulletin 19-2346.
Engine, Jul 30, 2023
Check Engine light came on. Notice some rough starting followed by white smoke from exhaust. Brought to mechanic. Mechanic indicated the following: "diagnosis inspected and verified misfire #4 pulled plug found residue of possible coolant in cylinder, overflow of reservoir was near empty, topped off let sit overnight, started cold and saw white smoke believed to be coolant out of exhaust. Most likely internal engine failure. Recommended going to Ford for additional diagnostic and possible warranty extension". Mechanic indicated that this is a known issue that Ford is aware of unsafe coolant engine and overheating defects in the 2017 escape model. Coolant leaks create risk of engine fire and complete engine failure. Online reviews say serious safety issue some consumer had no warnings before vehicle misfires leading to total engine failure while driving. I plan to bring to Ford dealership mechanic on Aug 10th. At this time advised not to drive the vehicle by mechanic who inspected it. No prior issues before light came on. Well maintained vehicle. Research online shows this is a known concern with eco boost 2017 Ford Escape. At this time Ford indicated they are not aware nor feel responsible for the issues presented. Scheduled appointment for Ford Mechanics to inspect it. This is concerning. Checked recall list but this did not come up. However numerous online posts.
Engine, Jul 29, 2023
Have replaced the turbo. Have replaced the transmission. Had coolant leak fixed in October getting into the cylinders. Now again in July coolant is leaking again into the the engine, causing potential fire. Lots of smoke and engine is overheating.
Engine, Jul 28, 2023
My engine is misfiring due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer, and is currently being repaired. It is a safety issue because the engine failing due to lack of coolant could render the vehicle undrivable. It has also caused random jerking movements in times of acceleration. It was inspected by the dealer, and before that, my usual mechanic. Check engine light is on, and the engine is rumbly at start.
Wheels, Jul 28, 2023
I had a flat tire with my Ford Escape. The lug nut wrench Ford included with the vehicle would not fit the lug nuts. I understand there is a problem with the lug nuts swelling due to an extremely poor design. I can change a tire but because of the swelled lug nuts I had to hire a towing company. So these poorly designed lug nuts cost me several hundred dollars. They also pose a safety issue. Luckily I was in a safe location when this happened. But my wife and I often drive in isolated locations with little or no lighting. We could be in a dangerous situation if I can’t change a flat tire due to swelled lug nuts. I can pay to install new lug nuts, but that is also a financial burden that I and all Ford owners should not have to bear. I understand a lawsuit against Ford regarding these lug nuts was thrown out. Sounds like another case of big industry getting preferential treatment over the safety of citizens.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had misfired, and spark plug #1 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that at start-up, the engine rumbled, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2023
While driving sometimes even the speed is below 40mph pushing the accelerator will not accelerate the vehicle making a loud engine noise for 4-5 minutes deaccelerating the vehicle. And again, working fine. It happens random and had happened 5-10 times after I purchased the vehicle in 2020. The frequency of the problem is random.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced fault codes: P0316 and P0300. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,870.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
2017 Escape 2.0: Ongoing issue with check engine light coming on and running rough. Had issues with traffic with engine suddenly stop running. I am concerned for myself and safety of my daughter. Took to first place and they replaced spark plugs and coil packs. Issue came right back running rough and check engine light back on. Took to Ford dealer to be diagnosed. They found coolant in cylinder. TSB has correction to replace complete engine. Estimate is approximately $9500. Do not understand why this is not a recall since its a known MFG issue.
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
On June 15th I took my car to AllStar Ford in Palestine Texas because my check engine came on flashing and I started my car it was running rough and having trouble accelerating. I was called later that day and told I needed 1 new spark plug. I told them to replace all of them and they also did a tune-up. I picked my car up on June 21st and it seemed to be fine. The next morning my check engine light was flashing again. I took it back and was later told there was a cracked spark plug. Skip to July 14th and my check engine light was back on. I took it back to the dealership. On July 20th they called to tell me there was a leak in my coolant reservoir and they found coolant intrusion in cylinders. Now I'm being told I have to replace my engine. There has been a recall on 2014 to 2019 Ford EcoBoost because of the very same issue. For some reason my car was not part of that. I have researched this issue and found a lot of owners having the same problem and being told the cost is on them. There are also class action lawsuits in California for this problem. Had I know these cars had this severe problem I would have purchased something different. My car could over heat and blow the motor and even catch on fire. I owe less on my car than what it will cost to fix and that doesn't guarantee it won't happen again.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2023
I was driving the vehicle and then on the dash message board. There was a warning message that said the transmission is not in park and the car shut off on the highway. The vehicle would not start the vehicle gear would not move even when the key was on in the on position, I took the vehicle in to Summerville Ford in Summerville South Carolina, and they advised me that everything was OK with this car they hooked it up. They were no codes that popped up however, the very same day the same thing happens again I have looked at various different forms and this is a known issue with a 2017 Ford escape and other model vehicles. This is a safety hazard and this needs to be rectified immediately. In reviewing the various different forums it all points to a defective fuse near the battery. This is very unsafe. The Ford dealership claims to not be able to replicate the issue but as soon as I leave the dealership it happens again.
Engine, Jul 25, 2023
Check engine light came on, vehicle overheated. When towed to local Ford dealership we were informed that water had gotten into engine and whole engine needed to be replaced. The car is less than 6 years old and only has 59,000 miles on it. We were one month shy of paying off the vehicle when this happened. We were quoted $8,300 to replace engine. Ford offered only $4,000 in credit to cover the replacement. Dealership stated during our communication that this is a known defect with this make, model and year Ecoboost engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact saw smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,300.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
In January 2023, my transmission went, and it was towed to the dealership. It sat for SIX MONTHS until it was fixed. I got the back 1 month ago, 2 weeks later, it broke down, stopped driving, on a VERY BUSY highway. It has now been sitting for 2 weeks and I do not have any answers as to what is wrong with my car.
Engine, Jul 24, 2023
As I was driving one evening my vehicle started acting weird. Anytime I would press the brakes at a stop light, when the light would turn green, as I would press the gas the gears would remain at neutral for a few seconds before going into drive mode. After a couple of days, the problem had gotten a little worst. I did check with Ford to see if another recall was done on my vehicle and it wasn't. At the time when the previous recall occurred, my vehicle was not having any issues. Almost a year later, my vehicle now has the exact issues that the recall had stated occurred, in which makes no sense.
Wheels, Jul 21, 2023
When I took my car for it's most recent service I was told a tire rotation could not be performed because my car had "swollen" lug nuts. The service technician explained this is a common problem for many Ford models over several model years. The original lug nuts Ford put on these vehicles become misshapen over time making it difficult to remove and replace the lug nuts therefore making it impossible to perform tire maintenance without additional labor and total replacement of original lug nuts.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
2017 Ford Escape Titanium with just over 65k miles taken to dealership with warning light on. Dealer diagnosed it with coolant to leaking into the cylinders, requiring a full engine replacement with cost of over $7,000. This same issue can be found after a simple internet search and is reported as a known Ford issue where they have an internal tech bullet but no support for the cost of the repair.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
misfire of engine with white blueish smoke from both exhaust pipes for short period.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2023
Last month I was at one of our clients location, I arrived on-site and parked the vehicle on one of there designated parking spots. I proceeded inside and came back out approximately 1 H.R. later and got inside the car and proceed to turn the ignition on the vehicle and car refused to start. I immediately called AAA they attempted to jump start the vehicle and that failed. They then proceeded to check the battery and the battery is fully charged. Then AAA proceeded and removed the starter relay switch and bypassed the relay switch and the vehicle still refused to start-up. I then proceed to tow the vehicle and it was towed to Gaudin Ford. The vehicle as been in the shop numerous times regarding this matter and the battery as been replaced been numerous times and I have been told that it’s fixed. I was recently told by Gaudin Ford, that they can’t duplicate the problem. And I was told by “ Wheels” who currently owns the vehicle that the case is closed.I refused to drive a company car that is unsafe and being told by both parties that their is nothing wrong with the vehicle, but I keep getting stuck in the car. This is my current situation. Thank you.
Engine, Jul 20, 2023
My complaint is not about the recall; that is being repaired currently. My complaint is that the engine block on my 2017 Escape has failed at only 57,000 miles. The cost to repair is $10,000 including parts, labor, and tax. I did purchase an extended warranty; however it was for $100,000 miles or 5 years. An engine completely failing at 57,000 miles is a safety issue. I took great care of that car, did not put pressure on the engine, parked it in my garage, rotated the tires, got oil changes on schedule, etc. Ford should be embarrassed about this and issue a recall. I will never purchase a Ford again (which is sad because my dad worked for Ford his entire life). Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Power train, Engine, Jul 19, 2023
Car misfires and shuddering at certain speeds. It was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. $7500 bill to replace the 2.0L engine. Car had around 130km. Ford would not cover any of the costs. This should not be happening with a car of the age/mileage. Ford needs to do something about this and cover the cost.
Engine, Jul 18, 2023
The vehicle overheats then slows down to about 2-5mph. Continued overheating and low coolant level. The ford dealership customer service representative told me that it’s a very common problem with my model vehicle and accurately predicted that the diagnostic review of the vehicle would find that the coolant is leaking into the cylinders of the vehicle and that the only solution is a new engine that has a properly built engine block.
Engine, Jul 15, 2023
In June 2023 I took my Grandson on vacation. I filled up my gas and the next day my car began running extremely rough. Once I got home I filled it with premium gas and put fuel injector in hoping it was just bad gas. Did NOT fix problem. Few days later I was driving and the engine just died. Several cars swerved to avoid hitting me. I turned the ignition and the high temperature pull over safely alert came on. I turned the defroster on high hoping that would cool the engine enough for me to get back home. IT took SEVERAL times of me restarting the car for me to creep back home. I was on a very busy road and was afraid someone would hit me. I then called the local ford dealership and told them what happened and was informed this was an on-going issue with Ford Motor Co. 1.5 ltr engines. I bought this car in October, 2020 with 24,900 miles. It now has 50,900! I maintain my vehicle regularly. This should NOT happen to a vehicle with 50,000. Ford Motor Co should offer a buy-out. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE driving this car and certainly not with my grandson. I thought this was a safe, dependable vehicle. I was wrong.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2023
Car is leaking water in weather strip across the right side of the roof. Causing water to leak into my trunk, pooling in my spare tire area, also leaks near a fuse box that's in my trunk. That's a safety hazard & very scary foe such a new car. I've browsed online and have seen thousands of others that have this same issue with newer cars. So this to me should be taking care of by Ford. I'm a mom of 2 kids that doesn't have 1,700 to fix a leak. It was fixed in October 22' for the same issue. Here we are again with the exact same issue but now it's traveled what appears to be the full length of the roof. I beg that this is resolved with a recall etc. Nobody should have a pool of water literally in their car. I'm sure my spare needs to be replaced. Also, if I hadn't opened my trunk right after a rain storm & noticed it was wet. I probably wouldn't have ever noticed it till it was too late. Thanks for any help on resolving this issue with not only my car but others with the same problem. Have a blessed day!