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, Engine, Jun 22, 2023
The contact’s wife owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating after driving 20-25 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinders, causing the vehicle to overheat. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was an Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the vehicle idled roughly with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently. 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 leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346 Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Engine, Jun 19, 2023
Defect in engine looses coolant could cause overheating and engine lockup
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and engine default warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the temperature gauge rose to the red zone. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that a big puff of white smoke came from the exhaust pipe. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to a shopping mall and filled the radiator with one gallon of water. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local parts dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2 and #3. The contact called a dealer and was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346 Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
Had scheduled a service to repair back latch. The day prior the check engine light came on. Upon diagnostic from Ford service center, it was determined that coolant had leaked into a cylinder and caused miss-fire. The Service center informed me that it was just a matter of time until all cylinders were compromised and would seize. I was quoted roughly $7,500 to replace the engine on a vehicle that is only worth $7,000 ( per the Ford service center sales team ). After looking into this type of problem, it seems to be a re-occurring problem for many of the Eco Boost engines. Currently there is an active Class-Action Lawsuit against Ford for this exact problem. I then contacted Ford Motor and was told by 2 different people & 1 supervisor that there was nothing they could do, and to go to the NHTSA website and put a complaint in. I have yet to have the vehicle repaired. Vehicle has roughly 122K miles.
Steering, Engine, Jun 16, 2023
Engine began smoking and had to be replaced 2 days after purchase (in 2020- covered under warranty.) Failed inspection for front end suspension problems which was covered under warranty at first but a year later needed struts and tie rods replaced.. In 2021 the transmission suddenly failed, cost $5,000 to repair out of pocket. The other day the power steering assist suddenly stopped working and I was told it would be $150-3,000 to fix.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
Engine failure. Check engine light came on and then went back off a day later. Took it to multiple places to get it checked out. They all told me it was a faulty engine and Ford knows about it. My car really started smoking. Took it to a Ford dealer ship and the even tried to get me some help. The are now denying to fix my car so I took it somewhere else. I'm just glad my engine didn't catch fire. Ford didn't seem to care. In the last 3 month I have paid 16,000 dollars to get it fixed.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she had experienced the failure on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer in March of 2023, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on April 11, 2023. The contact stated that the engine failure warning light illuminated on June 4, 2023. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jun 12, 2023
Transmission started having trouble shifting gears at 68,000 miles. Took it to Greenwood Ford and they acted like it know what I was talking about. Then I took it to B & B Tires in Bowling Green and had their mechanic do the 60,000 - 75,000 mile recommended replacement of transmission fluid and he told me that the torque converter is failing. He also said this a common problem. After some research, I realized that Ford know this. They redesigned the torque converter in the years since 2017. Why is there not a recall on their transmissions? I called Ford customer service and they know it is a problem but don't care. Many of the testimonies I read online said that they didn't even get a warning light until the transmission failed. My car is drivable for the moment but I am afraid the warning light is going to come on and my car is going to slow to a stop and I will stranded or worse. Please look into this problem and force a recall on the transmissions in 2017 Ford Escapes.
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
Received check engine light for cylinder # 2 misfire. Learned that this relates to a prior technical service bulletin on the vehicle (TSB 22-2229). Required entire engine to be replaced even though car only has 76,500 miles on it.
Engine, Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion in the cylinder head. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Structure, Jun 7, 2023
I special ordered a 2017 Ford Escape.The paint on both side windshield pillars is peeling and blistering. I took it to the Ford Dealership and was basically told that Ford would not repair it. There are many with the same problem. My concern is that due to the fact that raw metal is visible it will eventually rust and weaken the windshield, possibly causing it to break or even fly off. Please help all of us. I live on Social security and can't afford to get it painted.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic replaced four spark plugs and the ignition coils. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coils another time and informed the contact of a coolant leak. The contact called the local dealer, who informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
Transmission Failed - Vehicle has been repaired When the transmission failed, I was turning at an intersection and was unable to accelerate to make the turn causing other vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident. The dealership diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced There were no warning lamps or messages.
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Vehicle has 77,000 miles on it and now needs motor replaced for coolant intrusion into cylinder. After discussing with mechanic it is something they see all the time in the 2.0L ecoboost engines. Mechanic states Ford did not make a block strong enough and they all do this. Apparently ford even sells remanufactured engines where they have corrected this issue.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
Vehicle Started to shake when stopped at an intersection. Drove it to the local Ford dealer and was informed that I needed a new transmission. If the transmission failed while the vehicle is in motion or turning at an intersection, there would be no acceleration due to the transmission failing and i would not be able to clear on coming traffic while turning. The dealer diagnosed the transmission issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2023
I had a regular service on my Ford today and the tech said I had "swollen lug nuts", which in my 56 years on this earth have never heard of. My vehicle has less than 30K miles on it. The tech said it is a common problem, and recommend replacement because if I got a flat tire I probably would not be able to change tire. The tech said it happens because they (Ford) use lug nuts that are made from two different medals which causes the problem. After some reading online it seems Ford has had this problem of damaged or defective lug nuts for many years. From what I read, yes I would probably have difficulty removing tire, but there is an added danger that if I did not replace there is a chance the lug nut could actually break causing other safety issues to include my tire coming off if it goes unnoticed (information from online). Since Ford is aware of this I didn't think I should be charged for something they should be responsible for.
Engine, Jun 5, 2023
While driving on the interstate, I passed a vehicle. Once I got back into the left lane my vehicle flashed a warning saying ‘service engine now’. My vehicle went from 70 mph to 50 mph very quickly! Cars and semi trucks were passing me by and almost hitting me because of the immediate decrease in my speed. Took my vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. They told me the turbo was bad. Nothing that I did on my end, it was a bad turbo from the beginning.
Engine, Jun 3, 2023
My car is at 86k and the block cracked causing the antifreeze to leak out into the exhaust system, and overheat. The incident left us stranded. There was a check engine light that came on when the vehicle overheated. We took the car to the mechanic and he told us that there is a flaw in the engine block that caused this problem. We have not had the vehicle inspected by our insurance company or the police.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the head gasket could be replaced; however, the contact was advised that the failure might reoccur. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that coolant was leaking inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated there was blue-colored vapors coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that after experiencing the issue several times, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with cylinder #1 failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,842.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,800.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was stated that cylinder #3 was misfiring, and that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and advised to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 76,588.
Power train, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH uphill, the vehicle was bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle was skipping gears while shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was hesitating, and the transmission was not changing gear properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer prior to the failure and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.