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.
Other or unspecified, May 30, 2023
On May 18,2023 my husband washed my car and realized the paint is peeling off around the windshield. It is bubbled up in areas and in some areas metal is showing. I have searched this problem on the internet and there are a lot of people having the same issue. I immediately called Ford and the warranty on the paint is only for 36k miles and they have no intentions on helping me pay to have my car painted. My car is in great shape and only has 70k miles on it. Seems to me that this is an issue for a recall.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle overheated and went into LIMP Mode. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving approximately 65-70 MPH. The failure recurred approximately four times. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine block and the cylinders causing a misfire. The spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 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 and the engine misfired. The contact detected smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was antifreeze leaking into the cylinder head. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to check for recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, May 25, 2023
The vehicle first started running in a very ragged manner. We first tried better gas but that didn’t help. Then a strange smell, soon followed by car overheating. Realized coolant had all drained out, when actually it was running into the design-flawed engine. It would not hold coolant and has gotten to the point where if I go more than 10 miles the vehicle has to have coolant put into it. I am constantly having to check issue. Also an issue with white smoke coming out. Have been told if the car runs hot too long it will catch fire and burn. 61,000 miles and must replace engine at $8,200. Or risk burning. The contact stated the vehicle is leaking antifreeze into the engine and then burning it off, producing a white smoke. Further, driving the vehicle can produce a rough, shaky ride, especially upon start-up. Another issue is the “check engine” light comes on and does not readily go off.
Steering, May 25, 2023
My power steering has gone out 6 times in the last month. It has happened once while driving on the road, and the other times in parking lots while attempting to park. I get the error Service Steering - the electric power steering system has detected a fault. I turn the car off and back on, and steering returns, but the problem persists. Since this occurred while driving at an intersection, it was extremely dangerous and I almost drove straight into another vehicle because I couldn't steer manually. I took it to a dealership, who couldn't replicate the problem. There were no other warnings or messages prior to the failure and appeared the first time the failure happened. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others and don't feel comfortable driving the car.
Engine, May 23, 2023
Head gasket issue with coolant getting in the engine. Recommendation from Ford is to basically replace the engine/block, etc estimating $7900 is repairs. Service bulletin 22-2229 exists but Ford will not provide any financial assistance as the vehicle is at 91k miles with a 60K warranty.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact became aware that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that cylinder #2 and #3 were misfiring, and that coolant had leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the dealer was aware of the failure but that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Engine, May 22, 2023
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders as confirmed by a Ford service center. This issue poses an engine overheating/fire hazard. This issue did not present until 68,000 miles which is outside of the manufacturer's warranty.
Power train, May 22, 2023
The vehicle has been going low on coolant and when it does the check engine line comes on. We took it to the dealership and were told the engine is bad. After searching online, it appears this is a widely known design flaw with the 2.0 ecoboost engine. If this is correct, then it seems Ford should have to do something about it.
Engine, May 21, 2023
February 2023 When starting was running a little rough, check engine light came on. #1 miss fire, took car to Beachaven Auto Care, changed spark plugs, air filter, fuel induction kit was used.(42397 miles) When I got the car home noticed anti-freeze was low, topped it off. March 21, 2023, 836 miles later same problem, anti-freeze was low again. (43235 miles) Remove and replace engine ($7060.24) and they also replaced stabilizer bar link kit (bad bushings). I had the Extended car warranty. When leaving with car heard clunk sound coming from right front. Went back to Beachaven could not duplicate, they checked everything no issues. Got worse the more I drove. Decided to take to Ford at the end of April, appointment May 30th. Safety risk: engine failure while driving. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? engine failure, core sent back after replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? unkown
Steering, May 19, 2023
At 71,000 miles, steering fault service now keeps showing up. Steering would lock up out of the blue. Dealer states rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Ford should do a recall since a lot of people are having the same problem and it is extremely dangerous to lose steering while driving.
Engine, May 15, 2023
Check engine light came on,, cylinder 3 misfire. Mechanic said exhaust is leaking into the coolant. Coolant is leaking into the head gasket. Ford refuses to do anything about it, I've had the car for 3 months. Last owner neglect to fix it under Fords 21n12 bulletin, Ford won't do anything despite it being dangerous because of the miles. It keeps overheating and these engines are known for this issue. Afraid it'll catch fire or blow up while I'm driving it.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked onto the spark plugs, and cylinder #3 was misfiring. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and 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 93,000. The contact stated replacing the engine was in the amount of $7,303.39, as well as the diagnosis with two separate amounts of $289.52 and $113.43.
Electrical system, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side taillight lenses had started to detach. As a result of the failure, water started to enter the taillight housings. The contact stated that due to the water intrusion, several warning lights were intermittently illuminated and malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the taillight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Electrical system, May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, ignition coil, and cylinder #4 needed to be replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact also stated that the vehicle was idling rough. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle started to hesitate then shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine misfired and cylinder and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a month later the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed. The contact veered to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 had misfired and the coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a different independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and the contact was advised to contact the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to notify the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was then advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinder head was cracked, and coolant was leaking into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Air bags, May 3, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH the contact struck another vehicle in the middle of the passenger side, causing front-end damages to the contact's vehicle and the passenger side of the other vehicle. No air bags deploy. The seat belt retracted against the contact's chest causing the pacemaker in the contact’s chest to be pushed back, and the contact glasses broke during the impact. The contact sought medical attention to make sure the pacemaker was not damaged; the other driver was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, along with several other unknown warning lights. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 21-2269 (1.5L EcoBoost - Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/or Illuminated MIL). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Engine, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving out of a parking lot, the vehicle was shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the short block needed to be replaced and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer also stated that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated the vehicle was out of warranty but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Wheels, May 1, 2023
HAD TO REPLACE ALL WHEEL LUG NUTS--THE LUG NUTS HAD ENLARGED TO POINT THAT A BIGGER SOCKET WAS NEEDED TO REMOVE THEM AND BECAUSE OF THIS THE NUTS WERE DAMAGED SO NOT TO BE ABLE TO USE. THIS PROBLE WAS CONFIRMED BY EAU CLAIRE FORD-WI
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, a white colored smoke started coming from the exhaust with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who refused to service the vehicle and referred the contact to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test indicated that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2 resulting in engine and turbo failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle remained unrepaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the short block. Additionally, there was an indication there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and transferred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
My car has 41,000 miles on it only I have always added oil, done changes. Ford is telling me the entire engine needs replacement, for 12,600$. I am being told only the same line from Sill-Terhar Ford. “There are several holes in vital parts of the engine due to lack of maintenance. Error codes are P0014 & P0087.” But why is it that the camshaft and fuel pump are making contact? Why is this happening to my car and it’s not being acknowledged that this shouldn’t happen.
Wheels, Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer determined that 20 lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,299.