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, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cylinders were misfiring. The mechanic replaced the sparks plugs; however, the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #3 was misfiring and that there was a crack in the engine block, causing coolant to leak into the engine. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was contacted and provided a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,019.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Engine Now” warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he noticed an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0316 (PCM), and P2601 (Coolant); however, the contact was then advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinder block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was notified of TSB: 22-2322; however, the contact was also informed that the TSB had expired. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,760.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The owner stated the vehicle failed to start and the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked engine block, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that they would cover 60% of the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
Anti freeze leaks into the engine block. It needs to be recalled
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Motor blew up only had it for 5 mos.have the Ecoboost motor.had to use my extended warranty.
Wheels, Apr 19, 2023
Lug Nut issues. If I were to have a flat tire on the highway, it would not be able to replaced by the spare because the lug nuts have swollen. I have replaced the lug nuts to the cost of $263.00 from the dealer. No warnings except the last 2 times at the dealership, they did not rotate the tires because of the swollen lug nuts. Now, I need new tires (with on 22,000 miles on them) because of it. I have owned 7 different Ford Vehicles, and NEVER have I had to replace lug nuts! I am retired and don't drive long distances.
Structure, Apr 14, 2023
Our lift gate latch failed and worked sporadically for the past 6 months and sometimes it would not open at all either manually or by any of the electric switches associated with the lift gate. I feel that this is a serious safety issue because if someone was trapped in the back there is no way to manually open the lift gate. There is common lift gate latch problems with this vehicle as seen in a Google search. We have paid the Ford Dealer $586.00 to have this repaired.
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2023
The paint is peeling on both sides of the windshield. I called Ford Corporate Headquarters, and they provided me with Claim No. CAS-42176162. They also asked me to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. Team. I did some research online and found that it is a very common problem in the blue 2017 Ford Escapes.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 13, 2023
I am currently financing the 2017 Ford Escape Ecoboost as of 2019. On multiple occasions my car has been in the shop due to the faulty engineering of the Ecoboost engine system leaking coolant. I have paid close to $4,000 in out of pocket repairs that Ford will not reimburse or address the issue. I have also made multiple calls to Ford where one person told me Ford did not know about this issue and another told me Ford is not responsible and there is nothing they can do about it. Ford issued a recall back in 2017 and put Band-Aid on the issue which obviously did not rectify the safety problem. On the first occasion back in January 2022 I was on highway the car started to shake and would not accelerate properly when the engine light came on with a “High temperature warning” across the screen. Had that repair done and then the same thing happened again months later. I was told since I work from home 4 out of 5 days a week it bought me more time than expected with the repair since the design of the Ecoboost engine is faulty and this was bound to happen again. As of April 2023 my car is in the shop again and Im being told the engine needs to be replaced which may not be a permanent solution. In reading the numerous complaints on this issue with other consumers this car has the potential to catch on fire while driving. This is a safety issue for consumers, their loved ones and anyone else on the road as well as a danger to the environment with the coolant leaking. The vehicle is available upon request for inspection.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a large amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had entered the engine block and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Coolant Intrusion into The Cylinder Bores - (Engine and Engine Coolant). The failure mileage was approximately 79,500.
Structure, Visibility, Apr 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while receiving a routine inspection on the vehicle, he was informed that there was corrosion around the windshield of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed the corrosion and stated that if the corrosion was not treated, the windshield was at risk of detaching. The structure around the windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the 5-year warranty coverage had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,800.
Power train, Apr 10, 2023
Transmission failure and vehicle was maintained by ford 3 days before and for the entire life of the vehicle... this is an issue with this vehicle as many people are reporting it...
Steering, Apr 10, 2023
Steering stopped working abruptly, was driving and my car made 3 beeps and a message saying steering assist fault service required appeared and immediately I lost all control of the steering. Had I been traveling on a 70 mph highway and not a 30 mile an hour local road I could have gotten seriously hurt or possibly hurt another driver on the road. Prior to the incident there was no steering issues what so ever. I took it to a local Ford dealer and the steering rack has failed and needs replacing.
Engine, Apr 7, 2023
Car has 68000 miles - was just serviced for oil change, fluid levels, tire rotation and new brakes - roughly 500 miles past that service - was driving car when suddenly a fault appeared about the power train - said car would stop in x minutes. Car was hesitating and somewhat rough in motoring. took car immediately to a small garage who looked under hood while car was running and saw that the antifreeze had "disappeared". He looked at the oil and saw it was cloudy not clear as you would see from a new oil change with less than 500 miles on it. Once we stopped the car - the antifreeze container filled back up. He said this indicated that the antifreeze was going somewhere it shouldn't - namely the engine. I called and made an appointment with a local Ford dealer - not dealer I bought it from since they are farther away - didn't want to drive it because of the power issue - they looked at it and told me that I need a new engine because the antifreeze leaked into mine. Reviewing on line I see that Ford or the engine manufacturer if not Ford has had issues with this with many other Ford Escapes of the same model year. My engine is a 1.5 eco boost and I know that the 2.0 eco boost of the same time frame was recalled. I believe the fault with the 2.0 is indeed associated with the 1.5 and that Ford is refusing to deal with it. Very concerned about safety of the car on the road with this type of engine. With Covid more and more people are running their cars longer and can't afford the high prices of a new one - if I had this problem on a major highway I could have been killed or kill someone else when my car failed.
Engine, Apr 7, 2023
I own a 2017 2.0L Escape that has intrusion of coolant into the cylinders. This is a potential fire risk and has been identified per the Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 dated 12/19/19. There is no incentive to get this fixed and no notification to the consumer to do so, yet it is a fire concern. The 1.5L engine has been addressed thru the Ford Consumer Satisfaction program 19B37 yet the 2.0L engine is not. I have 53K miles on this vehicle and it requires a new long block. The vehicle has been inspected by 2 FORD dealers Covert in Austin, TX and Leif Johnson in Austin TX both concurring that the replacement is necessary. I am seeing a recall on this engine or at minimum assistance in replacing the long block. Thank you.
Power train, Apr 6, 2023
Transmission failed while driving at speed up a hill in traffic. Car lost all forward momentum. Car had 116,000 miles on odometer. Car was regularly serviced at Ford dealerships. Problem was reported to Ford. Ford dealer was unable to repair car in a timely manner. They said approximately 1 month at a cost of $6900.00. They refused to offer assistance saying car had a “good life”. Car was regularly maintained. They offered possible assistance towards cost of repair if I had dealer diagnose at a cost of $1100. It would take a month for dealer to get to the diagnosis. They lacked capable staff. Ford would not guarantee any assistance toward cost even if diagnosed. Took to transmission repair service station since I could not be without a car for at least a month. They diagnosed problem as a disintegrated torque converter. They had 6 other Ford escapes in the shop, same model, various years and various mileage. Same problem. They regularly repair transmissions for for dealers as it turns out. They fixed transmission (rebuilt unit, did not replace) at a cost of $4400.00. There were NO warning lights either before, during or after the incident occurred
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
Warning signs: VEHICLE WILL SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS ON INITIAL START AND GOES AWAY AFTER THAT. I’ve had the car for a little over 6 years now and this began approx 2 months ago Mechanic said coolant was leaking into engine due to the design of the engine and causing it to misfire and fail. The car would require a new engine with an updated design to fix the problem
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
At 75, 500 miles engine began running rough at start-up followed by check engine light coming on, Ford dealer found codes PO302, PO316 and found coolant present in cylinder #2. Recommend to replace engine long block at the cost estimate of $8000.00. This was also verified at an independent auto repair service.When attempting to accelerate beyond 45 mph the engine hesitates and has a knocking noise. It is unsafe to drive on the highway and freeway. I have maintained this vehicle to highest level possible at the Ford dealer where I purchased the vehicle. It is deplorable that I am expected to replace an engine with 75, 500 miles at this cost. The ford dealer and Ford refuse to assist with cost, because I do not have an extended warranty. Due to the nature of auto industry I am unable to find a new vehicle to purchase and replace this vehicle and now stuck with $8000.00 repair. It is 2023 I should expect to easily drive a vehicle safely beyond 100,000 miles without replacing an engine.
Wheels, Mar 31, 2023
I went to an oil change service center to get a tire rotation on my 2017 Ford Escape. They told me that they could NOT remove the tires for rotation because the lug nuts were swollen, which is a known issue. I had just had the Ford dealership put on new tires about 8 months before that and they never told me about a defect with the lug nuts or when or how to get them replaced. Now I have way personally to remove and replace the lug nuts Plus I have been advised that Ford will charge over $200 to replace or $80 after market. Since this is a widely-known defect, why hasn't a recall been issued/
Power train, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and recall notice; however, the vehicle had not yet been taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Mar 30, 2023
Coolant leaking into the engine, confirmed by dealer, recommends replacing engine, $7,000 quote to replace. Engine sputters, especially when starting, symptoms started June 2022 Told engine will at some point fail, causing traffic risk to owner and others depending on the situation of failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the contact's son, an independent mechanic, with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, and that the short 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 Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 73,599.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke come from the exhaust system. The contact reversed out of the garage and parked the vehicle in the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the head gasket had failed, and that the engine might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle off the highway as he was on the exit ramp and had slowed to 35 MPH the vehicle began to shake and then stalled. The contact stated that he noticed that when the vehicle had reached a half tank of gasoline, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.