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, Mar 27, 2023
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. THE DEALER STATED THE FORD ESCAPE WAS NO LONGER MOTORABLE AND NEEDED EXTENSIVE TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. FORD IS ASSISTING WITH 40% OF THE RECALL REPAIRS.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the engine coolant warning light illuminated, and the "Pull Over Safely" message was displayed after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test retrieved several codes for overheating and coolant failure. The mechanic made the contact aware of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) and advised him to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further diagnostic tests and repairs. The vehicle had not yet been taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, Mar 20, 2023
Torque converter has gone bad at 146,000 miles. Had transmission fluid service/change at approximately 70,000 miles. Recently vehicle has started to shudder and shake violently when in drive and slowing to make a turn or when stopped at a traffic light. If arriving home and shift to park the engine revs without stepping on gas peddle. When in traffic must shift to neutral to keep from stalling out. Recently message appears that auto stop/start is not available and shift to park to restart engine. No other codes or warnings have been visible when operating the vehicle or when checked at AutoZone. Vehicle has no power in reverse. Transmission fluid changed again at 146,000 miles was black and watery. Independent service pinpoint test, scan of codes and data show that torque converter is bad. Estimated cost of repair between $2000 and $3000 at two different shops.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2023
In November 2022, my check engine light came on. The code was for a purge valve. That was replaced and repaired on November 10, 2022. In January 2023, my check engine light came on yet again. This time it was for the fuel regulator. That was repaired and replaced on January 9, 2023. My car did not make it the few miles to my house. On January 10, 2023, the mechanic picked up my car and drove it back to his shop. On the drive there, the Transmission Fault came on only one time. When he turned the car off and back on he never received the transmission error message again. The car is a 2017, purchased new, at the time had 75,000 miles and has always had maintenance checks on time. This was a catastrophic transmission failure due to manufacturing. After inspection transmission fluid was found burnt, filter was clogged, converter came apart and contaminated the unit. This caused a blocked filter which lead to a burnt clutched. Transmission was rebuilt and repaired. From vehicle purchased as new to November 2022, car had no issues. From November 2022 until January 10, 2023 it was a landslide of continual problems.
Engine, Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the coolant was leaking into the engine causing cylinder #3 to misfire. The mechanic replaced the #2 and #3 spark plugs. After removing the spark plugs the hot evaporated coolant caused hot steam to affect the spark plugs and cause them to malfunction. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Power train, Engine, Lane departure, Mar 16, 2023
Was drive the car to a shop after getting a transmission fault service now code the car would not move and broke down in the middle of the road on a busy road shit car off it drove for two minutes and shut off again had no power to get to side of the road had to pay over $100.00 for a tow bill and still at the shop with no answers
Power train, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging, jerked, and would not properly accelerate from a stationary position. The vehicle was jerking and jolting while shifting from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 96,830.
Engine, Mar 13, 2023
On March 9th 2023, the very first time my engine light came on while I was on my way to work so I decided to take it and drop off at the dealership on the way which is 10 miles away. About 2 miles before I get to the dealership, my SUV started cutting out and the engine light started flashing. I left at the dealership and they called me later the same day and told me that i needed to replace my engine that antifreeze was leaking into my engine. My last oil change was in late Nov 22 and it was 700 miles from needing another one. My SUV only has 99837 miles on it and should last many more than that. The last oil change I had did not report of any unknown fluid in my pan and that the oil appeared to only be normal use.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart with the Auto Start/Stop feature. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 53,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" message was displayed. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a coolant leak within the engine block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 29,275.
Engine, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine block had cracked and caused the engine to misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover 60% of the repair. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine was misfiring, and the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was internal engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at the dealership. The correct failure mileage was 116,898.
Engine, Mar 5, 2023
I own a 2017 Ford Escape eco boost which had 50,000 miles on it when SEVERE ENGINE OVERHEATING, SHUT DOWN ENGINE IMMEDIATELY flashed on my dash screen while I was driving around town. I let the engine cool, added coolant to the dry reservoir and immediately took my car to the mechanic where it was eventually diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine. The No 2 cylinder was cracked and I would need a new engine at $7,500. Finding this problem of coolant leaking into the engine isn’t rare with my vehicle model and year, I wrote a letter to Ford, sending all my service records (I’m diligent about keeping up on service & maint.) & documents, hoping for financial help with the engine replacement. It took 3 MONTHS for Ford to respond. They said sorry. No help. I did take my Escape to a Ford dealership for a second opinion. They confirmed I need a new engine plus an added issue for which they quoted me a total of $11,500. My car was barely 5 years old, had 50,000 miles and was like new inside and out. Ford shouldn’t be allowed to sell disposable vehicles. Not at these prices!
Engine, Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head and the engine was replaced; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and determined that three bolts had detached from the cylinder head, causing the passenger's side engine to detach. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started smoking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness under the hood had melted and that the vehicle needed a new engine, wiring harness, and catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Feb 28, 2023
CONSTITUENT WRITES REGARDING FORD ENGINE MOTOR RECALL AND ISSUES CONCERNING IT.
Wheels, Feb 25, 2023
Can not remove the lug nuts using the provided tool. As a result, could not change a flat tire and had to call a tow truck. The tow truck could not remove the lug nuts using additional professional tools. Extra expense and time was incurred to fix the flat tire due to failure of the Ford tool to remove the Ford lug nuts.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2023
The car has suffered from multiple problems since 2020, where each time I would take it to the shop to be assessed.. The transmission, the electrical, and I have suffered from mental illness due to me being afraid to drive in the car. There was no way to get it diagnosed for the specific recall. I have spent $15,547.50 in mostly the same repairs. I have bought a total of 13 tires. Had to get the front suspension fixed, the struts, rental cars, had to get new brakes and rotos 3 times, wheel bearing replacement, had to get a second key cut, and the car reprogrammed, car makes a loud noise and it was not able to be diagnosed, purge valve assembly, spark plugs changed 2 times, and of course regular oil changes every few months. My check engine light has never come on. I have gone to the ford service cener, grease monkey, valvoline, good year, jiffy lube, tune up clinic, c&p auto repair. There were 2 recalls on the ford escape 2017 causing my car to not be able to be on brake without it shaking uncontrollablly. Every time a car issue would arise I would immediately go to a car shop. I am afraid to drive the vehicle due to the shifter not going into park. My daughter has missed muliple days of school due to the ongoing car issues. Her school is aware of the persistent car issues. We are homeless so we rely on the car 100%. I will be able to send all documents when you are ready.
Wheels, Feb 23, 2023
Swollen lug nuts. If I had a flat tire I could not change, and or roadside assistance. Dealer could not rotate tires. Inspected by dealer, seems to be because of aluminum lug nuts characteristics. No warning light attached to this part.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2023
While driving on the freeway the engine suddenly lost power, stuttered, misfired, ran very rough and "buckled". I was unable to maintain speed and had to turn off the freeway a the next exit. I was able to reach a safe location in "crawl mode" from where the car had to be towed to the dealership. The check engine light was not lit before but stayed on during and after this incident, which was the first time it happened. The dealer confirmed the problem and identified the throttle body as the failed component, it is sticky on the inside and may have been stuck in a position that did not allow me to drive anymore. It is UNKNOWN if the dealer has initiated getting the vehicle or any faulty parts inspected by anyone else. Unrelated to this incident this vehicle had the entire engine replaced in March 2022, ref TSB 19-2346 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf ; the symptoms of failure last year were very similar, loss of power, misfire, stuttering, running rough.
Power train, Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2023
The engine is experience the COOLANT INTRUSION problem . This is a SAFETY problem driving on the roads. It may at some point emit white smoke out the exhaust and causing the engine to run poorly. There by possibly causing a fatal accident !!! Ford REFUSES to fix the problem because the coolant intrusion happen after their November 30, 2022 deadline. The car only has 28,500 mile on it and running fine at that time. While at the dealership, Only to be told there was nothing they could do. It was up to Ford Headquarters, They weren't responsible because we missed the software update. Ford corporate as true to form. Gave us the RUN AROUND . Somebody going to get KILLED because of their defective product !!!
Wheels, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for tire service however, the dealer was unable to remove the lug nuts. The contact stated that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that the parts to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,047. The contact expressed concerns over the possibility of getting a flat tire and how he would change it. The current defective lug nuts are chrome and need to be replaced with steel ones.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2023
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2023
Coolant leaking into cylinders resulting in engine misfiring and not running correctly.