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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the interior lights remained illuminated, due to the liftgate failing to close securely. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she replaced the key fob, lubricated the door latch assembly, and replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware that the vehicle warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 55,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start four days after NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) repair was completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the battery and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that there was an additional fee for the diagnostic tests to be performed on the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,292.
Wheels, Feb 14, 2023
Lug nuts could not be removed to change flat tire. AAA service provider could not remove lug nuts at external location to change flat tire out with spare. Independent service center needed to replace lugs with new set.
Engine, Feb 12, 2023
I just recently became I aware of a recall issue with my 2017 Ford Escape, vin #[XXX]. Apparently, coolant is entering my engine block. My vehicle’s coolant reservoir is constantly low and I see excessive white smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was never notified by Ford. I became aware about the issue while doing research on the internet. According to Ford’s recall campaign #19B37, the recall ended in November 2022. I need you to look into this matter because my engine is back firing and Ford never notified me of the issue. I attached the Ford recall I found in the internet. However, Ford never officially notified me. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Feb 12, 2023
On 129, 2023 I was driving on a highway 40 miles outside of Las Vegas Nevada and my car started shaking horribly and I took the nearest exit and had it towed and had a scan done on it on 1/30/2023. The scan showed oil on the spark plug misfire number two. Since I had a powertrain warranty, I had it towed to Fort country in Henderson Nevada. Took them four days to diagnose a problem and was told that it would cost $1200 to repair. They had my car for one week and was told by Ford it would not be covered. The car has 50,000 miles on it and six months left on the hundred thousand mile powertrain warranty. After paying the $1200 I was told by the dealer not to drive it as it was unsafe and to have it towed. It is now in the hands of a private automotive shop in Henderson Nevada. I am waiting for an additional diagnosis. I have owned this car for three years and only put 12,000 miles on it in that duration. I believe that this is a eco-boost problem as I have been reading about and plan to file a class action or private claim with the Ford motor company. My safety was at risk as I am a 76-year-old senior. I am out over $2000 , just covering the rental and then handing my keys and have used all of my toes with auto club. I would be most appreciative if someone could get back to me at their earliest convenience and advise me how to proceed. This situation has now gone on for two weeks . I have a case number with Ford motors and have made several calls and they tell me the car is not under their powertrain warranty. I believe the dealership was trying to get me to buy a new vehicle from them and offered me $5,800 for a trade in. I refuse to be backed into a corner to buy another vehicle. I believe that everyone who works for Ford knows of this situation and is pulling a bait and switch on clients. Please help me thank you for your time and courtesy.
Wheels, Feb 11, 2023
the lug nuts are being striped when changing for tire rotation or a flat or new tiers
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, the "engine fault service now" message was displayed. The contact stated that later the "high-temperature stop now" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Once she felt that the temperature was normal, she restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinder bores and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that she would have been covered by Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,802.
Wheels, Feb 8, 2023
Took vehicle to service to ford dealership to include tire rotation. Was told technician had difficult time removing lug nuts as the were swollen and frozen. Service Manager informed me they would need to be replaced as in emergency on road may not be able to be removed. Was told by service manager this is an ongoing issue. Have researched this and this appears to be an ongoing issue as per numerous web sites and has resulted in several law suits.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,747.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2023
My low beam headlights go out about every 60 days. I find myself having to drive home... once with both lights failing at the same time. This is discussed in many on-line forums and seems to be a common problem with this car.
Power train, Feb 8, 2023
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL WAS PERFORMED THEY BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THEIR TRANSMISSION.
Engine, Feb 7, 2023
Garage kept and WELL maintained escape threw one code on February 4th,2023. Code said High engine temp. Come to a safe stop! We only rode less than 300 feet and immediately called for a tow truck. Had it hauled to dealer (Haag Ford in Lawrenceburg, IN). Engine was pronounced dead by salesperson and maintenance staff. Said car was in limp mode and antifreeze was in the engine. Car only had 87,000 miles on it. No other warning for this COMPLETE engine failure
Power train, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was hesitating. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated at a slower-than-normal speed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Power train, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH and shifting into third gear, the vehicle started to stall until the vehicle accelerated over 50 MPH. The contact stated that the service transmission now warning light that was illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to park the vehicle but decided to continue to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) needed to be completed. The dealer completed the recall repair but informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Seat belts, Feb 2, 2023
The backseat passenger side seat belt locked up. The seat belt pulls out, but it will not retract without being forced in. This means I cannot have a passenger in this seat, because they would not be properly restrained if an accident were to occur. There have been no accidents with my vehicle to have caused this malfunction, but it is a serious issue. I had it examined by the dealership that sold it to me (Ray Skillman in Avon), and I was told that while it is a common issue it is not covered under warranty or on recall. I was also told that it could be months until the part would get in, because it still has to be ordered from Ford and it is so common that the part is on back order. I was not aware of this until I had a passenger in the backseat (still a new car to me since I bought it used with no accidents reported on it and the dealership does not check the seatbelts prior to sale of vehicles, only the engine), and they pointed it out to me. It is available for inspection upon request.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light would illuminate, the vehicle would drive rough and would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the coolant had intruded into the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the Manufacturer’s Special Coverage for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 28,795.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine was misfiring, and the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cylinders were misfiring. The independent mechanic cleared the diagnostic tests codes. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated two weeks later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic test codes were cleared for a second time. Additionally, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the coolant level was low, and the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic informed the contact that coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Jan 30, 2023
I have a 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost 2.0L vehicle. We had engine issue with coolant disappearing and engine misses at idle and Excelleration. We took it a local Ford dealer and they diagnosed coolant in cylinders 2 & 3. They informed us the engine could not be repaired and said we needed a new engine and turbo, so we had the replacement done. I later found out this issue has plagued Ford since 2013 and they still sold it to me. The repair cost me $7800.00. See attached recall information I found on the 1.5L EcoBoost engine they are doing but nothing so far on my 2.0L. This is nitpicking. It was very hard coming up with that money when it should have been recalled. This was the only car we have. Please help!!! I have also notified the Bureau of Automotive Repair of California of the issue and they said to also file a complaint with your department. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Engine, Jan 24, 2023
The vehicle with 85,000 miles began burning coolant at a rate of nearly 1 gallon every 3 weeks with an associated Cylinder 3 misfire code from an OBD 2 reader. Attempted to get the car looked at Nov of 22 and was unable to get appointment until Jan 23. Ford diagnosed a cylinder block crack causing coolant to enter cylinder and burn coolant. Ford says it requires an entire engine replacement at a cost of 10000 dollars to us and is not covered in any way by the manufacturer. This is a documented issue in Ford TSBs which are linked to premature failure of engines due to a manufacturing design flaw of the engine block. This is a safety issue as an engine burning coolant is likely to overheat and fail leading to traffic and passenger safety concerns in addition to potential engine component fires. This has not been inspected by police or insurance.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle after several attempts. The contact continued driving however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that upon arriving at her son's residence, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the engine and there was coolant intrusion in the engine oil. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and the failure was related to an unknown Ford Technical Service Bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 141,620
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
Purchased in March 2022 at approximately 47,000 miles on it. Drove until November 2022 with 59,802. The following occurred prior to stopping operation of the vehicle. Started running sluggish. Noted temperature starting to increase. Noted coolant empty, refilled and continued to drive vehicle. Then shortly after noticed the check engine light was on and white smoke upon start up. Engine light on reports misfire cylinder 3. Had compression test done as it was losing coolant again. Pressure test showed leaking of coolant into cylinder 2 and 3. Stopped driving vehicle. Spoke to Ford to see if they could help, was advised to take to a Ford dealership. Ford dealership reports the same findings leaking coolant in the cylinder 2 and 3, engine needs replaced costing over $8,000. Spoke to Ford again reports that repairs will be paid for as it is still under powertrain warranty. This was also reported to the Ford dealership, so they ordered the engine. When engine arrives was told in fact it was not covered under warranty and the Ford representative "miscalculated" and they were "sorry" but there is nothing they can do. Dealership also filed a complaint/goodwill request on my behalf which was declined because "I'm not a loyal Ford customer" as it's my first, now last Ford vehicle. Ford is aware of this engine issue as they have a TSB out about released in June 2022 but have failed to do anything about. As I should not be replacing an engine under 60,000 miles let alone if I continued to drive and have my motor seize up. They are so much aware of the issue they changed the design of the engine. It's not fair to consumers to have Ford not taking responsibility for their mistakes/misinformation. Also was informed the have my correspondence with the representative stating it was covered and they'd pay for it but they will not provide me with copies.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jan 23, 2023
I am reporting coolant leaking into my engine causing my engine to lock up at around 75k to 80k miles. Torque converter needing to be replaced at around 80k miles. Torque converter clutch solenoid needing replacement at 80k miles. Rear CV joint axel needing replacement at 85k miles. Control arm replacement at 100k miles. The only recall is the transmission bushing, in which I haven’t fixed because I can’t move my vehicle out of my driveway. I have spend almost the same amount on this vehicle repairing it that I owe. The vehicle in a whole needs to be recalled. They are not safe and very costly in the long run. I am not happy with only 2 recalls being reported on this vehicle because I’ve read over 600 reviews with the same known problems and nothing has been done about it! If ford isn’t going to fix the known issues then the NHTSA needs to help the consumers and report these issues!
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. 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 approximately 74,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
My car,s engine went with low miles and only 6 years old due to a defect with engine the coolant goes into the engine . Ford knows about this went and did research and I see other people have Same problem. Customer service make promises they cannot keep. After two weeks waiting for someone to sign off to pay half I decided to let someone else fix it. I just want to warn people about the problem with the car.
Engine, Jan 19, 2023
car was overheating, added coolant, brought vehicle to service center, diagnosed with a blown head gasket requiring total engine replacement