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, Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she attempted to turn on the heat; however, the heat failed to operate. The contact then stated that the temperature gauge started to increase and noticed that the engine had started to overheat. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the combustion system and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed to take the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Power train, Nov 26, 2022
I purchase 2017 Ford Escape from a car dealership only had it for a week and car keeps stopping in the middle of traffic like the car is in neutral but it’s not, and there is a recall on this vehicle from the car fax sheet and I took to a Ford and Lincoln car dealership for repairs to bushing cable and now mechanic saying there might be issues with transmission and I been reading reviews on the vehicle there have been some transmission issues.
Visibility, Nov 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed with her grandson seated in the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle, the rear passenger’s side window independently started going up and down and her grandson’s arm got closed in the window, causing a minor injury but had not sought medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the window was fixed; however, several days later while driving with her puppy inside the vehicle, the window independently rolled down almost causing the puppy to jump out the window. The window failed to roll back up as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact notified the dealer of a failure with the button for the window on the driver’s side. The window switch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after arriving at the residence the window rolled up independently. The contact inquired about NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V617000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The contact paid out of pocket for the switch replacement. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHSTA Hotline. The failure mileage was 57,187.
Engine, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started as needed but had an engine misfire. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that cylinder #1 was misfiring, and the spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer for assistance. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle started and then stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was notified of a possible fuel leak. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was no visible fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2022
My 2017 Ford Escape overheated and engine failed while driving because the block was compromised due to a known manufacturing defect. See Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. A Ford dealership diagnosed the defect, documented the case, and replaced the engine. My son's safety was compromised while he maneuvered the failed vehicle to the side of the road. This was caused because a critical vehicle component broke which had the potential to cause loss of vehicle control and injury to people inside or outside the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and overheated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The message that the engine was overheating and to pull over was displayed. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,100.
Engine, Nov 15, 2022
Coolant leaked into the engine block causing overheating. Dealership has confirmed that leak has caused the engine long block to need replacement. Vehicle is currently at dealership awaiting repairs. Parts are on backorder. Cost is quoted at over $7,000.00.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Firerelated, Nov 14, 2022, fire
The contact's son-in-law owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle cut in front of his vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from the front end of the vehicle. The son-in-law pulled over on the side of the road and safely exited the vehicle. No medical attention was received. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Nov 13, 2022
On June 01,2018 my coworker and I was on a joint visit. After the visit we walked to our vehicles to start the engines and to turn on the ac. I exited the 2017 Ford Escape and walked over to my coworker and we started to discuss other work problems. My coworker stated "the car is rolling back". I went after the Ford attempting to enter the vehicle. The drivers door knocked me down and I was completely ran over from foot to head. I placed my arm over my face and closed my eyes. I held my breath as I listened to the sounds of bones cracking... I suffered 5 fractured ribs, 2 fractures on my face, 15" Laceration on the back of my head to where my skull was showing. Several hematomas and a contusion in my right lung. I suffer everyday with pain. There is no way I could have exited the vehicle with it moving. I was able to walk to my coworkers vehicle.
Engine, Nov 9, 2022
Engine misfiring, low coolant, ingesting coolant, & overheated. Coolant does not “hold pressure” according to mechanic. Coolant going into cylinder #3. Long block needs replacing in order to fix, according to TSB 22-2229.
Engine, Nov 4, 2022
We bought 2017 Ford Escape. We are already having issues with the engine. Ford dealer and maintenance told us that we need to replace engine. Mileage is only 100,063
Engine, Nov 4, 2022
I have a 2017 Ford Escape SUV 2.0 Turbo. Mileage was around 72,000 when this all started to happen. We had experienced chugging on our car, when starting and the engine soon light came on. We took it to our local Auto Zone and had them put a computer on it and it read that cylinder #2 was misfiring. So we had all the spark plugs and wiring replaced. They then noticed that our engine coolant level was low. They filled it and told us to keep an eye on it. Within the next day it was gone and it showed no leakage of coolant on the ground or any place on the engine. We refilled and drove for a few days and our level of coolant kept going down, we kept refilling and then our engine soon light came back on. We took it to our mechanic and said he would keep it for a few days and check everything out. We got a call that there is a problem with the head gasket. We would have to have it replaced. They would have to have the vehicle for about 2 weeks, as we would not have to replace the engine but they could have it modified to make it smooth around the head gasket and reseal everything. Our Ford Escape is not that old and the mileage is fairly low for something like this to happen. I found out Ford knew about this problem but no recall was made to rectify it. So now after 4 weeks being without my car, due to some problems of getting some parts, and paying out $2672.80 out of pocket for engine repair and that is not including the plugs and wiring and other things done to fix the problem prior to finding this out, we paid out of pocket. We sit with around $3,000.00 to have this car fixed that should be out of Ford's pocket, not mine. Is there a form that I can submit to Ford's for them to reimburse me for this amount.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 was misfiring. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where cylinder #1 coil pack was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that his father noticed that the coolant temperature appeared higher than normal. Upon inspecting the coolant reservoir, the contact's father noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact's father refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the coolant level was low upon inspecting the coolant reservoir for the second time. The contact stated that his father then started the vehicle and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact became aware of Ford Customer Satisfaction Campaign Numbers: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) and 19B37 - Supplement #4 that he associated with the failure; however, the VIN was not included. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed before consideration to provide assistance for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, Oct 30, 2022
Transmission threw a " Transmission Fault " code while driving normally. The car quit pulling at all and I was just able to get out of the road. The Transmission no longer works in any gear. The car has 101,000 miles on it. Ford will be getting this car back, I will not pay for another Transmission with no guarantee that this won't happen again. I will never buy another Ford ever.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 28, 2022
Repeated failure of passenger side low beam headlight bulb. The bulb has burned out 3 times within less than one year. No visible issues were found with the headlamp assembly. All new bulbs purchased to replace the previous, without defect, but have continued to fail. The first failure occurred in October 2021. Second failure in January 2022 and currently, the third failure October 2022.
Engine, Oct 28, 2022
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED WITH A NEW ENGINE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ONLY 1 WEEK LATER.
Power train, Oct 27, 2022
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
Power train, Oct 25, 2022
Transmission Torque Converter failure at low speed, in traffic . could not get off of road , until towed. to Ford dealer service garage. Yes this problem has been identified at Donnell ,Ford Service garage in Salem ,Ohio. They had 3 more of these failures towed in the same day. (10/21/2022) A clunk from under the vehicle then the car quite moving. all the idiot lights came on. The Ford device garage said the Torque converter shattered and the vehicle needs a complete transmission rebuild. I do not know if the manufacturer has inspected these parts or components. The Ford garage said they cannot get ford parts only after market parts for these transmissions. The garage Manager also said and it is all reported on web sites that the 2017 and 2018 transmissions are a problem.
Engine, Oct 23, 2022
Coolant is leaking into the engine at under 50,000 miles. This is a 2.0 liter engine and there has already been a recall for the 1.5 liter engine for the same problem. This has been dignosed at the Autonation Ford dealership and is costing me $7169.87.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2022
In 2020 my headlights just went out one day. All the fuses were good the bulbs were good and Ford replaced the BCM (Body Control Module). Luckily it was under the warranty because I only had approximately 28,000 miles. Fast forward to 2022 with approximately 49,000 miles, I was driving home late one night and the same issue happened while I was driving. Since the replacement in 2020 I have had to replace both headlights 3 times, this time replacing the headlights is not working and apparently, I will have to replace the BCM again. This apparently is the main computer system in the car, and it was very dangerous because the lights just went out at night. Upon further research several people are having the same issue; and have reported the problem on several webpages. (https://www.fordescape.org/threads/headlights-keep-going-out.116796/) (https://www.justanswer.com/ford/ioe1u-low-beam-headlights-stopped-working-2017-ford-escape.html) and many more pages and complaints when you google “2017 Ford Escape Lights stopped working” According to Ford customer satisfaction, they said that no one else has reported this, however, I don’t believe it with the number of complaints that I noticed with just one search. Had it only been one time I would deduct that it was one bad part, but due to the continued problem with the same issue, it appears to be a severe safety concern that Ford is refusing to remedy.
Structure, Oct 22, 2022
After buying the truck I noticed over time the body paint was coming off. When I first got it I noticed a few areas where it looked like there was no clear coat applied. About a month after I noticed there actually was no clear coat applied in certain places (mostly around all the windows). When I spoke to numerous dealers they stated they have seen this a lot lately with Ford giving no explanation. The other issue I have is the doors and lift gate don’t seal properly. I can hear the air whooshing around from everywhere and it even allowed flies into my truck who then decided to mate and it took me two weeks to get them all out.
Engine, Oct 21, 2022
It was "explained" to me by the extended warranty company that there is a cracked cam or gear head of some sort that was due to a casting issue during manufacturing. As such, the extended warranty sold to me by the dealer for my 2017 Ford Escape certified vehicle, is all but useless because the company is denying the claim, because it is a manufacturer's defect. I called Ford with the reference number as the dealer had spoken with them and advised the dealer to advise me to contact them for detail. It didn't help. Ford said they won't cover it because the vehicle is 5K outside of the their original warranty and only if it becomes a recall issue before I get rid of the vehicle, will they cover it. The dealer told me to contact you for assistance.
Engine, Oct 20, 2022
Sometime in August 2022 I began noticing smoke coming out from under the vehicle each time we started it. When the problem persisted, we took the vehicle to our Ford Dealership. A service representative said coolant was leaking into the turbocharger. He did not specifically say the car was unsafe to drive but I believe driving it would risk a fire. Repairs require a new turbocharger assembly, an oil feed pipe, a drain tube assembly, and an oil filter assembly and gasket, antifreeze, exhaust manifold gasket and and some other gaskets and fasteners. The turbocharger assembly has been on back order for more than two months since we took our vehicle in, so we have not had the use of it for that time. The service rep. said the back order is nationwide. On the internet I found that a California law firm has filed a class action lawsuit against Ford over what sounds like the same problem. I'm reporting my incident because I believe this may involve a problem with the design or assembly process on this model. BTW, attached documents show my wife Jean as the customer.