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, Jul 27, 2022
Illuminating malfunction indicator lamp, low coolant level, white exhaust smoke, runs then no start, blowing fuses, coolant intrusion into cylinder
Power train, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to push the Auto Start/Stop button to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH or exceeding 25 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,595.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and the contact heard a sputtering sound from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed that she had to refill the coolant reservoir repeatedly. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in one of the cylinders. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the engine might need to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2022
I exited my car to take pictures of a bird. The engine was running and I thought the gearshift was in Park. I felt the car bump me and realized it had started moving. The rear tire ran over my left foot and I found myself lying face down on the road. I tried to get up but fell onto my camera. I looked to my right and saw my car moving down the road, drifting to the right towards the embankment that leads down to a canal. I managed to get up and reached the car as it was about to leave the roadway. I tried to grab the steering wheel, but the rear tire ran over my right foot, then over my left foot again. My car went down the embankment, stopping just short of flipping over in the canal. Since there was no other plausible explanation at the time, I assumed I didn’t put the car in Park despite thinking I did. However, I’ve puzzled over the accident almost obsessively since it occurred because when the engine is running and the gearshift is in Drive and not Park, my car moves forward at approx. 4 MPH with little to no hesitation as soon as my foot lifts off the brake pedal. I DID NOT GET OUT OF A MOVING CAR. After the recall notice, I looked at the metadata from the images taken the day of the accident and it shows my car did not begin moving until at least 23 seconds after I exited it to photograph the bird. That also indicates it was in fact in Park. I had a broken rib from falling on my camera and a broken (crushed) big toe on my left foot. Other injuries apparent then and/or in the days following were considerable swelling and pain of my left knee and foot, swelling and pain of my right knee and foot, and pain along the outside of my lower legs. I still have pain from the accident, including arthritis in my left foot, pain along my outer left leg and inner knee, and pain in my left big toe. My camera and brand-new lens were damaged. I did not have the car inspected. My safety and the safety of others are at risk until the required parts for repair are available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband noticed that the antifreeze smelled like fuel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that antifreeze had leaked into the engine cylinder. The mechanic also found pieces of the piston inside the oil pan. The mechanic then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the contact was given an estimate for the cost of a new engine. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
Engine developed a coolant leak that irreparably damaged the engine with 72,000 miles. The coolant leak is a known issue and Ford failed to inform consumers or offer a repair. The vehicle is inoperable and still has payments due on the loan.
Power train, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 106,831. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting to drive, the vehicle was jerking. The contact also stated that the transmission was shifting hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Wheels, Jul 20, 2022
Lug nuts could not be removed
Power train, Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then shifted into reverse(R) however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact heard abnormal clicking sounds. The message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an internal transmission failure and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had been at the dealer for two months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would partially cover the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
After learning that the car was the subject of a TSB fir this issue, "Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. Customer symptoms include coolant loss, excessive tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights (MIL) due to engine misfire. Over time, this condition may damage the engine, requiring replacement of the engine short block." We had this issue occur to us. The vehicle needs an engine. The coolant is leaking down into the cylinder walls. It is 8600.00 plus tax to replace the engine.
Power train, Jul 19, 2022
I received the following notice of an issue with my transmission: "Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING IS DAMAGED OR MISSING." They then stated the following SAFETY RISKS: "A DAMAGED OR MISSING BUSHING COULD PREVENT THE SHIFTER FROM MOVING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE INTENDED GEAR POSITION AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION. THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE IN THE PARK POSITION, EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFTER POSITION INDICATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO PARK. EXITING A VEHICLE WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND WITHOUT APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE MAY ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR CRASH." Ford then stated that parts to remedy the issue would not be available until quarter 4 of 2022, which is three months away. I cannot drive a car that might, in their words, "move in an unexpected direction." I have two small children and do not feel safe driving a vehicle that poses this risk. When I called Ford, I was told that, "They understand the predicament that this puts me in. However, they do not have a remedy at this time and they are keeping track of the timeline for the parts." It is unacceptable to ask car owners to drive a car that is in their words, a safety risk, for three months.
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
While driving home from work the piston cracked causing the engine to fail. No advanced warning lights until vehicle started missing and the engine light came on at that time. The vehicle was only 500 miles over the power train warranty. It had 60,500 miles o. It when ot happened.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2022
As of Monday, July 18, 2022, 2017, Ford Escape is not starting. I do not know as to why it won’t start. I have called Lamarque Ford in New Orleans, last week on July 13th and14th and kept getting transferred back and forth with no solution. Called, Monday, July 18th, and was told the department was back up until October. Told Eddie/ person I spoke with that I had the VIN number would he tell me if the part was in. Eddie said no the car would have to be serviced to tell what was wrong. Yes I hung up no immediate help being given. First off Ford se r me a letter stating a recall on the vehicle. At this point the car is not starting up at all.
Power train, Jul 18, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle into park, the vehicle surged forward and went over an embankment without warning. The air bag deployed upon impact. The contact did not sustain any injuries and did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they were unable to repair the vehicle, the vehicle was then towed back to his home. The contact then received a notification in the mail for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train) which he linked to his failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Power train, Jul 16, 2022
This is a sensor that indicates a problem with the power train transmission parking.
Power train, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted to neutral(N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received an alert from her insurance provider that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact placed the vehicle into park(P) and then into drive(D) but the hesitation persisted. The contact performed the same maneuver again as the vehicle jerked and slowly began to accelerate. The contact coasted the vehicle into a gas station and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure and informed her that the transmission would not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle would not be covered under the recall or under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the vehicle inadvertently rolled backward. The contact stated that she used bricks to chock rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the driveway. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that she was able to coast to the side of the roadway and the vehicle was shifted into park(P); however, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact stated that she had to depress the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a defective transmission that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she contacted the purchasing dealer who stated that the vehicle was not under warranty. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) after the failure occurred and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was 70,927.
Engine, Jul 13, 2022
Fue necesario cambiar la transmisión debido a la falta del "Buje", el cual tenía un problema de fábrica, según comunión de Ford Motor Company de fecha Julio del 2022, con referencia: Campaña de Seguridad 22V413 de la NHTSA.GOV
Power train, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently shifted from drive, slowed down, and jerked. The vehicle then accelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The engine began to overheat with the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle also ran rough. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to another certified mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then decided to take the vehicle to a dealer and was notified of coolant intrusion into the cylinders which caused the engine failure. The dealer replaced the engine. The contact had not yet retrieved the vehicle to confirm if the fix had repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.