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, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
With no warning the suv over heated and I took it to pep boys to see what was happening. They simple told me that I needed to replace the entire engine. This isn’t fair because I didn’t even get a warning. This suv has other problems as well that Ford should have issued recalls for but there’s so many to list. I would just like my suv to be fixed as I’m a single mom trying to make it through this trying times and now I have no car to get work, take my children to school, or even the day to day things that we need like a grocery store trip. I don’t 6,000 to 9,000 to repair my truck and I can’t afford to lose it either as I’m still paying the note on it. Can you please help us, I’m only trying.
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
6/17/22 drove from VA to NY check engine light came on, took it to Ford dealership Simmons-Rockwell, in Hornell NY, they completed a diagnostic test and told me that my SUV needed to have long block replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Its a known manufacturing defect in the aluminum motor. Affecting all Ford vehicles from 2013-2020. Repair cost $8800. Ive contacted Ford Corp. to see if they will cover the repair since its a known defect and they keep pushing me off to the dealership and the dealership said they cant do anything until they hear from Ford Corp. What can i do?
Power train, Jun 24, 2022
On 6/23/22 while driving in heavy stop and go traffic, the engine starting turning high rpm's. After about going 1/4 mile with this issue, the transmission failed. We were able to pull into a parking lot and out of traffic. The car displayed a transmission fault code on the display. Car has been well maintained, and at less than 82K miles, transmission has failed. We first started having an intermittent engine skip about 2 weeks ago. Our mechanic could not confirm the issue as there were no check engine lights or codes being displayed. We had the coil packs replaced at their recomendation, since this is another common complaint with the Escape. The transmission and engine issues seem to be common with this model, but Ford has not issued a recall. We are going to be out of pocket over $6k to repair a car with less than 82k miles.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
Check engine light came on, took to dealership. I was informed that coolant is leaking into the cylinders causing misfiring and engine would need to be replaced. I was told this is a known issue for my car but no recall is issued for this problem by Ford.
Structure, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to unlock the liftgate, the contact was unable to unlock the liftgate using the key fob or the button inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Liftgate trunk won’t open with key fob or button most times and my things are stuck in there sometimes overnight until it will just magically open.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Traveling on I-77 in Bland County Virginia. I was doing 70 mph and had to slow to 40 mph due to a tractor trailer. Brakes failed, made it off the interstate safely. I went to a garage. They installed front brake pads which did not help. Upon checking, they recommended a vacuum pump as my brakes were no better and all of the oil was leaking out of my car. I checked with Ford and my warranty expired on May 16, 2022. Cannot even drive the car due to the oil and brake issue. The vacuum pump had disintegrated.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating and was difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had coolant leak into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine had to be replaced and related the failure to TSB 19-2208: 2.0 L Eco Boost - Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the short block and head gasket. Yes, it is available for inspection Safety issue could arise when engine malfunctions Vehicle has been inspected by two different auto repair shops Yes, the check engine light went on when the car started to malfunction
Power train, Jun 20, 2022
Vehicles equipped with the base 6 speed select-shift transmission may sometimes fail to accelerate when merging or going up-hill. This issue created a hazardous situation for my family when a car came into our lane and the escape wouldn't accelerate to avoid collision. Luckily the driver of the oncoming car just missed us.
Power train, Jun 18, 2022
MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE MOVED FORWARD AFTER BEING PUT IN THE PARK POSITION, THUS CAUSING ME TO FALL TO THE GROUND UPON EXITING AND DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE RAN OVER MY LEFT KNEE, CAUSING A CRUSHED KNEE. I AM STILL UNABLE TO WALK PROPERLY WITHOUT PAIN. I HAVE NOT HAD CAR INPECTED AND HAVE JUST SEEN THE RECALL, WHICH STATES "RECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE".
Power train, Jun 17, 2022, crash
On June 4th I parked my car at my house and left it running. As I went to walk into my house my car started moving. I was able to get into the car and put it back in park but not before it ran into my house.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2022
While stopped at a red light the car spontaneously shut off and had to be put in park and restarted. This happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks on extremely hot days. No engine warning light has come on.
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
While I was driving on the freeway during traffic times, the vehicle would not accelerate upon pushing the gas pedal at first. All of a sudden it would jerk forward very fast. This could have caused me to unintentionally rear end the car in front of me or get stuck without being able to move with cars coming fast behind me. This could have cause an accident and myself or others could have been harmed. This happened multiple times during one trip. The check engine light came on a few days prior to this incident. The codes were ran for the check engine light and came up for "emissions" issues. The vehicle is currently at Norm Reeves Ford in Cerritos, Ca. They are stating it is a "flywheel issue and pump not properly aligning with the clutch". I am estimated to be charged $4,660.00 in repairs.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the engine was idling at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that a “Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Wheels, Jun 8, 2022
We took our car in for oil change and tire rotation, we were informed by service manager tires couldn't be rotated because lug nuts couldn't be removed, did we want lug nuts replaced which we did, after done ask why did the lug nuts fail on a car with less than 21000 miles was told it was a split lug nut poorly designed and when seal breaks and swells they can't be removed. In my mind this is a safety issue as we wouldn't have been able to change a flat tire if the service department couldn't change and we wouldn't have known this issue existed had we not had the car in for oil change and tire rotation. So if we had had a tire issue on the highway we would not been about to change our tire, leaving us stuck on the road. I don't have a clue the number of cars on the road with lug nuts that couldn't be removed. I believe Ford should replace all these poorly designed lug nuts
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2022
3-4 times a year my 2017 Ford Escape doesn't automatically start after auto stop start turns the engine off and i have to shift into park and restart the car. This has happened basically since new.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
On 06/07/2022 I started my car in the morning and as I put the car in reverse I was greeted with a message "engine is hot pull over safely" the heat gauge was all the way to the top. After 1/2 block I turned around and pulled back in the driveway. The engine was running roughly and kept turning off. We opened the hood to check the coolant and it was empty. We put water in the radiator so I could go to a nearby store for antifreeze/coolant, but the car was running so roughly and wouldn't accelerate, so after a couple of blocks I turned around and went back to my driveway. Trouble shooting research uncovered many many 2017 Ford Escape eco boost models have had this exact experience, yet there are no recalls... Please advise my next steps regarding proceeding from here. My car only has 42,000 miles on it and I still have 4 yrs of payments to make...
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
I hit the gas in the passing lane during heavy traffic and the car lost power and shuddered. Check engine light came on. Called in a tow truck. Vehicle was 3 months out of 5 years warranty but only 34,607 miles. Ford goodwilled a portion but I'm still billed over $2000. Technician says oil leaked into the cylinder and damaged the piston. These engines are apparently famous for leaking into the cylinder....
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2022
I’ve had my 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost since December 3, 2020, I first noticed a problem around late November 2021 (after Thanksgiving). I would put fuel in my car and it would putter (idled low) when I started it back up. As this issue became progressively worse, I began to notice around mid January 2022 that I would have to refill my antifreeze at least once per 2wks but there wasn’t any leakage on the ground, check engine light came on but went off on its own a few days later. In late March 2022 the check engine light came back on and stayed on, so on May 23, 2022 I took it to CarX for an engine diagnosis. The diagnostic revealed misfire codes concerning #4 coil and to replace sparks plugs, also an EVAP Purge Valve Solenoid Assembly would be required (I have an image of the print-out for the diagnostic). I’ve had the #4 coil and spark plugs replaced by a reputable mechanic (on 6/1/2022), ordered the purge valve solenoid (which hasn’t arrived yet), and I have had the air filter replaced. In spite, of these initial repairs the car has run hot (on 6/4/2022), and the radiator reservoir is extremely low. When it did start this morning (6/5/2022), it took 3 tries for the engine to turn over, and there was blueish white smoke coming from the tail pipe. I’ve researched the vin number and noticed that there are no recalls, despite numerous complaints of this nature. Sadly, now my vehicle won’t start at all.
Electrical system, Engine, May 31, 2022
Three weekends in a row my vehicle failed to start. No power, no lights, nothing. Figuring that the issue was the battery, I went to Orilleys and got a new battery. The salesperson at the time said the old battery still had a good charge and is not sure why the car wouldn't start. I went ahead and got the new battery, anyway. Installed it and the car started. The very next weekend the same thing happened again (with a new battery). After 30 or 40 minutes of trying, the engine will start. This has happened, consistently, over the last 3 months. I do not have any other equipment plugged into my vehicle.
Electrical system, May 31, 2022
While driving, the vehicle turned off. Got to side of road. Towed. Code stated camshaft position sensor
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2022
Ford ECO-Boost 2.0 engine has a cracked block, cylinder head, or blown head gasket at 76,200 miles. Car cut off while driving on the highway and I was almost hit in the rear end when trying to pull over. Engine light confirmed misfire in cylinder 1 and 2. Purcis Ford in Fredericksburg VA has confirmed the engine has water / antifreeze in the cylinders and needs replacement. They explained it's a common problem with this engine.
Exterior lighting, May 27, 2022
The body control module failed on a main road at night. My inside lights and dash lights emergency flasher along with the outside lights shut off. The car behind me had to swerve around me to keep from hitting me. My vehicle was not seen by the other drivers and was almost hit several times. Luckily I coasted to a light and made a sweeping turn onto a wider shoulder area of the road. It was towed to a shop but they were not able to do anything with the vehicle do I had it towed to a Ford dealership. It was almost 30 days before I got my vehicle back. Apparently there is a shortage of body control modules. I received no warning lights at all. Everything inside the vehicle flashed and then the car and electrical just shut off. Prior to that incident I had not had any other issues with the vehicle. The drivers side seat module had to be replaced as well.it cost 1005.38 for the body control module to be replaced and 786.00 for the seat module to be replaced.
Engine, May 24, 2022
1. Check engine light came on, the vehicle was not leaking coolant underneath but was going thru coolant which I would fill repeatedly made appointment immediately, brought into Ford Dealership for first available appointment told Lower Cylanoid 1 crack and that the coolant was leaking thru that point into the engine, Mechanic stated this is a known issue, retired mechanic confirmed they have specifically hired mechanics just to fix the 1.5L and 2.0L engines in the Ford Escapes. They would replace the lower block of engine and they have a kit specifically made to order for this fix. Cost would be $7,500. 2. Called Ford Corporation in Houston, TX spoke to Operation Supervisor and CXS person-they confirmed this is a known issue but has not made the recall list anything they can do because of the vehicle not being inside the warranty, told me to save receipts for future recall told me to call (313)-322-3000 3. Called Customer Service said there is nothing they can do call the dealership