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, Dec 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with an engine oil leak. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty, but they would assist with half of the cost for repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2021
2017 Ford Escape Transmission issue: I have maintained my vehicle in accordance with the 2017 Ford Escape manual since I purchased it. My vehicle has always been reliable until suddenly, at a little over 105,000 miles, my vehicle's transmission started slipping. My car revved and no check engine light or warning indicator ever came on. The car finally jutted forward, so I pulled it off the side of the road and had it towed to a Ford dealership service center. The dealership looked at the car and said I would need a whole new transmission and the parts are on back-order to which he also stated, "which indicates to me this is a common problem with the 2017 Ford Escape." I then towed the vehicle to a different Ford dealership service center to get a different opinion. This different service center also said I would need a new transmission. My car is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others were put at risk since the issue occurred without any warning on a highway and before a car's reliability would be questioned (2017 year with 105,000 miles with no prior issues). The problem has been confirmed by two Ford dealership service centers.
Wheels, Dec 18, 2021
While getting routine maintenance service for an oil change and tire rotation from the Ford Dealership in Milford Ohio, I was informed by the Service Department representative that they were able to perform the tire rotation due to "swollen lug nuts" on my vehicle. The representative stated this is known issue and recommended I purchase new lug nuts from an aftermarket automotive parts supplier. - What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Since I need the vehicle for my transportation needs, I will be purchasing the new lug nuts as recommended, however, I will ask for the original lug nuts in question in the event there is an inspection request. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not feel at this time my safety has been put at risk. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem was identified by the dealer since the dealer is who recommended replacing the lug nuts. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else or any other organization. - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms of this problem. I was made aware of this issue by the Ford Dealership where I was getting service for an oil change and tire rotation on 12/17/2021.
Wheels, Dec 14, 2021
Quick Lane stated lug nuts were swollen and that it would cost $160 to replace lug nuts. This is a known issue with Fords--this should be covered under warranty as a defect item.
Wheels, Dec 14, 2021
I recently purchased new tires. When I went to have them installed I was told there a problem with the lug nuts (Swollen Lug Nuts). I have never heard of such a problem until I researched the internet and found this is an issue with many Ford vehicles. I had to spend an unexpected repair of $140 plus for new lug nuts. Not only is this a defect but also a safety concern. If a driver would happen to get a flat and could not change the tire because of swollen lug nuts, that is a problem. Ford is aware of the problem and has done NOTHING to correct the problem/safety concern. There are millions of these vehicles on the road and the problem needs to be addressed by FORD>
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
Car was having a stuttering, shaking issue. Took it to the mechanic, and the engine block had cracked. The car is 4 years old, and this is a know manufacturing issue that Ford has not solved. The whole engine needed to be replaced.
Wheels, Dec 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while having the tires rotated at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the lug nuts were difficult to remove. The mechanic broke the lug nuts and replaced them. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021, fire
2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE COMPLETING A ROAD TRIP AND PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A PUFF OF SMOKE AND FLAMES FROM THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEYS, AS THEY WERE LOCKED IN THE IGNTION. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that a plastic guard located on the frame of the vehicle would detach and drag on the road pavement at various speeds without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they initially repaired the defect; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they removed the plastic guard but did not replace it. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle has yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated that the part was replaced twice.
Power train, Dec 4, 2021
As I was driving on I-75 on the evening of Sunday, November 14, 2021 around 8:30, at approximately 75 mph (I was in the middle lane passing a semi-truck), my car suddenly lost power. The RPMs began to go all the way up, the drop all the way down repeatedly. Lights came on, and a red light came on saying something like "Transmission malfunction Service now". Thankfully, I was near an exit and was able to get off the interstate. I parked at a gas station and let my car sit for about 30 minutes. It immediately cranked back up, but would not drive. I called roadside assistance and had it towed to a nearby Ford dealership. Two days later, I was told I would need a new transmission due to the overdrive gear breaking apart and spreading metal throughout the transmission, rendering it basically useless. My car only has around 77,500 miles on it. In fact, I still have the original battery and tires. I have NEVER had any indication of a problem with the transmission - no noises, no lights, nothing. I take my car to my local dealership for oil changes and inspections when it is time. Not once have I ever been told there were any issues. I just feel this must have been a faulty part in order for it to simply break apart that fast to cause my car to stop working while I was driving, not to mention the fact it was able to ruin my entire transmission. I do not have any invoices to share at this time. I am still trying to come up with $6500 for the repair so I can get my car back. Thank. you for your time and consideration.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and opened the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle did not have coolant and he refilled the coolant. The contact stated that as he continued to drive the vehicle, the vehicle started jerking significantly and was misfiring. The contact checked the engine coolant level and noticed that it was almost empty 15 minutes later. The contact stated that he added distilled water to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that as he continued to drive that same day, the vehicle was jerking significantly. The contact turned off the vehicle and was unable to restart the vehicle without a jump start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket was fractured and there was water in the engine oil reservoir. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired as his VIN was not included in any recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired since the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2021
My ford escape has experienced premature transmission failure. I bought my 2017 ford escape brand new in 2017 from Ford Southwest in Weatherford, Texas. On 11/19/2021 the ford was getting rpms, but was not accelerating. We were driving on the highway. The escape would not accelerate compromising our safety. We managed to pull to the side of the highway. The car rested and was turned back on, but it would not move. We had to have the car towed to the southwest ford dealership. We had to leave the car there till they could look at it. On 11/23/2021, an employee named Charlie called from southwest ford. He explained there was converter failure damaging the transmission. The transmission needs to be replaced with a new on. Charlie estimated the cost to be $6,000. The 2017 ford escape only has 80,150 miles on it and I am being told that the transmission is damaged and needs to be completely replaced. Ford has known this to be a problem.
Wheels, Nov 15, 2021
LUG NUTS. TWO PIECE DESIGN. CHROME PART SWELLS AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE LUG NUTS WITHOUT DAMAGING THEM. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTED BUT REJECTED. I HAD TO BUY A SET OF 20 NEW LUG NUTS FOR $104. FORD TECHNICIANS AND CUSTOMERS HAVE LOST MONEY BECAUSE OF THIS. I WANTED TO REPORT ANOTHER OCCURANCE IN THE HOPES THAT FORD WILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I CAN PROVIDE A RECEIPT FOR THE PURCHASE, IF NECESSARY.
Engine, Nov 11, 2021
The engine light illuminated, and diagnostic code P0304 was reported, which meant cylinder four is misfiring. The vehicle had about 44,900 miles on it. New Motorcraft spark plugs were installed by the owner and the vehicle appeared to drive fine. About 4 days later, the engine light illuminated again and codes P0300, P0301 and P0304 was reported. Also, the antifreeze reservoir was empty, but there was not any leaks on the ground. At this time, the vehicle had about 45,320 miles on it. I searched the internet to learn of any issues with these Ford Escapes and discovered TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-2346 applies to our vehicle. The vehicle was immediately taken to Automax Ford Service Center on November 4, 2021, where they stated the engine needs to be replaced. As of November 10, 2021, the vehicle is still waiting to receive a new engine.
Engine, Nov 10, 2021
Coolant leak into engine destroyed cylinder needs engine block to be replaced. Problem not resolved with Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37, which was known cause of coolant intrusion, instead only delayed issue by putting a bandaid on it with reprogramming of the Powertrain Control Module. Advised not to drive vehicle for possible engine fire or worse.
Wheels, Nov 6, 2021
The lugnuts on my Escape are now swollen and misshapened through no fault of mine. I have been informed of this defect during last 2 service visits. Dealer did not rotate tires on last service because of this problem. This is a safety issue since lugnuts hold wheel and tire onto car. The expense to replace should not be absorbed by owner of vehicle, but rather by the manufacturer.
Engine, Nov 3, 2021
Engine light came on, immediately took it to my mechanic that diagnosed it as a cylinder 3 misfire and recommended the spark plugs be changed $700.00, 3 days later the light came back on again and took it back in. The coolant leaks into the spark plugs creating miss fire cylinder “3” the mechanic showed me the documentation of this problem Ford has know about since 2019. The coolant will not last one day, car displays as overheating to pull over to a safe location, cannot even be driven for 2 miles without over heating. It is no longer safe to drive the car. The car needs a new engine. Tbs 20-2100, they have a technical service bulletin that stats this is a common problem. They want $9,200 new engine block. I owe on a car I cannot drive, cannot have smogged, cannot register in the state of California and Ford will not replace these engines. The Engines are a risk of catching fire, why are they not recalled? Also the entire navigation system is non operable.
Power train, Oct 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the failure recurred intermittently while driving that same day. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised the contact that he could not determine the cause of the failure as the OBD reader could not read the codes. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who advised the contact that he could not duplicate the failure. The transmission was flushed. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring more frequently while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Power train, Oct 25, 2021
For several weeks experienced shudder/judder and hesitation. Most noticeable at around 40 mph. Vehicle serviced and inspected by both dealership and independent auto repair shop. Hesitation unsafe. Issue Not uncommon as found on FMC Escape forum. Dealer recommended transmission replacement after finding transmission fluid burned and contaminated with metallic debris. Verified Torque converter clutch shudder. Independent auto repair shop confirmed hesitation, engagement in higher gears is abnormal. No warning lights or other symptoms aside from shudder/judder/hesitation. Vehicle currently available for inspection. Vehicle had less than 76,000 miles when issue first started.
Steering, Oct 24, 2021
When turning into my subdivision off of a main road, my power steering completely failed when turning and I was stuck horizontally in the road. Luckily nobody was coming otherwise I would have been t-boned. There was no warning until after I was stuck that there was a “power steering failure” and it only flashed for a moment. I had my entire steering rack replaced 4 months ago because of the same issue.
Engine, Oct 22, 2021
Engine started missing getting on the interstate, almost got rear ended. Come to find out it has water in the cylinder. Which Ford has TSB out for it. Definitely needs recalled. My family could’ve been severely injured.
Power train, Oct 20, 2021
I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the car started bucking and revving to 4,000 rpm and would not go at highway speed. It continued to fluctuate the rpms but drop in speed. I had to pull over, shut off the car and restart. It drove for a little bit, started bucking again, revved to 4,000 rpms and lost power as I was trying to get off the exit - almost stalling in the turn. I had to pull over again, shut it off and restart. It went for a little bit then started revving like crazy, dropped speed quickly and then completely shut down. There were no warning lights, no check engine lights, no messages until the car finally died and it flashed a transmission problem. I have had the car from new and have always serviced it at the Ford Dealer. It has 98,000 miles and was told that is needs a transmission.
Engine, Oct 18, 2021
The check engine system alerted me to the vehicle overheating. I immediately turned off the engine and checked the fluid level. The coolant reservoir was empty. I added the appropriate coolant to the indicated fill line. The engine temperature returned to normal so I continued to drive and monitor the situation. Later in the day, I noticed white smoke emitting from the tailpipes. I know this to be a possible sign of coolant or water/fluid mixing with the oil. I parked the vehicle out of fear of permanent damage and scheduled service for the following morning. After diagnostics were run on the vehicle, it was determined coolant intruded into one or more cylinders and the head had cracked. Research shows that the problem is known by Ford (see tsb 19-2346) but Ford never notified me of the problem putting my family and myself at risk.
Engine, Oct 18, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her mother was driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the driver was informed of an engine misfire. The contact stated while driving the engine hot message was displayed. The RPM increased to high. The contact pulled over and noticed that the coolant was low. The driver added additional coolant however, the next day the fluid was low. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was concerned about the vehicle catching on fire or causing a crash. The contact associated the failure with TSB 19-2139 and 18-23553. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Wheels, Oct 11, 2021
Had an increasingly loud wheel noise and pulled over to check tires. Passenger rear wheel lugs were noticeably loose. Could not get the Ford supplied jack-handle wrench on the the lug nuts. Tried a 4-way wrench and still could not get it on. Gave up and called AAA. The technician also could get get his impact wrench on the nuts to tighten them. Using an oversized socket, he did get some turning but the damaged lug nuts could not be tightened. We found 4 of 5 on that wheel, and at least 2 on every other wheel to be loose and not able to be tightened at the roadside. The vehicle was unsafe to drive, or be towed without a flat-bed recovery vehicle. The dealer had the gall to charge me $5/each for 20 new lug nuts that are just the same kind and will no doubt also have the same problem in a few years. Of course, I'll be replacing them soon with solid piece after market products. 1. Ford has been using these 2-piece lug nuts, knowing there is a problem for many years. 2. This vehicle was inspected at the dealer less than 3 months prior. They should have known to check this and replaced them at that time. They did not. 3. This wheel should not have been loose in the first place. The dealer was the last one with the wheels off during inspection and rotation. They did not even acknowledge that problem. EVERY single FORD dealer -- but especially those in the Northeastern US where corrosive materials are applied to the road in winter -- should be inspecting these defective lug nuts every time they see the vehicle. Simple putting the right sized socket on each nut to see if it fits would have been sufficient. Ford should be replacing defective lug nuts at their expense.