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2017 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,155 reports with mileage · 1,522 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 1,564 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 390 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

39 crash reports15 fire reports38 injury reports

Engine complaints

1,564 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2025
Engine

Coolant intrusion at only 56,000 miles due to defective engine design. Engine replacement is the only remedy. This has been happening to cars with as little as 20,000 miles. Ford knows about it, there is a TSB that says the repair is "replace engine." At a cost of ~$10,000. Ford can't be allowed to sell cars with defective engin…

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Coolant intrusion at only 56,000 miles due to defective engine design. Engine replacement is the only remedy. This has been happening to cars with as little as 20,000 miles. Ford knows about it, there is a TSB that says the repair is "replace engine." At a cost of ~$10,000. Ford can't be allowed to sell cars with defective engines that fail at low mileage saddling consumers with astronomical repair fees. These vehicles can catch fire or leave someone stranded in the middle of nowhere, as well. It's absolutely outrageous that there has not been a recall with how many vehicles have been affected. The government needs to step in and help people. I have tried to upload files, but the site won't let me.

NHTSA ODI #11676004

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2025
Engine

In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 …

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In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 code, rough idle, and loss of power. This time the dealership found suspended metals in the oil, and discovered scoring in the chambers. They refuse to look at the cam phasers or belt to see if there is wear or damage.

NHTSA ODI #11675960

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2025
Engine

Engine is being less powerful and losing coolant like crazy, looked up what issue is and these engines are known to leak coolant into the engine, in the long run ruining the engine, mine is misfiring and running awful at this point, tried to have ford do something and they acknowledged it’s an issue but won’t do anything without…

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Engine is being less powerful and losing coolant like crazy, looked up what issue is and these engines are known to leak coolant into the engine, in the long run ruining the engine, mine is misfiring and running awful at this point, tried to have ford do something and they acknowledged it’s an issue but won’t do anything without me paying thousands of dollars

NHTSA ODI #11675660

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2025
Engine

The problem with my 2017 Ford Escape began in June 2021 (mileage 65652) when the engine warning light came on and there was white exhaust smoke. Our local mechanic tried various actions to determine why the engine light was on, such as performing a GDI treatment for carbon buildup, but over the summer months none of his action…

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The problem with my 2017 Ford Escape began in June 2021 (mileage 65652) when the engine warning light came on and there was white exhaust smoke. Our local mechanic tried various actions to determine why the engine light was on, such as performing a GDI treatment for carbon buildup, but over the summer months none of his actions were successful but each action was an incurred expense. By August 30, 2021, a new warning appeared “High Engine Temp. Stop Safely”. At this point our mechanic found a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost engine coolant in cylinders and my car was towed to our local Ford dealership in Prince Frederick, MD. The Ford dealership verified our concern as follows: “Tech Notes: Verified Concern, Check Engine Light Missfire Code Cylinder #3. Remove Plug, Coolant Fouled. Coolant Intrusion. Ford Assisting Customer on Repair. CAS-33032232-M8C9Z8. Remove and Replace Long Block Assembly. Test Drive After Repair. Concern Corrected. Approval Code MSPA102662” Answers to Your Questions: (1) It's a engine failure (2) Potential of sudden stops with engine failure (3) Ford Dealer inspected my engine and verified the problem and Ford corporate issued Technical Bulletins on problems with Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost engine (4) Yes, engine warning light and High engine temp light with instruction to stop safely06/23/2021.

NHTSA ODI #11675406

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2025
Engine

Coolant intrusion into engine causing the car to over heat and break down multiple times. On going issue unable to be repaired by multiple mechanics for a year and a half. Coolant leak confirmed during diagnostic using a scope.

NHTSA ODI #11675363

69,900 miles · Jul 22, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started manually, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfir…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started manually, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred three days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,900.

NHTSA ODI #11675318

92,000 miles · Jul 22, 2025
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. T…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a cracked fuel injector had leaked fuel into cylinder #3, creating a hole in the cylinder and the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #11675299

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2025
Engine

Known issue with coolant intrusion into EcoBoost engines

NHTSA ODI #11675177

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2025
Engine

The engine block of this vehicle is suspected of having a coolant loss/coolant intrusion fault per my independent, certified mechanic. Issues began about a year ago, before 70,000 miles. Several trips to the Ford dealer did not yield any helpful information. This issue started with an occasional misfire or rough idle on startup.…

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The engine block of this vehicle is suspected of having a coolant loss/coolant intrusion fault per my independent, certified mechanic. Issues began about a year ago, before 70,000 miles. Several trips to the Ford dealer did not yield any helpful information. This issue started with an occasional misfire or rough idle on startup. A MIL engine scanner revealed code P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. The code was reset and the issue went away for a short period of time. However, it has been returning more frequently, and I've been stranded more than once out of fear of the engine overheating. Coolant consumption is higher than usual, and it is being replaced with approved Ford coolant only. An independent mechanic performed a few tests, the most basic being inspection of the plugs and cylinder, and noted possibility of coolant in cylinder 2 and 3. A midstream sample of the oil during an oil change was bottled and sent to a specialty laboratory for testing. The oil test confirms presence of small amounts of coolant in the used engine oil. My own research into the issue reveals there was a Ford TSB 19-2346, "Coolant in cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated MIL," of which I was never informed by Ford as the original owner since new purchase of the vehicle in 2017.

NHTSA ODI #11675143

120,000 miles · Jul 21, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling at several different gas stations, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact added fuel cleaner to the fuel tank. The contact stated that …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling at several different gas stations, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact added fuel cleaner to the fuel tank. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11675110

Official recalls

4

26V374000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

16V617000 · Electrical System:software; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Aug 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

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."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems