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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 · Feb 6, 2025
EnginePower Train

Transmission failed at 96,000 miles requiring replacement Cracked/bad cylinder block at 110,000 requiring replacement Ford knows of engine problem (Technical Service Bulletin 22-2322) will not assist with repair Repair invoices available upon request

NHTSA ODI #11641166

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2025
Engine

My daughter told me our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium’s engine light came on. She said the engine was sputtering and losing power. I scheduled an appointment with Ford the next day, and paid for them to do a diagnostic on the vehicle. The vehicle has 105k miles on it. They said the engine had coolant intrusion in cylinder number…

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My daughter told me our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium’s engine light came on. She said the engine was sputtering and losing power. I scheduled an appointment with Ford the next day, and paid for them to do a diagnostic on the vehicle. The vehicle has 105k miles on it. They said the engine had coolant intrusion in cylinder number one. The engine needs to be replaced, it’s out of warranty, and would cost $8,000 to replace, I was expecting the vehicle to last until 200k miles with proper servicing , and the repair is more than the value of the vehicle. Now the vehicle is sitting in my driveway, since I don’t want anyone driving it on the highway with an engine that loses power and could go at any time.

NHTSA ODI #11640850

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2025
Engine

Check engine light flashing, took to a local mechanic and need the whole engine replaced due to an internal coolant leak. Coolant level was low so the car overheated. Couple days later it was empty again

NHTSA ODI #11640712

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2025
Engine

My vehicle leaks coolant and shakes while accelerating. It sometimes struggles to accelerate at all as it steadily misfires. This would put me and my family at risk even when trying to leave our driveway or turn off our street. The leaking coolant has been confirmed by a dealer and independent service center since it started in …

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My vehicle leaks coolant and shakes while accelerating. It sometimes struggles to accelerate at all as it steadily misfires. This would put me and my family at risk even when trying to leave our driveway or turn off our street. The leaking coolant has been confirmed by a dealer and independent service center since it started in 2023. They confirmed that it is identical symptoms to what they see relating to TSB 20-2100 (19-2375 before that). Ford continues to deny that this vehicle is attached to this TSB. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. There was no warning prior to the symptoms first appearance, the Check Engine light illuminated only after issues began to arise.

NHTSA ODI #11640504

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2025
Engine

I was advised by the Ford dealership that my engine needs to be replaced due to a coolant leak into the engine. This is a known issue for this vehicle. This car has a little over 98k miles on it. There is a board post about this issue TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Il…

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I was advised by the Ford dealership that my engine needs to be replaced due to a coolant leak into the engine. This is a known issue for this vehicle. This car has a little over 98k miles on it. There is a board post about this issue TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 22-2229 09 June 2022 I was told there is no recall for this issue even thought they know it is an issue and the cost to replace is over 8k. I called and spoke to the corporate office as well and they told me they will not cover it. This is an issue for a lot of people and sadly there is still no recall. This is not fair that I have to pay more to get the vehicle fixed than the vehicle Is worth. The Ford company should be held responsible for an issue they know is not a fault of the customer.

NHTSA ODI #11640277

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2025
Engine

The vehicle was bucking and shaking after turning the key in the ignition. It lurched and drove shakily, and the next time the vehicle was started, the engine failed to begin running, and an "engine fault" light instructing the driver to "service now" was displayed. At this time, a loud, liquid sloshing noise was heard coming fr…

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The vehicle was bucking and shaking after turning the key in the ignition. It lurched and drove shakily, and the next time the vehicle was started, the engine failed to begin running, and an "engine fault" light instructing the driver to "service now" was displayed. At this time, a loud, liquid sloshing noise was heard coming from the direction of the dashboard. In subsequent attempts to later start the car, the car did start, and ran, but when taken to a mechanic, it was revealed that a coolant intrusion occurred without any perceptible cause, of severity enough to completely ruin the engine and necessitate its rebuild or repair.

NHTSA ODI #11639242

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2025
Engine

After almost a year of problems, the Ford Dealership just diagnosed the car with coolant intrusion. It will cost $8000 for a new engine. This is a known Ford Escape 2017 problem, and Ford won’t do anything about the issue. Right now it’s available for inspection, but I’m going to have to get rid of it soon as it is a hazard an…

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After almost a year of problems, the Ford Dealership just diagnosed the car with coolant intrusion. It will cost $8000 for a new engine. This is a known Ford Escape 2017 problem, and Ford won’t do anything about the issue. Right now it’s available for inspection, but I’m going to have to get rid of it soon as it is a hazard and not reliable.

NHTSA ODI #11639233

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025
Engine

I own a 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L, and my mechanic recently diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. This issue has caused potential risks to the engine’s performance and longevity. I discovered that many other Ford Escape owners have reported the same issue online, particularly with models equipped with 1.5L…

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I own a 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0L, and my mechanic recently diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. This issue has caused potential risks to the engine’s performance and longevity. I discovered that many other Ford Escape owners have reported the same issue online, particularly with models equipped with 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Despite this widespread issue, Ford has only issued a recall and Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) for the 1.5L engine, leaving owners of 2.0L vehicles like mine without coverage.

NHTSA ODI #11638792

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025
Engine

Missfire from coolent leaking in engine

NHTSA ODI #11638766

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Engine

It has a known defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine's cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which results in engine failure. Ford failed to disclose these defects creating a safety risk, because of the lack of coolant created by these leaks causes overheating, cylinder head cracking…

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It has a known defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine's cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution, and contamination, which results in engine failure. Ford failed to disclose these defects creating a safety risk, because of the lack of coolant created by these leaks causes overheating, cylinder head cracking and engine failure, or engine fires. After the check engine light came on, the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer, they then replaced the ignition coil and spark plug for the number 3 cylinder. They had to do this twice because upon leaving the dealership, the check engine light came on again and they said they could only use OEM parts. The 3rd time the engine light came on, it was inspected again by the manufacturer, it was then disclosed about the known defect that the coolant leaking into the engine's cylinders causes engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11637947

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