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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 · Jan 5, 2025
Engine

The coolant was leaking into the injectors. Now my engine is totaled.

NHTSA ODI #11634152

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My 2017 Ford Escape has a 1.5L EcoBoost engine that has been leaking fuel into my cylinders. My mechanic says I'm lucky it didn't cause a fire while I was driving it. Due to the damage, I now have to replace my long block engine, quoted at $11.2K. A week after I bought the car in late May 2024, the car began to smell of gasoline…

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My 2017 Ford Escape has a 1.5L EcoBoost engine that has been leaking fuel into my cylinders. My mechanic says I'm lucky it didn't cause a fire while I was driving it. Due to the damage, I now have to replace my long block engine, quoted at $11.2K. A week after I bought the car in late May 2024, the car began to smell of gasoline whenever I used my A/C, which I rarely do. A constant problem I've experienced since purchasing this car is misfiring, specifically cylinder two misfires. Ford needs to recall these engines, as I believe their design is faulty and these problems could have been prevented. The longer they refuse to acknowledge the problem they've caused, the more time unsuspecting people such as myself can drive around their new Fords and potentially have their cars burst into flames.

NHTSA ODI #11633936

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
Engine

The engine blew up while driving down the road full of traffic. Smoke bellowed out of the back. I managed to move over 2 lanes to get out of the traffic into a parking light where it died. It could have been much worse as no one was hurt no colisions. we had it towed to by son's house who confirmed that a hole had been blown thr…

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The engine blew up while driving down the road full of traffic. Smoke bellowed out of the back. I managed to move over 2 lanes to get out of the traffic into a parking light where it died. It could have been much worse as no one was hurt no colisions. we had it towed to by son's house who confirmed that a hole had been blown thru the block. It would not start. Pieces of metal and oil on the inside. It would of course not start. Other technicians have confirmed that there is a design fault in those engines that causes the engine to fail in this manner. There was mo previous warning , no oil or coolant leaks no warning signals.it is presently available for inspection but I have not taken it to a dealer because they have not offered any help other than oh well...my Vin has no recalls and they want $200 to look at it and $8500 to replace the motor. What are my options. I want to file a complaint at the least. If I get rod of the car I assume I will have no option but it's not worth that cost to repair it.

NHTSA ODI #11633807

96,000 miles · Jan 2, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stopped unintendedly. The engine fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fail…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stopped unintendedly. The engine fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633755

122,000 miles · Jan 2, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engin…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633610

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

My ford escape was diagnosed 12/31/2024 with a slight coolant intrusion. The dealership said my escape would require a new short block engine at the tune of $7555.28. I still owe $5800. I bought my car 12/2020 from a ford dealership with 3rd party extended warranty with 45k and now vehicle has 72k. Ive been having vehicle s…

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My ford escape was diagnosed 12/31/2024 with a slight coolant intrusion. The dealership said my escape would require a new short block engine at the tune of $7555.28. I still owe $5800. I bought my car 12/2020 from a ford dealership with 3rd party extended warranty with 45k and now vehicle has 72k. Ive been having vehicle serviced at different ford dealership located closer to my house.

NHTSA ODI #11633496

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
Engine

98 thousand miles Vin [XXX] I am the owner The car is being worked on at the Red engine company in Olney Maryland. The engine is in the state of repair For 2 weeks. I bought the car at white Marsh Ford dealership 4 yrs ago. Had extended Warranty, which has expired. I called ford 3 weeks ago about a engine procedure, not re…

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98 thousand miles Vin [XXX] I am the owner The car is being worked on at the Red engine company in Olney Maryland. The engine is in the state of repair For 2 weeks. I bought the car at white Marsh Ford dealership 4 yrs ago. Had extended Warranty, which has expired. I called ford 3 weeks ago about a engine procedure, not recall on this vehicle and they said the replacement was only for engines specifically made at a specific plant. My Vin number was not covered. I had to do something, so I contacted an engine specialist company to suggest a solution. I am retired, [XXX] and can not afford to purchase another car. I paid 17 thousand for this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11633481

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2024
Engine

At 29,314 miles, we experienced total engine failure where cylinder #2 failed and the whole engine failed and needed replaced. This car had impeccable maintenance and engine failure was not due to lack of maintenance. This was an issue with the engine itself and should not have happened.

NHTSA ODI #11633366

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Engine

After 97,000 trouble free miles, the engine quit working. I took the car into the nearest Ford dealer service department. They concluded there was coolant intrusion to the cylinders, and I need to replace the motor with a long block. After looking into my issue I find this is a common and well documented issue with the Ford EcoB…

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After 97,000 trouble free miles, the engine quit working. I took the car into the nearest Ford dealer service department. They concluded there was coolant intrusion to the cylinders, and I need to replace the motor with a long block. After looking into my issue I find this is a common and well documented issue with the Ford EcoBoost 3.0 engine. Ford customer service in Dearborn told me Ford knows about this issue but is offering no recalls at this time. I believe Ford should share some of the repair cost as this is an engine with a known faulty design, Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11633225

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Engine

mode code P0316 (random misfire), coolant leaks into #1 and #3 cylinders, requires long block engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11633199

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