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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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138,771 miles · Dec 9, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

Check engine light came on while normal driving on highway and car immediately started running rough, power cutting out, engine sputtering. I immediately exited highway & pulled into a Ford dealership that was right off the highway. They hooked up a code reader & got a P0301 code error, misfire in cylinder 1. They said it could …

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Check engine light came on while normal driving on highway and car immediately started running rough, power cutting out, engine sputtering. I immediately exited highway & pulled into a Ford dealership that was right off the highway. They hooked up a code reader & got a P0301 code error, misfire in cylinder 1. They said it could be a number of things wrong but couldn't get my car in shop for 2 weeks. Replaced spark plugs& coil, no difference, checked fuel injection & pressure seemed ok. Did some research found that there is a known issue with the 2017 escapes 1.5 liter eco boost turbo engines involving coolant leaking into cylinders causing the same exact problem I am experiencing with my vehicle. I have done regular oil changes & other maintenance on the vehicle since purchasing in 2020 and haven't had any problems really other than having to replace the water pump prematurely in my opinion at much higher costs than I have ever seen for such repair. I still owe a decent amount in the vehicle and this break engine issue is a great hardship to me personally as it is my only vehicle and is greatly hindering my ability to travel to & from work. I cannot afford a high repair bill and by my research I'm looking at a minimum of $750 and possible engine replacement at estimated $10,000 which is more than I owe & more than the car's estimated value. Ford has always been my family's preferred choice of vehicles so I'm counting on that confidence in Ford motor co to determine if my vehicle could indeed be included among the models affected by the published recalls on the 2017 escapes so that my vehicle can be repaired at no costs and I can get back on the road and otherwise avoid losing my job & having to voluntarily surrender the vehicle in lieu of repossession. I understand that repairs are sometimes required but the issue with my vehicle seems sudden with no prior warnings and with so many same model & year escapes having the exact same problem a recall seems very likely.

NHTSA ODI #11629646

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2024
Engine

Internal coolant leak into engine

NHTSA ODI #11629589

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

-PURGE VALVE SOLENOID REPLACED TWICE FOR EVAP SYSTEN, CODE 1450 OCCURED 01/05/2021 & 05/14/2021 AND -LEAK IN RADIATOR, UNKNOWN IF BLOWN GASKET. RECEIVED MESSAGE “HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY” WITH ZERO RADIATOR FLUED IN TANK OCCURED 11/2/202. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BUT I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT…

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-PURGE VALVE SOLENOID REPLACED TWICE FOR EVAP SYSTEN, CODE 1450 OCCURED 01/05/2021 & 05/14/2021 AND -LEAK IN RADIATOR, UNKNOWN IF BLOWN GASKET. RECEIVED MESSAGE “HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY” WITH ZERO RADIATOR FLUED IN TANK OCCURED 11/2/202. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BUT I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11629511

113,658 miles · Dec 6, 2024
Engine

UNKOWN Was Driving my sons car to dealership, because there was an oil leak and transmission fluid leak. I checked the levels before i left and made sure everything was up to the required levels. After leaving it, I got a call a few days later and they told me they were surprised the car didn't catch on fire due to how bad the …

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UNKOWN Was Driving my sons car to dealership, because there was an oil leak and transmission fluid leak. I checked the levels before i left and made sure everything was up to the required levels. After leaving it, I got a call a few days later and they told me they were surprised the car didn't catch on fire due to how bad the issue was. The dealership called in the warranty claim to car shield which I have a contract with and they told me it was denied because there was a technical service bulletin number 22-2229 released on June 9'th 2022 stating the following "Summary This article supersedes TSB 22-2133 to update the Parts List. Issue: Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include 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 correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the long block engine assembly." Carshield told me the reason there wasn't a recall about this was because there are no safety concerns with this type of issue, but as I was told by the dealership they were surprised my car didn't explode as I was driving it there, I thought I should make you aware of this before a serious accident really does happen to someone. I feel there should be a recall out on this vehicle to address the issue before someone does get hurt. I am not happy with Carshield obviously, because they denied my claim for something I feel should be covered, but I feel this is a serious safety concern for individuals trying this type of vehicle. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11629319

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2024
Engine

In October, 2023 and issue with car just shutting off (no warning) in middle of road. Garage said possibly a thropple. After that nothing. October 2024 car shutting off again in middle of road . Garage can not find the problem. Meter just goes wacky. Please check in to this. Awaiting your reply.

NHTSA ODI #11629302

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2024
Engine

Vehicle had coolant intrusion in the engine causing irreversible engine damage as diagnosed by a Ford dealership's service department. Apparently this is a well known issue on these Escapes. Ford states that although there are some recalls on this vehicle for this issue, they are only covering certain VINs. I was advised by othe…

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Vehicle had coolant intrusion in the engine causing irreversible engine damage as diagnosed by a Ford dealership's service department. Apparently this is a well known issue on these Escapes. Ford states that although there are some recalls on this vehicle for this issue, they are only covering certain VINs. I was advised by others to submit my information here in hope of Ford expanding coverage for this faulty engine. We are left with a paperweight as a result of faulty engineering and pitiful customer service.

NHTSA ODI #11628832

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2024
Engine

Our 2017 ford escape is experiencing an engine coolant intrusion and causing issues with vehicles handling a performance. Our vehicle is well maintained and only 72000 miles on it. This is a known issues with the eco boost engine and is currently a class action lawsuit against ford for other vehicles with a different VIN than th…

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Our 2017 ford escape is experiencing an engine coolant intrusion and causing issues with vehicles handling a performance. Our vehicle is well maintained and only 72000 miles on it. This is a known issues with the eco boost engine and is currently a class action lawsuit against ford for other vehicles with a different VIN than the one we own. Our vehicle is meeting all the requirements but is not covered.

NHTSA ODI #11628746

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine

There was a coolant leak in to the engine that caused a head gasket issue. When we got the headgasket replaced, a month and a half later the same issue came back but this time it caused a crack in the engine block and we're now being told we need a new engine. The car only has 83000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11628445

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine

Engine service lights on and overheated. Replaced fan clutch, but same issue a week later. Repair shop stated coolant leaked into cylinder, needs engine replaced. I see online that others have had the same issue with 2017 Ford Escapes. I checked with Ford, they said to reach out to you for financial assistance as a safety issue…

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Engine service lights on and overheated. Replaced fan clutch, but same issue a week later. Repair shop stated coolant leaked into cylinder, needs engine replaced. I see online that others have had the same issue with 2017 Ford Escapes. I checked with Ford, they said to reach out to you for financial assistance as a safety issue since it is a known issue. Also seen a Ford technical bulletin 19-2139 dated November 21, 2019 for the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11628424

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Engine

An internal coolant leak has caused the engine to fail and the dealer is quoting nearly $7,000 for a new front block. A quick Google search indicates this is a known and common problem with this model/year Escape. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it but Ford is not willing to assume any responsibility. Based on our exp…

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An internal coolant leak has caused the engine to fail and the dealer is quoting nearly $7,000 for a new front block. A quick Google search indicates this is a known and common problem with this model/year Escape. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it but Ford is not willing to assume any responsibility. Based on our experience and the well-documented issues online, we believe the manufacturer should be required to implement a recall and cover repair costs for this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11628249

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