IllustrationI have a coolant leak into one of the cylinders of the engine block. It causes a rough start in the morning when the car is sitting overnight. The check engne light has also been on.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1510–25K
17625–50K
30450–75K
25375–100K
237100–150K
34150K+
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 reportsCoolant intrusion into combustion chamber requires new engine. Verified by Ford dealer. Not covered by warranty. Ford technician states engine block manufacturer issue.
My check engine light came on so I took it to a Ford dealership for an inspection. After my car was inspected, they deemed my car was unsafe to drive due to extreme coolant intrusion and my engine was close to seizing up. The coolant intrusion issue was a known recall problem that I took to get fixed roughly 2 years ago and was …
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My check engine light came on so I took it to a Ford dealership for an inspection. After my car was inspected, they deemed my car was unsafe to drive due to extreme coolant intrusion and my engine was close to seizing up. The coolant intrusion issue was a known recall problem that I took to get fixed roughly 2 years ago and was assured that the problem was fixed.
Coolant leaking into cylinder number 3
My 2017 Ford Escape has approx. 88k miles on it. The check engine light illuminated the week of 11/10/2024 and the engine began sputtering and experiencing significant disruptions in performance. I took it to the dealer and was told that there was a coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and said the only fix was the replace the engin…
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My 2017 Ford Escape has approx. 88k miles on it. The check engine light illuminated the week of 11/10/2024 and the engine began sputtering and experiencing significant disruptions in performance. I took it to the dealer and was told that there was a coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and said the only fix was the replace the engine block, costing $8,700. I have decided against fixing it since that's basically the value of the car. I know that this is a known issue with Ford Escapes, and am disappointed that Ford has not decided to remedy the problem.
The Ford Escapes are having issues with cylinder misfires. This is prevalent in model years from 2012 to 2019. This impacts engine power and possible engine failure. This has been reported to the local Ford Dealership. The service advisor even acknowledged that this is a common problem, and he then proceeded to check if this iss…
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The Ford Escapes are having issues with cylinder misfires. This is prevalent in model years from 2012 to 2019. This impacts engine power and possible engine failure. This has been reported to the local Ford Dealership. The service advisor even acknowledged that this is a common problem, and he then proceeded to check if this issue has an open recall. It does not. I had my mechanic replace: all coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, camshaft sensor, and crankshaft sensor. This did not fix the problem. Yes, the check engine light comes on. I purchase vehicles from auction sites. On inspection reports for Ford Escapes, the majority of them have cylinder misfires as code P030_. This cannot be to lack of maintenance. This is an issue with Ford ENGINES.
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon her mother starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to smoke. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven by the mechanic to the s…
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The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon her mother starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to smoke. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven by the mechanic to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engin…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Car began putting out heavy grey exhaust. Occurred twice at the beach and thought it related to the high temperature. Returned home and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Three weeks later, I went to turn on the car, the car immediately began to shudder violently and the check engine light kicked on. I immediately turned off t…
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Car began putting out heavy grey exhaust. Occurred twice at the beach and thought it related to the high temperature. Returned home and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Three weeks later, I went to turn on the car, the car immediately began to shudder violently and the check engine light kicked on. I immediately turned off the car and got it to a Lincoln dealer. It was covered under extended warranty, but they held my car to replace the engine for 3 months. Had to pressure the dealership to get a loaner for the 2.5 months.
Coolant leaked into cylinder 1.
Official recalls
426V374000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.