← New search

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 →

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
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2024
Engine

Timing belt and/or tensioner failed and destroyed the engine. Mechanic said it may be impossible to know the cause but something that should not happen. No warning lights or symptoms until catastrophic failure. Belt broke, made a noise as it was hitting other parts in the engine and the car stopped. We were lucky we were pulling…

Read full complaint

Timing belt and/or tensioner failed and destroyed the engine. Mechanic said it may be impossible to know the cause but something that should not happen. No warning lights or symptoms until catastrophic failure. Belt broke, made a noise as it was hitting other parts in the engine and the car stopped. We were lucky we were pulling into the garage and not on the interstate. The car only had 46,000 miles well kept and maintained. Ford does not even recommend inspecting the timing belt until 150,000 miles. Other 2017 ford escapes with eco boost are known to have coolant leakage that destroys the engines as well as other issues. Ford made some of those right and even extended warranties but mine was not included and past warranty. Ford refused to escalate my complaint. We only owned the car for 5 years putting only 15k miles on it rarely leaving town. The dealer estimate was a whooping $10889.23. We hadn’t even finished making payments

NHTSA ODI #11615530

66,000 miles · Sep 19, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #11615374

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2024
Engine

Head gasket failure while under 100k miles. Replacement costing more than the value of the 6 year old vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11615091

112,000 miles · Sep 17, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to arrive to the destination. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to arrive to the destination. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #11615083

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2024
Engine

Check engine light illuminated followed by service immediately light Ford garage pressure tested and overnight the coolant psi dropped 5 psi overnight Ford garage indicated that they removed spark plugs and found coolant in the cylinder Ford garage indicated "leak intrusion, these engines had issues for this" suggesting it is…

Read full complaint

Check engine light illuminated followed by service immediately light Ford garage pressure tested and overnight the coolant psi dropped 5 psi overnight Ford garage indicated that they removed spark plugs and found coolant in the cylinder Ford garage indicated "leak intrusion, these engines had issues for this" suggesting it is a common engine problem not an isolated incident Ford garage mentioned that they have created a revised block to address the failure of the jacket by eliminating the coolant jacket that fails and causes the leak Recommendation from Ford garage was engine replacement, a long block replacement Cost of recommended repair estimated at $11,223

NHTSA ODI #11615051

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2024
Engine

Component malfunctioning is the engine cylinder 2. EcoBoost engines can break or catch on fire causing an accident. Yes, apparently a known issue. There is a current class action lawsuit in the state of California about this exact situation. Yes. Cylinder 2 started to miss fire on March 2024, took it to the shop thinking it need…

Read full complaint

Component malfunctioning is the engine cylinder 2. EcoBoost engines can break or catch on fire causing an accident. Yes, apparently a known issue. There is a current class action lawsuit in the state of California about this exact situation. Yes. Cylinder 2 started to miss fire on March 2024, took it to the shop thinking it needed new coils or spark plugs replacement. That did not solve the issue. Took it back because engine light turned on September 2024 and that's when i was told about the coolant leaking into the cylinder and how it was a known issue with the EcoBoost engines that my vehicle had.

NHTSA ODI #11615029

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2024
Engine

I was driving from work on 9/12/2024 and the check engine light began flashing, car shaking, and began to have difficulties to accelerate. I got home, set up a tow, and the following day was told my engine failed due to no compression on cylinder 2. It was towed today on 9/16 to ford and they basically told me they likely won’t …

Read full complaint

I was driving from work on 9/12/2024 and the check engine light began flashing, car shaking, and began to have difficulties to accelerate. I got home, set up a tow, and the following day was told my engine failed due to no compression on cylinder 2. It was towed today on 9/16 to ford and they basically told me they likely won’t do anything after diagnosing it. A 7 year old car with 94,000 miles taken care of amazingly has complete engine failure. Why is there no help for people in these situations?! Please help

NHTSA ODI #11614942

88,700 miles · Sep 16, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when started, the vehicle ran rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where a handheld diagnostic machine determined a failure in cylinder #3. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when started, the vehicle ran rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where a handheld diagnostic machine determined a failure in cylinder #3. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed; however, the spark plugs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,700.

NHTSA ODI #11614908

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2024
Engine

have a 2017 ford escape titanium that has only 96000 something on it that needs a engine replace....now my car sit in my yard as a ornament...loved that car but can't afford to put the engine in plus pay to put the engine in....engine light came on and say miss fire...cause by a # piston ....i wish something coud be done anot th…

Read full complaint

have a 2017 ford escape titanium that has only 96000 something on it that needs a engine replace....now my car sit in my yard as a ornament...loved that car but can't afford to put the engine in plus pay to put the engine in....engine light came on and say miss fire...cause by a # piston ....i wish something coud be done anot that....

NHTSA ODI #11614747

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Coolant leaking into cylinders, smell coolant through vents, smoke from exhaust, film of exhaust coming into front windshield, turbo charger 1, under boost, car just stopped accelerating

NHTSA ODI #11614587

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