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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

72 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

3-4 times a year my 2017 Ford Escape doesn't automatically start after auto stop start turns the engine off and i have to shift into park and restart the car. This has happened basically since new.

NHTSA ODI #11468103

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I’ve had my 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost since December 3, 2020, I first noticed a problem around late November 2021 (after Thanksgiving). I would put fuel in my car and it would putter (idled low) when I started it back up. As this issue became progressively worse, I began to notice around mid January 2022 that I would have to r…

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I’ve had my 2017 Ford Escape EcoBoost since December 3, 2020, I first noticed a problem around late November 2021 (after Thanksgiving). I would put fuel in my car and it would putter (idled low) when I started it back up. As this issue became progressively worse, I began to notice around mid January 2022 that I would have to refill my antifreeze at least once per 2wks but there wasn’t any leakage on the ground, check engine light came on but went off on its own a few days later. In late March 2022 the check engine light came back on and stayed on, so on May 23, 2022 I took it to CarX for an engine diagnosis. The diagnostic revealed misfire codes concerning #4 coil and to replace sparks plugs, also an EVAP Purge Valve Solenoid Assembly would be required (I have an image of the print-out for the diagnostic). I’ve had the #4 coil and spark plugs replaced by a reputable mechanic (on 6/1/2022), ordered the purge valve solenoid (which hasn’t arrived yet), and I have had the air filter replaced. In spite, of these initial repairs the car has run hot (on 6/4/2022), and the radiator reservoir is extremely low. When it did start this morning (6/5/2022), it took 3 tries for the engine to turn over, and there was blueish white smoke coming from the tail pipe. I’ve researched the vin number and noticed that there are no recalls, despite numerous complaints of this nature. Sadly, now my vehicle won’t start at all.

NHTSA ODI #11467642

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Upon parking the vehicle in my driveway, the vehicle would not turn off after turning off he ignition and removing the key. All the dash lights were on as the would be normally and the engine remained running. Tired everything including in and out of gear, driving, turned key on and off several times, tired both keys. Googled a…

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Upon parking the vehicle in my driveway, the vehicle would not turn off after turning off he ignition and removing the key. All the dash lights were on as the would be normally and the engine remained running. Tired everything including in and out of gear, driving, turned key on and off several times, tired both keys. Googled and seen there had been similar issues with earlier models that resulted in a recall, but this is a 2017. Found some online suggestions and after an hour figured out where the fuel pump fuse was and removed it and the engine stopped. The dash still stayed lit up and had a warning to get engine serviced. Put key in ignition and turned to run not start position and vehicle cranked and tried to start. Could not get dash console to power down or look the doors, the horn would beep twice every time I tried to lock the doors. Ended up disconnecting the battery to kill the power to everything. Plan to take it to Ford today if I can get it started again.

NHTSA ODI #11423544

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

The purge valve sylanoid is malfunctioning. Every dealership and auto store in my town is out of the part and backordered, which tells me this is a common problem.

NHTSA ODI #11419229

75,000 miles · Mar 25, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

AFTER FILLING MY GAS TANK AND STOPPING FUELING WHEN THE GAS PUMP STOPS, THE CAR BEGINS TO ACT LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN I START DRIVING. THE RPMS WILL DROP DOWN FROM 1250 TO AROUND 300-400 AND SHOOT BACK UP. THIS WILL ONLY LAST FOR ABOUT A MILE OR TWO OF DRIVING AND GO AWAY. IT IS HAPPENING CONSISTENTLY AND OTHER INTERNET U…

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AFTER FILLING MY GAS TANK AND STOPPING FUELING WHEN THE GAS PUMP STOPS, THE CAR BEGINS TO ACT LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN I START DRIVING. THE RPMS WILL DROP DOWN FROM 1250 TO AROUND 300-400 AND SHOOT BACK UP. THIS WILL ONLY LAST FOR ABOUT A MILE OR TWO OF DRIVING AND GO AWAY. IT IS HAPPENING CONSISTENTLY AND OTHER INTERNET USERS APPEAR TO HAVE ISSUES WITH COMPLETELY STALLING. IT APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY "VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE."

NHTSA ODI #11404858

65,000 miles · Feb 6, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE SAME IGNITION COIL/SPARK PLUG COMPLEX WHERE THE ENGINE WILL MISFIRE ON A COLD START. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME IT FAILS WITHIN 3 WEEKS. I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE PRESSURE TESTED AND THERE ARE NO ISSUES THAT WOULD CAUSE MISFIRING. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FEEDBACK ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11394963

46,600 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

I'M GETTING A GAS SMELL IN MY VEHICLE IT GETTING STRONGER WHEN I TURN ON MY HEATER OR DEFROSTER .WHEN I SHUT MY CAR OFF THERES STILL A GAS SMELL PURCHASED THE CAR IN THE SUMMER SO THERE WAS NO NEED FOR THE HEATER OR DEFROSTER ONCE I STARTED NOTICED IT WHEN COOLER WEATHER STARTED

NHTSA ODI #11366978

70,000 miles · Apr 9, 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND STALL THE EVAP SYSTEM WAS FAULTY THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND STALL. ALSO AFTER REFUELING THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND STALL THE EVAP SYSTEM WAS FAULTY THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND STALL. ALSO AFTER REFUELING THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE EVAP SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE PURGE SOLENOID, CANISTER, AND THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11320638

46,100 miles · Feb 5, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING LOUD NOISES FROM THE FUEL TANK WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS (20 AND UNDER) AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE RPM GOES VERY LOW, ALMOST STALLING OUT. PURGE VALVE AND CANISTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AND ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FORD FUSION HAS HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE, AND MY VEHICLE FALL…

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VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING LOUD NOISES FROM THE FUEL TANK WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS (20 AND UNDER) AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE RPM GOES VERY LOW, ALMOST STALLING OUT. PURGE VALVE AND CANISTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AND ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FORD FUSION HAS HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE, AND MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE YEARS RECALLED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WHEN SPEAKING WITH OTHERS WHOSE VEHICLE IS AROUND THE SAME YEAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE AS I HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR 3 DAYS AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT ABLE TO BE LOCATED UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE A VIDEO.

NHTSA ODI #11307333

26,000 miles · Dec 9, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN, THE ECO BOOST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF. DURING THE FAILURE, THE MESSAGE "PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY" WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN, THE ECO BOOST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF. DURING THE FAILURE, THE MESSAGE "PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY" WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. SKYLINE FORD (2510 COMMERCIAL ST. SE, SALEM, OR) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11287953

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