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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

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

8 reports
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65,000 miles · Oct 22, 2025
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate could be opened manually or with the key fob. The contact stated that depressing the button near the tailgate failed to open the tailgate. The tailgate ajar message was displayed. The …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate could be opened manually or with the key fob. The contact stated that depressing the button near the tailgate failed to open the tailgate. The tailgate ajar message was displayed. The contact attempted to resolve the issue by changing the key fob battery, but the issue persisted. The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11695049

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2025
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the liftgate switch was activated to unlatch and open the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to open as intended. The contact stated the failure was initially inter…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the liftgate switch was activated to unlatch and open the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to open as intended. The contact stated the failure was initially intermittent but became a persistent failure. The liftgate had since become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that a diagnostic test fee would be charged to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11666054

99,430 miles · Sep 23, 2024
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door latch had failed, and the door failed to securely close. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not includ…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door latch had failed, and the door failed to securely close. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,430.

NHTSA ODI #11616002

22,400 miles · Oct 16, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to remain closed. The tailgate also occasionally failed to open as needed. The gate-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to remain closed. The tailgate also occasionally failed to open as needed. The gate-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to assist. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,400.

NHTSA ODI #11550102

2,000 miles · Aug 11, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the rear hatch door was opened for the contact to remove an item from the vehicle, the rear hatch door inadvertently lowered and struck her ankles. The contact was not seriously injured. On another occasion, while attempting to open the rear hatch door, the door …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the rear hatch door was opened for the contact to remove an item from the vehicle, the rear hatch door inadvertently lowered and struck her ankles. The contact was not seriously injured. On another occasion, while attempting to open the rear hatch door, the door failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic forcefully opened the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unsure what had caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ODI #11537881

55,000 miles · Feb 17, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the interior lights remained illuminated, due to the liftgate failing to close securely. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she replaced the key fob, lubricated the door latch assembly, and replaced th…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the interior lights remained illuminated, due to the liftgate failing to close securely. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she replaced the key fob, lubricated the door latch assembly, and replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware that the vehicle warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11507891

43,000 miles · Sep 19, 2022
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when parked the lift gate would independently start to close while she was loading the trunk. The contact stated that the lift gate failure had become constant and eventually became locked and could not be raised or lowered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminat…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when parked the lift gate would independently start to close while she was loading the trunk. The contact stated that the lift gate failure had become constant and eventually became locked and could not be raised or lowered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who determined that the lift gate automatic system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #11485329

300 miles · May 12, 2020
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR AFTER PULLING ON THE HANDLE TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE DOOR LOCK WAS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE CONTA…

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TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR AFTER PULLING ON THE HANDLE TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE DOOR LOCK WAS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE CONTACT SECURED THE DOOR WITH A ROPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300.

NHTSA ODI #11324272

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