IllustrationTHE TURBOS WENT OUT AT 7,000 MILES. AND NOW MY ENGINE LOSES POWER AND OIL DISAPPEARS OUT OF MOTOR. ONLY 27,000 NOW AND BOUGHT IT DEC 2017. NOT EVEN 1 YEAR AND A HALF OLD. VERY DISAPPOINTED. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR BECAUSE MY OLD ONE BROKE DOWN ALL THE TIME .
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
153 reportsCAR IS RANDOMLY JUMPING TO OVERHEAT AFTER BEING IN MOTION. APPROX 5 MINS OF BEING ON. THEN VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND CUTTING ITSELF OFF. DRIVING OUT OF AN APARTMENT DRIVEWAY. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE COOLANT LEAKING, HOWEVER IT "SOLVED ITSELF" AND I WAS SENT ON MY WAY. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. UPON RESEARCH, IT SEEM…
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CAR IS RANDOMLY JUMPING TO OVERHEAT AFTER BEING IN MOTION. APPROX 5 MINS OF BEING ON. THEN VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND CUTTING ITSELF OFF. DRIVING OUT OF AN APARTMENT DRIVEWAY. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE COOLANT LEAKING, HOWEVER IT "SOLVED ITSELF" AND I WAS SENT ON MY WAY. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. UPON RESEARCH, IT SEEMS AS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORDS.
WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS FAILING. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT IT SHAKING. I COULD MAINTAIN A SPEED OF ABOUT 50MPH WITHOUT THE SHAKING. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS TAKING TOO MUCH POWER FROM THE ENGINE SO I…
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WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS FAILING. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT IT SHAKING. I COULD MAINTAIN A SPEED OF ABOUT 50MPH WITHOUT THE SHAKING. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS TAKING TOO MUCH POWER FROM THE ENGINE SO I TURNED IT OFF, BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP THE ISSUE. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING ON AND OFF. IT WAS VERY SCARY. ITS HAPPENED TWICE. BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION ON MY APP THAT ANYTHING HAPPENED EXCEPT FOR A MISFIRE? EITHER WAY VERY SCARY ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN YOU'RE WITH YOUR 3 YEAR OLD.
BURNED
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR BEGIN TO LOOSE PRESSURE AND THE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR BEGIN TO SHAKE VERY BAD. SO I PULLED OVER TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN. THE CAR DROVE OKAY AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOW BUT, EVERY TIME I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT THE VEHI…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR BEGIN TO LOOSE PRESSURE AND THE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR BEGIN TO SHAKE VERY BAD. SO I PULLED OVER TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN. THE CAR DROVE OKAY AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOW BUT, EVERY TIME I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY CAME BACK ON. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE THEN AND THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIND OUT THE ISSUE. AT FIRST THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS MY WHEEL BEARING & MOTOR MOUNT, THEY REPLACED THOSE AND MY CAR STILL CONTINUE TO SHAKE WHEN STOPPING. THE SHOP IS CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO MY TRANSMISSION AS OF 3/29/2019.
DURING THE FIRES IN CA FROM 2017 &AGAIN 2018 I'VE LOGGED COMPLAINTS WITH FORD ABOUT THE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD WITH THEIR CONFIGURATION OF THE RECYCLED AIR FEATURE. THE ONLY KNOWN WAY TO KEEP THE VENTS CLOSED IS TO TURN OFF THE AIR, HAVE THE AIR ON "LO" OR HA E THE AC ON. AFTER 15 MINUTES OF AIR ON WITHOUT THE TWO SELECTED ABOV…
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DURING THE FIRES IN CA FROM 2017 &AGAIN 2018 I'VE LOGGED COMPLAINTS WITH FORD ABOUT THE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD WITH THEIR CONFIGURATION OF THE RECYCLED AIR FEATURE. THE ONLY KNOWN WAY TO KEEP THE VENTS CLOSED IS TO TURN OFF THE AIR, HAVE THE AIR ON "LO" OR HA E THE AC ON. AFTER 15 MINUTES OF AIR ON WITHOUT THE TWO SELECTED ABOVE THE VENTS OPEN BACK UP AFTER 15MIN. WITH THE AIR QUALITY BEING BAD I KEPT GETTING A MOUTH FULL OF TOXIC AIR. I'M HOPING SOMEONE CAN UPDATE THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE CYCLED AIR ON WITHOUT FORCING THE DRIVER TO ACTIVELY PRESS THE RECYCLED AIR EVERY 15MIN OR REMEMBER TO PRESS THIS BUTTON IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING YOUR CAR EVERYTIME.
THE CAR STALLS IN MIDDLE OF ROAD, SUDDENLY AND THE DASHBOARD READS TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE FIRST TIME WHEN RESTARDED THE CAR THE POWER STEERING WAS LOCKED AND THE CAR SPED UP AND HIT THE CAR AHEAD.THE CAR BEEN CHECKED BY TWO DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE DPTS AND THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE FIXED.
I HAVE THE START/STOP ON MY 17 ESCAPE. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THE AUTO START/STOP COMES ON, I WILL GET A NOTIFICATION ON THE DIGITAL SCREEN SAYING "AUTO STARTSTOP SHIFT TO P RESTART ENGINE." I WILL HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED THE PAST 5 MONTHS. IT HAS BEEN HA…
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I HAVE THE START/STOP ON MY 17 ESCAPE. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THE AUTO START/STOP COMES ON, I WILL GET A NOTIFICATION ON THE DIGITAL SCREEN SAYING "AUTO STARTSTOP SHIFT TO P RESTART ENGINE." I WILL HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED THE PAST 5 MONTHS. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY TIME I DRIVE NOW FOR THE PAST 4 WEEKS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAD THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TESTED AND THEY WERE GOOD. NO ISSUES WITH THAT.
WHEN TRYING TO START THE VECHIEL THE MESSAGE APPEARS: NO KEY FOUND, THIS IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKING SPOTS. WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN A MESSAGE APPEARED NO FRONT RADAR, GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. WENT TO CHANGE SPEED ON MY CRUSE CONTROL GOING FROM 30 TO 35 GET MESSAGE NO ACC. WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT GETA MESSAGE TELLING ME TO …
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WHEN TRYING TO START THE VECHIEL THE MESSAGE APPEARS: NO KEY FOUND, THIS IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKING SPOTS. WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN A MESSAGE APPEARED NO FRONT RADAR, GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. WENT TO CHANGE SPEED ON MY CRUSE CONTROL GOING FROM 30 TO 35 GET MESSAGE NO ACC. WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT GETA MESSAGE TELLING ME TO PUT IN PARK AND START CAR.
REAR CAMERA AUDIBLE WARNING FOR PEDESTRIANS DOES NOT DETECT PERSON FURTHER THAT 5 FEET FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. SYSTEM USED TO WARN IF A PEDESTRIAN WAS PRESENT AT A MUCH GREATER DISTANCE FROM BACK OF CAR. FORD DEALER BELIEVES 5 FEET IS ACCEPTABLE WHEN TOOK INTO SERVICE WITH THIS CONCERN.
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.