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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.

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

153 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2023
Unknown Or Other

2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.

NHTSA ODI #11508336

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2022
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

The vehicle check engine light has lit up on multiple occasions. We have had diagnoses that say "it's fine" from Ford, but we are concerned that it's not "fine" because of a code that indicates a problem with a cylinder misfire. This is a known mechanical defect in the year/make/model. However, Ford claims that our vehicle is no…

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The vehicle check engine light has lit up on multiple occasions. We have had diagnoses that say "it's fine" from Ford, but we are concerned that it's not "fine" because of a code that indicates a problem with a cylinder misfire. This is a known mechanical defect in the year/make/model. However, Ford claims that our vehicle is not in the VIN range. My teenager drives this vehicle and we are now anxious about the reliability of the car. We paid over blue book value for the vehicle. We have spent hundreds of dollars on diagnosis with independent mechanics.

NHTSA ODI #11488490

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Was driving and tax went up to 4 and only going 30 mph. It said on the dashboard about transmission I have also had an ongoing problem since I got the vehicle new with the part in the gas tank that has a vacuum seal or something. I have had the part replaced and it still continues to have problems. It will stop and say that …

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Was driving and tax went up to 4 and only going 30 mph. It said on the dashboard about transmission I have also had an ongoing problem since I got the vehicle new with the part in the gas tank that has a vacuum seal or something. I have had the part replaced and it still continues to have problems. It will stop and say that manual restart required. It makes an extremely loud noise when it does this. Also after filling up with gasoline it is very hesitant to start and takes 4-5 minutes to get it started.

NHTSA ODI #11486958

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Vehicle warning indicated to restart car. Pulled over and car did not restart. Dealership indicated that the power steering belt broke the crank sensor on the motor and if the sensor was broke it would not start. They stated that they wouldn’t look for any other issues if it was the sensor that was out and that was the reason…

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Vehicle warning indicated to restart car. Pulled over and car did not restart. Dealership indicated that the power steering belt broke the crank sensor on the motor and if the sensor was broke it would not start. They stated that they wouldn’t look for any other issues if it was the sensor that was out and that was the reason for the car not starting so they would not look further. Diagnostics was run but they only pinpointed the initial Pcode failure and worked on that specific issue. There was an open recall on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was in the shop but that was overlooked. The vehicle failed to operate properly the day AFTER I picked up the vehicle. The vehicle was driven for 5hrs, next morning the vehicle was going 25mph when the transmission became faulty. Vehicle would not accelerate past 20mph in any position. Had to tow it to another service location. Looking up vehicle history, it appears that Ford Motor company is aware that this year/model vehicle has this same issue but have been unwilling to issue a Recall or Service notice to fix/alleviate the problem. This vehicle has apx 89,000 miles and it is currently unusable. Many forums indicate they have had the SAME issue but never received any help from ford although it is a known issue. Dealership reported transmission related codes talking about ratio is incorrect. Not electrical but commanding the gears and causing a slip. Codes observed: Pcode: P0731 P0733 P0734 P0735 Transmission will require replacement as the vehicle will stop moving completely yet the dealership claims that the recall is only for the transmission shift at park and is unrelated.

NHTSA ODI #11482898

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2022
Unknown Or Other

I was driving on the highway on a hot (100*) day. I heard a loud boom. I looked at all of my windows and driver control panel, and did not see an issue. Then I heard wind, and realized it was coming from above me. The front panel of my moon roof had exploded - shattering into a million tiny pieces. The majority of the tempe…

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I was driving on the highway on a hot (100*) day. I heard a loud boom. I looked at all of my windows and driver control panel, and did not see an issue. Then I heard wind, and realized it was coming from above me. The front panel of my moon roof had exploded - shattering into a million tiny pieces. The majority of the tempering held for a short period of time, but eventually the glass collapsed in. I had an approximately 8 inch hole in my roof, and the rest was in tiny pieces, which continued to rain in until I had the glass repaired. When I heard the sound, I attempted to open the shade, and small fragments of glass rained on me. If this had been open when it occurred, this would have been disastrous. I took it to my car repair facility and it was over $1000 to have the piece of glass repaired. They confirmed that spontaneous explosion of sun/moon roofs is an issue that is increasing in frequency due to the size of these structures on cars. My insurance repaired the glass due to my "glass - full coverage." There were no prior warnings.

NHTSA ODI #11481476

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2022
Unknown Or OtherWheels

Took vehicle in for routine service and was told need new lug nuts. Said they were swollen and if we had a flat we would not be able to change our tire. We have had a problem with navigation for years. Told dealer is working with Ford for a solution, been over a year and still waiting. Phone is delayed, GPS is way off, sitti…

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Took vehicle in for routine service and was told need new lug nuts. Said they were swollen and if we had a flat we would not be able to change our tire. We have had a problem with navigation for years. Told dealer is working with Ford for a solution, been over a year and still waiting. Phone is delayed, GPS is way off, sitting in Delaware and navigation says we are in Maryland. This is a major disappointment

NHTSA ODI #11481053

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2022
Unknown Or Other

As of Monday, July 18, 2022, 2017, Ford Escape is not starting. I do not know as to why it won’t start. I have called Lamarque Ford in New Orleans, last week on July 13th and14th and kept getting transferred back and forth with no solution. Called, Monday, July 18th, and was told the department was back up until October. Told …

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As of Monday, July 18, 2022, 2017, Ford Escape is not starting. I do not know as to why it won’t start. I have called Lamarque Ford in New Orleans, last week on July 13th and14th and kept getting transferred back and forth with no solution. Called, Monday, July 18th, and was told the department was back up until October. Told Eddie/ person I spoke with that I had the VIN number would he tell me if the part was in. Eddie said no the car would have to be serviced to tell what was wrong. Yes I hung up no immediate help being given. First off Ford se r me a letter stating a recall on the vehicle. At this point the car is not starting up at all.

NHTSA ODI #11474479

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

Engine was not able to continue accelerating onto a freeway entrance ramp or up a hill. It began to struggle and would not increase in rpms. The low pressure oil light flashed for a second when this happened. Never saw an engine light go off. Since the engine light never went off I continued to drive this vehicle, on highways …

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Engine was not able to continue accelerating onto a freeway entrance ramp or up a hill. It began to struggle and would not increase in rpms. The low pressure oil light flashed for a second when this happened. Never saw an engine light go off. Since the engine light never went off I continued to drive this vehicle, on highways where there were situations where I could not maintain a safe highway speed. It was scary and felt the engine would quit any second. But it would settle and again no indicators went off. After any struggle on a freeway the next 24 hours the engine would struggle even driving on local roads (under 40mph); could not accelerate and all and felt the car would stall any second. Sometimes the oil indicator would go off, sometimes not. This was reproduced and confirmed by a Ford Dealer. They found metal in the engine oil and said the entire engine needed to be replaced. They currently have the faulty engine. No others have inspected the engine at this point. Again no engine warnings went off and my entire engine needed to be replaced, it was not an option to wait. It wasn't safe to drive. This is not related to the current recall.

NHTSA ODI #11473427

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or Other

Rear trail arm bushings are gone on both sides

NHTSA ODI #11473001

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Car engine stopped running while driving. Car was taken to dealer, they said transmission but Ford Corporate says they have no record of the issue. How is that? The car is doing the same thing again and I am afraid to drive it, if it would start. Now ,it won't even start. How are they allowed to keep this stuff secret? I know no…

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Car engine stopped running while driving. Car was taken to dealer, they said transmission but Ford Corporate says they have no record of the issue. How is that? The car is doing the same thing again and I am afraid to drive it, if it would start. Now ,it won't even start. How are they allowed to keep this stuff secret? I know nothing will happen , but the next time this occurs someone could die as it doesn't care where it shuts off.

NHTSA ODI #11472570

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