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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

What owners actually said

2,677 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2026
Engine

misfire in Cylinder 3 and coolant loss. My mechanic believes it is the coolant intrusion issue described in Ford TSB 22-2229

NHTSA ODI #11719639

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2026
Engine

My 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine is experiencing coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, resulting in misfires, rough startup, and significant engine performance issues. The vehicle currently has approximately 150,000 miles. The issue presents itself with a rough idle and shaking at startup, follo…

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My 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine is experiencing coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, resulting in misfires, rough startup, and significant engine performance issues. The vehicle currently has approximately 150,000 miles. The issue presents itself with a rough idle and shaking at startup, followed by the engine smoothing out after several seconds. Diagnostic trouble codes indicate a cylinder misfire consistent with coolant intrusion. Upon further inspection and research, this appears to be a well-documented issue affecting this engine design. There were no external coolant leaks visible, and coolant levels dropped without explanation, indicating internal coolant intrusion. This type of failure poses a serious safety concern, as the engine can misfire unexpectedly, lose power, or potentially stall while driving. Loss of engine power while operating the vehicle creates a hazardous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. We purchased this vehicle as safe and reliable transportation for our daughter, and there was no prior disclosure of engine issues. The failure appears to stem from a known defect related to the engine design rather than normal wear and tear. Given the widespread documentation of coolant intrusion problems with this engine platform, I believe this issue represents a significant safety and reliability concern that should be formally investigated.

NHTSA ODI #11719484

70,000 miles · Feb 17, 2026
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0301, P0302, and P0304 were retrieved for a misfire in cylinder #1, #2, and #4. Due to the failure, the spark plugs and ignition coils wer…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0301, P0302, and P0304 were retrieved for a misfire in cylinder #1, #2, and #4. Due to the failure, the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately one week later, the check engine light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the same codes were retrieved as before. The contact continued driving the vehicle, and the message "High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" was displayed before the vehicle lost power and shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11718523

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2026
Engine

The car started misfiring, check engine light came on. Took the car into shop to find out what the problem was. I was told coolant was in the cylinders and the engine was gone.

NHTSA ODI #11718359

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2026
Engine

Vehicle Information • 2017 Ford Escape SE • Mileage (around 80,000) • VIN [XXX] 2. Problem Description My 2017 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed …

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Vehicle Information • 2017 Ford Escape SE • Mileage (around 80,000) • VIN [XXX] 2. Problem Description My 2017 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed a Technical Service Bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. It is a Safety Risk including • Loss of power while driving • Risk of engine stall • Overheating risk • Highway safety concern I have had the dealer fix this and an automechanic has looked at it as well. It is still leaking Started in the summer of 2025 and still happening as of today 2-16-26 There were no warnings prior to the failure The Car is burning the coolant INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11718253

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2026
Power Train

Vehicle transmission failed at 60k miles and again at 146k miles. Had to pay around $4000 each time the transmission broke. This is a nightmare and these vehicles have constant transmission problems that are expensive and cause heartache. I have spent so much money on towing, dealership diagnostics, and drain and fills/flushes f…

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Vehicle transmission failed at 60k miles and again at 146k miles. Had to pay around $4000 each time the transmission broke. This is a nightmare and these vehicles have constant transmission problems that are expensive and cause heartache. I have spent so much money on towing, dealership diagnostics, and drain and fills/flushes for the transmission to keep the fluid clean. The fluid gets dark and dirty so quick and smells burnt so quickly. The manufacturer (Ford) are a bunch of crooks. They tell you the transmission fluid lasts over 100,000 miles but that's a lie! I have 146k miles and have already had two transmission failures with the 6F35! This is terrible. They need to be held accountable or they will keep ruining peoples lives.

NHTSA ODI #11717672

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2026
Engine

There is a searchable TSB for these vehicles from Ford basically stating the engine has a known defect and the only remedy is to replace the engine. Coolant intrudes into the cylinders causing premature engine failures or seizures

NHTSA ODI #11717670

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2026
EnginePower Train

2017 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD with 155,000 miles with Known coolant intrusion issue... (Vin has not been apart of the recall) second owner, original owner never knew about engine replacement because issue never happened under him. now im stuck with a car that has plenty of new parts and i cant get it inspected or use it regularly bec…

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2017 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD with 155,000 miles with Known coolant intrusion issue... (Vin has not been apart of the recall) second owner, original owner never knew about engine replacement because issue never happened under him. now im stuck with a car that has plenty of new parts and i cant get it inspected or use it regularly because of the coolant intrusion, now I have to get a engine replacement which will probably be around 5 grand if im lucky and I dont have that money. now im stuck with a car I cant drive. yes the car is available for inspection on request. my dad was using the car as a daily out of town driver, driving on the high way first overheat issue happened. no the car has not been inspected by any other source. the only warning was the check engine light after coolant intrusion started.

NHTSA ODI #11717486

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2026
Engine

Error code P0303 misfire cylinder 3. Engine rough idle along with white smoke from exhaust and low coolant. This is a known issue with Ford that should be corrected with short block replacement through warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11717459

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2026
Engine

Vehicle: 2017 Ford Escape, 1.5L Eco Boost Component/System: Engine/cooling system The engine in my 2017 Ford Escape experienced a failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership advised that coolant intrusion is a known issue with this eng…

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Vehicle: 2017 Ford Escape, 1.5L Eco Boost Component/System: Engine/cooling system The engine in my 2017 Ford Escape experienced a failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership advised that coolant intrusion is a known issue with this engine design and recommended full engine replacement, with an estimated repair cost exceeding $10,000. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited rough idle, shaking, and intermittent check engine warnings. The condition worsened over time and posed a safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure was not attributed to neglect or lack of service. Ford Motor Company has acknowledged similar failures in this engine family through service bulletins; however, my VIN is not currently included in a recall or customer satisfaction program. The defective engine is available for inspection and remains unprepared due to the prohibitive cost of repair. I am submitting this complaint to document a suspected manufacturing/design defect that has resulted in premature engine failure and significant safety and financial impact.

NHTSA ODI #11717117

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