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
What owners actually said
2,677 reports
97,000 miles · Aug 29, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic with CarMax, who diagnosed that the engine was failing due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic with CarMax, who diagnosed that the engine was failing due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant inside cylinder #3, and the long block needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #11683978
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Power Train
Please reference the NTSB tracking # 11683952 and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.Cedar…
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Please reference the NTSB tracking # 11683952 and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11683956
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Power Train
Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.…
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Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11683952
124,000 miles · Aug 28, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked and there was coolant leak…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked and there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #11683743
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2025
Engine
Coolant in the engine leak with 1.5 L Ecoboost. Only have 73,900 miles on car. Just bought car last March. Still have 3 and 1/2 years of payments. Vehicle is non drive able right now. Check engine light on. Engine malfunction came on and took to mechanic right away. Mechanic confirmed coolant leak in engine.
NHTSA ODI #11683701
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2025
Engine
Within 2 days of initially experiencing an engine shudder during acceleration on 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost with 44,000 miles, the car was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. Ford TSB 19-2172 requires an engine long block to remedy the situation. Many others have reported this problem both to NHTSA and o…
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Within 2 days of initially experiencing an engine shudder during acceleration on 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost with 44,000 miles, the car was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine cylinder. Ford TSB 19-2172 requires an engine long block to remedy the situation. Many others have reported this problem both to NHTSA and online but Ford has not formally addressed this defect as far as I can tell. This is a very costly repair that Ford needs to take ownership for.
NHTSA ODI #11683683
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2025
Engine
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Engine Failure in 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at 137,000 Miles – Known Issue Not Under Recall Make & Model: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 137,000 miles I am filing this complaint to report a complete engine failure in our 2017 Ford E…
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To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Engine Failure in 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at 137,000 Miles – Known Issue Not Under Recall Make & Model: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 137,000 miles I am filing this complaint to report a complete engine failure in our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium at only 137,000 miles. We have been informed by the Ford dealership service department that the engine must be replaced at a cost of approximately $9,000+. This is despite the fact that the vehicle has been perfectly maintained and no prior engine issues. The dealership clearly stated to us that the failure was not due to any negligence or misuse on our part. They also acknowledged that this specific engine has a known issue and has been prone to cracking or internal failure around the 130,000-mile mark. That they will also replace the engine with one that will not have this known cracking and failure issue, but at our own cost. They have confirmed our car is known to have premature engine failure issues. Despite this, we were told by the dealership that Ford has not issued a recall because "not enough" 2017 models have yet reported the issue. We are forwarding this issue to escalate and get coverage relief for ford escape drivers. We were advised to contact Ford for “Goodwill Assistance.” We did so, but our request was denied, and no financial or repair support was offered. The car remains undrivable and in need of a full engine replacement. This is a known engine defect, acknowledged by Ford service staff, yet no formal recall or campaign has been initiated. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning in a vehicle that had no prior engine issues and was in otherwise excellent condition. The failure renders the vehicle effectively totaled, forcing consumers like us into an expensive repair or unnecessary vehicle replacement. Dealership: Ford in Schaumburg IL Best, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C
NHTSA ODI #11683424
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Engine
My 2017 Ford Escape is leaking water from the radiator and it is probably going to the engine. From what I've researched, this is a chronic problem with Ford Escapes that causes engine failure, which is very expensive to repair.
NHTSA ODI #11683295
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Engine
MY 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBurst engine is experiencing a check engine light...I took it to my mechanic and Ford on separate occasions and but found that there is coolant leaking into the cylinders covered by Technical Service Bulletin 19-2436...Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction (21N12)...but my vehicle was over the …
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MY 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBurst engine is experiencing a check engine light...I took it to my mechanic and Ford on separate occasions and but found that there is coolant leaking into the cylinders covered by Technical Service Bulletin 19-2436...Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction (21N12)...but my vehicle was over the years by 5 months... It is a design issue with the engine that has been corrected in Ford 2.0L EcoBurst engines built after 2019. I think that since it is a design flaw with the engine that Ford should be replacing the engine no matter how long past the Customer Satisfaction lists...In fact Ford has multiple extended warranty programs in place for 10 years or 100,000 miles for other NEWER vehciles with engine issues...
NHTSA ODI #11683063
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2025
Power Train
While driving the shifting became sluggish and the vehicle would surge/catch when shifting then while driving home the Escape just quickly slowed and stopped on a busy road. We could not get it to go forward, so we shifted to reverse in traffic to get the car off to the side of the road. The car was towed to a local shop who l…
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While driving the shifting became sluggish and the vehicle would surge/catch when shifting then while driving home the Escape just quickly slowed and stopped on a busy road. We could not get it to go forward, so we shifted to reverse in traffic to get the car off to the side of the road. The car was towed to a local shop who let us know the transmission had failed. The fluid was burnt/black even though it was replaced prior to the 150K mile service interval. The vehicle is currently in the shop and available for inspection. We were potentially in danger while driving when the car simple stopped moving forward on a busy road. The mechanic confirmed the transmission will work partially at normal temp, but slips/stops when warm. There were no warning lights or codes from the ODB port.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗