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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
68,000 miles · May 14, 2025
Engine 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 contact used a diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC: P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire). The contact replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coils; however, the check engine warning light remained illu…

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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 contact used a diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC: P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire). The contact replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coils; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that after further inspection, the contact became aware that the coolant reservoir was almost empty. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11661020

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

The windshield paint on both sides is chipping and may cause distraction or paint on windshield making it not possible to see. There was a recall for this---my VIN was not included on recall.

NHTSA ODI #11661015

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
Engine

low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This is due to coolant intrusion into a cylinder bo…

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low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This is due to coolant intrusion into a cylinder bore.

NHTSA ODI #11661007

85,000 miles · May 14, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11660959

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
Engine

The engine block has coolant leaking into cylinder 1. This is a known defect with the engine that ford acknowledges but refuses to fix. My car has less than 75,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11660836

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

Catastrophic engine failure; unless it could happen very quickly, the vehicle likely will not be available for inspection. As background, our family purchased this vehicle used from a MI dealer in July 2023. It was a trade-in by the previous owner, and the dealer did not disclose any known issues. This vehicle belongs to our dau…

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Catastrophic engine failure; unless it could happen very quickly, the vehicle likely will not be available for inspection. As background, our family purchased this vehicle used from a MI dealer in July 2023. It was a trade-in by the previous owner, and the dealer did not disclose any known issues. This vehicle belongs to our daughter, who is a graduate student in upstate NY. After driving only ~6,000 miles, her safety was put at risk when she lost acceleration as gray smoke poured out of her tailpipe (had she been on a highway, both she and other drivers would have been at grave risk). She had the vehicle towed to a local service station and was told the engine needed to be replaced. After searching Google for problems with this vehicle's engine, a 1.5L Ecoboost, we discovered that not only is this a known issue (coolant intrusion) for which Ford did not issue a recall (instead, "Program #21N12 one-time repair for vehicles included in 19B37"), but there also is a class action lawsuit being litigated by Capstone Law APC. Given this, we towed the vehicle to the local Ford dealer, who also advised we need to replace the engine, we will receive no financial relief from Ford, and it will cost $12,000 for the replacement (we paid $16,000 for this vehicle less than two years ago). We have spoken to various individuals at the national Ford customer satisfaction organization, and they will not help us. So we now have an inoperable vehicle that my daughter can't afford to repair, and since we are not getting any financial relief from Ford, she is forced to buy a much older, high-mileage vehicle that may also put her safety at risk. The only indication of a problem was when the check engine light came on, but since the vehicle was driving fine, our daughter did not realize she should take it for service right way (this is her first vehicle, and she lives close to campus so drives only infrequently). She is unsure how long the light was on, but likely several weeks.

NHTSA ODI #11660805

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2025
Unknown Or Other

While driving, the transmission shuddered and jerked. I took the car to my garage, where it was diagnosed as needing a new transmission. At the time it had 98,258 miles. The transmission was replaced on 9/1/2023. In September, 2024, the transmission fault message and the check engine light came on. I took the car to Duval Ford…

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While driving, the transmission shuddered and jerked. I took the car to my garage, where it was diagnosed as needing a new transmission. At the time it had 98,258 miles. The transmission was replaced on 9/1/2023. In September, 2024, the transmission fault message and the check engine light came on. I took the car to Duval Ford where the transmission was rebuilt under warranty. Mileage at that time was 118,754. It took the dealer 3 weeks to get the car back to me. Two weeks ago, again the transmission fault message and the check engine light came on. (Mileage 128,952) Currently I am waiting for a loaner car from Coggin Ford so they can repair the transmission. I have been only driving short distances because I am afraid the transmission will suddenly stop working and I will have an accident or be stranded. I might add that in my 60+ years of driving this is the first time I have ever had transmission problems.

NHTSA ODI #11660739

60,000 miles · May 13, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start as intended; however, the vehicle then functioned as needed after being started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was scanned and d…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start as intended; however, the vehicle then functioned as needed after being started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was scanned and diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4, due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11660735

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2025
Power Train

2022 - driving to Maine from NJ in June. Transmission failed with no warning in traffic on [XXX] in Connecticut, almost caused a large accident and killed my girlfriend and I (car suddenly stopped moving in the middle lane). - Repaired at Colonial Ford in Danbury Connecticut. Receive repaired car 7/8/2022. July/2022 - car lac…

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2022 - driving to Maine from NJ in June. Transmission failed with no warning in traffic on [XXX] in Connecticut, almost caused a large accident and killed my girlfriend and I (car suddenly stopped moving in the middle lane). - Repaired at Colonial Ford in Danbury Connecticut. Receive repaired car 7/8/2022. July/2022 - car lacks power, dangerously so when accelerating, merging, or accelerating from stop. Took the vehicle to various dealers who held the car for weeks at a time, while lying to me, while not being able to “find the issue” that was clear as day. (dealers were Woodbridge ford and Duane ford in Summit, NJ) [XXX] - transmission failed again on [XXX] coming home from work (also almost caused a major accident but traffic was slower). 8/4/2022 - take my car back to Woodbridge Ford in NJ, they refuse to touch it (car is under ford warranty). They hold the car for 7 weeks and lie to me about everything. Ford corporate also lying to me about vehicle. After fighting with ford for 3 additional months, I had to call the GM of colonial ford in Danbury to explain the situation. They agree to repair under their warranty. Ford charges me $750 to tow the car up to Connecticut, do not reimburse me, and do not give me a rental at any point. I went almost a full year of making payments on a vehicle I haven’t used, and spent about $2500 in rental vehicles, mechanic appointments, towing fee, and loss of work opportunity due to lack of reliable transportation. Car now runs sluggishly and accelerates like a go kart. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11660669

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2025
Engine

We own and have owned a 2017 Ford Escape Eco-drive for over 5 years. We have just learned from two different local mechanic shops that coolant is leaking into cylinder #2 and presenting a check engine light error code (P0302). This is caused by some sort of internal engine crack. We have been told that this will roughly cost …

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We own and have owned a 2017 Ford Escape Eco-drive for over 5 years. We have just learned from two different local mechanic shops that coolant is leaking into cylinder #2 and presenting a check engine light error code (P0302). This is caused by some sort of internal engine crack. We have been told that this will roughly cost us $6,000.00 for a new engine, and that's on the low end. I have also learned that there is a class action lawsuit related to this issue. So, there's obviously a preexisting problem and ongoing resolved issue with his vehicle which needs to be addressed. Please HELP forward and handle this complaint with high attention and resolve.

NHTSA ODI #11660596

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