2017 Ford Escape recalls and problems

The 2017 Ford Escape has 4 safety recalls and 2,711 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

2,711

Crashes / fires

39 / 15

Injuries / deaths

56 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Ford Escape recalls

Recall 26V-374: Visibility

Reported Jun 9, 2026 · 18,124 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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."

Risk: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 26V-011: Equipment

Reported Jan 15, 2026 · 116,672 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-413: Power Train

Reported Jun 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-617: Electrical System, Visibility

Reported Aug 24, 2016 · 17,985 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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."

Risk: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

2017 Ford Escape problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	1,588
Engine and Engine Cooling	514
Power Train	396
Electrical System	156
Unknown or Other	153
Wheels	81
Fuel/Propulsion System	72
Structure	62
Steering	49
Service Brakes	45
Exterior Lighting	43
Vehicle Speed Control	31

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 53
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 27
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 13
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 5
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 4
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2017 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 9, 2026

2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L Ecoboost Engine. Engine failed with the known coolant intrusion issue with only ~65,000 miles on it. Engine started misfiring, and the check engine light came on (solid, not blinking). No leaks under the vehicle. Within 2 days, the cabin lost heat while running the defroster on a cold morning. Brought vehicle to Ford dealer where it was diagnosed for low coolant (no external leaks) and then coolant was found inside cylinder 2. It was recommended that I replace the engine long block, and was told that the replacement long block no longer has the same issue as the…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 69,324 miles · reported Nov 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine misfired, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence twice. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,324.

Engine · reported Nov 6, 2026

During regular operation, the vehicle began running roughly, stalling at intersections, and triggering a 'Coolant Over-Temperature' warning alongside a Check Engine Light. A certified mechanic confirmed internal coolant intrusion into the engine cylindersâa documented defect in this model year. This defect causes unpredictable engine stalling and complete loss of motive power while driving. Operating a vehicle prone to sudden, unprovoked stalling in active traffic poses a severe safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and surrounding drivers."

Engine · reported Nov 5, 2026

My 2017 Ford Escape was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion. Apparently the only way to fix this is replacing the engine block for more than the car is worth (~$10,000). The car only has 70,000 miles on it. It is available for inspection upon request. This problem has been confirmed by a dealer ([XXX] Ford of [XXX]). The check engine light came on and the problem was originally diagnosed as a cylinder fault with the course of action being 4 spark plugs and 1 ignition coil replaced. The check engine light continued to flash and it was then diagnosed with coolant intrusion. INFORMATION REDACTED…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 62,037 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced catastrophic engine failure. While driving, the vehicle started sputtering and running rough before emitting smoke and excessive steam. The contact noticed a sweet odor coming from the exhaust before the failure. The steam became severe enough to obstruct the view of the driver. The contact discovered that coolant was leaking into the cylinders, causing the engine to hydro lock. The coolant contaminated the engine oil, and the engine oil became milky. The vehicle failed to start, and the engine seized. The…

Other Ford Escape years

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Compare all Ford Escape years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape: 26V-374 (visibility), 26V-011 (equipment), 22V-413 (power train), 16V-617 (electrical system, visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Ford Escape?

Owners report engine problems most often (1,588 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (514). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.