Third generation
2017 Ford Escape
The most reported problem on the 2017 Ford Escape is overheating, with 1,562 complaints, usually around 77,000 miles.
- 2,689owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 39involved a crash
- 70,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Escape doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
- Overheating1562 reports
- Misfire1332 reports
- Engine failure623 reports
- Stalling295 reports
- Transmission shudder92 reports
- Transmission failure88 reports
- Wheels82 reports
- Turbo problems56 reports
- Brake wear49 reports
- Loses power accelerating48 reports
- Transmission warning light44 reports
- Infotainment38 reports
- Auto start-stop failure30 reports
- Dead battery27 reports
- Windshield27 reports
Is the 2017 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2017 Ford Escape has 2,689 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 8.8 times the median of 307 for 2017 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Escape model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- At 269 complaints for each year on the road, the 2017 runs 2.6 times the 2016 (102) and above the 2018 (200).
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Overheating has 1,562 complaints and misfire has 1,332, out of 2,689 in all. A quarter of the 901 owners who gave a mileage for overheating saw it by about 58,000 miles, and half by about 77,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 69 of the 2,689 complaints (3%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 39 reports mention a crash, 15 mention a fire and 56 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 17 of 39, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- overheating, misfire and engine failure all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 26V-011. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 713 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 645. So far in 2026, 252 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 1562 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
2,689 complaints is 10.0 times the median 2017 model on this site and 8.8 times the median 2017 SUV. Among the 11 Escape model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Ford Escape
Ford filed 248 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Ford Escape. 54 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 9 bulletins · 1562 complaints
Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an ...
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine ¢ Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion.
7 more on this problem
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Programming - Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit collant intrusion into the cylinder bores.
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming. Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores.
Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 21-Feb-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 06-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an ...
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape with 1.5L engine may exhibit coolant usage and white smoke from exhaust. Follow Cooling System Pressure Test process in WSM, Section 303-03. Pressurize system to 138kPa(20 psi) and hold 5 hours.
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape equipped with 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern.
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern.
2015-2018 Edge, Fusion, Focus, MKZ, MKC, Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit coolant consumption, white smoke and/or a runs rough condition.
Check engine light or misfire 21 bulletins · 1332 complaints
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
19 more on this problem
Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine may exhibit fuse F34 open with an illuminated MIL and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06A0, P06DB, P188D, P02602, and/or P2681 in the powertrain ...
Some 2017 Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04DB stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2019 Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 1.5, 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine may exhibit fuse F34 open, an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06A0, P06DB, P188D, P02602, and/or P2681 in the powertrain control ...
Some 2017 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 1 Feb 2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P04DB and/or P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine and built on 2-Feb-2017 and through 3-Aug-2018 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P04DB and/or P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 1Jun2018 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017 Escape vehicles equipped with an auto start/stop system and built on or before 18-May-2016 may exhibit DTC P1935 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) on vehicles equipped with a 1.5L/2.0L engine and/or DTC P061E stored in the PCM on ...
Plus 9 older ones not listed here.
Engine misfire 6 bulletins · 469 complaints
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. Customer symptoms include coolant loss, excessive tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights (MIL) due to engine misfire.
4 more on this problem
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2015-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Some 2015-2018 Fusion/MKZ/MKC/Escape/Edge vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a runs rough condition with DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316. This may be due to coolant intrusion due to corrosion on the engine block.
Some 2017 Escape/Fusion vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine and built on or before 2-Feb-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0300 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) ...
SOME 2014-2017 FUSION AND 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.5L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT LOW COOLANT, WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE AND AN ILLUMINATED MIL IF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0217, P300, P0301, P0302, P0303, ...
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 3 bulletins · 295 complaints
Some 2016-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a remote start system may exhibit an immediate engine shut off with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1594 stored in the BCM after using the remote start function to start the engine.
Some 2017-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with remote start may exhibit the engine shut off after using the remote start function to start the vehicle with DTC P1594 stored in the BCM.
1 more on this problem
SOME 2016-2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO BUILT ON OR BEFORE 8/21/2106 MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT CONCERN WHERE THE AUDIO CUTS OUT AND THE RADIO DISPLAYS A NO SIGNAL MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING IN OPEN SKY CONDITIONS IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS ...
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 3 bulletins · 82 complaints
Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds above 80 Km/h (50 MPH) which may be attributed to short term flat spotting in the tires. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Some 2013-2019 Escape and 2015-2019 MKC vehicles may exhibit a vibration attributed to the tires. Prior to performing any road force balancing procedures or related diagnosis, make sure the vehicle tire pressure is correct and is driven a minimum of 24 Km (15 ...
1 more on this problem
Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds above 80 Km/h (50 MPH) which may be attributed to short term flat spotting in the tires. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Turbo failure or loss of boost 5 bulletins · 56 complaints
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods.
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket.
3 more on this problem
SSM 47948 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related ...
For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts.
Some 2017 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) or a 2.0L GTDI engine, built on or before 20-Aug-2016 and equipped with remote start and adaptive cruise control may exhibit DTC U0104 (lost communication with cruise ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 49 complaints
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
4 more on this problem
SOME 2016-2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.6L/1.5L AWD OR A 2.0L FWD/AWD BUILT ON OR BEFORE 19-NOV-2016 MAY EXHIBIT FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES.
SOME 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH WHEELS BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10-OCTOBER-2016 MAY EXHIBIT AN ILLUMINATED ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) C1034, C1A43, C2005, C2007, C2008 AND/OR U2002.
SOME 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH WHEELS BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10-OCT-2016 MAY EXHIBIT AN ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE WARNING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) C1034, C1A43, C2005, C2007, C2008 AND/OR U2002.
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 1 bulletin · 47 complaints
Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a bump or clunk from the rear drive unit (RDU) when turning at low speeds and parking lot maneuvers.
Complaints filed by year
713 complaints came in 2024, 1.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2017 Ford Escape
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Ford Escape?
Overheating, with 1,562 of the 2,689 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 77,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape problems start?
Of the 1,594 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 49,000 miles and half by about 70,000.
Is the 2017 Ford Escape better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has more complaints than both the 2016 and the 2018: 269 a year against 102 and 200.
How many 2017 Ford Escape complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
69 of them (3%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2017 Ford Escape?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 26V-011. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.