2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Head gasket fails or coolant leaks into the engine
- 138owner reports
- 76,200median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
138 of the 1,562 reports of overheating on the 2017 Escape describe head gasket failure.
Part of Engine overheats or leaks coolant (1,562 reports)
Tick what matches of 138 reports
Head gasket failure on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside overheating and coolant leaks for reports that name the head gasket. The difference from the wider sheet is where the coolant goes: instead of dripping onto the driveway, it disappears inside the engine, into the cylinders or the oil.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head gasket (136 reports) and the engine (17 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escape
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 27, 2024.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 21, 2013.
Engine stalling. Closed aug 31, 2004.
Engine stalling. Closed apr 15, 2004, led to recall 04V-165.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 10, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
What owners paid
24 of the 138 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $6,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 55,000 and 104,000 miles, from the 79 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My 2017 ford was over heating got the head gasket replaced, the car was working fine for about a thousand miles when the wheel locked up and over heated again. Took it to ford and another mechanic and was told the problem was with a recall but my vehicleâs vin is not on the list. The engine short block as well as other parts.”
Filed Nov 11, 2024 · 119,060 miles
“Head gasket failure while under 100k miles. Replacement costing more than the value of the 6 year old vehicle.”
Filed Sep 17, 2024 · 100,000 miles
“Coolant is leaking into the engine block in Cylinder 1. This is a known issue. The Vehicle has 61,000 miles on it. Local dealership has confirmed this and diagnosed that the Small Block and the head gasket need to be replaced. The car could stop at any moment while driving due to this defect. A TSB was issued but Ford will not work to assist coverage of repair.”
Filed May 15, 2024 · 61,000 miles
“The engine is at 157,000 miles. I have taken it to 2 mechanics in the last few weeks that have diagnosed it with a blown head gasket. They have said this type of engine cannot be repaired and has to be replaced.”
Filed May 7, 2024 · 157,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 138 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 1332 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 623 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 295 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 92 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 88 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 82 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 56 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 49 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 48 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 44 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 38 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 30 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 27 reports