2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 27owner reports
- 60,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
75 of the 2,689 complaints on this car are about the structure. 27 of those describe windshield.
Tick what matches of 27 reports
Windshield on other Escape years
No other Escape model year has enough reports of windshield for a sheet of its own. See every Escape year.
What this problem usually is
Many windshield complaints are about cracks owners can't explain: a line that starts at the edge of the glass, or a small chip that spreads. Nearly one in five of these complaints mentions it happening again or a second windshield.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the windshield (27 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the structure cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse.
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the structure on the Escape
Failed door check arm attachment point. Closed jan 24, 2024.
Rear liftgate window glass breakage. Closed aug 18, 2011.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,076 and 72,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Ford Escape that deal with this problem. 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.
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent.
2013-2019 Escape and 2015-2019 MKC vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel will exhibit a small vent opening position of 5 mm (.197 in). This is the normal vent position for optimal noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) and windnoise qualities.
Some 2013-2018 Escape, Focus and C-Max vehicles may exhibit a water stained headliner after the vehicle has experienced a water leak from areas such as the roof opening panel, fixed glass, roof rails and roof ditch mouldings.
What owners wrote
“The paint along the windshield columnS and rear tailgate are flaking off in large sections. This is causing premature rusting which is left to a consumer to absorb the cost of an entire paintjob, can lead to lack of action causing structural integrity issues.”
Filed Feb 2, 2026
“The seat stopped working. The ford almost gave out on me multiple times today. On the highway and twice on the road. Apparently this vehicle has been recalled plenty of times. It has something to do with bush wiring. The seat will not adjust or move forward and the windshield wipers donât work. It basically gave out and will not reverse.”
Filed Oct 22, 2025
“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.”
Filed May 14, 2025
“White pearl paint is pealing from around the windshield. The bare metal of the frame is exposed. A local body shop reported the issue may be related to the windshield and could be a safety issue with the windshield getting loose. Other areas, such as the engine hood are also showing signs of pealing.”
Filed Sep 4, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash. 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
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1562 reports
- 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