2017 Ford Escape Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Escape, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1,95465.2%
- Powertrain (other)37212.4%
- Electrical1545.1%
- Fuel system933.1%
- Other / unspecified842.8%
- Body & structure622.1%
- Brakes511.7%
- Steering491.6%
- Driver assistance441.5%
- Exterior lighting371.2%
- Airbags210.7%
- Transmission190.6%
- Seat belts140.5%
- Visibility140.5%
- Interior & seats120.4%
- Suspension80.3%
- Tires & wheels60.2%
- Heating & air conditioning20.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The engine is showing signs of coolant intrusion. Symptoms began by experiencing intermittent low power while driving, particularly when moving from complete stop. First discovered when we were at an intersection and the engine provided enough power to pull into the intersection, but not enough to complete the turn forcing traffic to swerve around us. There is a pending class action suit.
Coolant intrusion. A known 2017 escape issue in the motor block that is not being addressed. This repair costs $8,000+ and is a manufacturing defect.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission failed/malfunctioned. Available for inspection. Safety at risk due to driving on busy road when transmission failed and car wouldn't move. Transmission recall for VIN [XXX] Vehicle component has not been inspected. No warning of any kind prior to failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this issue, including the frequency of coolant intrusion and engine failure involving 2017 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. I would also like NHTSA to determine whether the existing Ford service programs, technical service bulletins, recalls, or other corrective actions adequately address affected owners. My VIN is [XXX]. I believe Ford should be held responsible if this engine failure resulted from a known defect rather than ordinary vehicle wear INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The customer may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level. Additionally, the condition can cause heat damage to the block heater electrical wiring and connector and the customer may notice an odor or smoke Matching Recall 26V011 my car is a 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 that was manufactured in Louisville KY
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact check the vanity lights but there was no power inside the vehicle. The vehicle was without electrical power for approximately 30 minutes before power returned to vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle because the potential failure reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to immediately restart on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle stalled on several occasions with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the evaporator canister and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 104,600.
Evap purge valve stuck open, coolant pooling in spark plugs, and oil combusting rapidly causing fire and explosion fears. Heavy smell of gasoline to where i didn't feel safe to start or drive
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, causing the RPM to fluctuate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,459.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Coolant leak and dealership advises that the car will need a engine replacement to fix the problem. The car is constantly running rough and misfiring. Driving this vehicle this way put myself and small children at risk that there could be a potential complete engine failure while driving the vehicle. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership and I was told that Ford Motor Co. is aware of the issue however they are choosing to do nothing about it or offer a recall. The vehicle has been inspected by a police officer who has driven the car and states that the car is very unsafe to drive. The car has a current "check engine" light constantly on. The car also has severe issues with the electrical system and sealing system. The car is now leaking water when it rains through the front windshield. Also, the pain is chipping in areas all over the vehicle.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased In-10/31/24- 2017 Escape ES 2.5 LTR Echoboost: 11/13/24-Oil change,Wipers,headlights, recall buching,11/24 transmission mount, clicking noise, transmission chokes 11/23-check engine lights, 12/10- headlights, car auto shut off 1/23/25- new tires, studdars Accel, loosing power, cylinder 2 missfire,spark ignition coils all 4 replaced, 02/10- Missfire 3-cylinder, replaced, 3/24-Misfire 2&4-cylinder moister on coils & plugs, replaced-headlights,bright lights malfunction. 5/17- shaking, chokes acceleration, turned off on hghwy 65mls hr apx. Misfire 2-cylinder. 7/3-Tires won't hold air,7/27-tire melted from inside out,9/3-Over heat indicator, resivor empty take cap off fills with collant, no leaking found, hear the fluid bubbling through engine, wheels screeching acceleration, 9/28- over heat, back tires screeching, brakes grinding, shuts off while on hghwy. 9/29-engine light, drive train evape,change tires, escape valve canister, 10/15-misfire cylinder3, greyish white smoke tail pipe, ignition starts without key fully engaged, chokes after starting power lose, peddle clicking on acceleration, slow acceleration hestattion. 11/2-change rotors, breakpads, due to ignition malfunction removed starter fuse to enter maintenance mode. I'd be happy to email documents the website doesn't allow me to upload with complaint, these events took place over 12months period bad continue. Car now is overheating stopping the engine while I'ma driving low or high speeds. Causing clicking sound in front tires and a squealing noise driving low speeds or accelerating stops around 35mls hr.
ABS light and traction light is on then hill assist information comes on then the 4 wheel drive disabled comes on then for minutes later comes back on and says abled. It’s been going on for sometime now but now when I am driving it seems like it just shuts off and then starts again and at times it goes very quick. It is very dangerous. I only have 45000 miles on it.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist message was displayed; however, the driver continued driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an intermittent failure with the steering. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,555.
This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “Steering Assist Fault” that clearly ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA Complaint SummaryVehicle: 2017 Ford Escape SEEngine: 1.5L EcoBoostVIN: [XXX] Defect: Engine Block Design Flaw / Coolant IntrusionTechnical Description of the Issue:My vehicle is experiencing a well-documented manufacturing defect specific to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine block was designed with a "v-groove" between the cylinders that is prone to structural failure. This allows engine coolant to leak into the combustion chambers (coolant intrusion) and allows engine oil to contaminate the cooling system. My vehicle currently exhibits "milky," tan-brown sludge in the coolant reservoir, confirming that oil and coolant are cross-contaminating due to internal engine failure.Extreme Safety Hazards and Dangers:This defect creates several critical safety risks for the driver, passengers, and other motorists:Sudden Loss of Power at High Speeds: The mixing of oil and coolant destroys the engine’s ability to lubricate internal bearings. This can lead to a catastrophic engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion, causing an immediate loss of power and power steering, which creates a high risk of collisions on highways.Engine Fire Risk: When coolant enters the combustion chamber, it can cause severe engine misfires and overheating. Overheated oil or pressurized coolant spraying onto a hot exhaust manifold during a mechanical failure presents a significant fire hazard.Hydro-locking: If coolant floods the cylinder while the vehicle is in operation, the engine can hydro-lock, causing the engine to stall instantly and potentially throwing metal debris onto the roadway, endangering other drivers.Visibility Hazards: Excessive white smoke from the exhaust (caused by burning coolant) can suddenly obscure the driver’s rear-view visibility and the visibility of trailing motorists.Conclusion:Ford Motor Company was aware of this defect, as evidenced by Customer Satisfaction Program 21N08 and TSB 19-2346. However, because these programs have arbitrary expira INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
All 4 tail lights are filled with water, therefore they stopped working due to corrosion. I had to replace all 4 or I couldn't get my car to pass inspection. No warnings or anything telling me my brake lights have failed. This is a huge problem in the 2017 Ford Escape SE!
It is only the low beams, but every couple months, the passenger side goes out. Then within 3 weeks to 2 months later the driver's side goes out. This has been happening since a month after I bought the car in 2021. This does not matter if they are changed individually when one of them goes out or if they are both changed at the same time. Occasionally, they will both just go out at the same time. This is extremely unsafe when driving down the road. I have had the car looked at by different mechanics different times when this issue was happens. It can happen when I turn the car on and it's just been running a few minutes or while i'm doing city, highway and interstate driving. Today is the most recent time it happened my passenger side just went out again. The passenger and drivers side light bulbs (low beans) were last changed just after Thanksgiving. I have never had any issues with the high beams. Those have worked just fine. It is only the low beams.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle was towed back to the dealership to have the transmission replaced, under warranty. After confirming the failure and warranty, I was informed, by emailed service order, that the airbag light was illuminated.it also listed the cost to diagnose the light and that I declined this "recommended service". What I said was that I absolutely wanted it diagnosed and addressed. What I declined were the charges they were quoting as the light came on while they had my vehicle-to replace my previously replaced transmission, 100% under warranty. I finally got the dealership to email me a printout/workorder so I could see what repairs have been completed. Re:Airbag light: says I stated the light was on, the tech got it to come on, that I declined a time of original transmission diagnostic; light is off now, they’re unable to replicate, listed as "intermittent airbag fault”, may come back on and would require additional diagnostic fee and repair cost.
Passenger side dash is seperating round the airbag area
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate and decelerate. The vehicle was taken to a nearby mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator and alternator belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The alternator and alternator belt were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated, and the steering wheel was difficult to control. After stopping the vehicle and shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled backwards causing the driver to activate the parking brake. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 107,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission, and torque converter. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,453.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Ford Escape In 2025 driver's side front seat belt would not retract. Car taken to Balise Ford in Hyannis, MA. Balise Ford did an inspection (for which a charge was imposed) to determine if repair can be done. Seat belt could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. Replaced in January 2025. Information is being submitted since it was noticed that there was a recall for 2018 Ford Escape with seat belt retraction problem. Invoiced for repair are attached.
Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 don’t work. It basically gave out and will not reverse.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced paint chipping on the roof of the vehicle near the front windshield causing a visibility and safety concern for the driver. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 don’t work. It basically gave out and will not reverse.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate could be opened manually or with the key fob. The contact stated that depressing the button near the tailgate failed to open the tailgate. The tailgate ajar message was displayed. The contact attempted to resolve the issue by changing the key fob battery, but the issue persisted. The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was purchased [XXX], the very next day multiple lights came on on the dash and it started bucking while driving. I took it back to the dealership for repairs.The right rear wheel speed sensor was bad. While the vehicle was being repaired a bolt that was seized up was broken requiring the Rr wheel knuckle to be replaced. July, the vehicle was treated for a water leak into the spare tire compartment.In September, more repairs were needed. I took it to my mechanic.The L axle shaft, wheel bearing, control arm w/ball joint, speed sensor and Rt.knuckle needed replaced. At this point, I was informed of the extensive rust under the vehicle and only being 8 years old, is a great concern. When it was taken in for an alignment, it was discovered there was a bolt broken off the Rr control arm, and it was repaired. October, it was treated again for the water leak. Water was still getting in with the spare tire when it rained. Also in October, I noticed a lag in shifting when accelerating. One incident that happened when merging onto a highway, the shifting lagged, delaying my acceleration and caused my vehicle to be traveling at a much slower rate than traffic. I took it to the dealership for repairs for the lag and a grinding noise. The transmission and torque converter were replaced. The grinding noise continued even after the repairs. January 2026, the vehicle was again taken in for the grinding noise and water leak. It now requires a transfer case, drive shaft, rear differential and the sub frame is cracked. I am greatly concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. Dealership claims the rust of the frame is from PA winters however the steering shaft INSIDE the car also has rust on it. For comparison, I also have a 2003 Jeep and it has minimal rust and is kept outside daily. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Without warning my car started not allowing me to go over 40 mph without a very violent jerking under the drivers side floor board. The jerk of the wheel would not allow the car to speed up. And then eventually upon driving my car immediately came to an abrupt stop and would not move forward any farther I was able to get it off to the side of the road of which at that point I was unable to get the car to go into or shift into any gear. It will not shift into park. The only reason my car is standing still now is because of the emergency parking brake, the transmission has gone completely out of my car . My car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get anMy car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get a very loud knocking rattling noise and it will not lock into place. Ford has done a recall for the same situation on many of the vehicles Ford made during that 2017 year. My question is why am I having to deal with this vehicle when Ford knew very well that there were many problems with it. Three years ago I had to deal with an engine block replacement for a new vehicle because Ford had a malfunction when it came to the coolant going into the engine. These are all problems that are not caused by general wear and tear of your customer they are caused by incompetent of Putting the car together in the first place. I really expected More from Ford. The first time I drove a Ford escape I fell in love with it so I want like I’ll regret ever buying this car. This car needs to be completely recalled. I can not afford to pay for a card that is not drivable.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
This happened to all of my tires that were not even 3 years old yet. I purchased my used vehicle from Anderson Nissan in Lake Havasu City AZ a year and a half ago. The Scorpion Perilli Tires 235 45/R19 on my vehicle seemed to be like new. Starting in December is when I started to have problems my low tire pressure light came on and I took it to America Tire Company in Cathedral City CA and they put air in the tires told me if i had any issues with the tires to bring it back. I had to return several times 8 times regarding the low tire pressure. There was a small leak between the tire and rim when they submerged the tire in the water and it took me the customer to find the problem. I thought they had fixed the issue. January 2025 came around had issues again then I took it back in they found a nail in it. They put a patch on it. I had to take it back 8 more times after that. Leading up to [XXX] my low tire pressure light came on again pulled in they put air in my tires. Last month in August I had to take it back in for the low tire pressure light which was a Saturday made the appt for Monday and they had to replace my tire due to they could not fix it. It had a small hole next to the patch and had another screw it. When I got home I had taken pictures of all my tires and noticed they had splits in all the grooves all the way around the tire and the middle of the tread of tires. The were manufactured defect tires and I had to take my car back to America Tire Company to have them all replaced. They told me that if the tires are not safe we do not let you leave the store. They let me leave the store on the tires that look like that. I travel from CA to AZ and I did not feel safe. No lawyer will take the case if you have not been injured or in an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Pelc Tire of Fairhope Alabama identified a crack that has formed between the tread and the sidewall that traverses the circumference of the entire tire on all four tires. They said this is a safety hazard to me and that these tires are very new to have formed this crack. They recommended replacement. The tire dealer I purchased the tire at is in San Diego CA. There has not been an accident or a tire failure yet.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C system and heating system became inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,300.
Turned the heated seat on (driver side seat). After a little while the seat felt too hot so I thought maybe my jacket was positioned strange on my back. I readjusted my jacket and turned the seat down to the medium setting. It still felt too hot so I turned it off. After exiting the vehicle I noticed a burn mark through the back of the seat. I checked my jacket and there were burn marks on it as well. Had I not been wearing a winter jacket i likely would have been burned. This also poses a safety concern of the seat starting on fire. The vehicle has not been evaluated yet. There were no warning messages or alarms prior to the malfunction. It can be inspected upon request.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .