Total Complaints
3050 filings
FORD ESCAPE · model year
3050 NHTSA complaints, 50 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2017FORDESCAPE carries 3050 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 50 crashes, 23 fires, 70 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 ESCAPE is engine with 1415 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (468) and power train (348). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2017 ESCAPE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
3050 filings
Crashes Reported
50 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 1415 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 468 |
| POWER TRAIN | 348 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 137 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 135 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 65 |
| WHEELS | 54 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 52 |
| STEERING | 49 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 45 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 31 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 29 |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 27 |
| AIR BAGS | 20 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 14 |
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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 th
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0301, P0302, and P0304 were retrieved for a misfire in cylinder #1, #2, and #4. Due to the failure, the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately one week later, the check engine light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the same codes were retrieved as before. The contact continued driving the vehicle, and the message "High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" was displayed before the vehicle lost power and shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Mileage: 70,000
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0301, P0302, and P0304 were retrieved for a misfire in cylinder #1, #2, and #4. Due to the failure, the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately one week later, the check engine light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the same codes were retrieved as before. The contact continued driving the vehicle, and the message "High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" was displayed before the vehicle lost power and shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Mileage: 70,000
Vehicle Information ⢠2017 Ford Escape SE ⢠Mileage (around 80,000) ⢠VIN [XXX] 2. Problem Description My 2017 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed a Technical Service Bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. It is a Safety Risk including ⢠Loss of power while driving ⢠Risk of engine stall ⢠Overheating risk ⢠Highway safety concern I have had the dealer fix this and an automechanic has looked at it as well. It is still leaking Started in the summer of 2025 and still happening as of today 2-16-26 There were no warnings prior to the failure The Car is burning the coolant INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car started misfiring, check engine light came on. Took the car into shop to find out what the problem was. I was told coolant was in the cylinders and the engine was gone.
Error code P0303 misfire cylinder 3. Engine rough idle along with white smoke from exhaust and low coolant. This is a known issue with Ford that should be corrected with short block replacement through warranty.
2017 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD with 155,000 miles with Known coolant intrusion issue... (Vin has not been apart of the recall) second owner, original owner never knew about engine replacement because issue never happened under him. now im stuck with a car that has plenty of new parts and i cant get it inspected or use it regularly because of the coolant intrusion, now I have to get a engine replacement which will probably be around 5 grand if im lucky and I dont have that money. now im stuck with a car I cant drive. yes the car is available for inspection on request. my dad was using the car as a daily out of town driver, driving on the high way first overheat issue happened. no the car has not been inspected by any other source. the only warning was the check engine light after coolant intrusion started.
2017 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD with 155,000 miles with Known coolant intrusion issue... (Vin has not been apart of the recall) second owner, original owner never knew about engine replacement because issue never happened under him. now im stuck with a car that has plenty of new parts and i cant get it inspected or use it regularly because of the coolant intrusion, now I have to get a engine replacement which will probably be around 5 grand if im lucky and I dont have that money. now im stuck with a car I cant drive. yes the car is available for inspection on request. my dad was using the car as a daily out of town driver, driving on the high way first overheat issue happened. no the car has not been inspected by any other source. the only warning was the check engine light after coolant intrusion started.
There is a searchable TSB for these vehicles from Ford basically stating the engine has a known defect and the only remedy is to replace the engine. Coolant intrudes into the cylinders causing premature engine failures or seizures
Vehicle transmission failed at 60k miles and again at 146k miles. Had to pay around $4000 each time the transmission broke. This is a nightmare and these vehicles have constant transmission problems that are expensive and cause heartache. I have spent so much money on towing, dealership diagnostics, and drain and fills/flushes for the transmission to keep the fluid clean. The fluid gets dark and dirty so quick and smells burnt so quickly. The manufacturer (Ford) are a bunch of crooks. They tell you the transmission fluid lasts over 100,000 miles but that's a lie! I have 146k miles and have already had two transmission failures with the 6F35! This is terrible. They need to be held accountable or they will keep ruining peoples lives.
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Escape, 1.5L Eco Boost Component/System: Engine/cooling system The engine in my 2017 Ford Escape experienced a failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership advised that coolant intrusion is a known issue with this engine design and recommended full engine replacement, with an estimated repair cost exceeding $10,000. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited rough idle, shaking, and intermittent check engine warnings. The condition worsened over time and posed a safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure was not attributed to neglect or lack of service. Ford Motor Company has acknowledged similar failures in this engine family through service bulletins; however, my VIN is not currently included in a recall or customer satisfaction program. The defecti
In January 2025, my 2017 Ford Escape experienced a sudden and unexpected transmission failure at approximately 69,500 miles while the vehicle was in operation. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in an immediate loss of propulsion, making it impossible to accelerate or maintain speed in active traffic. This created a dangerous situation and nearly caused a collision with surrounding vehicles before I was able to pull over. The vehicle became completely undrivable following the failure. Sudden loss of propulsion presents a serious safety hazard, particularly in high-speed or congested roadway conditions. Multiple other owners have reported similar sudden transmission failures in 2017 Ford Escape vehicles, including loss of acceleration, stalling, and unexpected breakdowns at relatively low mileage, often requiring full transmission replacement. These repeated incidents demonstrate a recurring safety-related defect that poses a significant risk to public safety and warrant
I experienced a sudden and unexpected water pump failure on my 2017 Ford Escape while driving in active traffic. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in rapid coolant loss and engine overheating, causing the vehicle to lose power while in motion. This created a hazardous driving condition and required me to pull over to avoid a potential collision. Sudden cooling system failure presents a serious safety risk, as it can lead to engine stalling, loss of power steering and braking assist, and breakdowns in traffic or at highway speeds, significantly increasing the risk of crash or injury. Additionally, other owners of 2017 Ford Escape vehicles have reported similar sudden water pump failures without warning, often leading to overheating, loss of drivability, and vehicle breakdowns at relatively low mileage. These repeated incidents indicate premature component failure rather than normal wear and demonstrate a recurring safety-related defect that poses a significant risk to p
I HAVE A 2017 FORD ESCAPE 2.0 ENGINE ECOBOOST. I HAVE AN ISSUE THAT THE CAR TELLS ME THAT ITS RUNNING HOT AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS PURCHSED IN STATESBORO AT FORD DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS REGULAR MAINTENAINCE AND IS TAKEN CARE OF. I KEEP CHECKING FOR A RECALL ON IT; AND NEVER SEE ONE. BUT READING THE ISSUE ABOUT THE HEATING BLOCK. IT SHOULD BE ON THE LIST
I am filing this complaint due to repeated and dangerous safety-related failures in my Ford vehicle involving both the transmission and engine. Prior to a transmission recall repair, my vehicle experienced severe drivability issues, including sudden jerking while driving, loss of power on the highway, unexpected stopping, and shutting off at traffic lights. These incidents nearly caused multiple accidents and placed me and others at serious risk. The transmission was later replaced under recall by a Ford dealership. After that repair, I am now experiencing a major engine failure related to coolant intrusion. This defect is well documented by Ford in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2322, which supersedes TSB 22-2134. The bulletin states that to resolve the condition, the engine short block and head gasket must be replaced. This effectively requires replacement of the core of the engine and confirms the severity of the defect. The symptoms associated with this engine issue overlap
Engine suffered coolant intrusion known design defect on ford escape 1.5 L engines. Needs engine replacement.
Unknown. There's a white puff of smoke that comes out on a cold start every time. There is a small loss of coolant as well that I have to replace regularly. I was already told by the dealership to get rid of the car because it would need a complete engine fix that would cost 7000 to 10,000 dollars. It started doing this at 92k miles. The car was well maintained with regular oil checks and all maintenance recommended was done in a timely manner. All of the symptoms point to coolant intrusion.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The low oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive to the residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that a faulty wire connected to the spark plug had caused the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Mileage: 28,000
My wife had driven the car, it had given an error and I tested it for a code. The Code was PO304 Cylinder 4 Misfire detected. We scheduled a maintenance appointment with our local Ford dealership to have them look at this error and address a recall. We were informed that "coolant and freezant were leaking into cylinder #4!" The mileage is ~150300 and the vehicle has been serviced regularly. Prior to the Engine light on/code on, there have been no indication there was a problem. I am now reading about other 1.5L Escapes that have this same recall but mine was not included? This doesn't make sense, it's the same problem with the same motor that was manufactured in other facilities, with the same parts, and those engines were recalled but mine wasn't?? just fix my engine guys!
Engine failure when coolant leaked into #4 cyclinder causing loss of power, excessive smoke and total engine failure while driving on interstate. Ford supposedly knows this was an engineering problem in the 2 liter eco-boost engine for several years yet sold vehiles anyway.
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
Loss of Motive Power
Loss of power steering while driving
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.