2017 Ford Escape recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape and 2,697 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (1,580), engine and engine cooling (509), power train (391). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2017 ranks #13 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Ford Escape. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Visibility · power window devices and controls
Problem: 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: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Problem: 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: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Problem: 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: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Visibility · power window devices and controls
Problem: 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: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The "check engine light" came on. We brought it to the Ford Dealership for checking. They told us there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and that the car was unsafe to drive and required a new engine. We had only put approximately 6,000 miles on the car after buying it used 2 years prior. We surrendered the car to the dealership and took a payout of only $1,500, for a car t…
One morning in July 2026, I woke up to turn on my car and the temperature was in the red, white smoke was coming out of it and it has since been non-operable with a recommendation for a engine replacement. I was told this could be related to coolant intrusion and it occurred at just 77,000 miles. I had just had my car at Ford for a multipoint inspection six months prior with no…
Vehicle went into limp mode with my teeange daughter driving on the interstate due to the known coolant intrusion issue.
Safety ratings
2017 Ford Escape SUV FWD
2017 Ford Escape SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Ford Escape.
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape, most recently for visibility · power window devices and controls (06/09/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?
Based on 2,697 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (1,580), engine and engine cooling (509), power train (391).
Is the 2017 Ford Escape safe?
The 2017 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Ford Escape?
The 2017 ranks #13 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Ford Escape range from 23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Ford Escape in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ESCAPE, Escape.