Most common 2017 Ford Escape problems
Share of the 2,700 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Escape complaints by model year
Best Escape years: 2025, 2012, 2023. Years to avoid: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →
2017 Ford Escape recalls (4)
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Software
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2017 Ford Escape owners say
Engine & cooling all 1,993 →
The contact called on behalf of her husband, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her husband was approaching a stop sign at 5 MPH, and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal with both feet in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop; no warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions where the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle. On a most recent occasion, the contact parked in an empty lot when the vehicle accelerated, causing her to crash into a wall in front at an unknown speed. The building's wall was damaged, and the vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local repair center. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. …
The contact's wife owned a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact's wife was driving at 80 MPH, both a stop engine and check engine warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact's wife called the contact who was then informed to immediately pull over. As the contact's wife pulled over, black smoke began to emit from the engine. The contact's wife exited the vehicle as the vehicle quickly caught fire. The authorities were called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was destroyed as a result of the fire. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 391 →
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact had experienced a failure while stopped at a traffic sign. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled forward at approximately 2 MPH and lightly crashed into a vehicle in front of him. There was no damage or injuries. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train), however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle into park, the vehicle surged forward and went over an embankment without warning. The air bag deployed upon impact. The contact did not sustain any injuries and did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they were unable to repair the vehicle, the vehicle was then towed back to his home. The contact then received a notification in the mail for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train) which he linked to his failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Electrical system all 156 →
The car has suffered from multiple problems since 2020, where each time I would take it to the shop to be assessed.. The transmission, the electrical, and I have suffered from mental illness due to me being afraid to drive in the car. There was no way to get it diagnosed for the specific recall. I have spent $15,547.50 in mostly the same repairs. I have bought a total of 13 tires. Had to get the front suspension fixed, the struts, rental cars, had to get new brakes and rotos 3 times, wheel bearing replacement, had to get a second key cut, and the car reprogrammed, car makes a loud noise and it was not able to be diagnosed, purge valve assembly, spark plugs changed 2 times, and of course regular oil changes every few months. My check engine light has never come on. I have gone to the ford service cener, grease monkey, valvoline, good year, jiffy lube, tune up clinic, c&p auto repair. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle shuddered and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while exiting the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature engaged independently whenever the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. The contact was instructed by the dealer to drive the vehicle for 100 miles to reset the components. …
2017 Ford Escape engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Ford Escape a good car?
Based on 2,700 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Escape rates avoid: 3.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Escape at the same age. It is one of the Escape years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Ford Escape?
The engine & cooling — 1,993 complaints, 74% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (391) and electrical system (156).
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape, the most recent from June 9, 2026 (power window devices and controls). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Escape?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Ford Escape years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.