The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-398 (17V398000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 17C11 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Air bags › Knee bolster |
| Report date | June 26, 2017 |
| Owners notified | August 8, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 3 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 17V-398 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 3 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.