2017 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2017 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2017 Ford Escape a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 2,697 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
2,697 complaints 4 recalls, 1 fire risk 2nd worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2017 Ford Escape problems
Engine problems
1,990 complaints (74%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and turbo / supercharger.
Transmission problems
391 complaints (14%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and torque converter.
Electrical problems
156 complaints (6%) name the electrical system, most often the spark plugs and wiring.
Fuel system problems
94 complaints (4%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and canister.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,153 of 2,697). The amber line is the middle value, about 70,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2017 Ford Escape recalls
Power window devices and controls
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." 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.
Recall 26V374000 · Jun 2026Engine block heater
Fire risk0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. 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.
Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. 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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.
Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022Power window devices and controls, Software
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." 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.
Recall 16V617000 · Aug 2016Get an email when your 2017 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Escape years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2017 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2017 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 2,697 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
What are the most common 2017 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and fuel system. 1,990 complaints (74%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and turbo / supercharger.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 55,000–102,000 miles, with a middle value near 77,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
4. Power window devices and controls (26V374000); Engine block heater (26V011000); Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod (22V413000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2017 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.