Owner complaint record
2017 Ford Escape Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2017 Ford Escape owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 2,663 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 2, 20262,663 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
+144% vs 2016
1,555 complaints, 58% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
38 mention an injury, 15 a fire
The engine leads the 2017 Ford Escape record at 58%, with engine and cooling next at 18%. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 70,000 miles.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Ford's 2017 update brought a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo and a twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost, while the S kept the 2.5-liter. The complaint form has no engine field, so these counts can't be split by engine.
2017 Ford Escape overview
The 2017 Escape is the year Ford updated it with two new turbo engines. The S kept the 2.5-liter four, while the SE and Titanium got a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost as the option, all with a six-speed automatic, built at Ford's Louisville Assembly plant.
Owners filed 144% more complaints about the 2017 than the 2016 (1,091), and the engine leads only in 2017. The 2018 drew 1,770, with engine named most.
In plain terms: the S has the plain 2.5-liter engine, and the SE and Titanium have the smaller turbo engines, with the 2.0-liter as the strong option. The coolant and exhaust checks in the list below apply to every engine.
S
- Power
- 168 hp
- Torque
- 170 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
SE · TITANIUM
- Power
- 245 hp
- Torque
- 275 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
SE · TITANIUM
- Power
- 179 hp
- Torque
- 177 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Ford's release for the 2.0-liter and MotorTrend for the 1.5 and 2.5-liter.
Is the 2017 Ford Escape reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2017 Ford Escape than about any other Escape year except 2013, and most of them are about the engine. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 2ndCompared with other Escape years2,663 complaints, the 2nd most of 16 model years (2013 has 2,744).By model year
- 58%The system named mostEngine, in 1,555 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 70,000 miles.Problems by system
- 4Recalls4 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Ford Escape.Recalls
- 39Crashes, injuries, fires39 complaints mention a crash, 38 an injury and 15 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2017 Ford Escape problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 2,663 complaints about the 2017 Ford Escape that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine58%1,555 complaintsCoolant in a cylinder, overheating, engine replaced
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
2017 Ford escape titanium 2.0 ecoboost the engine just stalls in the middle of traffic, waiting at light, driving in the parking lot. A message will come on the dash "auto startstop shift to p restart engine." this has been happening more and more lately. Plenty of people out there are complaining of the same issue.
Had 2017 Ford escape for just over a year. 30,000 miles on it when cel came on then went back off only to come back on again blinking. Dealership says antifreeze is leaking into oil causing engine failure. Engine has to be replaced.
NYOHGAGARead 4 more owner reports+4
4 year old, 73,500 miles, engine light came on, car was bucking, stalling, bucking, could have cause an accident. Drove to dealer. Gasket leaked and blew engine. Engine needs to be replaced $8000.00
Coolant leaking into engine cylinder resulting in lost coolant and overheating. Check engine light on with code p0302. Recently bought vehicle unknowingly of this issue and are now stuck with the problem. This is a known issue and there are a lot of complaints out there from Ford escape owners. Please recall this vehicle
Car is randomly jumping to overheat after being in motion. Approx 5 mins of being on. Then violently shaking and cutting itself off. Driving out of an apartment driveway. Was told it was the coolant leaking, however it "solved itself" and I was sent on my way. This is now the second time this has happened. Upon research, it seems as this is a common issue with fords.
Have owned the car for a month, 65,000 miles on it. Check engine light came on when started car, had it scanned, was told cylinder 1 had a misfire. Took it to mall of georgia Ford where it was purchased from may 2020, they have now said coolant leaks into the engine and they have to replace the entire engine. Will this happen with the replacement engine too? Ford should buy the car back. Owned for a month.
When it starts
Usually starts around 70,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 48,000 and 97,000.
What to do
Check the coolant level with the engine cold, and ask for any engine work by VIN.
Our guideBlown Head Gasket Symptoms: The Signs and How to TestEngine and cooling18%486 complaintsCoolant leaking into a cylinder, overheating
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Engine developed a coolant leak that irreparably damaged the engine with 72,000 miles. The coolant leak is a known issue and Ford failed to inform consumers or offer a repair. The vehicle is inoperable and still has payments due on the loan.
Known common problem of coolant leaking into engine and Ford says they will only replace up to 84,000 miles. This is clearly a dangerous manufacturing flaw.
OHWAMAILRead 4 more owner reports+4
Coolant leak. An internet search revealed that this was a common problem among this model (coolant leaking into cylinder #2). I keep coolant in the car at all times in case of overheating.
Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders causing engine overheating.due to defective Ford 2.0 ecoboost engine.
The car was overheating so I brought it to the dealership to have it looked at. I was informed that there was coolant leaking into one of the engine cylinders causing the car to overheat with the possibility of it even catching on fire.
Engine warning light came on while driving. Vehicle is operable but service department has indicated coolant intrusion needs new engine short block replaced to operate the vehicle. This is our only transportation and we have been advised not to drive the vehicle as the engine could seize up at any time.
When it starts
Usually starts around 82,116 miles. Half of owners reported it between 62,000 and 105,000.
What to do
Watch the exhaust at a cold start for white smoke.
Our guideHow Long Can You Drive With White Smoke From Exhaust?Powertrain14%372 complaintsStalling at stops, no power, transmission replaced
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
36,000 miles and coolant leaked into engine. Dealership told me they have to replace the long block, basically replace the engine. It's been a month now and no work has been started. This engine leak issue on the Ford ecoboost 1.5l engine has been known to Ford motor co. Since at least 2015.
I was driving, tried to accelerate vehicle made a strange noise and would not accelerate, would not go over 10 mph, rpm went up to 6. Pulled of the road, placed it in park, turned it off, then back on. Vehicle would not go into gear. Had to have it towed to a Ford dealership, was told I need a new transmission. Waiting for estimate at this time.
NYMITNMARead 4 more owner reports+4
Car stalls at intersections. This started happening in january and has happened 5-10 times since. Message comes up to put car in park to restart. This is extremely dangerous as I do not know if the car will restart and possible rear end accidents.
My car had a misfire shortly after I bought it, they replaced some parts in 2017, then my air conditioner quit running cold, the dealership replaced a couple parts in 2018, now in 2019, the engine misfires again leading to an entire engine replacement.
Car lost power while driving. No warning lights. No problems prior to this. Had to have it towed to the dealership. They checked it out and said it needs a new transmission. $6400. Car is four years old with 67,000 miles on it. Power train warranty only lasted until 60,000 miles.
2017 Ford escape. Consumer writes in regard to safety recall 22v-413. Consumer is also seeking reimbursement for rental vehicle. While repairs were being made.
When it starts
Usually starts around 75,228 miles. Half of owners reported it between 48,001 and 106,957.
What to do
Pull away from a full stop several times and feel for slipping or a stall.
Our guideBad Transmission Symptoms: Seven Causes Ranked by CostElectrical system6%147 complaintsStalls with an auto start-stop message, warning lights
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
2017 Ford escape titanium 2.0 ecoboost the engine just stalls in the middle of traffic, waiting at light, driving in the parking lot. A message will come on the dash "auto startstop shift to p restart engine." this has been happening more and more lately. Plenty of people out there are complaining of the same issue.
Car is randomly jumping to overheat after being in motion. Approx 5 mins of being on. Then violently shaking and cutting itself off. Driving out of an apartment driveway. Was told it was the coolant leaking, however it "solved itself" and I was sent on my way. This is now the second time this has happened. Upon research, it seems as this is a common issue with fords.
NYCARead 2 more owner reports+2
Car stalls at intersections. This started happening in january and has happened 5-10 times since. Message comes up to put car in park to restart. This is extremely dangerous as I do not know if the car will restart and possible rear end accidents.
Around 4-6 times in the past 8 months the car stalls out when I am at a complete stop. It flashes a message to restart the car. Each time this happened I put the car in park and restarted the engine. This has so far been effective. I reported this to the dealership but they told me there was nothing they could do since they could not replicate the problem. I attached a picture of the restart message.
When it starts
Usually starts around 37,064 miles. Half of owners reported it between 18,625 and 65,474.
What to do
Sit at a stop with start-stop on and watch the dash.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoFuel and power delivery3%71 complaintsMisfires, poor fuel economy, stalling with start-stop
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
My car had a misfire shortly after I bought it, they replaced some parts in 2017, then my air conditioner quit running cold, the dealership replaced a couple parts in 2018, now in 2019, the engine misfires again leading to an entire engine replacement.
The mpg of this car has been infuriatingly bad since I bought it two years ago. I kept thinking it was just a normal difference between the specs and real life driving, but I am not getting anywhere close to the 25 mpg combined that is advertised on the sticker. I am at 17.4 combined, and its never been any better than that.
TXCARead 2 more owner reports+2
Recurring issue with the same ignition coil/spark plug complex where the engine will misfire on a cold start. I have replaced the ignition coil 3 times and each time it fails within 3 weeks. I have had the engine pressure tested and there are no issues that would cause misfiring. This appears to be an electrical feedback issue.
-purge valve solenoid replaced twice for evap systen, code 1450 occured 01/05/2021 & 05/14/2021 and -leak in radiator, unknown if blown gasket. Received message âhigh engine temperature stop safelyâ with zero radiator flued in tank occured 11/2/202. This has not been repaired but I have been aware of class action law suit related to this issue.
When it starts
Not enough mileage reports.
What to do
Start it cold and listen for a rough idle in the first minute.
Our guideP0300 Code: Random Misfire, and the Two Tiers Behind ItCheck engine codes owners report
41 owners name P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Electrical system complaints start earliest, typically around 37,100 miles. Engine and cooling complaints start latest, around 82,100 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Ford Escape complaints by model year
2017 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 4 other Escape years.
Show chartHide chart
2017 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 4 other Escape years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2017 Ford Escape have kept arriving since 2016, with peaks in 2024 and 2025. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
Show chartHide chart
2017 Ford Escape recalls
4 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Ford Escape. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2017 Ford Escape crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2017 Ford Escape five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. NHTSA lists no defect investigation that covers this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2017 Ford Escape’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 18% to 19%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Before you buy a used 2017 Ford Escape
These checks follow what 2017 Escape owners reported most: coolant loss and overheating in the engine complaints, and stalling at stops. Ask for the service history by VIN too, because it shows any engine work and whether the recall repairs were done.
- 1Check the coolant cold
A level that keeps dropping with no leak in sight is what many engine complaints describe.
- 2Watch the exhaust at startup
White smoke that smells sweet can point to coolant burning in a cylinder.
- 3Scan for misfire codes
Cylinder misfire codes are the ones owners name most for this car.
- 4Pull away from a stop a few times
Stalling at a stop runs through the powertrain and electrical complaints.
- 5Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?
Owners name the engine most (1,555 complaints), then engine and cooling (486) and powertrain (372).
Is 2017 a good year for the Ford Escape?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Escape?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Escape: visibility (2), power train, equipment. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape problems start?
Electrical system complaints start earliest, around 37,100 miles. Engine and cooling complaints come later, around 82,100 miles.
Which Escape years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2013 and 2017 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2024 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 7 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.