MYRModel Year Report

2017 Ford Escape

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2017 Ford Escape
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escape Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2017 highlighted. 2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 996 complaints 2002: 1027 complaints 2003: 558 complaints 2004: 499 complaints 2004 2005: 1394 complaints 2006: 464 complaints 2007: 254 complaints 2008: 1972 complaints 2008 2009: 1691 complaints 2010: 2067 complaints 2011: 1312 complaints 2012: 598 complaints 2012 2013: 2739 complaints 2014: 2067 complaints 2015: 1027 complaints 2016: 1028 complaints 2016 2017: 2620 complaints 2017 2018: 1724 complaints 2019: 557 complaints 2020: 1546 complaints 2020 2021: 323 complaints 2022: 219 complaints 2023: 94 complaints 2024: 74 complaints 2024 2025: 20 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2017: 2620 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001996
20021027
2003558
2004499
20051394
2006464
2007254
20081972
20091691
20102067
20111312
2012598
20132739
20142067
20151027
20161028
20172620
20181724
2019557
20201546
2021323
2022219
202394
202474
202520
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 58%

58% of complaints: engine — 1522 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle shut off while i was driving on the highway. The check engine light flashed for a few seconds and then the whole car shut off while i was doing 70 on the highway. Thankfully nobody was hurt but i'm lucky to be alive.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231106

I TURNED FROM THE PARKING LOT INTERSECTION IN EAGLE RUN SHOPPING CENTER, NW OF WENDY'S, FROM WEST TO SOUTH ONTO THE PARKING LOT ROAD THAT ACCESSES THE W MAPLE RD & BIRCH ST INTERSECTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171229

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 482 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 365 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: electrical system — 144 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3%

3% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 71 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20160906 — electrical system, visibility

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016.

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.

Campaign 16V617000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2017 — complaint volume: 2620
R 20221027 — power train

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.

Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — visibility

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 are expected to be mailed July 6. 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29.

Campaign 26V374000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — equipment

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

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.

Campaign 26V011000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (1522 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (482 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (365 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V374000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 26V011000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V617000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2014 ■ 2010

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2017 Ford Escape reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Ford Escape is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.