2017 Ford Escape
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
58% of complaints: engine — 1556 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
I am reporting a serious engine failure involving a 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD 2.0L EcoBoost, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle was purchased in October 2024 as a Ford Blue Advantage Certified vehicle from Lithia Ford of Boise with approximately 32,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 506 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and turbo/supercharger.
CRASH15% of complaints: power train — 394 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
CRASH FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: electrical system — 154 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing spark plugs and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact check the vanity lights but there was no power inside the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
3% of complaints: wheels — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
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 (1556 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (506 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (394 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.