Car Yearsto Avoid

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

1

Engine problems

1,990 complaints (74%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and turbo / supercharger.

Complaints 1,990 · Usually at 55,000–102,000 miles

2

Transmission problems

391 complaints (14%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and torque converter.

Complaints 391 · Usually at 50,000–107,000 miles · Recall 22V413000

3

Electrical problems

156 complaints (6%) name the electrical system, most often the spark plugs and wiring.

Complaints 156 · Usually at 21,000–73,000 miles · Recall 16V617000

4

Fuel system problems

94 complaints (4%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and canister.

Complaints 94 · Usually at 33,000–87,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 74%
Transmission 14%
Electrical 6%
Unknown or Other 6%
Fuel System 4%
Wheels 3%
Body 2%
Brakes 2%
Steering 2%
Lights 2%

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 windows may not reverse in time

Injury risk

A power window can push with too much force on an object, such as a hand or arm, and does not reverse as quickly as it should. This can pinch a driver or passenger before the window retracts, which raises the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the power window software for free.

Recall 26V374000 · Jun 2026

Block heater can crack and short circuit

Fire risk

The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.

Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.

Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026

Gear 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 2022

Power windows may not reverse in time

Injury risk

The power window settings can let a window close on a body part, such as a hand or arm, before it reverses, which fails a federal window safety standard. This raises the risk of injury to people in the vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will update the power window software free of charge.

Recall 16V617000 · Aug 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

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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.

2013 Escape 2,750
2017 Escape 2,697
2014 Escape 2,089
2010 Escape 2,070
2008 Escape 1,974
2018 Escape 1,816
2009 Escape 1,693
2020 Escape 1,608
2011 Escape 1,318
2016 Escape 1,156
2015 Escape 1,116
2012 Escape 603
2019 Escape 595
2021 Escape 349
2022 Escape 235
2023 Escape 100
2024 Escape 76
2025 Escape 26

2017 Ford Escape problems by system

Engine (1,990)Transmission (391)Electrical (156)

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 windows may not reverse in time (26V374000); Block heater can crack and short circuit (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.