Ford Escape 2017 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2017 and 2,691 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Ford Escape between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Ford Escape 2017? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2017
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 26V374000 · 2026-06-09
What happens
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence
A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 2026-01-15
What happens
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022-06-10
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 16V617000 · 2016-08-24
What happens
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. 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."
Consequence
If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
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. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
2,691 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
39 with a crash · 15 with a fire · 56 injuries
Most reported problems on the Ford Escape 2017
- Engine: 1,576 (59% of complaints)
- Engine and cooling: 508 (19% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 390 (14% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 154 (6% of complaints)
- Wheels: 76 (3% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Ford Escape 2017
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check coolant level and color, the temperature gauge on the test drive and leaks under the engine.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2017 Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Ford Escape recalls by year
- 2016 : 4 recalls · 1,146 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 2,691 complaints
- 2018 : 4 recalls · 1,806 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 594 complaints
- 2020 : 23 recalls · 1,533 complaints
- 2021 : 19 recalls · 349 complaints
- 2022 : 19 recalls · 234 complaints
- 2023 : 11 recalls · 100 complaints
- 2024 : 8 recalls · 76 complaints
- 2025 : 9 recalls · 25 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Ford Escape 2017 have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2017. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Escape 2017?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (1,576 of 2,691 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).