NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 2,701 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape. Most complaints involve engine (1,584) and engine and engine cooling (509). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escape model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,027 |
| 2002 | 1,070 |
| 2003 | 598 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 1,693 |
| 2010 | 2,129 |
| 2011 | 1,318 |
| 2012 | 604 |
| 2013 | 2,757 |
| 2014 | 2,089 |
| 2015 | 1,135 |
| 2016 | 1,178 |
| 2017 | 2,701 |
| 2018 | 1,823 |
| 2019 | 599 |
| 2020 | 1,548 |
| 2021 | 353 |
| 2022 | 238 |
| 2023 | 102 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“1. The EcoBoost engine block suffered a severe structural failure caused by a factory manufacturing defect known as internal cylinder block coolant intrusion (as documented in Ford TSB 19-2208). Antifreeze leaks directly past the cylinder wall block grooves into the combustion chambers. This vehicle is currently parked and is fully available for physical inspection upon request at the location provided. 2. The engine suffered a sudden, severe mechanical malfunction while driving, causing an immediate drop in cylinder compression, engine misfires, and a dangerous loss of control and motive power. Driving a vehicle prone to sudden stall or failure creates an extreme hazard on public roads, dramatically increasing the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision or stranding the driver in live traffic without propulsion. 3. Yes. The vehicle’s loss of coolant, engine misfire codes, and cylinder block leak characteristics were physically inspected and confirmed by a private, independent auto mechanic. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance as no crash has occurred yet. Ford Motor Company's customer service and Tier 2 Automotive Consumer…”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power without warning lights illuminating. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine failed due to coolant intrusion. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the vehicle started rolling backwards while shifted to park(P). The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair was previously performed in 2024. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable bushing was missing. The shifter cable and bushing were replaced with similar parts and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 216,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Escape FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 357 |
| Escape AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Escape FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 369 |
| Escape FWD FFV Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 369 |
| Escape AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2,701 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1,584), engine and engine cooling (509), power train (391). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Escape at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ford Escape 5 out of 5 stars overall.