This page covers 5 recalls, 2560 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Ford Escape.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Ford Escape centers on the engine, specifically coolant loss and internal coolant leaks associated with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. Owners across many reports describe losing coolant rapidly, sometimes requiring a full or near-full refill within days, with no visible external leak and no warning light. Several describe coolant entering the cylinders or engine block, pointing to an internal failure rather than a hose or fitting issue. Engine and engine cooling complaints make up the bulk of the complaint volume by a wide margin. Powertrain complaints are the next notable category, where owners describe transmission hesitation, jerking during shifts, delayed gear engagement, and unusual noises from the transmission under normal driving conditions.
2,560
Total Complaints
38
Crash-Related
15
Fire-Related
38
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Ford Escape has 5 recalls, the most serious being a shifter cable bushing that can degrade or fall off, preventing the transmission from engaging the intended gear and potentially causing the vehicle to roll or move in an unexpected direction. Also serious is a recall affecting models with the 2.0L engine and an optional block heater: the heater can crack and leak coolant internally, creating an electrical short when plugged in that raises the risk of a fire.
Three recalls address the power windows, which can close with too much force before reversing direction, pinching a hand or arm caught in the opening. One of these covers vehicles where an earlier repair attempt under a prior recall did not fully resolve the problem, meaning the windows on those cars were still closing too forcefully after the initial fix. These concerns affect certain trims and build dates, so not all 2017 Escapes are involved in every window-related recall.
At a glance
What can fail
The power windows may push too hard against an object before automatically reversing, not meeting federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power window software at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, creating an electrical short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater or install a threaded plug and remove the electrical cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window closing force settings may allow windows to close on body parts before the auto-reverse feature activates, risking injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power window operating system software at no cost to fix the closing force settings.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Power window system may apply excessive closing force beyond safety limits, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power window operating software to reduce closing force.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
