CarModelProblems.com

2017 Ford Escape Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/13/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 6.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2,627Complaints
4Recalls
39Crashes
15Fires
56Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (58.1% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 6.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine1,527 · 58.1%No official action
Engine And Engine Cooling482 · 18.3%No official action
Power Train367 · 14%RecalledRecall 22V413000
Electrical System145 · 5.5%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System71 · 2.7%No official action
Wheels54 · 2.1%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE1,527 · 58.1%
POWER TRAIN367 · 14%
Unspecified / other150 · 5.7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM71 · 2.7%
WHEELS54 · 2.1%
STRUCTURE:BODY53 · 2%
STEERING49 · 1.9%
SERVICE BRAKES45 · 1.7%

Percentages are the share of the 2,627 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

NHTSA campaign 16V617000 · 2016 · reported 08/24/2016

If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022 · reported 06/10/2022

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 2026 · reported 01/15/2026

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

NHTSA campaign 26V374000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026

A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THIS VEHICAL STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. FOR EXAMPLE, IT STALLS AND TELLS YOU TO AUTO RESTART THE ENGINE BEFORE MOVING ON. THIS IS…”NHTSA complaint 11179736 — filed 02/13/2019 · ENGINE
“CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN JANUARY AND HAS HAPPENED 5-10 TIMES SINCE. MESSAGE COMES UP TO PUT CAR IN PARK TO RESTART…”NHTSA complaint 11175836 — filed 02/09/2019 · ENGINE
“'AUTO STARTSTOP' WOULD NOT RESTART ENGINE FROM THIS MONTH, APPROXIMATELY ONCE A DAY. INSTRUMENT PANEL MESSAGE SHOWS ME TO 'AUTO STARTSTOP, SHIFT TO P, RESTART…”NHTSA complaint 11173117 — filed 01/30/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

2201665201785201816120191532020128202129320224902023869202476020252262026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,527 of 2,627 NHTSA complaints (58.1%), followed by engine and engine cooling (482), power train (367), unspecified/other issues (150). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2017 Ford Escape have?

2,627 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/13/2026. Of those, 39 involved a crash, 15 involved a fire, and 56 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2017 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V617000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2017 Ford Escape's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/13/2026.