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2017 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on NHTSA and EPA records. Published by Humblebee.

The 2017 Ford Escape has 2,700 owner complaints with NHTSA, the second-highest count of any Escape model year, and engine problems lead the list[1][2][3]. It earns 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests, but one of its four recalls, for the engine block heater on 2.0L cars, still has no final fix[4][2][5].

2,700owner complaints[1]
4recalls[2]
23–26MPG combined (EPA)[6]
5★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 2,700 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Escape[1]. Of these, 39 mention a crash, 15 a fire and 56 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[3] 1,993 77,000
Power train[7] 391 75,728
Electrical system[8] 156 37,129
Unknown or other[9] 153 24,993
Wheels[10] 76 43,173
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 72 34,800
Structure[12] 62 40,000
Brakes[13] 50 17,000

The engine group stands far above the rest, with 1,993 of the 2,700 complaints[1][3]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, owners describe the engine shutting off while driving or at low speed, sometimes with a dash message to shift to Park and restart[3]. Others describe a sudden loss of power or limp mode with no throttle response, and a few mention overheating, coolant or oil leaks and misfires[3].

In a sample of power train complaints, owners describe the transmission slipping or showing a fault warning, the car moving after it was put in Park, and grinding or thudding from the rear of AWD models[7]. Recall 22V413 below also covers a risk of the car rolling after Park is selected[14].

The smaller groups are not common problems by these numbers. Still, in samples we read, electrical complaints include engine stops tied to auto start-stop and a power liftgate closing quietly onto an owner's head[8]. Wheels complaints include swollen lug nuts that the factory wrench cannot remove and tires that bubbled, lost air or blew out[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2017 Escape[2]. Here they are, newest first.

If you are buying, ask for proof that each recall was done. For 26V374, an earlier window repair is not enough, since this recall exists because some of those repairs were done incorrectly[15].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type[17][6][18][19][20][21].

Engine and drive City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
1.5L 4-cyl turbo, FWD[6] 23 / 30 / 26 $2,600
1.5L 4-cyl turbo, AWD[21] 22 / 28 / 24 $2,800
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, FWD[18] 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, AWD[20] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2.5L 4-cyl, FWD[17] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
2.5L 4-cyl, FWD, gasoline or E85[19] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800

Every version listed uses an Automatic (S6)[17][6][18][19][20][21]. The flex-fuel 2.5L is rated for gasoline or E85, and the others for regular fuel[19][17]. The 1.5L turbo with FWD is the most efficient at 26 MPG combined[6]. EPA's fuel cost uses today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2017 Escape 5 stars overall, 5 stars in frontal crash and 5 stars in side crash, for both FWD and AWD[4][22]. The rollover rating is 4 stars[4][22]. NHTSA puts rollover risk at 18.5% for AWD and 19.1% for FWD[4][22].

Engine and size

Horsepower below is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles[23][24][25].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[26][27].

Measurement FWD AWD
Length[27][26] 179 in 179 in
Width[27][26] 72 in 72 in
Height[27][26] 66 in 66 in
Wheelbase[27][26] 106 in 106 in
Curb weight[27][26] 3,552 lb 3,677 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2001: 996 complaints, 13 recalls20012002: 1,027 complaints, 8 recalls2003: 558 complaints, 7 recalls2004: 499 complaints, 6 recalls20042005: 1,584 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 720 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 393 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 2,417 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 1,846 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 2,129 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 1,355 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 619 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 2,756 complaints, 18 recalls20132014: 2,089 complaints, 16 recalls2015: 1,125 complaints, 9 recalls2016: 1,162 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 2,700 complaints, 4 recalls2,70020172018: 1,820 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 596 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 1,902 complaints, 25 recalls2021: 496 complaints, 21 recalls2022: 385 complaints, 21 recalls20222023: 138 complaints, 13 recalls2024: 88 complaints, 10 recalls2025: 31 complaints, 10 recalls20252026: 4 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Escape model year. The 2017 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200199613
20021,0278
20035587
20044996
20051,5844
20067204
20073932
20082,4173
20091,8461
20102,1293
20111,3552
20126191
20132,75618
20142,08916
20151,1259
20161,1624
20172,7004
20181,8204
20195963
20201,90225
202149621
202238521
202313813
20248810
20253110
202643

NHTSA lists complaints for every Escape model year from 2001 to 2026[2]. With 2,700 complaints, 2017 ranks second of all of them[2]. Only 2013 has more, at 2,756[2]. Next come 2008 with 2,417, 2010 with 2,129 and 2014 with 2,089[2].

The years right around 2017 look better. The 2016 Escape has 1,162 complaints and the 2018 has 1,820[2]. The 2019 has 596[2]. On recalls, 2017 has 4, the same as 2016 and 2018[2]. Several later years have far more recalls, such as 25 for 2020[2].

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where owners complained most, not an exact failure rate.

Should you buy a used 2017 Escape?

The 2017 Escape scores well in NHTSA crash tests, with 5 stars overall[4][22]. Its weak spot is the engine, which accounts for 1,993 owner complaints, and its total of 2,700 is the second highest of any Escape year[3][2]. If you are shopping, the 2016 or 2018 model years have fewer complaints on file[2]. If you choose a 2017, get a full service history, make sure the shifter bushing and window recalls are done, and on a 2.0L car leave the block heater unplugged because its fix is not available yet[15][5][14][16].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints, 1,993 of 2,700[1][3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the engine shutting off while driving and sudden loss of power[3]. Power train is second with 391 complaints[7].
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
Four: 26V374 and 16V617 for power windows, 22V413 for the shifter cable bushing, and 26V011 for the engine block heater on 2.0L engines[15][5][14][16]. The block heater recall has no final remedy yet[5].
What gas mileage does a 2017 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings range from 23 MPG combined for the 2.0L turbo AWD to 26 MPG combined for the 1.5L turbo FWD[20][6].
Is the 2017 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It has 2,700 complaints, second only to the 2013 among Escape years in NHTSA's records[2]. The 2016 has 1,162 and the 2018 has 1,820[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Is it safe to plug in the block heater on a 2017 Escape?
On cars with the 2.0L engine, Ford advises not plugging in the block heater until the recall repair is done, because a cracked heater can short circuit and raise fire risk[5]. The final remedy is not yet available[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 2,700 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Escape (39 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 56 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Escape model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 1,993 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 10 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Escape FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 391 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,728). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 156 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,129). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 153 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 5 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,993). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 76 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,173). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 72 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 62 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 50 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 26V374, filed June 9, 2026: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V617, filed August 24, 2016: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Escape FWD FFV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Escape AWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Escape with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 180 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 245 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 168 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV AWD: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,677 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV FWD: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,552 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.