2017 Ford Escape engine problems
1,543 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Ford Escape — 58% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The customer may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level. Additionally, the condition can cause heat damage to the block heater electrical wiring and connector and the customer may notice…”
filed Aug 4, 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has…
SSM 52335 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 6, 2024
Engine problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 5 | 24% |
| 2024 Escape | 13 | 17% |
| 2023 Escape | 28 | 30% |
| 2022 Escape | 32 | 14% |
| 2021 Escape | 40 | 12% |
| 2020 Escape | 112 | 7% |
| 2019 Escape | 299 | 52% |
| 2018 Escape | 1,116 | 64% |
| 2016 Escape | 195 | 18% |
| 2015 Escape | 236 | 22% |
| 2014 Escape | 719 | 35% |
| 2013 Escape | 1,263 | 46% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.