2017 Ford Escape Safety Report
2017 Ford Escape: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Widespread Engine Failure and Transmission Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Escape
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Escape receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Escape
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Escape:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Intrusion / Engine Failure A design flaw in certain EcoBoost engines (1.5L and 2.0L) where coolant leaks into the cylinders, leading to misfires, overheating, and ultimately requiring full engine replacement. Many complaints describe sudden loss of power or stalling. |
High | Common | 60000-150000 miles |
| Shifter Cable Bushing Failure A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V076000) addresses a bushing that attaches the shifter cable, which can detach, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and potentially causing unexpected movement. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Block Heater Fire Risk A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V805000) for vehicles with a 2.0L engine where the engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, leading to an electrical short circuit and increased fire risk. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Transmission Failure / Limp Mode Multiple complaints detail transmission failures, including loss of power, jerking, getting stuck, and the vehicle entering 'limp mode' where speed is severely restricted. |
High | Occasional | 60000-146000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Escape:
Over 1060 complaints directly related to the engine, frequently citing coolant intrusion, misfires, overheating, and complete engine failure, often requiring replacement.
369 complaints specifically mention engine and cooling system issues, reinforcing the coolant intrusion problem and related overheating.
206 complaints about the power train, including transmission failures, unexpected jerking, and inability to shift gears, sometimes leading to loss of power while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Escape
Is the 2017 Ford Escape safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford Escape received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has a high volume of complaints (2495 total), with significant concerns about engine failure due to coolant intrusion and transmission issues, which can lead to sudden loss of power or unintended movement, posing safety risks.
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Ford Escape are related to the ENGINE (1060 complaints) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (369 complaints), primarily due to a known coolant intrusion defect leading to engine failure. POWER TRAIN issues (206 complaints), including transmission failures and shifter cable problems, are also frequently cited.
Has the 2017 Ford Escape been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 Ford Escape has had 3 recalls. These include issues with the engine block heater (fire risk), a shifter cable bushing (potential for unintended vehicle movement), and power window closing force (injury risk).
What is 'coolant intrusion' in the 2017 Ford Escape?
Coolant intrusion is a widely reported defect in certain 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines where engine coolant leaks into the cylinders. This leads to symptoms like misfires, white smoke from the exhaust, rapid coolant loss, overheating, and ultimately, catastrophic engine failure, often requiring a full engine replacement.
Are there fire risks with the 2017 Ford Escape?
Yes, there have been 15 reported fires in the NHTSA complaint data. Additionally, one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V805000) specifically addresses a fire risk associated with the engine block heater, where a crack and coolant leak could lead to an electrical short circuit.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the widespread and costly engine coolant intrusion issue and transmission problems; a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically checking for these known defects, is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Escape
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Escape. The data includes 2495 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 38 reported crashes, 15 fire incidents, 56 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Ford Escape an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.