2017 Ford Escape body & structure problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
49 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2017 Ford Escape, 2% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 56,700 mi.
- Body & Structure complaints
- 49
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 56,700 mi
Specific components reported
Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | 34 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 3 |
| Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate | 3 |
| Structure:frame and members:underbody shields | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock | 1 |
| Structure:frame and members | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 |
Body & Structure complaints across Ford Escape years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Mar 25, 2026CABody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine
Coolant leak and dealership advises that the car will need a engine replacement to fix the problem. The car is constantly running rough and misfiring. Driving this vehicle this way put myself and small children at risk that there could be a potential complete engine failure while driving the vehicle. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership and I was told that Ford Motor Co. is aware of the issue however they are choosing to do nothing about it or offer a recall.…
NHTSA complaint #11727097 · source - Filed Feb 2, 2026ILBody & Structure
The paint along the windshield columnS and rear tailgate are flaking off in large sections. This is causing premature rusting which is left to a consumer to absorb the cost of an entire paintjob, can lead to lack of action causing structural integrity issues.
NHTSA complaint #11714908 · source - Filed Dec 31, 2025MDBody & StructureEngine
Two different things are happening with my car. 1) the paint is chipping and has caused corrosion on the body. Apparently this is a known issue but the peeling/chipping has gotten worse and will keep doing so until it is fixed. 2) car keep running hot and losing coolant but no leak to be found even after several rounds of tests.
NHTSA complaint #11708001 · source - Filed Oct 22, 202565,000 miOHBody & StructureElectrical System
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate could be opened manually or with the key fob. The contact stated that depressing the button near the tailgate failed to open the tailgate. The tailgate ajar message was displayed. The contact attempted to resolve the issue by changing the key fob battery, but the issue persisted. The local dealer was contacted and suggested a…
NHTSA complaint #11695049 · source - Filed Aug 14, 202565,000 miMDBody & StructureBrakesEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the ABS sensor lights was illuminated. Additionally, the engine block was previously replaced and there were unknown failures with the windshield wipers and windows operating previously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the undercarriage of the vehicle was in a flood and was rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
NHTSA complaint #11680562 · source - Filed Aug 8, 202567,000 miFLBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced paint chipping on the roof of the vehicle near the front windshield causing a visibility and safety concern for the driver. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679265 · source - Filed Jun 22, 2025DEBody & Structure
Rear passenger door latch no longer latches. The broken pawl spring tab in the door latch causes the door to not be able to close and stay closed. I see recalls for Ford Escapes up to 2016. It has not been inspected by a dealer No warning lamps or any other indicators before it broke. I shut the door and heard a crack sound. I inspected the latch myself and see a part is broken off.
NHTSA complaint #11668459 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2025COBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the liftgate switch was activated to unlatch and open the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to open as intended. The contact stated the failure was initially intermittent but became a persistent failure. The liftgate had since become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent…
NHTSA complaint #11666054 · source - Filed Sep 23, 202499,430 miWABody & Structure
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door latch had failed, and the door failed to securely close. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,430.
NHTSA complaint #11616002 · source - Filed Sep 4, 2024FLBody & Structure
White pearl paint is pealing from around the windshield. The bare metal of the frame is exposed. A local body shop reported the issue may be related to the windshield and could be a safety issue with the windshield getting loose. Other areas, such as the engine hood are also showing signs of pealing.
NHTSA complaint #11612516 · source - Filed Jun 7, 2024TXBody & Structure
My blue Ford Escape has paint peeling near the left and right edge of the windshield area. This was first noticed in 2022. As of 2024, more paint is peeling.
NHTSA complaint #11593117 · source - Filed Apr 23, 2024104,814 miNYBody & Structure
The roof metal is defective. I brought my car to the dealership because the rain was pouring in all around the inside of the vehicle coming from the roof, they misdiagnosed it as rodent damage to the sun roof drainage tubes. I had another mechanic look at it who found that the water was coming through the roof rack. He was able to see inside of the car through the roof metal. Doing a bit of research, I found this is a common problem with these cars and/or Ford roof metal.…
NHTSA complaint #11584721 · source
Other 2017 Ford Escape problem areas
- Engine (1,905)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (363)
- Other / Unknown (129)
- Electrical System (103)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (80)
- Wheels & Tires (70)
- Steering (41)
- Lighting (37)
- Brakes (32)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (15)
- Airbags (13)
- Seats & Seat Belts (13)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (10)
- Visibility & Wipers (9)
- Suspension (6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology