2017 Ford Escape electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V617000Aug 24, 201617,985 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

  Risk: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 16, 2026NCElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine Soon" warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. On a separate occasion, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly while driving but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test associated with the warning light; however, the technicians only replaced external sensors. The warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11764765 · source
2. Filed Sep 11, 2026105,000 miTNElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the service center for an instrument panel failure, a diagnostic test was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that in addition to the instrument panel failure, there was coolant inside the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11763703 · source
3. Filed Aug 4, 2026ORElectrical SystemEngine

   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 an odor or smoke Matching Recall 26V011 my car is a 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 that was manufactured in Louisville KY

   NHTSA complaint #11754820 · source
4. Filed Jul 20, 202673,000 miDCElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact check the vanity lights but there was no power inside the vehicle. The vehicle was without electrical power for approximately 30 minutes before power returned to vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle because the potential failure reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired.…

   NHTSA complaint #11751545 · source
5. Filed Jul 12, 2026IAElectrical System

   Vehicles auto start stop malfunctions and turns car off at red light. Message states to shift to park and then to press ignition.

   NHTSA complaint #11749796 · source
6. Filed Jun 16, 2026COElectrical System

   While driving on the highway at speed of 65-70 mph, there was a loud and felt "clunk" and immediate loss of power. Dashboard screen said "faulty engine service immediately" and warning bells came on. Frightened, I immediately pulled over in the shouldee of the highway and turned off ignition. When I turned the car back on, dashboard read same faulty engine message, then started to go through a diagnostics in which it reported sensors not functioning (parking sensors).…

   NHTSA complaint #11744552 · source
7. Filed Apr 29, 2026MIElectrical System

   Tail light has water intrusion and water shorted out the LED brake light on the driver's side rear of vehicles and has to be replaced as the ED'S are not serviceable.

   NHTSA complaint #11734588 · source
8. Filed Apr 20, 2026MIElectrical System

   Low beam headlight bulbs fail consistently every 90-120 days. I've replaced them approximately 20 times in 9 years. This is a common failure across this vehicle line, as noted in many online forums. This is a safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint #11732317 · source
9. Filed Apr 15, 2026KYElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   The failure appears to involve the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and related electrical control systems, including the battery management system and/or body control module. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving and fails to automatically restart, displaying “Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required” and “Shift to Park.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of power.…

   NHTSA complaint #11731444 · source
10. Filed Apr 15, 2026193,000 miKYElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stopped on several occasions and lost automotive power. The Automatic START/STOP message was displayed. The contact manually turned off the feature, but the Automatic START/STOP feature was activated independently. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11731437 · source
11. Filed Mar 27, 2026MEElectrical SystemEngine

    Vehicle suffered acute catastrophic engine failure. No dash lights alerted me. Engine just started rattling and smoking. Dealership it was towed to pulled codes p0302 p0304 p0012 p0014 tried to blame it on us despite known coolant intrusion issue

    NHTSA complaint #11727408 · source
12. 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

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