2017 Ford Escape Problems: 4 Known Issues
2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Ford Escape has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) ($0-$0 repair) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure ($300-$1,800 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2017 · SE · 1.5L EcoBoost I3
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls34 recalls
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Escape problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Ford Escape has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413), AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure, Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2017 Ford Escape has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413)?
The plastic bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on the shift lever end degrades and can detach from the transmission. When it does, the transmission can be in a gear state different from what the shift lever and PRNDL display indicate. The dangerous case i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure?
On 3rd-generation AWD Escapes (primarily 2.0L EcoBoost AWD), the Power Transfer Unit (the right-angle gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle) holds only about one quart of fluid that Ford labels 'lifetime,' yet it runs continuously and runs hot. The fluid degrades and the uni… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close?
The 2013-2019 Escape power liftgate latch assembly frequently fails, causing the rear hatch to either not open, not close properly, or pop open while driving. The latch mechanism corrodes internally and the micro-switch fails, particularly in humid or salt belt environments. Ther… Repairs typically run $40-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2021 Ford Escape P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid?
P0011 indicates intake cam timing outside the commanded range. Ford SSM 49821 identifies small debris sticking a VCT solenoid as one possible cause on applicable 2015-2021 vehicles, not a diagnosis from the code alone. Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.