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2017 Ford Escape problems

A 2017 Ford Escape is now 9 years old, so an average example has covered around 121,500 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2017 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2017 Ford Escape is 9 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 121,500 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

Faults a 2017 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~122k miles an average 2017 car has covered.

EngineHigh

1.5L EcoBoost internal coolant leak.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check for unexplained coolant loss and misfires.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

EngineHigh

1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion and overheating (fire-risk recalls on early cars).

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Confirm all recalls completed; check coolant level and history.
BodyMedium

Door latch recall (doors that may not stay closed).

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Confirm the latch recall was completed and doors latch securely.
TransmissionMedium

Rough or delayed shifts.

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Test-drive through the gears for smooth engagement.

Inspecting a 2017 Ford Escape?

Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.

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Ford Escape · frequently asked questions

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

It's practical but the EcoBoost engines' coolant issues make recall and service history essential.

Which Escape engine is safest to buy?

Verify recall completion regardless; a well-maintained 2.5L or a recall-complete EcoBoost with clean coolant history are the safer picks.

Are the Escape recalls serious?

Yes — several relate to overheating/fire risk and door latches; confirm they were all completed.

Other Escape model years