206 complaints reported

2017 Ford Escape Power Train

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
206
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
4

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2024

When pressing the acceleration pedal, car does not always switch into the next gear. On other occasions, while accelerating the car jerks and does not switch into the next year smoothly

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated while shifting into another gear, the contact noticed that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Jan 2024

The transmission slipped out of gear at a stop light and the car would not go. I could move the gear shift from park to drive and the car would not go into gear. There were NO warning lights. I had it diagnosed and they stated “internal failure.” The vehicle has less than 130,000 miles on it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that his daughter had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact’s daughter was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that silicone plugs for the transmission drains had failed, and a significant amount of transmission fluid had leaked. The contact stated that the plugs were replaced, and the transmission fluid was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred again, and the transmission was slipping and the vehicle hesitated before shifting into gear. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,543.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Jan 2024

In May 2023, I paid an independent service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate. In December 2023, I paid the same service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate a second time. The repairs exceeded $5000. In November 2024, I paid Morries Minnetonka Ford to diagnose transmission vibration. It determined that the torque converter was failing and that I needed a new transmission. The cost of the repair is expected to be in excess of $6000. A search on the internet revealed that Ford recalled torque converters (Recall Number 17S16). Not that the internet is the source of truth, but it appears that transmission issues with Ford vehicles with lower miles is a relatively common event. I believe that my issue is a manufacturing issue. The torque converter and flex plate are parts that should not fail at 73,000 miles. They are designed to last the life of a vehicle. Further, the flex plate should not fail independently of other failures. The parts are interconnected. Neither Morries Minnetonka Ford, nor Ford are willing to consider that this is manufacturing issue that Ford should cover the cost of repair. I would appreciate the NHTSA looking into the matter with Ford.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and shift between gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure was related to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while stopped a traffic light, the signal turned green and the contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The engine revved and the contact stated that the check transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, shifted to drive (D) and was able to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Dec 2023

Transmission started having trouble shifting gears at 68,000 miles. Took it to Greenwood Ford and they acted like it know what I was talking about. Then I took it to B & B Tires in Bowling Green and had their mechanic do the 60,000 - 75,000 mile recommended replacement of transmission fluid and he told me that the torque converter is failing. He also said this a common problem. After some research, I realized that Ford know this. They redesigned the torque converter in the years since 2017. Why is there not a recall on their transmissions? I called Ford customer service and they know it is a problem but don't care. Many of the testimonies I read online said that they didn't even get a warning light until the transmission failed. My car is drivable for the moment but I am afraid the warning light is going to come on and my car is going to slow to a stop and I will stranded or worse. Please look into this problem and force a recall on the transmissions in 2017 Ford Escapes.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally stalled, hesitated, or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Nov 2023

Rough startup and idle, white smoke out of tailpipe. Local shop ran Ford's TSB 22-2229 to find that coolant had leaked into cylinder #1 and that the long block needs to be replaced per Ford. I was quoted $9,600 for the repair. Upon further research, this is an engine design defect in the Ford 2.0L ecoboost 2017-2019 where the open deck block design creates thinner gasket areas prone to fail and leak coolant into the engine. Ford is making customers pay to replace engines with a faulty manufacturing design, out of pocket. It is completely unacceptable and needs to be a recall. The same issue is present on their 1.5L and 1.6L ecoboost engines.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
Oct 2023

The vehicle began experiencing a slight vibration when accelerating. When the vehicle reaches 28 mph through 54 mph, the vibration is noticeable. Very noticeable when going uphill. It feels like the rumble strips you drive over at a road construction area. When the vehicle reaches close to 60 mph the vibration is not felt. It began around May/June 2023 and got worse as the months went on. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they said it was a known issue with some Ford vehicles where a transmission torque converter would fail. Their recommendation was to pay them $6K for a new transmission that would come with a 3-year warranty. I already paid them $8K for a new engine for another known problem. I am not giving them another penny.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2023
Oct 2023

Transmission failure and vehicle was maintained by ford 3 days before and for the entire life of the vehicle... this is an issue with this vehicle as many people are reporting it...

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the gear shifter was firm causing the vehicle to become inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Sep 2023

Transmission would shift from 2nd gear to 3rd gear extremely hard out of no where after about 120k miles. It would also violently shake the entire car when shifting from drive to reverse. No warning lights. Dealer claimed they couldn't confirm it until transmission completely went. My safety was at risk as the car would shake when shifting at highway speeds and would not accelerate when I came to a complete stop on the highway or local roads. The Transmission failed and the Waldorf Ford has the old transmission. To repair cost me $6000 WALDORF Ford has all transactions.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

2017 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL WAS PERFORMED THEY BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THEIR TRANSMISSION.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

Driving my 2017 Ford Escape on a freeway about one hour from home. All of a sudden, I get the transmission warning message to take it to a dealer for service. (Vehicle had 49,000 miles on it and I had no fluid leaks or warnings prior to this incident). I immediately head to a Ford dealership in area until the vehicle refuses to move forward at a busy intersection. I have it towed to the dealer and they tell me they can't look at it for another month (Not enough trans service guys employed). I had it towed back to a transmission repair facility closer to my home. Their findings: Torque converter went bad and threw metal throughout transmission. Transmission facility contacted local Ford dealer in Vero Beach, Fl to see if they would cover any parts.....Nope! I needed the vehicle so I paid the $4,390 to replace the torque converter and rebuild the transmission. I recently visited the the same Ford dealership to plead my case. Service tech said he understood my problem and admitted torque converters on various Ford vehicles are going bad but there was no recall. This vehicles powertrain warranty ended in prior year, but a transmission should definitely last longer than 49k miles! Ford is aware of these issues and there are all kinds of similar complaints on the internet.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2022
Jul 2023

Transmission Failed - Vehicle has been repaired When the transmission failed, I was turning at an intersection and was unable to accelerate to make the turn causing other vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident. The dealership diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced There were no warning lamps or messages.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2023
Jun 2023

Transmission code fault I did not have power

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company Type: Equipment, Vehicle: 9999 FORD ENGINE & ENGINE COOLING, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Jun 2023

Vehicle Started to shake when stopped at an intersection. Drove it to the local Ford dealer and was informed that I needed a new transmission. If the transmission failed while the vehicle is in motion or turning at an intersection, there would be no acceleration due to the transmission failing and i would not be able to clear on coming traffic while turning. The dealer diagnosed the transmission issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Jun 2023

Transmission failed while driving at speed up a hill in traffic. Car lost all forward momentum. Car had 116,000 miles on odometer. Car was regularly serviced at Ford dealerships. Problem was reported to Ford. Ford dealer was unable to repair car in a timely manner. They said approximately 1 month at a cost of $6900.00. They refused to offer assistance saying car had a “good life”. Car was regularly maintained. They offered possible assistance towards cost of repair if I had dealer diagnose at a cost of $1100. It would take a month for dealer to get to the diagnosis. They lacked capable staff. Ford would not guarantee any assistance toward cost even if diagnosed. Took to transmission repair service station since I could not be without a car for at least a month. They diagnosed problem as a disintegrated torque converter. They had 6 other Ford escapes in the shop, same model, various years and various mileage. Same problem. They regularly repair transmissions for for dealers as it turns out. They fixed transmission (rebuilt unit, did not replace) at a cost of $4400.00. There were NO warning lights either before, during or after the incident occurred

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
Jun 2023

The vehicle shudders while it is being driven. We took it to the dealership and they advised us that the torque converter is bad. They said the transmission needs to be replaced or rebuilt. There is a recall on the Edge, Fusion and currently not on the Escape.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2022
May 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH uphill, the vehicle was bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle was skipping gears while shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was hesitating, and the transmission was not changing gear properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer prior to the failure and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
May 2023

The vehicle has been going low on coolant and when it does the check engine line comes on. We took it to the dealership and were told the engine is bad. After searching online, it appears this is a widely known design flaw with the 2.0 ecoboost engine. If this is correct, then it seems Ford should have to do something about it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2023
May 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. The contact’s wife depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2023
Apr 2023

Transmission yes it is available for inspection right now until next week I called a talked with a mechanic that does transmission and told him my problem. He stated the converter is coming apart in the transmission and has repaired several in this make and model of car. No No warning lights or messages or problems displayed before the failure. My car complete lost gear and tack revd up and was stranded on the side of road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford Escape has 206 Power Train complaints on file. 3 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.