2017 Ford Escape Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2017 Ford Escape
- Scores 14 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2019 Ford Escape earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: ecoboost engine (1.5l & 2.0l) (critical severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the visibility:power window devices and controls.
2017 Ford Escape: Buy or Avoid?
The 2017 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of technology and driving dynamics, but potential owners must proceed with caution due to persistent engine and transmission concerns. While capable and often well-equipped, these models carry a notable risk of significant mechanical issues that can lead to costly repairs if not proactively addressed.
While the 2017 Ford Escape delivers on driving engagement and features, the well-documented powertrain reliability concerns—specifically the EcoBoost engine and 6F35 transmission—make it a risky proposition. If you are willing to meticulously vet a specific vehicle's history, budget for potential major repairs, or o…
Best Model Years
2018-2019 (later models in this generation saw some improvements, though not entirely free of issues)
Years to Avoid
2013-2017 (earlier models of this generation, particularly with the 1.6L and 1.5L EcoBoost engines, had more widespread issues).
Biggest Strengths
- Agile handling and responsive steering for an SUV
- Available advanced safety features (e.g., adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring)
- User-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system
2017 Ford Escape — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Ford Escape, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
Coolant intrusion into cylinders can lead to misfires, white smoke, and ultimately engine failure. This is often due to a cracked cylinder head or block design flaw.
Owners report harsh shifts, shuddering, hesitation, and occasionally complete transmission failure. This can be due to valve body issues, internal wear, or torque converter problems.
Issues range from infotainment system freezes (SYNC 3), battery drain (often due to parasitic draws), and various sensor failures (e.g., ABS, wheel speed).
2017 Ford Escape Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Ford Escape most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Warning Zone
At this point, you should be looking for any early signs of electrical gremlins or minor transmission quirks. It's a critical period to catch initial manufacturing defects or poor maintenance practices.
Maintenance & Assessment Zone
This mileage often coincides with major service intervals. It's also where the more serious engine coolant intrusion issues and transmission problems may begin to manifest, requiring diligent inspection.
Elevated Risk Zone
Many original components are reaching end-of-life. The risk of major powertrain failures (engine, transmission) significantly increases. Expect to replace wear items more frequently.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, an Escape without meticulous maintenance records and pre-emptive repairs becomes a gamble. Major system failures are much more likely, and repair costs can easily exceed the vehicle's value.
2017 Ford Escape Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Ford Escape on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-2,000 occasionally (e.g., transmission solenoids, turbo rebuild)
How Long Does the 2017 Ford Escape Last?
Focus on low-mileage examples (under 60,000 miles) with comprehensive service records and consider a pre-purchase inspection to mitigate the highest risks, as major issues often surface post-warranty.
What 2017 Ford Escape Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Responsive handling and enjoyable driving dynamics for an SUV
- SYNC 3 infotainment system is intuitive and feature-rich
- Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting
- Good array of available tech and safety features
Common Frustrations
- Disappointing real-world fuel economy, especially with EcoBoost engines
- Frequent, rough, or delayed transmission shifts are a common complaint
- Engine concerns (coolant intrusion) cause significant anxiety and cost
- Rear seat space can feel cramped for adults
Who Should Buy the 2017 Ford Escape?
Best For
- Drivers seeking an engaging driving experience in a compact SUV
- Tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the SYNC 3 system
- Those who can afford potential higher repair costs
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers who cannot absorb unexpected major repairs
- Long-distance commuters relying on absolute reliability
How the 2017 Ford Escape Compares to Rivals
The Escape offers a more engaging driving experience than many rivals, but its powertrain reliability lags behind top-tier Japanese competitors, placing it firmly in the middle of the pack with a few notable weaknesses.
More Reliable Than
- Jeep Cherokee (especially earlier years)
- Volkswagen Tiguan (older models)
- Fiat 500X
Comparable To
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Nissan Rogue
- Hyundai Tucson (older generation)
Safety Recalls on the 2017 Ford Escape
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
What breaks on the 2017 Ford Escape?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford Escape — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford Escape. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2017s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Ford Escape
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Ford Escape
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Frequently Asked Questions
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