In the world of automobiles, recalls serve as a necessary checkpoint, triggered by deviations from quality standards that pose health and safety risks.
When a car model faces a safety-related defect, manufacturers reach out to owners, often offering free fixes to address the problem.
You might have heard of some recalls being issued. In particular, the 2017 Ford Escape was no stranger to safety recalls during the past few years.
For example, in 2022, Ford announced the recall of nearly 3 million vehicles, including the 2017 model year Ford Escape, due to potential rollaway concerns.
That same year, Ford emerged at the forefront of manufacturers with the highest number of recall campaigns: a staggering 67 recalls affecting more than 8 million units.
As a Ford vehicle owner, you might ask how to check if your 2017 Ford Escape is included in the recall. If it is, what can you do?
What issues prompted the recall of the 2017 Ford Escape? Will you pay for the repairs of this particular recall? How long will this recall repair take to fix?
This article sheds light on these topics and provides valuable information about the potential issues of this compact crossover SUV (sports utility vehicle). It will also answer frequently asked questions about the ins and outs of a vehicle recall process, including recall expirations and refunds, if any.
For more information and legal assistance about vehicle recalls, visit and read through our website, LemonLawLawyers.org. Don’t let a lemon car compromise your driving experience.
What Is the Recall on the Ford Engines?
Ford, an automotive titan tracing its origins back to 1903, has etched its legacy with a diverse portfolio that encompasses passenger cars, utility vehicles, trucks, and a spectrum of automotive services.
However, despite its rich history and strong reputation, the company has faced challenges, especially regarding vehicle recalls.
On June 23, 2023, Ford Motor Company mailed interim letters that notified owners of a safety recall for specific Ford Escape, Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
The table below discusses the specifics of this safety recall
| Issue | Remedy | Reference Number |
| • Engine failure releases fuel vapor and oil into the engine compartment. These accumulate near flammable sources, such as exhaust components. | • Owners of these affected vehicles should park and shut off their engines when they hear suspicious engine noises or notice smoke emissions or sudden loss of vehicle power. | • 23S27 |
Owners should receive notifications for the availability of replacement parts. They should contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
This recall replaces and expands the previous recall 22V-484. Cars repaired under this safety recall must undergo the new remedy procedure.
Vehicle and equipment recalls are crucial to keeping you, the people around you, and the vehicles sharing the road with you safe.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) states that aside from the vehicle, a safety recall can include installed vehicle components, such as tires or tire pressure monitoring systems, airbags, and even the car seat.
However, regular wear and tear issues are not covered under safety recalls. Generally, only defects that pose a safety concern are determining factors for establishing a recall.
Some common faults that can trigger recalls are the following:
- A leak in the fuel pump system
- Airbags that deploy inadvertently
- Wiring issues and other fire hazards
- Jacks that may collapse
- Malfunctioning accelerators and steering equipment
The 2017 Ford Escape caters to diverse preferences with its S, SE, and Titanium trims, offering a range of engines and drivetrain options. The compact Ford Escape shares a platform with the now-discontinued Ford Focus.
The base S model features a 168-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine, while the SE and Titanium boast a 181-horsepower 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
The Titanium offers an optional 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with an impressive 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for those seeking more power.
All models have a SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission, providing manual shift control.
Technological advancements enhance the Escape’s performance, with features like curve control and torque vectoring control for stability and the “intelligent” four-wheel drive system actively ensuring stability in various conditions.
Despite its sleek design, the Escape doesn’t compromise interior space, accommodating five passengers comfortably. With 34.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the back seat, expandable to 68.1 cubic feet by folding the second-row seatbacks, it’s practical for various needs.
For example, Escape S models come well-equipped with air conditioning, SYNC voice commands, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a rearview camera.
Meanwhile, the SE adds enhancements such as upgraded exterior trim, Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility, and a 10-way driver’s seat.
Then, the top-tier Titanium boasts luxury features like a remote start, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker Sony stereo, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system.
SYNC 3, optional on the SE, offers touchscreen connectivity, allowing smartphone integration for calls, music, navigation, and vehicle settings. The Escape also features an active park assist system, simplifying parallel parking with automated steering assistance.
Indeed, the 2017 Ford Escape blends performance, versatility, and technology for a well-rounded driving experience.
2017 Ford Escape Have Common Coolant Problems
The 2017 Ford Escape offers three engine options: a 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L EcoBoost, and a 2.5L Duratec.
Unfortunately, some coolant problems became prominent in the two EcoBoost engine variants, with about 185 engine-related complaints logged by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Most issues deal with coolant intrusion that leads to engine lag, misfires, and engine block cracking. The persistence of these engine-related problems eventually translated into a class-action lawsuit.
Interestingly, a similar issue resulted in a recall of 2014 Ford Escape vehicles with the 1.6L GTDI Ecoboost engine. Although no engine-related Ford Escape recall was issued for 2017, the company did issue a TSB (technical service bulletin) to address the concerns.
Ford reported that the solution for the recall is a vehicle software update, which will improve the vehicle’s cooling functions. However, according to a report by the NHTSA, owners stated that the engine failure still occurred even after their vehicles received the software update.
Multiple reports relayed owner experiences of coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. Moreover, one item detailed an engine failure as early as 20,000 miles.
However, for most affected Escape owners, the problems occur not long after crossing the warranty threshold, which is 60,000 miles.
Car manufacturers use recalls and TSBs to convey information to owners when a problem with a particular vehicle make or model is discovered.
Usually, a TSB is sent from manufacturers to dealerships and service providers. TSBs generally explain a specific vehicle problem and inform service centers on how to rectify the issue. These repairs are not mandatory.
On the other hand, if a car’s issues are severe enough, the auto manufacturer may skip issuing a TSB and directly announce a recall. Recall notices are given to Ford owners via mail or their local dealer.
2017 Escape Has Serious Brake Issues
Another prominent issue of the 2017 Ford Escape is its braking system. According to an online automotive complaint resource, multiple owners report issues like loss of stopping power, abnormal brake noises, parking brake issues, and prematurely rusting rotors.
Ford has announced multiple TSBs related to their 2017 Escape’s braking system, addressing issues like faulty brake lights, squealing, and power assist malfunction.
Auto Start/Stop Problem
A common issue for the 2017 Ford Escape comes from its various electrical components. According to the NHTSA, there are more than 70 electrical system-related complaints for the specific model.
The vehicle’s auto start and stop system is the most prevalent electrical component issue. Most reports stated that the vehicle’s engine does not resume when stopped, and the system shows an error message that says the vehicle must be shifted into the park gear and restarted.
As a response, Ford released a TSB that enables dealers to fix the issue.
Other reports related to electrical system problems are the following:
- Malfunctioning automatic seat adjustment system
- Electrical fire
- Overnight battery drain
- Rear window failure
- Faulty automatic liftgate system
- Overheating due to a faulty coolant temperature sensor
- Rodent issues due to soy-based wiring insulation
Transmission Issues Seem Common, From Shuddering and Slipping to Overall Loss of Power
The 2017 Ford Escape prioritizes safety with features designed to enhance driver and passenger protection.
The anti-lock brakes (ABS) intelligently modulate brake pressure during extreme braking, allowing the vehicle to maintain maneuverability.
Stability control steps in when handling limits are surpassed, reducing engine power and applying main brakes to prevent potential loss of control.
Front-impact airbags shield the head in frontal crashes, while side-impact airbags safeguard the torso during side collisions. Overhead airbags protect in side collisions or rollovers, while knee airbags help prevent lower extremity injuries.
Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten during a collision to optimize the occupant’s seating position, and a security system with an ignition disable device ensures the engine won’t start without the correct manufacturer key, enhancing overall safety and security.
However, despite these remarkable safety features, first-time buyers might be surprised that the 2017 Ford Escape has 13 TSBs related to its transmission system alone. Most of these bulletins address reports of transmission system malfunction under the 100,000-mile mark.
One owner from Ohio stated that the car suddenly started jerking and lost driving power. This came with a system error message flashing across the dashboard, stating a transmission failure.
Moreover, similar complaints about slipping transmissions, gear shifting malfunctions (shifting to reverse and vice versa), and loss of power while driving were also reported.
NHTSA Safety Recall Results
According to NHTSA, some of the Ford vehicles that have been part of a safety recall in the past years are the Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer, Fusion, Escape, and Mustang.
Since the Ford F-series pickups have had a significant market share for decades, their chances of being recalled are relatively high.
Approximately two million Ford F-150 Regular and SuperCrew pickups were recalled due to their seatbelt pre-tensioners that can ignite a fire.
Additionally, Ford recalled about 350,000 F-150, Expedition, and F-750 vehicles due to an unseated gear shift cable clip that may not completely secure the gear shift.
A similar issue caused the recall of about 550,000 Ford Fusion and Escape vehicles, where a bushing issue may cause the vehicle to move even though the transmission indicates it is in park mode.
In 2016, specific Ford truck models were also recalled because of a malfunctioning diesel fuel system. The protective shield on the truck’s fuel module can dislodge and cause a leak.
Specific 2016 to 2017 models of Ford Edge vehicles were recalled due to their airbags not working as intended. As of 2018, this recall’s completion rate was 81.4%.
According to the NHTSA, for the 2017 Ford Escape, as of December 2023, there are two safety recall results. A faulty transmission system and power-operated window controls cause these recalls. These recalls will be discussed in the subsequent sections.
Powertrain: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low)
To better understand the impact of a potential powertrain issue, we’ll first explore what a powertrain in a vehicle means.
A powertrain comprises every component that generates, converts, and uses energy to thrust your car into motion. A car’s powertrain creates power from the engine and transfers it to the ground wheels.
A powertrain system typically includes the engine, driveshaft, axles, transmission, and differentials. Let’s discuss these components one by one:
Engine – As the heart of your automobile, the engine generates the power to drive the car. It consists of pistons inside cylinders and a crankshaft that translates the reciprocating motion into a rotation.
Transmission – A transmission is a vehicle component responsible for ensuring the proper amount of power is delivered to the ground wheels. Like a gearbox, the transmission takes power from the engine and adjusts it depending on the driving conditions.
Driveshaft – A driveshaft transfers the transmission’s torque to the car’s wheels. The driveshaft has to work through different angles and change its length to adapt to the suspension.
Axles – These are placed between the wheels to compensate for the vehicle’s weight. Moreover, the axles rotate and transmit the engine power to the ground wheels.
Differential – As a part of the rear axle, the differential allows the rear wheel to turn at a different pace. For example, the differential is vital when negotiating a corner, as the outside wheels must rotate faster than the inside wheel.
In general, as a source of power generation, a good powertrain is the key to better acceleration, operating range, and top speed.
Although they are often used interchangeably, remember that the powertrain and the drivetrain are slightly different.
Put simply, the drivetrain transmits power to the ground wheels, while the powertrain comprises an engine and the drivetrain. Like the powertrain, the drivetrain has multiple components: the transmission, axles, wheels, differentials, and driveshaft.
Concerning this, Ford Motor Company recalled certain vehicles due to a transmission shifting system issue. These vehicles are the following:
- 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape
- 2013 to 2018 Ford C-Max
- 2013 to 2016 Ford Fusion
- 2013 to 2021 Ford Transit Connect
- 2015 to 2018 Ford Edge
The table below discusses the highlights of this specific safety recall.
| Issue | Remedy | Reference Number |
| • The safety recall was caused by a bushing that may degrade or detach. • A faulty or missing bushing may prevent the car from shifting into the intended gear position and cause it to move unexpectedly. •The vehicle may roll after the driver puts it in the “park” gear. •Both scenarios will increase the risk of injury or a crash. | • Authorized Ford dealers replaced the affected vehicles’ underhood shift bushing and added a protective cap on the shifter cable bushing. (Repair procedures are free of charge.) | • 22S43 |
Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety issue were mailed on July 1, 2022. Meanwhile, owner notification letters were mailed on October 27 of the same year.
For more information, owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Visibility: Power Window Devices and Controls
Ford Motor Company recalled certain 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD and Ford Escape Titanium vehicles manufactured between October 5, 2015, and May 12, 2016. This safety recall began on September 6, 2016.
The table below highlights the details of this safety recall.
| Issue | Remedy | Reference Number |
| • The settings for the power-operated windows’ closing force may cause the windows to close on an object or even a person’s body part, potentially causing an injury before the windows go auto-reverse. • These vehicles don’t adhere to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements for power-operated window systems. | • As a recall action, Ford has notified owners of the issue and updated the power window’s system software at no additional cost. | • 22S43 |
For more information, owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Below are more reasons why running a Ford recall check of both new and used cars is crucial:
- To check if Ford complies with federal safety standards – Does your car meet the industry’s minimum safety standards? Are all vehicle components working satisfactorily and compatible with the model’s general framework?
These are important queries that must be addressed to ensure the personal safety of the vehicle’s occupants.
- To ensure buyer confidence – Addressing recalls before putting the vehicle on the market shows your proactive approach as a seller. It’s like saying you’ve already taken care of any manufacturer-identified concerns.
This not only reassures the buyer but also streamlines the entire sales process.
- To resolve issues promptly – Although a recall is a reason to be cautious, it does not necessarily mean you are in danger. By running a Ford recall check, you can resolve any potential problems immediately, saving you lots of time and money.
Recall Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my 2017 Ford Escape has a recall?
If you want to know if your 2017 Ford Escape is part of a previously announced recall, check directly with your local dealership or visit Ford’s website.
Ford offers a comprehensive recall checker that lets you see if your vehicle requires servicing as a recall remedy.
The recall checker is easy to use. Simply input your VIN (vehicle identification number) in the space provided, and the recall checker will show if your Ford vehicle is part of a recall.
Running a Ford recall check is like giving your car its routine health checkup. It’s all about ensuring your vehicle is in its best possible shape.
Recalls are often performed if a potential issue is found with certain car components. These issues might range from something simple like a mislabeled tire to more drastic problems like performance glitches or a leaking valve.
By running a recall check, you’re being proactive about your car’s status, ensuring any possible hiccups are resolved promptly – often at no cost.
Upon receiving a recall notice, verify if it is genuine by looking up the recall status of a vehicle on NHTSA’s website. Unfortunately, some people will try to scam customers into bringing their cars for unnecessary repair services.
Once you have confirmed the authenticity of the notice, take your car for recall service. Choose a dealer that is registered with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Remember that some recall-related repairs may take time since spare parts, especially from older and rarer vehicles, may not be available immediately.
How do I check my VIN for recalls?
By entering your VIN into NHTSA’s search engine, you can check if your 2017 Ford Escape is part of a previously announced recall.
The VIN is a 17-digit alphanumeric code found on the bottom edge of your vehicle’s windshield on the driver’s side. Each segment of the VIN contains information about the vehicle, such as where or when it was manufactured and by whom.
The VIN can also be used when you want to purchase a second-hand vehicle and obtain information about it.
When decoding the VIN, it is advisable to approach it by sections.
The first three digits of the VIN are the WMI (world manufacturer identifier). The first element in the WMI refers to the country of production. The second digit refers to the automobile brand, while the third refers to the car classification or production segment.
The next six elements of the VIN are also referred to as the descriptors. The fourth through eighth digits are the vehicle’s model, systems, type, and engine classification. The ninth element is used to help prevent fake VINs.
Finally, the last eight digits of the VIN are called the identifiers.
The tenth digit represents the vehicle’s model year, the eleventh element refers to the car assembly location, and the twelfth through seventeenth elements are numerals that each vehicle is assigned during its assembly process.
Usually, Ford vehicles will have their VIN on a metal tag behind the steering wheel and above the instrument panel. The VIN can also be found on vehicle registration or insurance policy documents.
Alternatively, you can use your vehicle’s license plate number to search for vehicle recalls if you don’t know your car’s VIN or cannot retrieve it from existing records.
The National Safety Council (NSC) also launched the Check to Protect program to let owners find out if their vehicle has an open recall.
On the website’s search bar, simply input your car’s license plate or VIN and state to determine if a recall has been issued for a specific vehicle.
What happens if my 2017 Ford Escape has an open recall?
Suppose your Ford Escape is affected by an open recall. In that case, it means that both the manufacturer and the NHTSA have identified an issue with your car. After checking your vehicle, you can contact your local dealership to schedule a repair.
Typically, your 2017 Ford Escape will be affected by a safety recall if it is determined that a problem with its components makes it a safety risk or fails to adhere to the laid-out safety standards. When this happens, the auto manufacturer is obligated to repair your vehicle.
If you own an affected vehicle, you will receive a letter explaining the specifics of the safety recall and how to resolve the defects promptly, often at no cost to you.
The letter will explain the exact defect that caused the recall, the availability of the remedy parts, how to get your vehicle repaired, and whether your car is safe to drive in its current state.
However, remember that in many cases, the manufacturer won’t know if you own a vehicle affected by an ongoing safety recall, so you should regularly check with your dealer or the NHTSA website.
How long does a recall take to fix?
The time required to fix a safety recall usually depends on the repairs needed.
A simple task like a software update typically takes less than an hour, but more complicated mechanical repairs may take days or even weeks. It’s always best to ask the dealership when you schedule a repair appointment.
Here are other factors that might affect how long a recall-related repair might take to finish:
- The number of vehicles affected by the safety recall
- The complexity of the problem
- The number of parts involved in the repair procedure
- The availability of the repair parts
- The dealership technicians training and ability to conduct the specific repair
- The number of recalled vehicles the dealership can repair each day (while also considering their daily service business)
Do you need a warranty for a recall?
Your Ford Escape does not need to be under an active warranty to be eligible for a recall-related repair.
The dealer takes care of safety recalls on your Ford Escape at no additional cost, even if the warranty has expired or you aren’t the vehicle’s original owner.
How long does a recall last on a car?
A safety recall will not expire if the auto manufacturer remains in business or continues making replacement parts.
In general, recalls can be remedied for free up to 15 calendar years after your vehicle’s manufacture date.
Where can I find more info regarding the Takata airbag recall?
Ford has a website that addresses questions about Takata airbag inflator recalls. You can also enter your VIN on the website to find out if your specific vehicle has been recalled.
Ford Motor Company is one of the 19 major auto manufacturers affected by the Takata airbag issue.
As of 2023, the Takata airbag issue caused the largest automotive recall in U.S. (United States) history, involving more than 10 million vehicles.
The issue stemmed from the airbags’ prolonged exposure to humidity and heat, potentially causing them to explode when deployed.
Here are the Ford vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall:
- 2005 to 2006 Ford GT
- 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge
- 2006 to 2012 Ford Fusion
- 2007 to 2011 Ford Ranger
- 2009 to 2013 Ford Mustang
Are recall repairs free?
Spare parts and repair services for safety recalls are free through a local Ford dealership.
Your vehicle’s recall-related repairs do not necessarily have to be performed at a dealership.
However, suppose you wish to avail the free services and include your vehicle in the recall campaign. In that case, the recall-related repair must be done at a dealership registered with your car’s manufacturer.
Is my Ford vehicle being recalled?
Ford’s website has a free Ford recall checker for owners to see if their vehicle requires recall-related services.
A typical Ford recall announcement must contain the following information:
- NHTSA campaign number: A unique identifier for specific recall cases
- Summary: Contains important recall details, such as the affected models, the issues or vehicle parts that may pose a safety concern, vehicle registration, and the manufacturing plants where the recalled vehicles are from
- Consequences: Refers to how the recall may negatively affect vehicle safety and operability
- Remedy: Refers to the proposed solution of the automaker to the problem
Am I entitled to a refund for a repair call?
You may be eligible for a refund if you paid to resolve an issue later tied to a safety recall. Talk with your dealer to find out more.
Do recalls expire?
Emission, compliance, and safety recalls don’t have an expiry date. However, other customer satisfaction programs have mileage limitations and expiry dates.
Do you provide a rental car for recalls?
Ford will do its best to offer a comparable loaner vehicle as necessary. Check with your local dealer for more details and availability status.
How will I get recall information and updates?
Ford provides updates through their smart device app (FordPass), physical mail, and email. The Ford website is also continually updated.
You can also subscribe to email alerts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On the subscription page, enter your registered email address and select the vehicle’s make, model, and year for which you want to receive alerts.
Where do I get recall repairs done?
You can take your Ford vehicle to your local dealership for repairs. Additionally, some dealers offer the Ford mobile service and can perform repairs at your home, work, or any nearby location.
A local dealer can hold your vehicle for up to 30 days. If recall-related repairs take more than 30 calendar days to accomplish, your vehicle may be deemed a lemon.
Under state law, if your car is a lemon, you would be entitled to either a replacement car, compensation, or a refund.
Who can I call with additional questions?
Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and speak with a Ford Service team member regarding your queries and concerns.
What if I receive recall notices for a vehicle I no longer own?
Visit the Ford support webpage to forward the recall information to the right owner.
References
- Ford Recalls
https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/ - NHTSA safety recall results
https://www.cars.com/research/ford/recalls/ - Check to Protect
https://www.checktoprotect.org/#/ - VIN check info Ford
https://vincheck.info/vin-recall-check/ford-recalls#:~:text=Check%20for%20Ford%20compliance%20to%20federal%20safety%20standards - How to make sure you get recall notices for your used car
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/how-to-get-recall-notices-for-a-used-car/#:~:text=Subscribe%20to%20Email,and%20model%20year - Ford Escape recalls yearly
https://www.dealerrater.com/recalls/Ford/Escape/ - Ford Escape recalls
https://repairpal.com/ford/escape/2017/recalls - 2017 Ford Escape
https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2017-ford-escape/#:~:text=ELECTRICAL%20SYSTEM%3ASOFTWARE,recall%20is%2016C12
Images sourced from Ford Media Center.