2017 Ford Escape Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Quick Facts · 2017 Ford Escape
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the visibility:power window devices and controls.
- 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).
The 2017 Ford Escape at a glance
- Is the 2017 Ford Escape reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Ford Escape 68/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A modern compact SUV that handles well, but carries significant mechanical risks that demand thorough pre-purchase scrutiny.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Ford Escape?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Ford Escape. 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…
- Which Ford Escape years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 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)..
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Escape?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Ford Escape are EcoBoost Engine (1.5L & 2.0L) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), 6F35 Automatic Transmission (typically around 40,000-90,000 miles), Electrical System (typically around 30,000-70,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Escape?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Ford Escape is around 30,000. 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.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Ford Escape?
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
Top Risk Areas
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)
NHTSA Recalls
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.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your 2017 Ford Escape for what it's actually worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Ford Escape by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Ford Escape. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Ford Escape
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Ford Escape
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the 2017 Ford Escape report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2017 Ford Escape for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Ford Escape. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Ford Escape
How Long Does a Ford Mustang Last? (Real Owner Data)
Uncover the real lifespan of a Ford Mustang! Get exclusive insights from genuine owner data to see how many miles your favorite muscle car can truly last.
Ford F-150 Common Problems and Repair Costs
Avoid costly F-150 repairs. Discover common problems, repair costs (2026), and essential buying tips for used Ford F-150s. Get reliability reports at Au…
Ford Mustang Common Problems and Repair Costs
Experiencing Mustang trouble? Discover common Ford Mustang problems, from engine issues to electrical glitches, and learn average repair costs to budget…