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2017 Ford Escape electrical problems

156 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,129. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
156
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
37,129
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: coil: spark plugs
    3
  • Wiring
    1
  • Software
    1
  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    1
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape electrical problems in other years

200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Ford Escape electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 135Start-stop 52Key fob 11Warning lights 9Backup camera 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: softwareReported August 24, 2016 · 17,985 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Recall number 16V617000 · Recall details

What 2017 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine Soon" warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. On a separate occasion, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly while driving but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test associated with the warning light; however, the technicians only replaced external sensors. The warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 105,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the service center for an instrument panel failure, a diagnostic test was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that in addition to the instrument panel failure, there was coolant inside the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OR

The customer may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level. Additionally, the condition can cause heat damage to the block heater electrical wiring and connector and the customer may notice an odor or smoke Matching Recall 26V011 my car is a 2017 Ford Escape 2.0 that was manufactured in Louisville KY

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Electrical · 73,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact check the vanity lights but there was no power inside the vehicle. The vehicle was without electrical power for approximately 30 minutes before power returned to vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle because the potential failure reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Electrical · IA

Vehicles auto start stop malfunctions and turns car off at red light. Message states to shift to park and then to press ignition.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Electrical · CO

While driving on the highway at speed of 65-70 mph, there was a loud and felt "clunk" and immediate loss of power. Dashboard screen said "faulty engine service immediately" and warning bells came on. Frightened, I immediately pulled over in the shouldee of the highway and turned off ignition. When I turned the car back on, dashboard read same faulty engine message, then started to go through a diagnostics in which it reported sensors not functioning (parking sensors). Vehicle was able to be started after this incident and drove fine afterward. This was not the first time this Vehicle has had electrical issues. It has been known to have intermittent start up issues where the engine would not turn on but only the lights and accessories will come on. After some varying amount of reattemtps to turn on car, the dashboard screen will go through same messages: "fauly engine" and go through sensors not found or working etc. After these messages appear, then the car is able to start normally. I have taken this car in to 2 different Ford dealerships, 1 Buick/GMC dealership, and 2-3 independent auto shops, all of which cannot get the vehicle to replicate the issue enough times for them to diagnose the car. It does not store any codes to pinpoint the issue. The vehicle has been in and out of shops for a total of 4-6 weeks now with no answers. Now, it did this while driving on the highway! I am fortunate it did not cause a crash, but I am scared to death to drive it on the highway again. I dont know what to do because my job requires a lot of driving, especially on the highway. I do not want to get in an accident if this happens again or becomes worse the next time. There are no warning sounds, lights or medsages before it happens. Plus I owe way more on it than the car is worth, so selling it is not really an option. Please help.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Electrical · MI

Tail light has water intrusion and water shorted out the LED brake light on the driver's side rear of vehicles and has to be replaced as the ED'S are not serviceable.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Electrical · MI

Low beam headlight bulbs fail consistently every 90-120 days. I've replaced them approximately 20 times in 9 years. This is a common failure across this vehicle line, as noted in many online forums. This is a safety hazard.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · KY

The failure appears to involve the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and related electrical control systems, including the battery management system and/or body control module. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving and fails to automatically restart, displaying “Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required” and “Shift to Park.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of power. This creates a dangerous situation where I am unable to accelerate or move with traffic flow, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or involved in a collision. This has occurred on public roads with other vehicles present, putting both myself and others at risk. The issue is intermittent and has not consistently been reproduced on demand. However, it has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions. I am in the process of having the vehicle inspected and documented by a dealership. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer, and a case has been opened with Ford Motor Company. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no consistent warning lamps prior to the failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed messages including “Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required” and “Shift to Park.” These messages appeared simultaneously with the loss of power. The issue has occurred intermittently without advance warning.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical · 193,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stopped on several occasions and lost automotive power. The Automatic START/STOP message was displayed. The contact manually turned off the feature, but the Automatic START/STOP feature was activated independently. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Questions about the 2017 Ford Escape electrical

Does the 2017 Ford Escape have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 156 complaints about the electrical of the 2017 Ford Escape, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,129 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Escape electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V617000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Escape have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Escape model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (339 complaints), 2010 (217 complaints) and 2014 (216 complaints).

Other 2017 Ford Escape problems

Engine 2,001Transmission 391Fuel system 95Wheels 76Body 62Brakes 50Steering 49Lights 40Acceleration 31Airbags 21Driver assistance 15Visibility 15Seat belts 14Locks 8Suspension 8Tires 6Seats 4

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