Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Ford Escape
The 2017 Ford Escape shows a fair number of complaints, particularly regarding the engine. There are also several recalls, notably concerning engine block heater issues and power window systems. Given the recall and complaint numbers, prospective buyers should perform diligent checks, especially focused on engine and transmission components, to ensure reliability.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Ford Escape has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,701 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V374000 Window Automatic Reversal System Malfunction/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V011000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V617000 Power Window Force may be Excessive/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 1,584 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 509 complaints
- Power Train 391 complaints
- Electrical System 155 complaints
- Unknown or Other 153 complaints
- Wheels 76 complaints
Of the 2,701 complaints on file, 39 report a crash and 15 a fire; across all 2,701 complaints, owners report 56 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent stalling or rough idle
How to check: Listen for irregular engine noise or vibrations.
Shift cable detachment risk
How to check: Inspect gear shift for delayed responses.
Engine block heater short circuit
How to check: Check for any coolant leakage from the engine.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or strange sounds
- 02
Idle in park
What to check: Check for rough idling or shaking.
Red flag: Noticeable vibrations
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor gear shifts for smoothness.
Red flag: Hard or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for power loss or hesitation.
Red flag: Significant lag in acceleration
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Check for smooth and firm braking.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 06
Parking
What to check: Check backing up and shifts to reverse.
Red flag: Gears slipping or not engaging
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine block heater been serviced?
- Have any transmission repairs been completed?
- Are there records of regular maintenance?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- Were any recall repairs done recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documents
- Previous ownership details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Ford Escape at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Ford Escape? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.