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Before you buy

2017 Ford Escape inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Escape

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Airbags owner reports: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Visibility:Power Window Devices and Controls recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) recall: 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.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Visibility:Power Window Devices and Controls recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Some 2017-2018 Fusion/Fusion HEV, 2017 Escape and 2017 F150/Raptor equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via FordPass Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no mode

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Airbags owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2017.

Warning signs: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2017.

Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Visibility:Power Window Devices and Controls recall

Official record for model year 2017.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: 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.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Visibility:Power Window Devices and Controls recall

Official record for model year 2017.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record for model year 2017.

Warning signs: Some 2017-2018 Fusion/Fusion HEV, 2017 Escape and 2017 F150/Raptor equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via FordPass Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no mode

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“MY CAR WENT TO AN ACCIDENT LAST FEBRUARY 14,2017 AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS RUNNING ON A SPEED OF 40-45 MPH AND HIT ANOTHER CAR AND MY CAR SPIN 360 DEGREES THEN ANOTHER CAR HIT MY CAR AND MADE MY CAR STOP FROM SPINNING. DESPITE THE IMPACT, MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“On June 01,2018 my coworker and I was on a joint visit. After the visit we walked to our vehicles to start the engines and to turn on the ac. I exited the 2017 Ford Escape and walked over to my coworker and we started to discuss other work problems. My coworker stated "the car is rolling back". I went after the Ford attempting to enter the vehicle. The drivers door knocked me down and I was completely ran over from foot to head. I placed my arm over my face and closed my eyes. I held my breath as I listened to the sounds of bones cracking... I suffered 5 fractured ribs, 2 fractures on my face, 15" Laceration on the back of my head to where my skull was showing. Several hematomas and a contusion in my right lung. I suffer everyday with pain. There is no way I could have exited the vehicle with it moving. I was able to walk to my coworkers vehicle.”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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." If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury. 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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.”
NHTSArecallOct 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems." A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.”
NHTSArecallSep 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Some 2017-2018 Fusion/Fusion HEV, 2017 Escape and 2017 F150/Raptor equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via FordPass Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open TCU field service actions (FSAs). If U0198 DTC still remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall prior to programming. Reprogram the TCU using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) release 110.05 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.”
NHTSAtsbAug 2018Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available. This video illustrates the speed and simplicity of the dongle re-flash process. • Non-Traditional Repair Approaches: The dongle re-flash process allows for an improved customer experience, dealer service efficiency, speed, and no need for an appointment, service bay, or trained technician. • Service Action: All dealers will be shipped at least one dongle by February 28, 2020. • Shipment of dongles began the week of February 17, 2020. Dealers with the largest VIN count received the initial shipment. • Dealers may request additional dongles from the SSSC as needed. • Technician time clocking is not required for this program when using the 19B37 dongle.”
NHTSAtsbFeb 2020Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

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