Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Escape electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Ford Escape have filed 122 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 37,669 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
122
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Escape | 282 |
| 2014 Escape | 172 |
| 2015 Escape | 109 |
| 2016 Escape | 76 |
| 2017 Escape (this page) | 122 |
| 2018 Escape | 41 |
| 2019 Escape | 28 |
| 2020 Escape | 108 |
| 2021 Escape | 26 |
2crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 122 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 122 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPassÃÂÃÂÃÂî/LincolnWayÃÂÃÂÃÂî app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SOC) drops below 50%. A warning may also set if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an over the air update. The TCU powers down all communication when in this mode and app features are disabled. Manually start the vehicle to wake if from mode. More information is located in the app under: Account > Help > search 'Deep Sleep' in th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Escape's electrical system generates the most complaints in this cluster. Auto start/stop stalling dominates narratives: vehicle unexpectedly dies at traffic lights with a "Shift to Park – Restart Engine" message, forcing manual restart in heavy traffic and creating rear-end collision risk. Owners report this happening multiple times weekly, yet dealerships repeatedly claim inability to reproduce it.
Battery issues follow close behind. Vehicles exhibit unexplained parasitic drain while parked, killing the battery overnight. Owners have replaced batteries up to four times without resolution. Dealerships cannot locate the drain source.
Headlight failures recur: both low beams fail simultaneously from burned wiring inside the assemblies. BCM (body control module) replacement in 2020 didn't prevent the same failure in 2022. Taillight housings accumulate water, fogging lenses and triggering intermittent warning lights for ABS, traction control, and parking brake.
Coolant intrusion into cylinders causes rough idle, misfiring, and check engine lights. In severe cases, the entire engine requires replacement. Temperature sensors malfunction, forcing engine shutdown on the highway. One owner waited months in the shop for engine replacement; another was advised to trade in the vehicle rather than repair it.
A power liftgate crashes down unexpectedly with no obstruction detection, causing head injuries. The feature cannot be disabled. One owner nearly had the gate close on her granddaughter's head.
Other failures include transmission limp mode (10 MPH max speed), key fob detection loss, uncontrollable heating that burned a driver's foot, and a parked vehicle catching fire electrically. Throughout, dealers cite inability to reproduce issues or claim problems are "normal."
Same Ford Escape electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop System Stalling and Restart Failures
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly when auto start/stop activates at traffic lights or stop signs, displaying 'Auto Start/Stop – Manual Restart Required' or 'Shift to Park' messages. Engine loses power without warning, forcing manual restart. Battery and alternator tested good in most cases; issue appears intermittent and difficult to reproduce at dealerships.
When: Occurs at stop lights/signs, low temperatures reported in some cases; mileage ranges from 2,000 to 81,292 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected engine stall at traffic lights and stop signs; Intermittent loss of power requiring manual restart; Dashboard message: 'Auto Start/Stop – Shift to Park – Restart Engine'; Occurs multiple times per week to daily; Happens in heavy traffic, creating rear-end collision risk
Codes mentioned: P06E9, P164C, BCM reprogramming required in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: BCM (Body Control Module) reprogramming attempted in multiple cases; battery replacement did not resolve; issue recurred after repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report dealer inability to reproduce issue; Ford PCM/BCM reprogramming attempted; no TSB or recall mentioned for this specific failure pattern
Battery Parasitic Drain and Starting Failures
Vehicle experiences unexplained battery discharge while parked, resulting in no-start conditions. Owners report multiple battery replacements (up to four) without resolution. Dealerships unable to locate the parasitic drain source. Issue appears related to electrical control module malfunctions rather than battery failure.
When: Occurs after parking vehicle overnight or during periods of non-use; reported from 2,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely discharged after vehicle parked; No lights, dash lights, or electrical response; Engine will not crank; Problem recurs immediately after battery replacement; No warning lights or indicators prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Electrical parasitic draw suspected; exact code not identified in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements (up to 4 new batteries); owners report spending ~$1,000 on parts; dealers unable to locate parasitic draw source; some owners installed battery tenders/Battery Buddy as temporary workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford unable to locate electrical parasitic draw; case opened with manufacturer in some instances; no TSB or recall issued
Headlight Assembly Failures
Both low-beam headlights fail simultaneously or individually. Dealership diagnostics indicate burned-out wiring inside headlight assemblies. BCM (Body Control Module) was replaced in 2020 model year; same failure recurred in 2022, requiring another BCM replacement. High replacement costs reported.
When: First occurrence at 28,000 miles (2020); recurrence at 49,000 miles (2022)
Symptoms owners cite: Both low-beam headlights suddenly stop working; High-beam and other lights functional; No diagnostic codes or warning lights; Extremely hazardous at night; lights go out while driving
Codes mentioned: No specific codes retrieved; BCM determined to be root cause
Repairs/costs cited: First repair (2020): BCM replacement under warranty at ~28,000 miles; Second repair (2022): Headlight bulb replacement attempted first, but full headlight assembly replacement (~$1,600) and BCM replacement required at ~49,000 miles; issue pattern indicates recurring BCM defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies any recall coverage; dealers unable to explain repeated failures; manufacturer claims no other reports despite online forum documentation of widespread issue
Taillight Water Intrusion and Electrical Failures
Taillight housings accumulate water, causing lens fogging and corrosion of internal electrical components. Water intrusion triggers intermittent warning lights (ABS, traction control, hill assist, parking brake fault). Brake light visibility compromised, creating safety hazard. Some lenses physically detach from housing.
When: Occurs within first 6 months to 2 years of ownership; mileage 20,000 to 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water accumulation inside taillight housings; Brake light lens fogging and degraded visibility; Intermittent warning lights: ABS, traction control, hill assist, parking brake; Taillight lens detachment; Electrical malfunction of brake light circuit
Codes mentioned: No specific codes; intermittent warning lights due to water-damaged circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Taillight assembly replacement required; estimated cost >$1,600 per unit for some models; water seal design failure at lens gasket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially claimed water intrusion is 'normal' and not covered; some taillight assemblies replaced; no TSB or recall issued; no design change implemented
Power Loss and Limp Mode at Highway Speed
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving at highway speeds (55+ MPH) or in traffic, limiting speed to 10 MPH or less. Dashboard displays shift-to-park message and control module fault. Issue traced to electrical control module (body control module or PCM) malfunction causing vehicle to enter limp/safe mode. Multiple incidents create collision hazard.
When: Intermittent; occurs without warning during normal driving; no consistent mileage pattern reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power at highway speeds; Vehicle limited to 10 MPH or less (limp mode); Check engine light, transmission light, no hill assist light illuminate; Message: 'Shift to Park' displayed; Unable to accelerate or keep up with traffic flow; No warning prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Control module fault; exact code not specified in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics identified body control module or PCM electrical failure as root cause; vehicle unsafe to drive until diagnosed and repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports waiting 5+ months for recall with no resolution; Ford advised waiting to see if recall issued; no TSB or immediate remedy provided
Fuse/Relay Box Short Circuit and Electrical Harness Defect
Wire harness connected to fuse/relay box develops short or break, causing relay chatter in the fuse/relay box. Vehicle exhibits extended crank times, intermittent starting, and engine shutdown while running. Defect discovered by technician wiggling wire harness, which reproduced the failure.
When: Vehicle 3 years 5 months old with under 11,000 miles; low-mileage vehicle indicating manufacturing defect
Symptoms owners cite: Longer cranking time to start (cold and warm); Relay chattering in fuse/relay box when opening front door or inserting key; Intermittent starting followed by engine stalling; Engine may die suddenly while running
Codes mentioned: No specific codes; defect diagnosed by technician observation and physical manipulation
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement at fuse/relay box; only way to stop relay chatter was removing PCM fuse or relay; Ford paid partial cost (50% of parts and labor) after acknowledging factory defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #SSM 47086 issued February 16, 2018, describing exact problem and defective part; Ford acknowledged factory defect but refused full warranty coverage beyond 3 years
Liftgate Auto-Close Sensor Malfunction
Power liftgate closes unexpectedly when foot motion detected by sensor, even when person is standing underneath. Liftgate has no obstruction detection and cannot be disabled. Causes impact injuries to head and neck. Design flaw creates decapitation hazard, especially for children.
When: Intermittent; occurred at grocery store on multiple occasions; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate crashes down unexpectedly when foot detected by sensor; No obstruction sensing; does not stop if person in the way; Liftgate cannot be disabled by owner; Impact injuries to head and neck documented; Extreme danger to small children
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; dealer confirmed foot sensor triggers close regardless of obstruction; no way to disable feature
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service confirmed design flaw exists with no remedy; no recall issued despite documented injury and safety hazard
Electrical Fire Under Hood
Vehicle parked overnight caught fire in the engine compartment. Fire department determined it was an electrical fire. Vehicle total loss at approximately 27,000 miles. Ford customer relations contacted but did not follow up. No determination of specific cause made public.
When: Vehicle parked 6 hours overnight; fire discovered at 12:30 AM
Symptoms owners cite: Fire under passenger hood area; No warning lights or indicators prior to fire; Total vehicle loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; fire department conclusion: electrical fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer relations case opened but no follow-up provided; vehicle not diagnosed for root cause; owner reports no assistance from Ford
Rough Idle, Cylinder Misfire, and Check Engine Light
Vehicle exhibits rough idle at startup, intermittent cylinder misfiring (often cylinder 3 or other cylinders), and check engine light that illuminates and extinguishes sporadically. Codes reprogrammed by dealers with no lasting resolution. Related to coolant intrusion into cylinders in some cases, but also linked to fuel injector and ignition coil issues.
When: Reported from 12,000 to 98,000+ miles; typically occurs within first few months to years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle upon engine start; Check engine light on intermittently (stays on for days, then off); Engine misfiring (cylinder-specific codes); Vehicle drives fine despite symptoms in some cases; Idle RPM fluctuation without throttle input
Codes mentioned: P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire mentioned multiple times), Other cylinder misfire codes (P0300 series implied), Codes vary when vehicle scanned multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: AutoZone technician diagnosed cylinder misfire; local mechanic recommended code reprogramming; Ford dealership replaced coils and spark plugs without resolution; some cases required long-block engine replacement; one owner waiting for engine replacement after 4 weeks in shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford service bulletin mentioned by owners but specific TSB not confirmed; no recall issued; dealer unable to find permanent fix; manufacturers recommend code reprogramming, which provides only temporary resolution
Coolant Leak and Engine Overheating
Coolant leaks from internal engine areas (head gasket failure suspected), causing continuous overheating warnings. Dashboard displays 'High Engine Temperature – Stop Safely' messages. Vehicle temperature gauge reads high, then drops immediately, fluctuating erratically. In severe cases, coolant intrudes into cylinders, requiring engine replacement.
When: Occurs within first 2-3 years of ownership; mileage 12,000 to 119,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant level drops frequently (must add every two weeks in one case); High temperature warning on dashboard appearing and disappearing; Engine stuttering and shutdown when warning appears; Burning smell reported in one case; Engine misfiring due to coolant intrusion; Vehicle operates rough and loses power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light with misfire codes (P0303, cylinder 2 misfire mentioned)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics and dealers confirmed coolant leak from deep inside motor; pressure test passed but coolant mysteriously disappears; one case required engine replacement; repair costs described as 'thousands of dollars'; some owners advised to trade in vehicle rather than repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies awareness or responsibility in some instances; dealers unable to locate leak source initially; no TSB or recall issued for coolant intrusion pattern; owners report Ford was 'aware of the issue' but chose not to act
Fuel in Engine Oil and Turbocharger Coolant Burn-Off
Fuel intrudes into engine oil at alarming rates (nearly 1 quart of fuel in oil after 30 highway miles). Turbocharger burns coolant, requiring coolant top-ups every two weeks. Engine produces poor power while consuming excessive fuel. Transmission whines loudly. Fuel economy severely degraded (17–19 MPG highway vs. claimed 30 MPG).
When: Reported at 12,000+ miles on new 2017 model purchased June 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel contamination in engine oil (nearly 1 quart after 30 miles); Turbocharger burning coolant rapidly; Excessive fuel consumption (17–19 MPG highway, 16–17 MPG city); Poor engine power despite excessive fuel use; Transmission whining loudly on take-off and shifts; Multiple electrical, engine, transmission, and interior problems reported by same owner
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repeatedly states 'can't duplicate problem'; no repairs completed; owner reports multiple service attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Detroit office indicated indifference; dealer unable to find and fix root cause; multiple TSBs mentioned as inadequate 'band-aids'; no recall issued; owner suspects Ford deliberately avoiding warranty responsibility
Electronic Control Module (ECM/PCM) Failure
Electronic control module fails intermittently or completely, causing no-start conditions, loss of power, and inability to diagnose with standard scanner. Vehicle may fail to start days after repair work. Multiple ECM replacements required with repeated failures.
When: Occurs within 3 months to 1+ year after original repair work; mileage 81,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start or crank; No diagnostic codes retrieved on first scan attempt; Intermittent no-start even with new battery; Recurs days or weeks after ECM replacement
Codes mentioned: No codes; unit failure difficult to diagnose
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replaced multiple times; one case required replacement after recent transmission repair (Campaign 22V413000); dealer charged additional diagnostic fee when battery and spark plug replacement failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided no assistance; no recall or TSB addressing repeated ECM failures
Transmission Limp Mode and Shift Errors
Transmission enters limp mode, limiting vehicle to 10 MPH or less. Vehicle displays 'Transmission not in Park' message while in Drive. Gear will not move despite key in Run position. Dealership unable to retrieve diagnostic codes or replicate issue.
When: Intermittent; occurs without warning; same day as dealership inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly limits speed to 10 MPH (limp mode); Transmission will not shift; 'Transmission not in Park' message displayed; Vehicle unsafe to drive; unable to merge or maintain traffic flow
Codes mentioned: No codes retrieved initially; defective fuse near battery suspected by forums
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose; one owner's research indicates defective fuse near battery; forum discussion suggests electrical issue rather than transmission mechanical failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states 'everything is OK' despite multiple incidents on same day; no diagnosis or repair offered; issue recurs immediately after leaving dealership
HVAC Heating System Malfunction
Heater output uncontrollable and dangerously high, burning driver's foot. Heater temperature dial does not reduce output. Burning smell precedes failure. Dealership unable to diagnose without removing dashboard and front doors, which manufacturer would not pay for. Problem remains unresolved after two dealership visits.
When: Occurred early in ownership (October 2016, purchased August 2016); early morning highway drive
Symptoms owners cite: Unbearable heater output from right side of vehicle; Intense heat burns driver's right foot; Temperature dial adjustment has no effect; Burning smell detected while driving; Driver forced to use maximum A/C despite winter conditions to compensate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to remove dashboard and front doors to diagnose, stating manufacturer would not pay; second dealership also refused diagnostic work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer would not authorize extensive disassembly for diagnosis; no TSB or recall issued; problem remains unresolved
Vehicle Failing to Shut Off After Ignition Off
Engine continues running after ignition switched off and key removed. All dash lights remain on. Vehicle will not turn off normally. Owner eventually removed fuel pump fuse to stop engine. Causes confusion and safety hazard.
When: Single incident reported upon parking in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after ignition off and key removed; Dash lights remain fully illuminated; Unable to power down or lock vehicle; Horn beeps twice when attempting to lock doors; Engine will not shut off by normal means
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manually removed fuel pump fuse to stop engine; subsequently unable to get vehicle started again; required disconnecting battery to reset electrical system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Power Seat Control Runaway
Power seat forward lever engages and continues forward, crushing passenger against steering column and seat belt. Passenger unable to stop movement. Passenger forced to brake hard to prevent injury. Lever locks seat all the way forward.
When: Occurred during normal operation; second incident reproduced at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Forward seat lever engages and does not stop; Passenger crushed against steering column; Seat belt also tightens, restricting breathing; Passenger forced to apply emergency brake to stop vehicle; Intermittent; only reproduced twice in several attempts at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to reproduce issue consistently; kept vehicle overnight to continue investigation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Rodent-Damaged Wiring and Soy-Based Wire Insulation
Rodents chew through engine compartment wiring, including turbocharger hoses, radiator cap, coolant wires, intake manifold lines, and purge solenoid. Vehicle electrical wires insulated with soy-based material instead of petroleum-based, making them attractive to rodents. Multiple incidents of expensive damage.
When: Occurred at 21,000 miles on first incident; at least twice on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated upon starting vehicle; Visible rodent chewing damage in engine compartment; Coolant hoses compromised; Electrical wiring damaged; Turbocharger hoses damaged
Codes mentioned: Check engine light from damaged emissions control wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement required; soy-based wire insulation must be replaced with appropriate material; repair costs significant; dealer confirmed happening 'quite often'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim not covered under warranty despite being manufacturing defect; no design change implemented; manufacturer aware of soy-based insulation attracting rodents but has not provided solution
Key Fob Malfunction and Detection Failure
Vehicle fails to detect key fob signal while driving, causing sudden engine shutdown. Vehicle refuses to start, claiming 'couldn't find the key fob.' Multiple fresh key fob batteries installed without resolution. BCM (body control module) suspected as root cause.
When: Occurred while pulling out onto busy highway; emergency situation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts down on highway at full speed; Error message: 'Couldn't find the key fob'; Vehicle will not start despite key fob in driver's possession; No warning prior to shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suspected body control module (BCM) failure as root cause; key fob batteries replaced without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Instrument Cluster Failure
Instrument cluster becomes inoperable, displaying no information to driver. Vehicle simultaneously exhibits coolant intrusion and overheating issues, limiting speed to 10 MPH.
When: Occurred at 119,000+ miles; chronic coolant leak issue preceded this
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster completely inoperable; No speedometer, fuel gauge, or temperature display; Vehicle limited to 10 MPH maximum speed; Stalling in parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed with coolant intrusion causing engine block to overheat and crack; not repaired due to warranty expiration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused assistance citing warranty expiration; manufacturer provided no assistance
Brake Light Failure and Water Intrusion
Brake light housings fill with water, causing electrical corrosion and bulb failure. Brake lights fail to illuminate, creating collision hazard. Dealer notes water intrusion as 'normal' despite safety risk. Estimates for replacement assembly exceed $1,600.
When: Occurs within first 6 months to 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light bulb fails to illuminate; Water visible inside tail light housing (filled halfway in one case); No warning system alerts driver to failure; Risk of rear-end collision due to unvisible braking
Repairs/costs cited: Entire taillight assembly replacement required; cost >$1,600 per assembly; water seal design failure at lens gasket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially claims water intrusion is 'normal' and refuses coverage; Ford denies recall despite thousands of complaints online
Transmission Control Module/Electrical System Malfunctions
Multiple intermittent electrical warning lights (ABS, traction control, hill assist, parking brake, four-wheel drive) illuminate randomly. Throttle becomes unresponsive when traction control light flashes. Failures occur without pattern, worsening over consecutive days. Near-collision incidents reported.
When: Intermittent failures over several days
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates; Traction control light intermittently illuminates; Hill assist light intermittently illuminates; Parking brake fault light illuminates; Four-wheel drive disengages; Throttle unresponsive when traction control light flashes; Near-collision incidents from throttle unresponsiveness while merging
Repairs/costs cited: Owner filed report anticipating potential injury; vehicle pending dealership inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 122 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
As my boyfriend was turning the corner at an intersection, the engine suddenly stopped. He was able to stop due to his low speed. I reminded him to put his foot on the brake to restart, and he did that and it started right up. He didn't do anything to make the engine stop. The only thing that was happening at that time was that a text was coming in on my samsung phone, which was charging and…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 122 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 21,000 and 63,579 miles, with the median around 37,669. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 63,579. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.