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Electrical systemPart report

2017 Ford Escape Electrical system Problems

Complaints
156about this part
Share
6%of 2,702 total for the year
Median mileage
37,129miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 156 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Ford Escape, 6% of the 2,702 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,129 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“'auto startstop' would not restart engine from this month, approximately once a day. Instrument panel message shows me to 'auto startstop, shift to p, restart engine'. After shifting to p and restarting engine, the engine works well. I feel so dangerous to restart engine by changing transmission shift because it happens at intersections.”

NHTSA complaint #11173117, filed 2019-01, 37,000 miles

“A vehicle that just turned three years old is having extreme powertrain transmission failure and electrical sensor issues! I am having to replace the transmission in a car that has only 90,000 miles and is costing me over $4000 out of pocket! Electrical error are happening from light malfunctions to bulb errors, cross sensors, and more”

NHTSA complaint #11244632, filed 2019-08, 94,500 miles

“Car is randomly jumping to overheat after being in motion. Approx 5 mins of being on. Then violently shaking and cutting itself off. Driving out of an apartment driveway. Was told it was the coolant leaking, however it solved itself and I was sent on my way. This is now the second time this has happened. Upon research, it seems as this is a common issue with fords.”

NHTSA complaint #11203002, filed 2019-04, 62,000 miles

“The car will turn off when stopped (ex. At a light) and a message comes up saying auto startstop shift to p restart engine . I do this and it restarts without issue. This has only happened a few times and at various times. Ex. Once in morning cold weather, once in afternoon in mild/warm weather. I bought car new and this has only started happening now (3 years after car was bought).”

NHTSA complaint #11322069, filed 2020-04, 75,000 miles

“I have the start/stop on my 17 Escape. With 16000 miles. When coming to a stop and the auto start/stop comes on, I will get a notification on the digital screen saying auto start/stop shift to p restart engine. I will have to put the vehicle in park and restart engine to be able to drive again. This is a hazard for potential rear end collision.”

NHTSA complaint #11154517, filed 2018-11, 16,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025727%
20242736%
20234141%
2022198%
20213410%
202016010%
2019376%
2018573%
20171566%
2016958%
201513512%
201421610%
201333912%
2012427%
20111179%
201021610%
20091438%
20081367%
20073012%
2006347%
200515311%
2004316%
2003397%
200212312%
200113614%
2000120%

Other parts of the 2017 Ford Escape

Engine
1,583 complaintsEngine cooling
509 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
391 complaintsOther or unknown
158 complaintsFuel system
94 complaintsWheels
76 complaintsBody and structure
62 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsSteering
49 complaintsExterior lighting
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsAir bags
21 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Ford Escape

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology