Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2017 Ford Escape Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
391about this part
Share
14%of 2,704 total for the year
Median mileage
75,456miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 391 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Ford Escape, 14% of the 2,704 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,456 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“Driving back home from downtown Tupelo, my transmission completely went out. Vehicle had to be turned off and back on to move a few feet. It took over 45 minutes to drive 4 miles to my house. Cost of transmission more than value of the vehicle. Ford stated there is no recall on the vehicle for the transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #11620598, filed 2024-10, 222,970 miles

“I was driving, tried to accelerate vehicle made a strange noise and would not accelerate, would not go over 10 MPH, RPM went up to 6. Pulled of the road, placed it in park, turned it off, then back on. Vehicle would not go into gear. Had to have it towed to a Ford dealership, was told I need a new transmission. Waiting for estimate at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #11319445, filed 2020-03, 90,850 miles

“Recurring issue with the same ignition coil/spark plug complex where the engine will misfire on a cold start. I have replaced the ignition coil 3 times and each time it fails within 3 weeks. I have had the engine pressure tested and there are no issues that would cause misfiring. This appears to be an electrical feedback issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11394963, filed 2021-02, 65,000 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

“Transmission went with only 93,000 miles on vehicle. When driving it was hesitant to go when I was stopped at a red light. I was almost rear ended because of it. Car didn't want to go in reverse. Thankfully I was able to make it to mechanic just in time before car was totally out of commission.”

NHTSA complaint #11395209, filed 2021-02, 93,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025312%
202423%
20232525%
20223113%
20214613%
202024315%
201912821%
201827615%
201739114%
201632127%
201528725%
201448123%
201340115%
20126611%
201126820%
201050825%
200930118%
200832917%
20074417%
20068017%
20051178%
2004275%
20035510%
200210510%
200112813%
2000120%

Other parts of the 2017 Ford Escape

Engine
1,585 complaintsEngine cooling
509 complaintsOther or unknown
158 complaintsElectrical system
156 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 29, 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