2017 Ford Escape Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 390 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape, 15% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 75,228 miles. A related recall, 22V413000, addresses a shifter cable bushing that can let the vehicle roll unexpectedly.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 390
- 15% of 2,684
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 75,228 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles have rolled or crept forward or backward unexpectedly after being shifted into park, in some cases striking objects or other vehicles.
- Some owners tied unintended rollaway to the shifter cable bushing named in NHTSA recall 22V413000.
- Drivers report the transmission surging forward without warning while shifting into park, in one case going over an embankment.
- Several owners describe coolant leaking into the engine, which some link to transmission cable failure and eventual transmission replacement.
- A grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle was reported during tight, low-speed turns on a 4WD model.
- Owners describe the vehicle entering limp mode with loss of accelerator response, sometimes displaying a message to shift to park and restart the engine manually.
When 2017 Ford Escape transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 19, 2017, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 390 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Escape, which is 15% of the 2,684 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Escape?
- Yes. Recall 22V413000, reported June 10, 2022, covers a shifter cable bushing that can detach and allow the vehicle to roll even when it appears to be in park. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2017 Ford Escape transmission problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 75,228 miles.
- Did the transmission issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2017 Escape lists 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries.