2017 Ford Escape Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Escape
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (1568 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1568 NHTSA complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (508 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 508 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (390 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 390 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (155 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 155 NHTSA complaints
Wheels complaints Check
Inspect tire tread and age, and note any vibration at highway speed. (76 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 76 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
80 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Visibility Red flag
If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Visibility Red flag
A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Escape–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Escape. The most serious involve Visibility (16V617000) and Power Train (22V413000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Escape?
The top complaint areas are Engine (1568 complaints) and Engine and Engine Cooling (508 complaints), out of 2681 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Escape?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 1568 complaints for this model-year.