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Service bulletins for the 2017 Ford Escape

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

249 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 481302019-09-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR; VISIBILITY. Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
SSM 481232019-09-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable to battery cable clamp connection. Obtain the heat shrink tube locally.
SSM 481062019-08-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine exhibiting coolant consumption and white smoke from the exhaust. Follow Cooling System Pressure Test procedure in WSM, Section 303-03, and pressurize system to 138kPa(20 psi) and hold for 5 hours. If system pressure drops 27.57kPa (4psi) after 5 hours and borescope inspection through spark plug holes confirms coolant intrusion into the cylinders, short block replacement is required. Further teardown inspection is not required. Reuse the original cylinder head for the repair. Ford has found all returned 1.5L cylinder heads pass inspection and replacement was not required. Follow WSM, Section 303-01A procedures for repairs and refer the parts catalog as needed. Short block availability may be limited and temporary backorders will be filled as quickly as possible.
SSM 480532019-07-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM,Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. After Installation, complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. Section
TSB 19-22082019-07-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the long block engine assembly.
TSB 19-21722019-07-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2015-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the long block engine assembly.
SSM 479762019-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
SSM 479722019-06-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017 Escape vehicles built on or before 02-Feb-2017 may exhibit a no restart concern after an auto stop/start event. Upon attempting to restart, the instrument panel may display a message instructing the customer to shift to park and start the vehicle manually. To correct this condition, reprogram the body control module (BCM) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14A068 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. If the BCM software is currently at the latest level available, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06A and/or powertrain control/emissions diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for an auto stop/start diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or GSB0000153 for auto stop/start system information and diagnostics.
TSB19-21712019-06-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017-2019 Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 1.5, 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to loose or partially connected evaporative emissions (EVAP) vapor lines. Before completing the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual pinpoint test (PPT) follow the Service Procedure steps on vehicle.
SSM 479092019-05-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. SSM 47909 - 2017-2019 Escape, MKC - License Plate Bracket Nut(s) Damaged With Over Torqued Screw(s) 2017-2019 Escape and MKC vehicles may exhibit a concern of the license plate bracket nut(s) being damaged due to the screw(s) being over torqued. The torque specification for these screws are 1.7 Nm (1.25 lb-ft). Engineering recommends not to use any power tool to tighten these screws. Most any power tool will apply more torque to the screws than the allowed torque specification and will damage the plastic nut(s).
SSM 479482019-05-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
SSM 478502019-05-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in the Technician Comments field. Refer to the Rotunda catalog for a video and user manual which provide detailed operating instructions.
SSM 478242019-04-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 477842019-04-08. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or after 6-Apr-2017 equipped with factory trailer tow may exhibit a concern with a trailer lamp out warning and/or blind spot information system (BLIS) not available warning without a trailer connected to the vehicle. Access connectors C439 (4 pin) and C432 (12 pin) within the trailer connector harness (15K868). Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 151. Inspect connectors for corrosion and/or water contamination. Clean as required and add electrical grease (XG-12 or equivalent). Make certain the protective cover over C439 is installed and fully seated to prevent future water intrusion. For claiming, use causal part 15K868 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 19-20172019-04-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost/Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, and 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 478752019-04-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2018 C-MAX, Focus, and Transit Connect vehicles not equipped with an auto start/stop system may exhibit an inability to program and/or no electrical power after installation of a service part body control module (BCM). Inspect the BCM for the presence of fuse F88. If fuse 88 is missing, install a 25 amp fuse and then re-evaluate the concern. If fuse 88 is installed in a vehicle with an auto start/stop system, the vehicle may exhibit concerns where the radio is turning off during an auto start/stop event and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) back lighting slowly goes dim during auto start/stop events.
SSM 478582019-04-03. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:REAR; SUSPENSION. Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part is available through the parts catalog. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
SSM 478492019-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape equipped with 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern. Follow the Cooling System Pressure Test procedure in WSM, Section 303-03, pressurize the cooling system to 138kPa(20 psi0 and hold for 5 hours. If cooling system pressure drops 27.57kPa(4psi) after 5 hours and internal engine coolant loss is confirmed, further investigation of the engine block surface to head gasket interface is required. Carefully inspect engine block cylinders and cylinder bore bridges for erosion, pitting, and flatness. If defects with the cylinder block surface are identified, follow WSM, Section 303-01A procedures for repairs. Complete cost cap as needed to determine the most cost effective repair. Ford has found that all returned cylinder heads pass inspection and may have been reused.
TSB 19-20572019-04-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Some 2017 Escape vehicles built on or before 1-Sep-2017 may exhibit a manual liftgate that is difficult to close. This may be due to the striker wing position relative to striker. To correct the condition, adjust the striker wings to the specified specification.
TSB 19-20562019-04-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; STRUCTURE. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may exhibit a power liftgate that bounces back and/or will not cinch to the fully closed position. This may be due to the adjustment of the striker, latch, liftgate margins, flushness and/or striker wings. To resolve the condition, adjust the striker position or the striker wings.
SSM 478242019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 477842019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or after 6-Apr-2017 equipped with factory trailer tow may exhibit a concern with a trailer lamp out warning and/or blind spot information system (BLIS) not available warning without a trailer connected to the vehicle. Access connectors C439 (4 pin) and C432 (12 pin) within the trailer connector harness (15K868). Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 151. Inspect connectors for corrosion and/or water contamination. Clean as required and add electrical grease (XG-12 or equivalent). Make certain the protective cover over C439 is installed and fully seated to prevent future water intrusion. For claiming, use causal part 15K868 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 19-20172019-04-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost/Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, and 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 477492019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
SSM 477482019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Escape and 2016-2018 Focus/C-Max vehicles may exhibit a customer perceived concern of a FDIM screen flicker during transitions between day/night mode and/or during auto headlamp on/off. The FDIM utilizes a ramp up and ramp down strategy of controlling the back lighting when the display setting is in auto dimming mode. This is a normal condition that does not affect the function or durability of the FDIM. Auto dimming mode can be turned off to minimize the ramp up and ramp down lighting strategy. To turn off the auto dimming mode feature in the FDIM display: select> FDIM settings> Display settings> Auto Dim selection. Do not confuse the auto dimming mode selection with the selection for auto day/night operation. Turning off auto dimming mode only effects the back lighting strategy and does not affect any other function or FDIM reliability.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.