Recall 17V803 affects 11,113 2018 Ford Escape vehicles because a side curtain air bag component can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 11,113 2018 Escape vehicles under recall 17V803 because a side curtain air bag component can detach during deployment and enter the cabin as a projectile. The risk is injury to people inside the vehicle, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in a 2018 Ford Escape is built into the roof rail area and deploys down along the side windows during certain crashes. Its inflator creates the gas pressure that fills the curtain, and the diffuser is the formed metal part that helps direct that gas into the air bag in a controlled way.
On affected Escape vehicles, the top hat diffuser inside the side curtain air bag inflator was not formed correctly by a supplier. During deployment, that component can detach from the inflator. When that happens, the side curtain air bag does not deploy the way Ford designed it to deploy when occupants need that protection.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the air bag module, so it is not something you hear, smell, or feel during normal driving.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Ford Escape | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 11,113 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
During side curtain air bag deployment, a component can detach, enter the passenger compartment, and become a projectile inside the cabin, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before this happens, so schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free side curtain air bag replacement that addresses the component that can detach during air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V803 and Ford recall 17S44 when you call.
- Ask the Ford dealer whether any driving precautions apply until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driver and passenger side curtain air bags and replaces the covered units as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you already have repair paperwork for this issue, ask the service desk how the warranty coverage applies to that prior work.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 18, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 29, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 2, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V803?
Recall 17V803 covers 11,113 2018 Ford Escape vehicles with side curtain air bags that have a component that can detach during deployment. Ford dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as needed, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 17V803. If it is, call a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 17S44 or 17V803. The dealer will replace the affected side curtain air bags for free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford's remedy for recall 17V803 is free. A franchised Ford dealer will replace the affected driver and passenger side curtain air bags without charging for parts or labor.
What is the safety risk?
The risk in recall 17V803 is injury from an air bag component entering the passenger compartment during deployment. Ford's filing says the detached component can become a projectile inside the vehicle cabin. The free dealer repair replaces the affected side curtain air bags.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Escape is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 17S44 or 17V803.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V803000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V803 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V803000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →