2018 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,795 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 25 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 30 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
Campaign 18V104000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowDec 18, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
Campaign 17V803000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
1,426 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 24, 2026
2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5L 4Cyl Turbo. 43,883 miles. Engine light came on. Checked by mechanic on 1/15/26. (Philadelphia PA 19128). Diagnosis: Coolant leaking from head gasket into cylinder #3. Recommend remove & replace engine. Cost: $11,551.13 (total) (which is around what the vehicle is worth). I have since researched this problem and found out it is a longstanding issue with this Ford engine, across different models, but has not been addressed - no recall or maintenance notices that I am aware of. Many other consumers have encountered the SAME EXACT ISSUE, with engine replacement recommended for thousands of dollars - including in low milage vehicles like mine. Allegedly the faulty engines are still being manufactured and used...So, assuming this is true, if someone opts to replace the engine, couldn't they just be getting one with the very same problem?? It is INEXCUSABLE that this issue has not been addressed.
Engine, Jan 22, 2026
I have a 2018 Ford escape and I have a coolant intrusion leaking into the cylinders.i can smell coolant inside the vehicle.i did some researched the problem.i noticed other people having the same problem.some of the while driving the motor stopped running.ford does have the knowledge of this and have done nothing about it.this is a real dangerous safety hazard.someone is going to get hurt badly and maybe even death can happen.what is it going to take for a national recall for these vehicles affected to be repaired ? This is a very concerning dilemma.can someone please get back to me.thank you.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 22, 2026
Blown head gasket, it is available for inspection. The engine overheating could’ve left me and my family stranded. The problem has not been confirmed by anyone. It also has not been inspected yet either. There were no other indicators lit on the dashboard other than the check engine light.
Engine, Jan 16, 2026
December/2025 I noticed a check engine light on my way home went to get the code read and was told I needed new plugs and coils had them replaced on 1/2026 about a week later check engine light again now I’m getting code po302 misfiring had them replaced again on 1/10/2026, only to get the same thing happen again to cylinder 2 as before with constant low coolant in overflow !! So as of 1/16/2026 same reading done same code my cylinder #2 has coolant in there and now I need internal engine work done on my vehicle with know manufacture recall because I brought my car in 7/2024 n now I’m stuck with a vehicle with major issues/problems and no funds to repair..
Engine, Jan 15, 2026
Coolant intrude. Coolant flow to engine make light on for engine high temperature at start. Can not drive after light on.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage after being driven in the morning; however, later in the day, the vehicle failed to restart. While the contact’s grandson was using the vehicle, there was an abnormal popping sound. There was white steam in the garage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who noticed milky coolant inside the engine while using a camera to check the engine. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing a crack in the engine, which warped the cylinder heads. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2026
my Ford issue had the short block coolant intrusion which has resulted in a blown engine with only 55,000 miles on my car. It is my understanding in 2022, Ford issued a one time no cost repair as they knew they sold cars with a junk engine yet I was never sent the customer satisfaction program letter 21N12 informing me of the potential issue and the one time no cost engine replacement. When I called the Ford customer satisfaction program today, using my VIN they confirmed this as well and mentioned there hasn't been a recall on it to date but possibly sometime in the near future and to save all my maintenance receipts. My engine light had been coming on for quite some time, but my car ran fine so each time I took it to my mechanic no code came up so it was cleared and I drove it. Ford wants me to pay them $12,000.00 to replace the engine because my 7 year extended warranty ended and they will not assist financially. I realize my car is 8 years old but it has low mileage. been well maintained and I don't feel I should have to pay for a new engine as the dealership sold me the car with a defective short block in the first place and never informed me of the potential issue.
Engine, Jan 8, 2026
Vehicle has overheated twice and left me in stranded in heavy traffic took to dealership to see what’s going on and was told coolant is leaking in cylinder number two and will need long block engine replacement no factory warranty or recall for this issue due to manufacture fault I have a infant granddaughter that has to ride in this car this problem is not anything of my fault at all
Engine, Jan 5, 2026
The engine failed after only 73,000 miles while I was driving the car. The car lost power suddenly and almost caused me to have an accident. I took the vehicle to the dealer and it requires the entire engine be replaced because of a known engineering defect noted in TSB 19 2346.
Engine, Dec 30, 2025
Vehicle with 84000 miles has coolant intrusion into cylinders, dealer is saying new engine is needed at $11,000. Vehicle was bought new by owner. This is a known issue from Ford who knew of this issue.
Engine, Dec 29, 2025
No warning but beginning of the issue with coolant intrusion on the engine: car is currently being looked at for blown head gasket or cracked engine block resulting in $3000+ of repairs. Car only has 75K miles on it. Car is shaking while in park/drive/reverse, making odd bumping noises while going up hill, and not throwing any codes. Upon my research, it states there could be a serious issue with the engine but it is expensive to diagnose and Ford refuses to look at it or diagnose it even though it is a known issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 26, 2025
I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape from Metropolitan Ford dealership in Eden Prairie, MN on 5/15/2025. The very next day the engine light came on. I called them, made an appointment and brought it in thinking that it was a sensor. They checked it out and tried to charge me $1000 for the fix. I argued with them that I had just bought the car and the should be responsible for fixing it. In end I paid $300 and knew from that point that they would take no responsibility for anything wrong with th car. Fast forward to 12/12/2025 I was driving to work and as soon as I entered the interstate the engine light came on as well as the temperature gage going through the roof. I found that I couldn't accelerate and slowly drove the car off the next exit. I was able to get it to my mechanic right there, where he said I had a slow leak in the coolant and gave me a rough estimate of $1000 possible fix but he couldn't do it then. He advised me to keep the coolant filled and took it out of the "limp" mode so I could drive it. A week later I went out to my car and it was in the "limp" mode again, I had it towed to the nearest service station where they came back with the issue. A coolant intrusion. The engine was no longer functional. I went back to the dealer and they told me it was my problem to deal with and that they had no responsibility to do anything. That's when I found out about the recall that they knew about and ignored and sold me a car that they knew was problematic. I'm hoping to join this class action lawsuit because I'm out $12,000 the largest amount that I ever paid for a car and I don't have a working car. I still owe $5000 on this one. I thought going to a Ford dealership and spending the kind of money I spent would protect me from this exact thing. I'm devastated and really don't know what to do.
Engine, Dec 24, 2025
When starting car, rough idle and engine light turns on. Diagnostic trouble codes show P0300, P0301, and P0304. This engine has a known manufacturing defect by Ford and they have some policies for replacement depending on age and mileage. There is no way to prevent this cracked block issue by consumers as it is a design flaw. Engine coolant seeps through the crack into the cylinders. I'm afraid to continue driving it as it may stall in traffic causing an accident or overheat if coolant gets low causing a fire.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 24, 2025
I believe coolant got into the cylinders and caused an engine failure. I had to replace the engine on the vehicle at 58000 miles
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and there was a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under the Manufacturer’s Extended Warranty which was related to the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Dec 20, 2025
While driving down the interstate the engine light started to flash and the engine started to stutter. It would rev up and down. This incident occurred while traveling at approximately 70mph with no prior warning. We exited the highway as soon as possible and towed the vehicle to a Ford dealership. They performed a diagnostic and found that a spark plug had broken and that there was coolant intrusion in 3 of the 4 cylinders. There were no prior engine warning lights. The only potential prior warning to this was the coolant was low during a oil change performed 2 weeks before. The dealership informed me that total engine failure was imminent and inevitable. The engine would need to be replaced for $13,000. The vehicle broke down approximately 100 miles from home. It is not available for inspection as bringing it home was cost prohibitive. I've already sold the car to a wrecking company, Peddle, LLC. The car broke down on 12-12-25. The mileage at the time of the breakdown was 74315. This was recorded at the Ford dealership. Car maintenance was up to date and routinely performed.
Engine, Dec 18, 2025
Engine coolant intrusion, confirmed by local mechanic and with Ford dealer technician over the phone.
Engine, Dec 17, 2025
Cracked Cylinder Block - Coolant Intrusion
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated on the instrument cluster with a message that the vehicle needed to be stopped due to high engine temperature. The contact pulled into a gas station and observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact checked for leaks but found none. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined there was a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and found that the 1.5-liter engine in the vehicle was known for a failure with coolant intrusion into the engine block. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Dec 16, 2025
My 1.5L engine in my 2018 ford escape has a coolant leak which is a known problem in these cars according to the internet. There was a CSP from ford (19B37) which I did January 3, 2020 which is supposed to stop this from happening My ca does not qualify for CSP 21N12 according to ford because it is for 84k miles or 7 years. My car has 95k miles but is still in the 7 years but they refuse to help. They have told me to pay for repairs and then submit receipts “IF” there is a recall issued I have just been getting the run around from everyone at ford from customer relations to service departments
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2025
In November 2024 lost acceleration light popped on the dashboard service now. Was found to have a bad turbo full turbo replacement done July 2025 driving on the highway slow down behind a semi went to pass them. Gas pedal went all the way to the floor would not accelerate Pulled over checked all fluids. Everything was fine. Got back on the road then check engine and oil light came on immediately pulled over checked oil. There was no oil in the car, even though it had been full when I checked fluids put oil in let the car run and cycle through for a while. Oil light went off Got back on the road in half a mile oil light came back on and then stopped driving the vehicle has been sitting at a dealership for five months dealership changed turbo did not do oil change as mandatory part of the replacement. They then drove vehicle now the engine is blown. Was dangerous to myself and my daughters who were in the car losing acceleration on Highway two times. Bad Ford parts or bad mechanic work?
Engine, Dec 13, 2025
coolant intrusion Issues leading to engine failure messages and head gaskets issues
Engine, Dec 11, 2025
TEMPERATURE GAUGE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND TEMPERATURE SHOT UP TO RED LINE. WAITED ON SIDE OF ROAD FOR 20 MINUTES TO COOL DOWN THEN RETSARTED AND DROVE 10 MINUTES BACK TO MY WORK AND TEMP GAUGE REMAINED IN NORMAL TEMP AREA. EXPLAINED TO MY MECHANIC AT WORK..HE CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT WAS COOLANT INTRUSION PROBLEM AND ENGINE WAS PROBABLY SHOT.
Engine, Dec 8, 2025
Engine small block cracked causing 2nd cylinder to fill with coolant causing error code related to misfire. Have been told this is a known issue with no recall notice. Ford dealership has confirmed this issue.
Engine, Dec 7, 2025
My car/engine is in need of a head gasket replacement at least if not a new engine based on significant coolant intrusion and malfunctioning. Over a short period of time, the coolant tank was almost nearly drained and the engine started misfiring which lead to shop visits and investigation. Coolant was found in the cylinders and currently it is needing multiple thousands of dollars in repairs due to what mechanics are telling me is a know issue though not a recall for my case (up to 84K miles its covered under an extended warranty but not at 100k like mine). My safety was not necessarily put at risk, though this seems to be a highly common issue I believe Ford needs to reimburse customers for based on the known issue and significant numbers of vehicles this has affected. There were no warnings prior to this event that I would be out an entire engine and I would like this to go on record to show Ford is not doing their due diligence or what is right.