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 and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine causing the engine block to crack. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion into the cylinder had caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,577.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off. The driver then drove to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 58,466.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was a misfire in cylinders #2 and #3, and that the battery needed to be replaced and a tune-up was needed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic ,who stated that the coolant level was low. The coolant reservoir was refilled. The contact stated that the following day, the coolant level was low. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into various cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short block Replacement after Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
Check engine light came on, I immediately brought to Ford dealership who has done all maintenance, Ford technician ran applicable tests and determined my 2.0L EcoBoost engine has cracked engine plate causing cylinder 2 misfire and coolant leak, which I was advised only fix for is installing new updated engine from Ford. I was informed this is a known issue and the replacement engine fixes the manufacturing defect. They directed me to the problem noted in NHTSB service bulletin 19-2346 from December 2019. The Ford corporate customer care team advised me to report the issue to the NHTSB in order to receive engine coverage. I feel Ford corporation should have informed me of this known issue so I could have taken action to sell the vehicle, as they have left me with a remaining loan balance and major repair needed. Thank you for your attention to this.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
The car has 90K miles and it has coolant getting into the combustion chambers.
Engine, Jul 8, 2025
PURCHESDE A 2018 FORD ESCAPE,TOOK TO RIVER VIEW FORD IN ILLINIOS AND ASKED FOR AN INSPECTION OF WHAT I WILL NEED TO GET AND KEEP THE CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE. BEFORE PURCHASING I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DROVE PERFECTLY AND STILL DOES. PURCHASE DATE [XXX] WENT TO FORD [XXX]. ON 7/1/2025 WAS INFORMED THE CAR CHECKED OUT WELL EXCEPT OF A "COOLANT INTRUSION" IN CYLINDER # 1 TSB 22-2229 RIVERVIEW FORDS ADVISOR SAMUEL HENNESSY AND TOM GABAEC 630 8979800 REPORTED. NOW I HAVE A AUTOMOBILE IN NEED OF A REPLACEMENT MOTOR OF WHICH I WILL SAK FOR FOR A REPLACEMENT MOTOR AS A "KNOWN DEFECT". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 8, 2025
On [XXX] at [XXX] I called the hot line and a case number was created [XXX] I believe I got real specific on the problem at that time....however...to review.... I started experiencing the symptoms of engine idling rough upon starting the car and have DTC code PO301. My engine is 2.0L Ecoboost. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 that lists the exact same issue for Ford Escapes same year, but with 1.5L Ecoboost Engines. The program offers a no-cost, one-time repair for same issue and with the 1.5L engine. My daughter had the exact same issue on her 2017 Ford Escape and we had to replace engine at a cost of $9000. I took our 2018 Ford Escape to our dealer, Ken Grody Ford and we were told that they could not help, because of the engine size. We fit all other conditions of the 21N12 Satisfaction Program. If this engine fails, we could be at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2018 Ford Escape that has been well maintained and serviced regularly at a Ford dealership. Recently, the check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes were P0012 & P0014 in PCM. After a diagnostic inspection, the dealer removed the spark plugs and scoped the cylinders. They found excessive scoring and confirmed that coolant had entered the engine cylinders—a known and widely reported issue in EcoBoost engines. The dealership informed me that the engine would need to be replaced at a cost of $12,000. Although the vehicle is still running at the moment, they indicated it’s only a matter of time before it fails. This Escape has less than 100,000 miles. Through research and conversations with other owners, I’ve learned that this is a recurring issue with Ford EcoBoost engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L) from 2013–2019. There are numerous complaints of coolant intrusion into the engine, leading to misfires, white smoke, stalling, and eventual engine failure. Ford appears to be aware of this issue and issued TSB 22-2229, which recommends replacing the long block engine under certain conditions. However, they are not offering repairs or cost assistance unless the customer presses the issue—and often only after filing complaints or escalating to regional reps. I have personally spoken with at least three other Ford owners who experienced this exact problem. This is a serious defect that could result in unexpected vehicle failure or even fire risk (as some reports have noted) while driving. It poses a safety concern and should be investigated. A recall should be considered.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Coolant leak into cylinder resulting in a misfiring cylinder and engine overheating. This is a known issue that FoMoCo has a service bulletin for. [XXX] My vehicle falls within the parameters of this, however, there are no active recalls for this problem. Doing some Google searches, it appears this issue is wide-ranging and is affecting a lot of Escape owners whose vehicles fall within the service bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 6, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the engine causing a code of p1299 stating coolant head temperature sensor bad but change out and problem persisted come to find out that coolant goes missing with any apparent leaks outside did an pressure test and coolant is going into engine.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Coolant leaking and also p0302 code. Engine is about to go and is a common failure within these cars.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Vehicle has 62,151 miles. I am making this complaint as the original owner of this vehicle. We performed all recommended maintenance on this vehicle at the dealership on schedule including the three recall repairs. On [XXX] I noted a rough idle for a few seconds at start up. Later that day the check engine light came on. Dealer diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders and noted that this is a known issue in 2017-2019 Escapes that were manufactured in Louisville, KY but no recall was ever issued. Instead Ford opted for a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) and did not inform owners of the program proactively. They just let engines fail and owners lose the value of their investment overnight. Had this happened to my car 6 months ago they would have fixed it. We called the Ford Customer Assistance line, and Ford has declined to assist with the repair of their faulty manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Leaking antifreeze into Cylinder 2, causing mis firing the engine, damaging the engine.Also overheating the engine, hesitation when trying to accelerate.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
When driving home from a hike my car over heated. I was mostly going downhill and my air-conditioning was off. I was 15 minutes into my drive home and I was 15 miles from any sort of gas stations, food, water, bathrooms, ect. I had to park on the side of a mountain road while other cars flew past me on the winding road with limited pull off options. I took my car to the only gas station within 30 miles. My coolant was dried up even though I topped it off with the proper orange coolant only last month when we were replacing spark plugs. I mad it home and then took my car to a shop. 2 days later. The new jug of coolant I had put in 2 days prior was now dried up. My car now needs a new engine due to issues with the eco boost leaking coolant nto my engine. Ford apparently offers some possible assistance finically if your car has less than 88,000 miles. My car hit 88,888 just before it over heated on that drive. So helpful. This is a know issue for my specific vehicle and not was was i made aware. I do well keeping up on regular maintenence and the recall for the transmission shifter is being addressed at this moment.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
The engine is misfiring and riding rough, with the check engine light on. After a series of service calls to an independent mechanic to replace other components, and the issue not resolving, I took it to a Ford dealership. Ford concluded that coolant is leaking into cylinder #3 of the engine, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is identified as a known design issue, with the root cause specifically being a defect in the engine block. If left untreated, this coolant intrusion (causing engine misfires) will lead to unburned fuel and coolant entering the exhaust system, which will then overheat and/or poison the catalytic converter, eventually destroying it. To discover this root cause, several auto parts were needlessly replaced and discarded: spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel system fluids, and an air intake tube.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed is the engine cooling system, specifically due to a known issue with coolant intrusion into the short block. This failure led to significant engine damage in my son’s 2018 Ford Escape. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sudden engine failure posed a serious safety risk. If the vehicle had stalled while in motion—particularly on a highway or in heavy traffic—it could have led to a collision or left the driver stranded in a hazardous location. In this case, my son's car failed unexpectedly, which could have resulted in harm had the conditions been different. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by a certified service technician. It matches a known problem in 2018 Ford Escapes involving coolant leaking into the engine block, which has been documented in Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, the diagnosis and confirmation of coolant intrusion was made by a mechanic. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. Only engine coolant container was empty without warning.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
2018 Ford Escape with 86k miles, low for its age, diagnosed with a cracked cylinder block.Ford had issued a Technical Service Bulletin. 22-2322 for Escapes manufactured between 2017 and 2019 with the symptoms described in the bulletin—code P0303, low coolant in reservoir, rough idle, and white smoke and Ford said they couldn’t help. An $8600 bill on a car that retails around 14k makes this car disposable in the sense that it makes no sense to repair. Extended warranty purchased ran concurrently with manufacturer’s warranty so repair is no longer covered. Ford knows the issue; yet won’t take responsibility for their defect.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
Per the dealer service shop - "found coolant intrusion in the cylinders" and stated entire engine would need to be replaced at a cost greater than the value of the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there a misfire coming from the engine, with an abnormal coolant odor on the inside and outside of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local O’Reilly’s, where it was diagnosed with a #4-cylinder misfire, and the power pack was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion, where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted and advised that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #4; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into various cylinders, causing damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block replacement after Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
A check engine light came on. I brought it to a local mechanic and my Ford Dealership and they both confirmed coolant intrusion into the 1.5 Liter Ecoboost engine. The only fix would be a replacement engine. My safety was at risk because the engine could have catastrophically failed while I was driving due to the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. This could have caused serious injury or death. Ford knows about a design flaw in their 1.5 Liter Ecoboost engine that can lead to serious injury or death but has chosen to do nothing about it. Before the check engine light came on the car was emitting a rotten egg smell. Also when reversing, the whole car would shake. The rotten egg smell eventually went away but when the check engine light came on, the car still would shake when reversing. The car would also occasionally jerk when going to stop or accelerate after the check engine light came on. Reading online this exact issue has happened to thousands of people on several different Ford models with Ecoboost engines. Ford is ignoring the engine defect and forcing people to spend thousands of dollars on engine replacements when the issue occurs. Please force a recall before someone gets seriously hurt or dies due to this issue.