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, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,602.
Engine, Jun 30, 2025
At 121,000 miles, my 2018 Ford Escape SE developed a crack in the 2nd cylinder wall as reported by an independent service center owner. Based on an internet search, this is a common issue among many Ford Escape owners. Our safety was put at risk, as the car became unsafe to drive.
Engine, Jun 30, 2025
Coolant levels drop without leaks, assuming coolant intrusion into engine cylinders. This is a known issue that requires engine block replacement yet Ford dealership says my VIN is not covered by their own TSB. This was purchased new from Ford dealership, serviced properly and has less than 55K miles.
Engine, Jun 30, 2025
The engine lost compression as determined by a mechanic resulting in a used engine being installed into my vehicle. The used engine that was installed into my vehicle started leaking coolant into the engine after only 500 miles of driving.
Engine, Jun 29, 2025
There is a design flaw in the engine block of this vehicle that allows engine coolant to enter the combustion cylinders causing the car to buck and kill the engine.
Engine, Jun 29, 2025
While driving my car my check engine light started blinking and then went solid. I went to get the codes checked and they had originally thought it was something with the spark plug. After driving the car around a little longer the check engine light started to blink and then my engine would not allow me to go over 25 miles without shuddering violently. I took my car into a local dealership where I bought it and they checked everything over and found out that the coolant was leaking into the engine and certain cylinders. The mechanic told me that this is apparently a common problem with this car however he told me there was no recall at the time that allowed for my car to be repaired by ford. Had I not stopped driving my car and got it towed to the dealership there's a very good chance I could have been injured due to serious engine malfunction. The fact that Ford is not picking up this tab is absolutely absurd.
Engine, Jun 29, 2025
The engine failed with approximately 50,000 miles on it. It is unsafe and unable to be driven due to engine failure as it has a lack of power maneuvering on roads. The problem has been confirmed by Ford of Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC. This dealership has determined that the engine has coolant intrusion on cylinder 3 and needs to be completely replaced. It has not been inspected, to my knowledge, by anyone else. The problem was discovered when upon ignition, the engine ran rough and the check engine light illuminated. It was taken to the Ford dealership the same day where their service advisor scanned for problems. It was determined to be a misfire. An appointment was made for a diagnostic at which time the problem of coolant intrusion was diagnosed.
Engine, Jun 26, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape made a loud squeak / whistle sound while driving approx 40 mph. Immediately after, the vehicle began to smoke from the exhaust so much that I could not see , nor could many of the cars behind me. The check engine light came on and another light that said pull over. I brought the vehicle to my local Ford Dealer who said the engine has coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 and 3 , and requires a new engine block to be installed. Apparently, Ford is aware of this problem and had a customer satisfaction program to replace the faulty engine blocks, but it expired in 2022. I just purchased this vehicle from a Ford dealer 10 months ago , and now I am basically stuck with a repair that will cost me more than the vehicle is worth. I contacted Ford Motor Company and they will not help me.
Engine, Jun 26, 2025
The alert light on the dash came on several times starting approximately 30 November 2024, but there was no code when we took it to the parts shop and our mechanic. This was often accompanied by loss of power (misfiring). Throughout the Spring, the light came on with increasing frequency, sometimes with loss of power. At some point in February/March, the check engine light came and we were able to check the code. It indicated a misfire on cylinder 3 due to coolant intrusion. We took the car to the Ford Dealership, who confirmed with a pressure test, observing the loss of coolant, the white "smoke" from the tailpipe, and pulling the spark plug that there was a coolant leak and that the engine would need replaced, with an estimate of $9290.33 (on attached 31 March 2025 estimate).
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders which resulted in damages to the engine. 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 notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone Service Center, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #4 misfire, a coolant leak, and a blown head gasket. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the engine block, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 93,870.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact detected a sweet odor inside the vehicle and noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also discovered that coolant was leaking on the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of fluids leaking underneath the vehicle and accumulating on the rear glass. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby parking space and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured flex plate, a failed torque converter, a failed front pump, a failed crank shaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the suggestive repairs would be to replace the flex plate, torque converter and the front pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,500.
Engine, Jun 25, 2025
Engine coolant is leaking into the engine and mechanic says the vehicle will now require a new engine
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road and restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with DTC: P0012. The vehicle was taken to another independent service center, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0014, P1299, P0012, and P04DB were retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,318.
Engine, Jun 25, 2025
I have a 2.0 ecoboost 2018 ford escape that has currently loosing coolant with in a week, after inspecting the issue it was found that engine coolant intrusion has began and white smoke is coming out of the back of the exhaust, and have a misfire code for cylinder 3 and 4. The spark plug on cylinder 4 upon pulling it out was wet. 104,000 miles is currently on my car, and is parked because I can't come up with that type of money for either a new engine or head gasket to be fixed. There is no coolant leaks, so there for it has blown a head gasket, amd ford needs to issue a recall.
Engine, Jun 25, 2025
2018 ford escape 1.5l ecoboost overheating issues.
Engine, Jun 24, 2025
Coolant intrusion in cylinders causing sudden stalling and engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,060.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately 2 miles. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact called a person who inspected the vehicle, but was unable to identify any failures with the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire - and fractured head gasket). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another mechanic who scheduled an engine replacement. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Engine, Jun 23, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape that I got under 3 years ago needs a new engine. It has the ecoboost engine. There should be a recall for this car because so many people are struggling with this. I know that there are others out there struggling like I am with a lot left to pay off their lease and not having the ability to buy another vehicle or afford a new engine. My first check engine light came on and was a cylinder 3 misfire. The spark plugs were all replaced. The engine light came back on after a week and it was a cylinder 2 misfire. The light came back on after a few days of getting it inspected/looked at. Took it back to the shop and I was told the engine must be replaced because leaking coolant getting into the engine causing many issues. Their ecoboost engines are faulty and they should be held accountable.
Engine, Jun 21, 2025
There is an Internal coolant leak inside of engine took it to a ford dealer they said it was not doing it when they checked it. This problem is getting worse blowing thick white smoke out of tail pipe and losing coolant rapidly. I looked this up it is a known problem /recall for this engine , make and model of vehicle. I have been trying to get this fixed for a while now and ford just gives me the run around. I had my mechanic test it and it came back as blowing combustion gas into the coolant system indicating blown head gasket or internal leak.
Engine, Jun 20, 2025
I want to report a coolant leak that is a known issue with this vehicle . Im dealing with misfires and uncertainties when driving.
Engine, Jun 19, 2025
Engine must be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder head. I was not told about any ongoing issue from the car dealer when I purchased in July 2022. I bought and financed car in good condition with 91k miles for $15,500 (which was fair market value) . I found out approx a year ago about ongoing issue, when I noticed excessive coolant loss. I was told engine replacement was the absolute only fix. I have added coolant weekly to keep from overheating. Approx 6 weeks ago; wouldn’t crank in my driveway, so I had towed to a mechanic to find out it now needs the new engine. Two cylinders have compression under 30-35. I initially had no options other than to trade or sell a lemon or replace the engine. I still owe over $7500 on a vehicle that doesn’t run. This is obviously a widespread issue and shameful that Ford will not assist in repair costs and isn’t held accountable for lack of info or assistance in repairing a defective automobile. A Ford dealership I consulted, confirmed no assistance offered.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Collison Center and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the misfire in cylinder #3. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.