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, Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Engine Fault Service" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs, air filters, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was no provided. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "High Emergency Services Pull Over Safely" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,437.
Engine, Apr 2, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape started having problems with the check engine light coming on following an extended trip. The spark plugs were replaced, and all was checked by an independent mechanic. A few days later, a new error appeared saying that there was an engine fault failure. Additionally, it smelled very hot, so we were very afraid to drive it. We brought the car to a certified Ford dealer, and were told that cylinder 2 of the engine had coolant leaking in it and that the engine would need to be replaced. I am attaching documentation to show this. We had JUST returned from a long road trip with many miles of highway driving, so if this had happened in heavy traffic, we would have been put in grave risk. Also, the service department at the Ford garage told us that she had 2 more vehicles with the same engine, with the same problem, just that DAY! It was going to be almost $10,000 to fix this problem, and my car was only worth $ 6000 in good condition, so our lovely, well cared for car, that I had planned to keep for 2 more years, was sent to the salvage yard. As attached, I had to buy a new car with no down payment due to this situation.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 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. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the short block and cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. 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, Mar 31, 2025
This Ford Escape has coolant intrusion. The coolant leaks into the cylinder because of poor design.
Engine, Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. In addition, the contact stated that during cold starts, there was heavy black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Engine, Mar 30, 2025
Coolant intrusion into cylinders 3&4 as a result of manufacturing defect. Confirmed by multiple certified mechanics. No warning messages/signs until major misfires occurred and car became nearly undriveable while traveling at highway speeds.
Engine, Mar 30, 2025
For the 6 month my check engine light has been on First repairs was replacing both bank sensors, About 3 months later again replaced another sensor. Again check engine light would go off And out of no where one morning the the dashboard reads overheating it goes in limb mode gets repairs changes thermostatabd something else Light off that's in Jan 2025, here mar 25 on again change spark plugs also misfire code burning coolant with no leak no warning on dashboard Start doing research and wow notice coolant leaking into cylinders Take my car to get looked at guess what that's what's happening to me Ford. Is highly aware with no recall This really needs to be looked at
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2025
When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I’ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people. I was so scared on the highway. God bless you.
Engine, Mar 29, 2025
P0302 code reading antifreeze/coolant leaking into engine. Had to have a new motor
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked, and the contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to an oil change business nearby. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the transmission failure diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer a year prior to the failure, and the transmission was replaced. The contact was later informed by Car Shield that, per the pictures submitted, there was engine damage seen. The pictures indicated coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a dealer for a routine oil change, and the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the dealer found no failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 248,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2025
Originally the car started blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. Next it would misfire occasionally on engine start. After, i would start loosing coolant and getting engine overheat but could never find the leak. I had a mechanic diagnose it and he said it was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now the head gasket is blown and potentially more damage may be found that could lead to an engine change.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Cracked block causing misfire in cylinder 3
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Coolant leaking into engine
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly at start up. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and found that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
I am writing to PLEAD the NHTSA to intervene and Assist in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2018 Ford Escape Engine 1.5L short block. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It has been confirmed that there is a presence of coolant intrusion into one or more cylinder bores. This could lead further damage, fires and engine shutdown while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. Their number is 614-861-7150. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? By the Dealership and an independent service Center in Grove City Ohio at Dart Automotive at (614) 875-7117. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Engine light on [XXX] showing Misfire in the Master Cylinder. My 2018 Ford Escape manufactured in Louisville KY is leaking coolant into the a cylinder. Mileage is 66,000. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the VINS that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12. Please assist me in adding my VIN so the dealership can fix my vehicle. I am now currently out of transportation and my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. There number is 614-861-7150. In Fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Engine failed due to coolant intrusion. Car failed on highway once, did not run more than 10mph after that and was taken to a shop. After researching the issue, this is a known problem with 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. There is a class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor co. case number 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD. The issue is covered under a Ford recall, however my vehicle is beyond the 84,000 mile limit. Problem occurred very suddenly with the check engine turning on, flashing, and the engine temperature spiking and crippling the car. A local mechanical conducted a borescope examination and found coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was quoted for the repair with them over $16,000 to replace the engine block. The mechanics report, invoice, and borescope images are attached.
Engine, Mar 23, 2025
Our 2018 Ford Escape had to have a new engine installed. The car showed it was overheating, and was then diagnosed with a failed Eccoboost 1.5 engine block. It could not be driven safely with the overheating engine. A Ford dealership here installed a new engine block. The total cost was $11,000; Ford paid $4000 and we paid the remaining $7000. The car's mileage was just over 84,000 miles. We contacted Ford but were denied any additional claim. Our mileage was too high and while there had been a recall replacement in 2022, we were not notified of any recall and the program was no longer in effect, according to Ford. We are aware that Ford had a faulty design, and knew about it. Coolant was leaking into the engine block. There are many such complaints and even class action lawsuits shown online for this problem. A car shouldn't need a new engine at 84,000 miles. We have owned Fords for many years but no longer have faith in their product. We know our case had a ID number:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 23, 2025
I am writing to implore the NHTSA to finally take an interest in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. you have over 1600 documented statements from concerned owners who ford has no intention of aiding. Its ironic that all are experiencing the same issues and receiving almost the same answers from the dealerships, Ford and your agency. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Well if Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the vins that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12 Then I say add them all so Ford will honor their statements and fix these engines. You have over 1600 complaints and that's what we know of. at 10,000 an engine that is over 16,000,000.00 that the citizens of our nation have to cover for a flaw that Ford has admitted and every dealership will corroborate. I have read most of the complaints filed that are printed and it amazes me that no one at your office is doing anything about this. I ask that you tell us who we actually need to be speaking to because getting sent around the horn continuously isnt helping any one out. Please take notice of these safety issues it clearly states in fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving think of how many lives could or could have been saved if there was an issue that went un reported. I do not know about you but for me the loss of any 1 life is to great when it could be prevented. Its time for the NHTSA to do their Job and make Ford honor their obligations to their consumers. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to have the tires serviced, and the independent mechanic informed the contact that the water pump needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the dealer diagnosed and confirmed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound, the engine overheated, and the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care, where it was diagnosed that the cylinders were abnormally thin and had fractured due to coolant pressure, causing coolant intrusion into the engine and engine combustion. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced and ordered the part. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but had no early availability for a diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,117.
Engine, Mar 21, 2025
There is an internal coolant leak from the coolant reserve that cycles through my engine, breaking the head gasket and seeping out through the spark plugs. This was confirmed by a team of mechanics at Christian Brothers. According to the TSP released by Ford this can result in engine failure when operating the vehicle. This is a severe risk to drivers and there are cases where it has resulted in death. I brought my car to a Ford dealership for an oil change and inspection. They failed to see my coolant was empty and the next day my check engine light came on. My husband did a quick inspection and my coolant was empty. When I confronted the dealership with this information they did not respond to me or taken blame for missing any of the signs.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the overheating and engine fault warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and became aware that the engine had a cracked cylinder head. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while servicing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an abnormal coolant odor was coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and confirmed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure of Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The approximate failure mileage was 76,900.
Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Engine diagnosed with coolant intrusion related to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. A serious misfire happened without warning after coming to a stop on the road and car perceived to be undrivable. Mechanic advised coolant in cylinders and engine needs to be replaced. Ford will not replace the engine after 84k miles but mine is at 85k.
Power train, Engine, Mar 18, 2025
UNKNOWN: Engine shakes and rumbles when going 35-45 miles per hour. Originally smooth when starting, now rumbles and shakes when started. Check engine light goes on and off. Engine kicks or jumps when accelerator is pushed... Not smooth, jerks very hard. Engine/starter/transmission issues. Available for inspection at dealership doing repair. Shakes and jerks going down the road. Feels like it's going to shake apart. Currently at the dealership for repair and they diagnosed there is "Coolant entering into the cylinder" Check engine light came on then went off. Did this about 3 times and is currently still on.