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, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Engine, Dec 17, 2024
Coolant leak into cylinder 3, with Ford dealer saying I need to replace the engine or the car will just die at the side of the road and leave me stranded. Check engine light indicated a problem and I kept leaking coolant but couldn't see where the leak was going until I went to the dealer and they changed me $200 to diagnose. This occurred at 110,000 mi. Now I have to replace the engine or lose a car that is worse less than the price of the engine replacement, but I still owe money on it. The dealer encouraged me to replace the engine with a new one from Ford that addresses the problem. So Ford knows it's a problem yet will not pay for repairs.
Engine, Dec 17, 2024
My engine light came in and upon checking codes and researching the problem I realized I was getting coolant into cylinder 3 and apparently it is a very common problem with this vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprograming). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
I bought the car in June of 2023 and 2 months later started having issues. Replaced the fuel pump, replaced the PTU, camshaft and now the engine needs replaced. Ford is aware of the engine issue but didn’t issue a recall only an extended warranty for 7 years/84,000 miles. I was not made aware of this problem at the time of purchase or receive any letter stating that. Had I known about the problem with those engines I never would have purchased the car.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the engine, repaired under partial warranty and safety bulletin 21N12 having the short block replaced in March of 2024 by the dealership. Noticed coolant loss and white smoke while idling in December of 2024. Currently waiting to get the vehicle to the dealership
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire in cylinder #2, and the mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a bent valve on the long block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened; and the contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had closed the case. The contact was informed there would be no additional assistance provided. Additionally, the manufacturer stated that an investigation would not be conducted in house; however, the NHTSA might be able to perform an investigation into the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
My car started shaking when I turned it on and the engine light came on. I took it to get fixed on 12/12/24 which they stated the spark plugs were damaged and they replaced them. Two days later, I turned on my car and it started shaking and throwing white smoke, the engine light came on again. I popped open my hood and saw my cooler liquid was low although it has been filled to the max line. It seems like I am expiriencing the coolant intrusion that is common in these cars but Ford refuses to take accountability for. I am scared to drive my car as I am a girl and I am afraid it will leave me stranded in the highway or a busy intersection and I will get hurt. I hope that Ford can recall this issue and solve it. Although, many have testified that even when fixing the issue it happens again.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, replaced the spark plugs however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the mileage was above the warranty limit. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine fault service now warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and confirmed as engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact called the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,285.
Engine, Dec 10, 2024
2018 Ford Escape threw P0303 code (misfired cylinder 3) multiple times. Had towed to local ford dealership. Diagnosed as coolant intrusion, recommended engine replacement at cost of $10,400. Mileage at time of diagnosis was 57,974. Further research into issue shows this is a known issue with this engine and Ford has issued a Costumer Satisfaction Program notice 21N12 for repairs to a select number of vehicles but the problem is clearly beyond this issued CSP notice. I have made several attempts to contact Ford Corporation (certified letter, 3 emails to CEO James Farley, and messaged Ford Motor Company via social media platform, all which have been ignored. I have also used the chat feature with Ford and they are unable/unwilling to provide contact info to senior leadership.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the short block and spark plugs. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 9, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the short block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 95,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and was flashing off and on. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine short block and head gasket 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 100,000.
Engine, Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the intended destination; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was started. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised that the repair was not covered under the Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2134. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not associated with the Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Dec 4, 2024
Check engine light came on code P0303 showed a Cylinder 3 misfire, replaced engine coil. 2 days later check engine light, engine fault message and the wrench symbol came on .Again code p0303 showed a cylinder 3 misfire. Mechanic determined engine coolant leak , need a new head casket. Both times I was able to drive it 10 miles to my mechanic but I had severe power loss.1
Engine, Dec 4, 2024
The motor couldn’t handle the weight of the car and cost me $7000 to replace. That’s almost the cars entire value.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an internal coolant leak into the engine and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Engine, Dec 2, 2024
Confirmed by the Ford Dealer, coolant leaked into the engine causing complete engine failure. No warnings, car began to shake, lost acceleration. Known issue with Escapes, we did not receive ANY notification of this known problem which has been confirmed due to this VIN not attached to this known Ford Escape problem. After multiple attempts with Ford Customer Service, they confirmed Ford has a customer satisfaction program under the guidelines of 7yrs or 84K miles. This vehicle has 101,000k. Ford will not support the financial burden of $11,000 to repair the vehicle. This car has been well taken care of, all maintenance has been completed per scheduled. It is available for inspection. Only diagnosed by the Ford dealer and there was no warning or problems before this incident. The vehicle has not been in an accident. We need help in getting this repaired and nobody is taking responsibility for a KNOWN issue.
Engine, Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the coil was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the repairs were completed, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH and was shuddering with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken back to the same local independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start after the repairs were completed. A check engine temperature message was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the warranty being expired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2134; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was slowly losing coolant, and there was no indication of the location of the leak. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact's son refilled the coolant reservoir. The warning light went off and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined there was coolant in the cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The low coolant indicator was not working properly. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,040.
Engine, Nov 27, 2024
Coolant is getting into oil. Misfires. And coolant disappears and causes engine to get hot.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed and the vehicle shutoff. The contract stated that the failure was related to TSB: 19-2375. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Engine, Nov 27, 2024
Car has less than 100,000 miles on it. Engine failed due to coolant intrusion from manufacturing defect in the cylinder walls. (Ford TSB 19-2139) Now Ford wants $11,500 to fix a problem they created.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the temperature gauge rose to H(Hot). The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle started chugging. The message "High Engine Temperature Safely" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.