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 and engine cooling
342 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle and started accelerating, the vehicle was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the oil level was low and that cylinder #4 was misfiring. The contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic confirmed a misfire in cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,780.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that coolant was leaking into cylinder #2. The contact was also informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The contact called the manufacturer who referred her to a dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2022
TOOK FORD ESCAPE TO DEALER BECAUSE OF SERVICE ENGINE ALERT. WAS TOLD IT PROBALLY NEEDED A TUNE UP OR A COMPRESSION PROBLEM. I THEN GOT A CALL BACK TO SAY COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS. AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO REBUILD THE BLOCK. SEEMS THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE SINCE THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM FOR THE FORD ESCAPE SINCE 2013. TECH DID STATE THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEMS AND THEY GET SERVICE ALERTS ALL THE TIME.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a message that cylinder #2 had misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The coolant temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was cracked and produced code: P0302. The contact stated that the mechanic was able to reset the computer. The contact referenced TSB: 22-2229. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact was able to pull off the highway and after waiting approximately an hour was able to continue driving; however, the failure persisted. The temperature gauge was elevated to the hot position. The check engine and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal winding sound. The vehicle decelerated independently, failed to accelerate and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had to push the vehicle out of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,294.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated she noticed that the check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that there was a misfire in cylinder three and the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the coil pack but the failure occurred once again. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and they stated that coolant fluid was in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that there was nothing they could do and advised to contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 74,125.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle delayed responding. The contact noticed white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her nearby residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic result as the independent mechanic. The dealer repaired the vehicle under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B37; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed her that the vehicle could not be repaired under the updated Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the updated Customer Satisfaction Program due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating - Stop When Safe" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and waited for a few minutes. The contact continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred later that same day. The contact turned off the vehicle, and upon restarting the vehicle the failure persisted. Additionally, the steering wheel started vibrating. The contact drove to her residence and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2022
Came home from work on a Friday afternoon in May. No issues or lights. It stayed parked all night and into Saturday and night. Went to start it on Sunday, temp gauge shot to H, got two messages on the display, 1 - high engine temp, stop safely and 2 - engine fault service now. It only had 102,000 miles so 2000 out of warranty and took to dealership that has been servicing it since purchase and they said it needed a new long block engine. My warrant expired at 100,000 miles. Dealership made me pay for this out of pocket! I was without a car for over 2 months. After an internet search, this model has this problem and Ford is doing nothing to fix it for free! The entire coolant leaked into the cylinders and could have caught on fire! This is absolutely ridiculous for a 4 yr old vehicle I am still paying for! Ford needs to take action immediately and now I have a recall for a possible roll away that can’t be fixed til 4th Qtr 2022???!!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and running rough. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive and electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where the failure was diagnosed as engine failure with an internal coolant loss. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local mechanic which diagnosed a failure with the ignition coil and spark plugs. The mechanic replaced both the coils and spark plugs; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer which diagnosed a failure with coolant leakage into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000
Engine and engine cooling, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the vehicle started to misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the message "Engine Fault, Service Now" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, refilled the coolant reservoir, and was able to drive to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that coolant was leaking onto the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2022
The engine of my 2018 Ford Escape failed while driving, indicating it was overheating and to pull over and turn off the vehicle immediately. I could feel a loss of response of the engine while I was driving accompanied by shuddering and an odd noise. This happened within 3 minutes of leaving my house on a cold day, traveling about 1/4 mile. Fortunately, I was on a back road with a low speed limit and could pull over to the shoulder safely. However, had this been on a highway I may have had major safety issues with loss of acceleration and ability to safely move my vehicle to the side of the road. The problem was confirmed by an independent auto shop as well as the dealership by inspection where antifreeze was found to leak into the engine block and cause engine failure. This was noted as a service bulletin by the dealer, but never as a recall nor was it shared with car owners. My vehicle has only ~43000 miles on it. The check engine light to my vehicle turned on a few weeks prior to the engine failure. A diagnostic check by a service provider indicated a cylinder misfire caused by worn out spark plugs or ignition coils and repair was not urgent. This was also 1 week after I had my car inspected by the dealer for a tune up, oil change, and general check where I was told everything looked normal. The check engine light went off for periods of time before coming back on and there was a slightly rougher idle to the vehicle, but no obvious warning signs indicating engine contamination with antifreeze and imminent failure. I was told a compression test of the engine could have helped spot the problem before engine failure, but this was not confirmed by the car dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2021
The dealer has determined that engine coolant is leaking into the motor. This is a 2018 model with 24,500 miles. I understand that a number of Ford vehicles with the same engine design have been recalled because this is a safety issue, and I am afraid to drive the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak and an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 61,000