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: fuel/propulsion system
42 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2026
2018 Ford escape ecoboost coolant leak and engine overheating. If not repaired, will destroy the entire engine.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2026
Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leaks, and an authorized Ford dealership has confirmed that coolant is entering the engine, causing internal damage. The dealership noted that this matches the exact defect Ford has acknowledged in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 19-2375, TSB 20-2100, SSM 48106, SSM 48150) and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. However, I am told my specific VIN is excluded from coverage, leaving me financially responsible for a full engine replacement. This defect is a severe safety concern. It can cause sudden engine misfires, overheating, and a complete loss of power while driving, placing my family and other motorists at immediate risk. As a single mother rebuilding my life after leaving a domestic violence relationship, I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars to fix an inherent, manufacturer-acknowledged design flaw. The high volume of consumer complaints proves this is a widespread manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this further and require Ford to issue a full safety recall or extend coverage to all affected vehicles, regardless of VIN eligibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers from engine misfires. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration and vehicle power in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roadways. Furthermore, the constant loss of engine coolant creates a severe risk of sudden engine overheating, cylinder head cracking, and catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle is in motion.The manufacturer is aware of this design defect via the certified class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor Co., but the dealership refused to offer goodwill assistance, quoting an exorbitant $17,000 for repair, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road in an unsafe, hazardous condition.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 24, 2026
The coolant is going into the cylinder or intake and exhaust causing the car to lose power and completely stal while on freeway. No warning, completely stal out.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2026
I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes P0303, P04DB, P0316, P0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, SERVICE NOW". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was seen by the manufacturer about two years.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2026
I have not even had this car for a year spent 10,000 on it it had less than 100,000 miles sounded great no noises or engine lights first it was the canister purge valve issue even tho I got the oil changed and everything wen I first got this car I have a work car so I literally bearly drive this car then the transmission went out less than a year into owning it it needs rotors In the front n mind u I paid cash so I can’t even complain to them can’t believe there are no recalls on this model im literally starting a facebook group about this car just to see how many ppl had this problem so far every person that had problems with this model transmission went out or both had my 2010 Kia for 12 years this car is a 2018 this is ridiculous
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 1, 2026
I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues The car has always been serviced with no problems. I took the car to a mechanic certified mechanic that said there's a problem with the coolant leaking into the engine the same thing that I see other complaints about on this site there has to be something done about this. I've only had this car for a year this month April 2026 make it one year. I bought the car from Allan Turner Hyundai Pensacola Florida if Ford keeps getting complaints about the same issue why isn't it recalled in the engines being taken care of, now I am sitting here with the vehicle still trying to pay for it and the vehicle is messed up.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2026
Hello, I would like to file a safety complaint regarding my Ford Escape. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Make/Model: Ford Escape Year: 2018 Issue Description: While driving, my vehicle suddenly overheated. The temperature gauge moved from normal to hot within seconds, and a warning appeared to stop the vehicle immediately. This created a serious safety concern, as the failure was sudden and without warning. After inspection by a certified technician, I was informed that the engine is consuming coolant internally, and the coolant is being burned through the exhaust system. There is no visible external leak. The engine is now running rough and requires full engine replacement. I have learned that this is a known issue with Ford Escape engines, often referred to as “coolant intrusion.” Despite this being a widely reported defect, Ford has declined to provide any financial assistance. I have contacted Ford and opened a case (Case Number: XXX), but they confirmed this is not a recall and will not cover repairs. This issue creates a significant safety risk due to sudden engine overheating and potential engine failure while driving. I am requesting that this issue be investigated, as it appears to be a widespread defect affecting many Ford Escape vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2026
While driving on a highway the RPMS in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 MPH! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into park & tried to move it into a parking lot the car would not go into gear at all. The car was towed is currently at the Ford Dealer & they confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced. The only time the warning sign/light came up on the dashboard was AFTER I tried for the last time to move the car into a safe parking area. Per the Ford service this apparently is a known issue with ford & the 6F35 transmissions & they are on back order for 4-6 weeks and Ford will not give me a loaner car.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This is an engine defect Ford has known about since 2010, yet they continued to put this engine into their cars. I had bought this car less then a year ago, it had been in the shop more then I have had it. It is constantly overheating. The most recent time I was driving my son to school my exhaust was smoking really bad and everything seemed to be ruining smoothly the day before when I drove it the auto shop I have been taking it to they had spent 2 weeks researching what was wrong with it they told me I needed my whole engine replaced. Im a single mom amd I need answers.. I look up my Vin in the recalls and its stating 0 results but that cant be possible if I have had been same issue as others my eco start and stop dont work and my passager in the front cant roll window down
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2026
I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern, since there were no prior signs at all of this happening. The transmission failure was immediate. I purchased the car new, and I'm the only owner. I kept up well with maintenance, even doing the oil changes prior to the oil light coming on. I spoke to several Ford dealers, including the Ford dealer I purchased my car in 2018. He admitted that the transmission in this make and model needs often replacement. The miles on my car is approximately 116,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2025
coolant loss with no visible external leak, a sweet smell from the exhaust, and bubbling or gurgling in the coolant reservoir after startup. There is a KNOWN issue ongoing regarding customer satisfaction program 21N12
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 6, 2025
CEL is on -- hard time getting vehicle to start up after getting gas - once is running has a "shake to it" for a few seconds then stables Would this be a potential cover? March 30, 2018 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10137114 COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE NHTSA ID Number: 10137114 Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 47203 Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2025
Coolant leak into the engine causing engine failure. This is a known problem with the 1.5 turbo engine in this model vehicle. Automobile is now undriveable and entire engine must be replaced.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 19, 2025
FORD DESIGN FLAW IN 1.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE IN A 2018 ESCAPE WITH 91K MILES CAUSING WATER INTRUSION INTO CYLINDER WHICH CAUSES ENGINE TO RUN DANGEROUSLY BAD. FORD KNEW OF DESIGN FLAW BUT NEGLECTED ISSUE RECALL BUT DID ISSUE CSP 21N12 FORD WILL NOT ASSIST BECAUSE OF ENDING PROGRAM IN LATE 2022.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost experience rough starts for about a week. Then on the highway the engine temperature gage shot all the way to hot, the check engine light began flashing, and the vehicle started rumbling. We parked and had the vehicle towed. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as coolant intrusion into the cylinder. It has cracked the engine block. This issue is known to be a problem by Ford. The dealership mechanic knew what the problem just from the make, model, and year. Ford released a letter to all dealerships to attempt a computer repair in 2022, apparently to buy time as they knew there were going to be issues as these vehicles aged. The letter suggests that Ford and the Dealers are to contact anyone who purchased these vehicles. We were not contacted. We have contacted Ford and their customer service representatives say that Ford has a Customer Satisfaction Program, 21N12, in place to fix these vehicles, but it "is not attached to our VIN" and there is nothing they can do. When you ask for a supervisor, they call from a Toll Free Number after 8:00pm and tell you the same thing. "That program isn't attached to your VIN" and there is nothing they can do about it.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2025
We started to notice a rough idle when starting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The rough idle continued to get worse. We took it to a Certified Mechanic to have it inspected. Based upon the check engine status, they did further diagnosis through various tests. They determined that the coolant appeared to be seeping into the #1 cylinder. They checked the Ford website for any recalls and found a TSB ( Technical Service Bulletin} # 19-2346 regarding the 2.0L Eco-Boost engine. Ford's TSP says to replace the engine block, but does not indicate at who's expense. If this is defective and Ford knows, the consumer should not be responsible to pay for this major expense. What do we do? Within the ;next couple weeks we plan to take the car into a Ford Dealership to do their own diagnosis.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2025
Frequently (not all the time) the motor would shake after filling with the gas in tank when I start the engine and it stops pumping. So It needs to be turned back on and have to use the gas pedal to keep it running during neutral mode. Something is not right. It has to do with fuel pump system issue and engine light would be on when the problem comes.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2025
I purchased this 2018 Ford Escape in August 2022 from Richmond Ford. Within 2 days to a week I noticed fault indicators stating check engine, failed Auto stop and start malfunctioning. I immediately reported this issue. Richmond Ford put me in a loaner for approximately 2 months to only remedy the problem with a new battery. This has happened for 3 years. I’ve had 4 batteries replaced even recently after having Extreme high heat engine failure fault while in traffic with my grand children in the car and had to be towed. My engine has faulted several times and always shuts down in the middle of traffic. This issue could have killed me and my grand children and other vehicles. Richmond Ford kept replacing the battery and charging me for other things. The technician and General Manager has claimed it’s nothing wrong but kept replacing the batteries. 4 times. My life and my grandchildren have been in danger several times while driving on the highway and local streets. Today Richmond Ford says it’s that I need a new engine because Antifreeze has intruded into the engine blowing head gaskets, mind you it was just there on June 23 of 2025 or so for engine malfunction fault extreme high temp no antifreeze and the only band aid that was offered was yet another new battery. Then today I was advised that it will cost $14,000.00 plus to replace my engine. There is definitely a problem and should recall this model 2018 Ford Escape SEL because the manufacturer has fixed the notification system and or the Faults to not warn owners of major engine failures which cost thousands to repair and is always covered up by replacing the battery. Please add this make and model to the recent recall. Thank You
Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2025
Faulty purge valve control valve. Which is a common issue with the 2018 Ford Escape and there is an active recall for this issue. However my car was not included and I’m experiencing this issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2025
My coolant is leaking into the motor. Shop gave me a quote for a whole new engine. I’ve seen so many posts on forums and many friends who own the same car having the same problem. Please please make Ford issue a recall as this is my only vehicle and I got it hoping to finally not have to worry about car problems for a while. It’s been 2 months since I bought it.
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2025
I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape in February 2024 with 80,000 miles from a dealership. The vehicle had a single owner and appeared to be in great condition at the time of purchase. However, in December 2024 it presented a critical safety issue involving the engine. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost power, almost stopping in the middle of an intersection. This placed me and others at significant risk of a collision, as I was unable to control the car properly or move it safely out of traffic. The problem was confirmed by the Ford dealership, where diagnostics initially revealed a misfire code (P0302). After further inspection, the dealership determined that the engine required a full replacement. This repair was estimated to cost $9,000—nearly the current value of the vehicle. The car is at the dealership and has not been repaired due to the prohibitive cost. Through my research, I found Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346, which documents similar engine issues reported by other Ford Escape owners, requiring significant repairs and part replacements. Despite reaching out to Ford Customer Service, I was denied assistance and left to bear the full cost of these extensive repairs. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The issue occurred without warning while I was driving, making the defect hazardous. Given the serious safety implications of this defect, I strongly urge this issue to be considered for recall. A vehicle with relatively low mileage should not experience catastrophic engine failure, and Ford must take responsibility for addressing this widespread and dangerous issue. My life and the safety of others on the road are far more valuable than the cost of repairs.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2025
My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehicle. Multiple default code come up. P1016, p0365, p0299,p164D p0369,p0443,p0456,p1450. Brought it to the Ford dealership, upon inspection the diagnosis Evap system related disc on this line , tested evap system, found canister purge valve to be broken , tech notes that this is a non Oem part. Advised to replace purge valve and hose assembly. Also discovered that vacuum pump not pulling vacuum, advise to replace pump and reset. Upon removal of the vacuum pump, found pump cam lobe twisted off , vacuum pump is seized, cam replacement is seized , cam replacement will be required. Also both front axel boots are torn, spewing grease all over, recommend replacing both axels, leak p2 pinion value, left back axel leaking, both back brake rotors and pads worn 2mm in the red, coolant level low possible leak. Also is discovered that there was a non ford part purge valve that shouldn’t be there. Estimated cost is 8,500-9000 dollars could be more
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2024
Purge valve stuck open causing check engine light to come on. Same as current recall on Ford Focus 2012-2018 vehicles. Ford Escapes within the same time frame should be included in the recall. Every time I fill gas there is a hard turn on since beginning of December. Then check engine light came on and code P1450.