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, Oct 3, 2024
Total engine failure and rebuild due to faulty head gasket component from ford. Vehicle went from running good to all of a sudden having smoke when starting, engine light came on. Immediately had inspected and was told total head gasket/engine failure.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2024
I found coolant reservoir was really low. And found a check engine light. I scanned and found a code related to misfiring. After googling it I found that is a commonly issue in this vehicles related to a bad engine design. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And bought the car here. So I am wondering if we are covered by this vehicle complaint.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2024
In March of 2024 warning lights for abs, hill assist, traction control came on while the car was driving. We stopped driving and had the error codes checked at a autozone who said the sparkplugs where misfiring on cylinder 3. it was changed and when we started the car it blew white smoke and the engine seized. The repairs were over $6000. We were told ford had a class action suit which closed on November of 2023. We opened a case but ford closed it and will not help with known problems with the 1.5 lt engine.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2024
Ford Escape 2018 Recall #[XXX] and #[XXX] ENGINE COOLANT LEAK Needs “New Engine” confirmed by service and available for inspection at dealer. Car was taken to Ford Dealer right when engine light came on. Dealer / Service has been only one to inspect car. On [XXX] BEFORE “Engine Coolant” Recalls were expired, car was taken to dealer for Recall #[XXX] I asked about ANY other CSP Letters or Recalls at the time of service. Ford Dealer decided on their own to ONLY preform ONE of the two Recalls that were crucial to being preformed for the safety of my vehicle. Both Recalls #[XXX] and #[XXX] should have been performed together according to letter sent to Dealers from Ford and NHTSA [XXX] Above link clearly states: “ Vehicle owners will receive one letter for both [XXX] and [XXX]. “ “Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.” Ford Dealer took it upon themselves NOT to perform repair work or even discuss Recall #[XXX] at the time car was serviced [XXX] before recall expired [XXX]. Ford and Dealers knew about the “Coolant Engine Leak” problem long before and did not warn me or make me aware I was driving a dangerous car. I did not receive CSP Letters that is why I make sure to double check with Service Dept. at time of service. Ford performed Recall #[XXX] and NEVER mentioned CSP Letters sent out or that there was a second recall that needed to done #[XXX] before [XXX] Ford basically sent me on my way in a very unsafe car for myself and my passengers. I should have been made completely aware of this situation at that exact time and service (XXX). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2024
Coolant intrusion to the cylinder bores.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2024
Coolant intrusion into motor. Coolant leak causing multiple misfires and my vehicle to lose power while driving and not to over 30mph. I have had the spark plugs, injectors, and coil packs all changed and problem persisted. Taking my car back to mechanic a test was done and there is coolant in the pistons.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2023
Gas goes fast, The canister purge valve? My engine light stays on.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2023
The fuel injector system needs to be replaced. Last year my vehicle had the short block replaced with the "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12" Some of the parts that should have been inspected included the fuel injector O ring kit and tubes. A year later after my engine had been overheating and was replaced. Now, the fuel injector system needs to be replaced. There are 1 reasons why the system would need to be replaced. 1 due to contamination and 2 due to over heating of the engine. Due to Fords faulty coolant system my engine was overheating for who knows how long until the coolant was completely depleted and running into the cylinders. Now my fuel injector system is leaking due to the overheated engine and ford will not repair.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2023
Coolant injection leak, blown engine.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2023
The car began overheating while in operation. The driver immediately pulled over and shut the car off, and the car was towed to the dealership. It was discovered that there was a crack in the gasket, allowing coolant to slowly leak into the engine over time. The engine seized and is no longer operable. This is, as confirmed by my Ford mechanic, and KNOWN and COMMON issue with this particular year/model. Ford is aware that this is a manufacturing defect and has not issued a recall at this time.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2023
Evap purge valve issue ( well recognized by Ford itself as part of a recall with Ford focus models after 2009.). But also needs to be addressed with Ford escape models of the same period. Multiple reports noted online as well ( seeking remedy on youtube and forums). I have Ford protect warranty. They refused to address it as part of the plan!!
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2022
Entered car after work on 6/23/22, went to pull into street and car had no excelerating power, steering wheel vibrated, couldn’t go over 15-20 mph, then message on dash alert said: Engine Fault Service Now, the ford message on my app said: power train malfunction, reduced power, hill start assist warning. I messaged with Ford and they said I could drive just not over 15-20 mph. Drove home. Made arrangements to bring car to dealer service next day. They told me to drive it in like that. I was terrified when this happened, I had pulled into busy street, cars honking and trying to pass me, my car just couldn’t move. I didn’t have an immediate place to safely pull over. This was so stressful, felt grateful I wasn’t hit pulling out or from behind.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2021
UNKNOWN The vehicle is only three years old is kept up with on a regular basis with the maintenance and is now having issues with a leaking evap system which has been an ongoing issue with a lot of Ford vehicles. I was notified by a mechanic that inspected my vehicle that the vehicle is not safe to drive and is like a ticking time bomb.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2020
WHILE IN MOTIION (TAKING OFF AND DURING DRIVE) THE CAR 'CUTS BACK' AND DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED CAUSING DRIVER OF VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE SPEED(ONLY SOMEWHAT GRADUALLY AFTER ANOTHER CUTBACK). THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND ON CITY STREETS OR COUNTRY ROADS. IN ADDITION, WHEN PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE (TO PARK OR PULL OUT OF PARKING SPACE) THE CAR EITHER TURNS OFF OR DOESN'T MOVE BACK WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2019, crash, fire
ON DECEMBER 26, 2019, ANOTHER OTHER VEHICLE HIT THIS 2018 FORD ESCAPE, SPINNING IT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES (ALL FORDS) WERE IN MOTION TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS ESCAPE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON ROUTE 122 NEAR BURNT CHIMNEY, VA. THE OTHER TWO FORDS WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON THIS TWO LANE ROAD.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2019
ON MARCH 3, 2018, WE PURCHASED A 2018 FORD ESCAPE FROM DUVAL FORD IN JACKSONVILLE, FL. SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE, WE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE CAR STALLING AND JERKING WHEN APPLYING GAS. ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION ONLY OCCURS ON OCCASION, IT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC. THE MAIN TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IS DURING LONG TRIPS. WITH OUR TRAVEL SCHEDULE AND FAMILY OUT OF TOWN, WE NEED A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO SAFELY TRANSPORT US TO WHATEVER LOCATION WE CHOSE. WE CALLED TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND TRIED SOME OF THE TROUBLE SHOOTING EFFORTS EXPLAINED TO US VIA PHONE. THE ISSUE PERSISTED; THEREFORE, ON MAY 8, 2018 WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE STRUGGLES PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED. WE ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE FUEL INJECTOR AND OTHER ENGINE MISFIRES. TWO DAYS LATER, THEY RETURNED THE CAR STATING THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOUND. THIS PROCESS HAS CONTINUED SEVERAL TIMES FROM APRIL 2018 UNTIL TODAY. OUR LAST ATTEMPT TO ALLOW DUVAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE, WAS ON DECEMBER 5, 2019. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP, REPORTED IN DETAIL ABOUT THE ON-GOING ISSUE AND ASKED FOR THE OIL TO BE CHANGED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 9 DAYS, DROVE IT 31 MILES, AND REPORTED THAT NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. DURING THE 9-DAY STAY, WE CALLED TO ASK ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT WAS BEING WORKED ON. ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019, AFTER A 9-DAY STAY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PARKING LOT, WE WENT TO RETRIEVE OUR VEHICLE ONLY TO FIND THAT THE OIL HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED AND NO ISSUE WAS RESOLVED WITH THE PROBLEM WE REPORTED.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2018
GETTING TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE ONLY ABOUT 17 MILES TO THE GALLON, HAD 60 MILES ON CAR WHEN LEASED AND THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT TILL I HAD A 1000 MILES NOW HAVE 2000 MILES AND STILL GETTING LOUSY MILEAGE. ALSO, STOP/START DOES NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING. ALSO KICK PLATE ON BACK DOESN'T WORK WELL. WELL, NOW TRY TO TAKE IT IN.