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: power train
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Mar 14, 2021
MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE LOST THE TRANSMISSION ON 24/27 ALBEMARLE ROAD. I WAS TAKING MY SON FOR DOCTORS CHECKUP. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS SO MUCH TRAFFIC ON MY WAY. SOMEONE COULD HAVE HIT OUR VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. I MANAGED TO PULL OFF TO THE ROAD. THIS WOULD HAVE COSTED OUR LIFE'S HAS SOMEONE HIT US FROM THE REAM.
Power train, Mar 9, 2021
DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE SHOOK HARD AND TRANSMISSION OR WARNING LIGHT POPPED ON. WE SWERVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUSHED IT A BLOCK BACK TO MY HOUSE. I NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY TOWED IT TO WALT SWEENEY ON GLENWAY IN CINCINNATI. WALT SWEENEY DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE ME A LOANER CAR BECAUSE THEIR POLICY IS TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BEFORE LOANING ONE OF THEIRS OUT. I WENT TO ENTERPRISE RENTAL WHERE I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER 400. FOR A CAR FOR TWO DAYS. I DON'T EVEN HAVE A TICKET ON RECORD. I CALLED FORD AND TOLD THEM I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER. IT HAS 47000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO WAY THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD BECAUSE IF ME. IT IS A CLOSED UNIT. FORD SAID THERE WAS NO WAY THEY COULD PAY ENTERPRISE FOR A RENTAL. THE ONLY WOULD PAY ME BACK. I COULDN'T AFFORD THE RENTAL CAR THEN AND CAN'T NOW. THIS POLICY IS FOR THE POORER PERSON WHO CAN'T AFFORD A RENTAL, SO FORD DOESN'T HAVE TO PAY THEM BACK. I'M DISGUSTED BY FORD TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO NEED THE MOST HELP. I CALLED FORD OVER AND OVER AND NO MATTER WHO I TALKED TO I WAS TOLD TOO BAD. I WALKED THE HALF MILE TO SWEENEY AND BROKE DOWN CRYING. THEY WERE KIND ENOUGH TO DO THE RIGHT AND LEGAL THING WHEN FORD REFUSED THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT FORD SOLD A FAULTY NEW VEHICLE, IT BROKE DOWN AND THEY REFUSED TO GET ME A RENTAL CAR UNLESS I HAD OVER 400. TO RENT THE CAR. THIS DOESN'T INCLUDE IF IT WAS MORE THEN 2 DAYS. SWEENEY, NOTIFIED ME THAT MY CAR NEEDS A TOTAL TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL AND A TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. SO NOW THEY ARE OFFERING A RENTAL AFTER I COULD HAVE LOST MY JOB, BUT YET AGAIN IT IS 300 DOWN AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A PART BACK. THERE ARE REPORTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS IN THIS YEAR FORD.I CAME AFFORD A MONTH OF RENTAL PAYMENTS, LET ALONE A WEEK
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2021
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOLLOWING A RECALL NOTICE FOR CONTROLLER MODULE. TWO MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE BACK AND IT RESULTED IN A COOLANT LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. THE BLOCK WAS WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS A NEW FLYWHEEL AND HEAD GASKET. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD AND THEN STOPPED BEING ABLE TO MOVE. THIS RESULTED IN A SECOND FLYWHEEL BEING INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION PUMP, SEALS, AND TORQUE CONVERTER. STILL DOES NOT RUN CORRECTLY AND THE AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE HAS HAD A SINGLE OWNER AND LESS THAN 35,000 MILES ON IT. BELIEF IS THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE A RESULT OF A POORLY DESIGNED ENGINE AND THE ORIGINAL RECALL.
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2020
DEC.20,2020, MY CAR PARK IN MY DRIVE WAY, START UP AND THE ENGINE RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND DISPLAY HAS A CODE FLASHING ( ENGINE ). TECH INFO ME THAT NUMBER 4 PLUG MISFIRE, ADD COOLANT, RESET CODE PO316 AND PO304. TECH SAID THAT THERE IS A TSB20-2100 ?
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.
Power train, Oct 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE OR A DECLINE, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSAXLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE LOCAL DEALER DCH FORD OF THOUSAND OAKS LOCATED AT 3810 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 2, 2020
2018 FORD ESCAPE PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY OF 2018, ON A STRAIGHT AWAY FELT LIKE THE ENGINE PULLING ITSELF BACK THEN FLASHED AUTO START/STOP PUT IN P AND RESTART. LOST ALL ENGINE POWER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. ENGINE WOULD NOT STOP. NO CODES WERE SHOWING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. HAS HAD OIL CHANGED EVERY 5K TO 5500 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE PER MANUAL COMPLETED WHEN DUE. ENGINE NEEDING REPLACED AT 81K MILES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 1, 2020
RECURRENT PROBLEMS WITH COOLANT LEAKING. ENGINE REPLACED ONCE, NOW LEAKING AGAIN. RECURRENT PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, CAR SHAKES WHEN DRIVING, UNABLE TO DRIVE WITH AIR-CONDITIONING ON
Power train, Engine, Aug 27, 2020
AT 62,000 MILES TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE NOW AT 75,000MILES MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 3 CODE P0203 STILL WAITING TO BE FIXED THEN OVER HEAT WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF WHILE DRIVING
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 11, 2020
ENGINE LONG BLOCK WAS REPLACED, FOLLOWED BY A FRONT MAIN SEAL FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT. AFTER PICKING UP VEHICLE FROM SERVICE, AFTER ABOUT 1000 MILES THE ENGINE LOST OIL A 3RD TIME AND CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" AND GAVE A CEL.
Power train, Engine, Jul 28, 2020
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT INTRUSION INTO THE NO. 2 CYLINDER RESULTED IN A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. AFTER TAKING 5 WEEKS TO REPAIR I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FAIL AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MILES.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 29, 2020
I WAS STOPPED ON A SIDE STREET WAITING ON TRAFFIC SO I COULD PULL OUT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD. THERE WAS A BREAK IN TRAFFIC AND WHEN THE BREAK CAME I PRESSED ON GAS PEDDLE CAR TOO OFF THEN STOPPED PULLING CAR. I'M SITTING IN MIDDLE OF A MAIN STREET THAT IS VERY BUSY AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE, TRANSMISSION JUST SPINNING MOTOR RACING AND CARS HEAD TOWARDS ME AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. AFTER POLICE SHOW UP HELP ME OUT A BIT. I TRY GOING AGAIN AND AFTER BOUT 45 MIN OR SO. CAR STARTED FINE TOOK OFF NORMALLY GOT ON TO INTERSTATE AND NOW TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, JUMPING JURKING. TRIED REPORTING TO FORD, BUT THEY SAY MY VIN # BELONGS TO A DIFFERENT YEAR TO CALL BACK WITH RIGHT INFO. EVERY I HAVE SAYS 1 YEAR FORD HAS ANOTHER.
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCCARTHY FORD (11400 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60655, 773-239-7900) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED BY THE OTHER DEALER HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Power train, Jun 10, 2020
OUR 2018 STARTED JERKING UPON DECELERATION AND AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER FROM WHICH IT WAS PURCHASED, AS IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. FORD AUTHORIZED ONLY A REPAIR. *TR WE ALSO OWN A 2014 FORD ESCAPE WHOSE TRANSMISSION QUIT WHILE OUR 2018 WAS IN THE GARAGE FOR SERVICE. IT IS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE THAT THEY BOTH HAVE THE EXACT SAME TRANSMISSION! THEY ARE FAULTY AND NEED RECALLED!
Power train, May 13, 2020
ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE COMPLETED FOR THE VEHICLE ON TIME, AND ALWAYS SERVICED AT A FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ALL RECALLS COMPLETED. NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HAD ISSUES WITH VIBRATIONS COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED UNDER WARRANTY BY A FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT BY REPLACING THE HALF SHAFT. THREE MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH, I RECEIVED AN ALERT ON MY VEHICLE SAYING, "POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION / REDUCED POWER" AND "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP - REGULATORY". THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE CAR DROVE FINE, AND I DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES.ON THE WAY TO GETTING THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AT THE SERVICE CENTER, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 70 MPH AND I COULD HEAR THE CAR RUNNING VERY LOUDLY (LIKE A ROARING SOUND). I GOT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY, AND TOOK CITY ROADS AS A PRECAUTION TO GET TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT EVERY STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD. ONCE I MADE IT TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER, AND THEY ARE NOW SAYING THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND I AM EXPECTED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, AND FORD IS NOT WILLING TO HELP. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 100K MILES. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLES RECALLED FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 6, 2020
I HAD NOTICED COOLANT DEPLETING FINALLY GOT RECALL. DEALER REPROGRAMS NOW ENGINE IS JUST REVVING AND LOOSES ALL POWER TO POWERTRAIN IN MULTIPLE SITUATION-3 FROM STOP, 4 WHILE GOING HIGHWAY SPEED WITH CONSTANT SPEED PRIOR EACH TIME THE ENGINE REV'S UP WHILE GIVING NO POWER. THEN WILL SPONTANEOUSLY RESOLVE WITHIN ABOUT 50FT THEN SEEMS FINE. I HAVE VIDEO OF THE CAR DOING THIS WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY. WE LOOKED AT OIL AND THERE IS MILK LOOKING RESIDUE. THE LOOSING POWER HAS ONLY HAPPENED SINCE REPROGRAM FOR RECALL AND NOW THE CAM SHAFT & HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ARE DESTROYED PER DEALER THIS IS MY ISSUE NOT RECALL RELATED. AGAIN THESE PROBLEMS HAVE ONLY STARTED WITHIN A WEEK OF THE RECALL REPROGRAMMING OF THE VEHICLE
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 26, 2019
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MAR/APR 2019 WITH 3000 MI. THE VEHICLE HAD ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS PRIOR TO THE 11/11/19 INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO VEHICLE ALERTS REGARDING COOLANT OR ENGINE OVERHEATING PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. AT 17349MI, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTER A 35MIN DRIVE ON THE TOLLWAY. THE VEHICLE HAD ONE COOLANT/HOT ENGINE WARNING AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 2.5HRS IN SUB-ZERO WEATHER. I TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN 5 MIN LATER. THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE KEY TURN.THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE "LOCKED UP" AND IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING REPAIR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS REPAIR COULD TAKE 4-6 WEEKS BECAUSE ENGINES ARE ON BACK ORDER AND GENERALLY TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS TO INSTALL. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO STATES THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THIS REPAIR WOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND IN PREVIOUS MAINTENANCE CHECKS.
Power train, Nov 12, 2019, crash
STARTED THE VEHICLE ON LEVEL GROUND, VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT ON, FORGOT SOMETHING IN HOME, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE & PROCEED TOWARDS HOME BUT BEFORE I GOT THERE BACKED UP & HIT HOME, ENGINE THEN STALLED, RESTARTED ENGINE & MOVED VEHICLE BACK TO ORIGINAL POSITION, I THEN TRIED TO REPLICATE EVENTS, VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, VEHICLE REMAINED STATIONARY, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE & VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO MOVE. MY WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE & REPORTED THAT VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE UNTIL I WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF VEHICLE & PROCEEDING TO HOME WITH MY BACK TURNED.
Power train, Mar 13, 2019
2018 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE DRIVE SHAFT. *LD *TR
Power train, Dec 14, 2018
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER A COLD NIGHT OR NOT BEING USED THE TRANSMISSION LAGGS SHIFTING BETWEEN 2-3 GEAR USUALLY ON SURFACE STREETS THERE IS A 3-5 SECOND DELAY IN ACCELERATION WHICH HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN TWO COLLISIONS FROM BEHIND. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHICH YEILDED NO PROBLEMS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES.
Power train, Oct 20, 2018, crash
I DROVE MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SLIGHT HILL. I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING TO CHECK OUT SOMETHING IN OUR YARD. I WALKED ACROSS MY SMALL YARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. I TURNED AROUND AND THE CAR WAS NO WHERE IN SIGHT. I THEN REALIZED IT HAD DRIVEN ITSELF INTO THE GARAGE. IT RAN INTO MY BICYCLE, A CAR RACK AND SOME PLASTIC CABINETS. LUCKILY THERE IS ONLY A SMALL DENT AND SCRATCH ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND NO ONE WAS HIT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN AND DON'T FEEL SAFE IN IT. I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.