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, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 10, 2024
While driving this vehicle (~88,000 miles) on a route of ~100 miles, the car started shuddering / shaking at highway speed for 30 - 90 seconds every 10 - 15 minutes. I was 50 miles in to the drive when the shaking began. The shaking was startling and distracting. I drove the car to the dealer that night. While driving to the dealer, the car continued to shudder / shake for even longer durations at greater frequency. Additionally, the car had weak acceleration when the gas pedal was compressed. This created significant challenges when trying to navigate traffic (merging on to highway, accelerating car from stop, etc.). I have a video of the dash which shows the car exceeding 4000 RPM and not exceeding 25mph. I can share this video over e-mail, but could not attach to this form. - The dealer believes this is a malfunction of the powertrain (transmission). It is available for inspection at the time of this writing. However, I am working with Ford and the dealer on a repair solution as this is my primary car. - My safety was at risk because the car shaking was distracting and the lack of acceleration presented challenges with merging, passing cars, accelerating from stop, etc. - Vehicle is currently with dealer beginning inspection - initial suspicion is transmission issue. - No warning lights came on as I was experiencing this issue.
Power train, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway at 10 - 15 MPH, at approximately 100 meters down the street, the transmission fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately turned around and parked in the driveway. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and believed that the failure the vehicle had experienced was related to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall nor was the warranty coverage available. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
Power train, Jan 5, 2024
Ford Dealership replaced the transmission under warranty and forgot to tighten the transfer case bolts when reassembling the vehicle. Transfer case bolts worked loose over 8,000 miles and the transfer case separated from the transmission while driving.
Power train, Engine, Dec 31, 2023
I Purchased a 2018 Ford Escape SE (VIN# [XXX] ) with 1.5 EcoBoost Engine on 9/24/2023 with 89,726 miles. On 12/10/2023 my 16 year old son was operating vehicle when he experienced a catastrophic engine failure and the vehicle is unserviceable. The vehicle had 90,766 miles on it at the time of the failure. Vehicle was diagnosed on 12/18/2023 and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the #2 and #3 cylinder and that the engine will need to replaced. Diagnosis showed that Ford had issued (2) Customer Satisfaction Program alerts on the vehicle for this issue Ford CSP 21N12 and 19B37 on 06/9/2022. I contacted Ford Motor Company and my local dealer to report the issue. I was advised this is a known issue with this specific engine although the vehicle is beyond the extended warranty under the Ford CSP's above. This known issue on this vehicle was not disclosed to my at the time of purchase and Ford will not cover any cost associated with the repair. I feel this known issue should be a recall due to the fact that this catastrophic engine failure does pose a significant safety risk to the vehicle operator and other traveling public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 PCM (Power Train Control Module) reprogramming. After the reprogramming was performed, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact was almost in a crash due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the PCM needed to be replaced before an additional diagnostic test was performed to determine if coolant had intruded into the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer initially stated that the cost of the repair would be fully covered; however, the contact was later informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 35,176.
Power train, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
Coolant going into block and ford refuses to fix makes no since there was a customer satisfaction on this issue it ended . But I never got the paper work on this issue I would say people before me did .Ford customer service told me I should of been cking internet really it was a new car for me and now they want 6000 to fix . I don't understand cuz I did a recall and the 1.6 and 2.0 why did they not do a recall on the 1.5 that makes no sense to me I really wish somebody would explain it to me this problem has been with this motor since 2010 they recalled all of them but they won't recall this now I'm lost please help me I'm done with that a car now for a month nobody is willing to help I have an extended warranty they won't help because they said that Ford should fix it cuz it's their default. But it doesn't make any sense that you got it somebody recalls all the other ones but not the 1.5 and now they're recalling 2020
Power train, Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged cylinder #2, requiring the replacement of the engine long block. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Power train, Nov 10, 2023
In Oct 2023, I received a transmission fault warning on my car after my car began having issues after the start up to kick in to gear to drive. When I took it to the Ford dealership to be serviced for a diagnostic test, they told me there was metal in my transmission and I would need a new transmission at a cost of more than $8,000. Considering my car is 5 years old, I bought it brand new from the dealer and only has 34,000 miles and was just serviced in June 2023 and I have regularly had maintenance at least twice per year since I bought the car, I find this appalling that I am having such a significant repair required. Transmissions can last up to 200,000 miles and I am nowhere near that amount. I’ve never been in a wreck with this car and it was just serviced. My safety is at risk because my car needs a new transmission and is dangerous to drive. The Ford transmission is faulty and should be taken under consideration for review for major safety concerns. I as the customer should not need to put my family’s safety at risk nor should I have to cover this cost when Ford’s parts are faulty and of low quality.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
Head or head gasket leaking and causing engine failure
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2023
We purchased at 2018 Ford Escape (VIN# [XXX] ), with 2.0-liter engine, it has 57K miles on it and has been well maintained. The engine indicator light came on, we took it into the Ford Dealership to diagnose the issue and were told it needed a new engine. Here’s the diagnosis provided by the Damerow Ford dealership in Beaverton, Oregon: VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN. FOUND CODE IS P0301 CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE. VERIFIED NO COOLANT IN COOLANT TANK. FOUND WHITE SMOKE ON START UP AND BURNT COOLANT SMELL FROM EXHAUST. OIL AND COOLANT MIXING. REMOVED CYLINDER 1 PLUG AND FOUND COOLANT TRACES ON PLUG. PRESSURE TESTED COOLING SYSTEM AND FOUND COOLANT IN CYLINDER 1. BLOWN HEAD GASKET CAUSING CYLINDER WASH OUT. VEHICLE NEEDS AN ENGINE DUE TO WASH OUT AND BLOWN HEAD GASKET Ford Motor Company knows they have a serious coolant, engine and overheating defects. Ford has already been forced to recall more than 200,000 defective and unsafe vehicles. Ford recalled other Ford Escapes, because their 1.6-liter turbocharged engines overheated when coolant got low, causing the cylinder head to crack and spew oil. The vehicle we purchased is suffering from the same coolant leak, engine, and overheating issues which are serious safety defects that creates a risk of fire. We are requesting NHTSA take immediate action to require Ford by law to recall the vehicle and pay 100% of the cost related to replacement of the engine and all associated failed parts as a result of the coolant, engine and overheating defects. Car owners like us who unknowingly purchased a defective Ford product should not bear the burden of paying unjustified repair costs. I am requesting immediate action be taken by NHTSA to protect all consumers who were unaware they had purchased and were driving an unsafe and defective vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Oct 31, 2023
My 2018 Ford Escape has a coolant intrusion, which if left unchecked, can cause serious damage and danger (fire). I purchased this used vehicle from a trusted dealership, only 7 months ago, to now discover this issue and find out that the recall that could have fixed this is now "expired". Coolant intrusion was confirmed by a local autoshop and confirmed by Ford. There was a brief flashing MIL light, but it has not gone off since, which also adds to the concern.
Power train, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
The vehicle check engine light came on at 61k miles, was found to be misfiring. Upon inspection, dealership found coolant intrusion in engine. Engine will require block replacement. Vehicle could have overheated, caught fire, or left family members stranded in severe weather conditions.
Power train, Oct 4, 2023
On August 16,2023 I was traveling home via rt 2. My car showed no signs or any warnings on my dashboard when my 2018 Ford Escape SE stopped moving. My car was on but when pushing on gas pedal my vehicle would not move forward. After bringing my car to a stop shutting it off and turning back on it bucked forward enough and I was able drive 100 ft. to park it in my driveway. Very shaken as I was just traveling at 60 mph and after taking exit to my condo my car stopped with no warning. This could have been catastrophic and caused a serious accident. After having my car towed, to the Ford dealership I purchased it, I learned of a recall I was never notified about and also told I needed a new transmission. How could this be on a car with 73,000 miles and not a sign or code that something was wrong. I was originally quoted 8,000 dollars to replace the transmission that was not under warranty with Ford. I am still without a car and have spent hundreds of dollars on a rental car needed to get back and forth to work. I have spent hours researching this problem and have read hundreds of peoples complaints with the same issue and wondering why Ford has not issued a recall. This is absurd, and a safety issue, not only to myself but all others on the roads with me. I am a single mother and having to pay out all this money is leaving me with a financial burden. Ford needs to make right to their loyal customers and make this fix a recall. Please help me , Very unhappy Ford owner!
Power train, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
I purchased this vehicle in July of 2023 and put 3000 miles on it and then found out when parked and sits…when started blue smoke comes out of exhaust. Made an appointment at a Ford dealer, it was there 10 days without being looked at and I needed to return the rental car, which I told the service advisor that it had to be checked out in order for my warranty company to pay my rental fees, kept calling with no answer.. ended up taking it to another dealer which diagnosed it needing an engine due to the cyclinders taking coolant… they than til me they 6 months out due to having 6 escapes just like mine in front, all needing engines.
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
My transmission started slipping and will not shift. When switching from drive to reverse or reverse to drive, the vehicle will not immediately shift directions. Instead, it will hesitate and then buck hard paired with a bang. I purchased this vehicle at the beginning of December last year and it hasn't even been an entire year. I am still making payments on a vehicle I can't drive and there is absolutely no reason a transmission (with regular maintenance records) that's 5 years old would randomly malfunction like that. This needs to be addressed. Ford has way too many problems and honestly shouldn't be allowed to put vehicles on the road that cause dangerous situations, especially knowingly.
Power train, Engine, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly; however, the vehicle jolted while reversing. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact there was a delay in the drive train, and that the engine had internal damages. The contact stated that the engine was replaced prior to the failure by the local dealer. The mechanic recommended that the engine be rebuilt. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2023
I drove about 20 minutes to an eating establishment. Left the establishment after about an hour and a half. Got into my car. It would not shift into gear. The shifter moved., but not into gear. No reverse. No drive. No neutral. I called triple a. The arrived in 45 minutes. The gentleman went into my car after telling him what happened. He came back to me and told his tow truck can’t tow my car. They need a truck with a special tool to be able to pull my vehicle out. Since it wouldn’t go into neutral. He did not have that on his truck. I waited for 4 hours. Still no tow truck. I then realized that I had road side assistance with Ford. I called them. I told the gentleman my situation including what the previous tow company told me. He called me back in 20 minutes. Said he found a tow truck. He wouldn’t be able to get there for and hour and half to 2 hours. The tow company towed it to jannell ford in Hanover, Massachusetts. On Monday Jannell called me. They said since I didn’t have an appointment it’s gonna be a while before we can look at it. Through out the 3 weeks they kept in touch with me and were talking about a new transmission. Finally it was my turn for my vehicle to be looked at. And it went into gear. There were no repairs made. I brought my car to a transmission place. He could not recreate what happened. But he did tell me it would happen again. It’s a matter of time. This is the third time I have brought my vehicle involving transmission issues. The first time was June 30, 2021. Torque converter was replaced 2nd time April 12, 2022 Te problem I have now happened July 24, 2023.
Power train, Engine, Sep 5, 2023
On August 1, 2023 my vehicle began to show engine issues. When I started it, it would shudder, like it wasn't getting fuel. I contacted Firestone and scheduled a diagnostic for that Friday. In the meantime, I bought some enginge cleaner and put it in my gas tank. Firestone reports that the coolant has leaked into the head gasket, causing my vehicle to need a new enginge. They printed out a report of CSP21N12 which covers this KNOWN ISSUE for 84,000 or 7 years. My vehicle has 92,800 miles on it and had shown no signs of this issue prior. The vehicle was then seen at Dahl Ford in Davenport, Iowa where they confirmed that the coolant was leaking into the enginge and it needed replaced. Again, this is known issue that Ford has been aware of since 2019. They have released numerous TSBs (which I didn't even know existed until August 4). Ending the coverage at 84,000 miles is not acceptable and this is a serious safety hazard. The vehicle can catch fire if it runs out of coolant. The vehicle can stall in the middle of the road causing a potential accident. Ford needs to issue a recall.
Power train, Engine, Sep 3, 2023
Shifts hard sometimes slamming into and out of gears causing car to jump. No warning lights torque converter replaced at 58000 miles. Less than two years later problem came back. It causes the car to jerk sometimes when it shifts and stutters at times as well causing the car to slow down. May someday stop with no warning causing a crash.
Power train, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-37 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and was jerking significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected for fluid leakage, but no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was connected to an OBD reader, but no diagnostic codes were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be repaired; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned. Flexplate cracked at 62037 It is available for inspection upon request. I have the dealer's invoice. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There was a knocking noise in the motor while i was on the highway with my kids. no Warning lights. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, The dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the Wayne Ford service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No there was no warning lights. No symptoms.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered water inside the cylinder head, and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Recently while driving at various speeds, there was a loud revving sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined coolant intrusion had damaged the engine block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
During my ownership of a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, a series of catastrophic engine failures occurred, jeopardizing my safety and that of others on the road. The specific components that failed this time include the short block, crankshaft, and other critical components within the long block, such as the pump and converter. Additionally, the torque converter and flex plate required replacement. These components are available for inspection upon request. The failures posed significant safety risks as the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and acceleration, leading to potential hazards for both myself and adjacent motorists. The problem has been confirmed by the All American Ford dealership in Old Bridge, NJ, where detailed diagnostic testing revealed the flex plate and short block were damaged. The vehicle has been inspected by the All American Ford dealership, and a claim was filed with my warranty company (Olive Warranty), but unjustly denied, despite the recurring nature of these failures. Significantly, no warning lamps or messages alerted to the impending issue prior to the failure, and the initial symptom was a clicking noise upon activating the AC. My local mechanic initially suspected the problem to be related to the air compressor, but further inspection revealed that it was not the cause of the issue.