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
1,795 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact started that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure the check engine warning light had illuminated; however, the contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Jul 15, 2025
My service engine now light came on while I was traveling from WV to OH. I took it to a mechanic in Ohio that looked over my vehicle. The mechanic concluded that there is coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores of my engine resulting in my engine needing to be replaced and or rebuilt. According to FORD, my VIN number was not part of the recall they issued in June of 2022 for this exact issue with the Ecoboost 1.5L engines on the 2017-2019 Ford Escapes.
Engine, Jul 15, 2025
Date of Incident or Diagnosis: 7/15/2025 I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2018 Ford Focus, which has required a full engine replacement due to a known and widespread defect — coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, specifically cylinders 1 and 3. This is a manufacturing defect and not the result of normal wear and tear or improper vehicle maintenance. Coolant intrusion leads to engine misfiring, overheating, stalling, and ultimately complete engine failure — posing both safety risks and a significant financial burden to owners. This issue is especially concerning as there is no check engine light or prior warning before the damage becomes irreparable. In my case, the damage was discovered only after experiencing performance issues and having the vehicle professionally diagnosed. This problem has been widely reported by other owners of 2018 Ford Focus and Escape vehicles with similar 1.5L EcoBoost engines. Ford has previously issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) and recalls for similar issues in other model years and engine variants, but this specific year and model have not yet been included — despite exhibiting the exact same symptoms and root cause. I strongly believe that this failure is a design and manufacturing defect, not an isolated incident. It is unfair to hold consumers responsible for the cost of an engine replacement due to a flaw that Ford is already aware of in similar vehicles. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further and push for an official safety recall of 2018 Ford Focus vehicles affected by coolant intrusion. Engine failure while driving could pose a serious hazard to the driver and other motorists. Ford should be held accountable and required to cover the cost of repairs for all affected vehicles, not just those included in previous recall campaigns.
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
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
On or about 16 June 2025, a misfire prompted me to have the problem investigated. The computer showed a misfire on #1 cylinder; however, the problem cleared within two days. Then, the engine overheated. I filled the antifreeze tank, and the heat was reduced immediately. However, it recurred the next day, prompting me to have it investigated by our local dealer. They found it to be a leaking of coolant into the cylinder. I researched this problem and have learned it to be a common problem with 2015 - 2019 2.0L Ecoboost engines, of which my vehicle is one. Further research revealed that Ford was aware of this problem, had recalled several vehicles to address it, and had even extended the warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. However, I have been informed this is done by "VIN" and only a few are selected. I am upset that my engine is NOT included in this, as it is a 2.0L Ecoboost, just like the others. If Ford knew this problem, regardless of manufacture, why would my engine NOT be included? I cannot afford this cost on top of the $17,300 I owe for the car!
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was running very hot, and the coolant level was extremely low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, shortly after, the coolant reservoir was low again. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
There is a design flaw with the engine where coolant leaks into the motor. The entire engine needs to be replaced. The issue begins with a piston misfiring and then slowly devolves into total engine failure. Ford knows about the issue and has offered in the past to replace it, but this ended in 2022.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine causing the engine block to crack. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion into the cylinder had caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,577.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off. The driver then drove to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. 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 Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 58,466.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was a misfire in cylinders #2 and #3, and that the battery needed to be replaced and a tune-up was needed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic ,who stated that the coolant level was low. The coolant reservoir was refilled. The contact stated that the following day, the coolant level was low. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into various cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short block Replacement after Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
Check engine light came on, I immediately brought to Ford dealership who has done all maintenance, Ford technician ran applicable tests and determined my 2.0L EcoBoost engine has cracked engine plate causing cylinder 2 misfire and coolant leak, which I was advised only fix for is installing new updated engine from Ford. I was informed this is a known issue and the replacement engine fixes the manufacturing defect. They directed me to the problem noted in NHTSB service bulletin 19-2346 from December 2019. The Ford corporate customer care team advised me to report the issue to the NHTSB in order to receive engine coverage. I feel Ford corporation should have informed me of this known issue so I could have taken action to sell the vehicle, as they have left me with a remaining loan balance and major repair needed. Thank you for your attention to this.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
The car has 90K miles and it has coolant getting into the combustion chambers.
Engine, Jul 8, 2025
PURCHESDE A 2018 FORD ESCAPE,TOOK TO RIVER VIEW FORD IN ILLINIOS AND ASKED FOR AN INSPECTION OF WHAT I WILL NEED TO GET AND KEEP THE CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE. BEFORE PURCHASING I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DROVE PERFECTLY AND STILL DOES. PURCHASE DATE [XXX] WENT TO FORD [XXX]. ON 7/1/2025 WAS INFORMED THE CAR CHECKED OUT WELL EXCEPT OF A "COOLANT INTRUSION" IN CYLINDER # 1 TSB 22-2229 RIVERVIEW FORDS ADVISOR SAMUEL HENNESSY AND TOM GABAEC 630 8979800 REPORTED. NOW I HAVE A AUTOMOBILE IN NEED OF A REPLACEMENT MOTOR OF WHICH I WILL SAK FOR FOR A REPLACEMENT MOTOR AS A "KNOWN DEFECT". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 8, 2025
On [XXX] at [XXX] I called the hot line and a case number was created [XXX] I believe I got real specific on the problem at that time....however...to review.... I started experiencing the symptoms of engine idling rough upon starting the car and have DTC code PO301. My engine is 2.0L Ecoboost. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 that lists the exact same issue for Ford Escapes same year, but with 1.5L Ecoboost Engines. The program offers a no-cost, one-time repair for same issue and with the 1.5L engine. My daughter had the exact same issue on her 2017 Ford Escape and we had to replace engine at a cost of $9000. I took our 2018 Ford Escape to our dealer, Ken Grody Ford and we were told that they could not help, because of the engine size. We fit all other conditions of the 21N12 Satisfaction Program. If this engine fails, we could be at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wheels, Jul 7, 2025
While driving approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the rear passenger-side wheel rim suddenly failed and blew out, causing the tire to also blow out. The incident caused a sudden jolt and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to steer safely to the shoulder without crashing, but it was an extremely dangerous situation. The failure of the rim caused significant damage to the rear suspension. The vehicle required the following repairs: New rim Two new tires Right Rear Control Arm – Forward Right Rear Control Arm – Adjustable Right Rear Trailing Arm Lower Rear Lateral Link Rear Suspension Shock Absorber All of this stemmed from the catastrophic failure of the rim at highway speed, which I believe should never occur on a properly maintained vehicle with no prior wheel damage. The failure occurred without hitting debris or a known pothole and was not due to a slow leak or flat—it was a sudden rim failure. This presents a major safety hazard not only to drivers of Ford Escapes but to others on the road. I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether other similar failures have occurred in 2018 Ford Escape models. A recall or formal review may be warranted.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2018 Ford Escape that has been well maintained and serviced regularly at a Ford dealership. Recently, the check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes were P0012 & P0014 in PCM. After a diagnostic inspection, the dealer removed the spark plugs and scoped the cylinders. They found excessive scoring and confirmed that coolant had entered the engine cylinders—a known and widely reported issue in EcoBoost engines. The dealership informed me that the engine would need to be replaced at a cost of $12,000. Although the vehicle is still running at the moment, they indicated it’s only a matter of time before it fails. This Escape has less than 100,000 miles. Through research and conversations with other owners, I’ve learned that this is a recurring issue with Ford EcoBoost engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L) from 2013–2019. There are numerous complaints of coolant intrusion into the engine, leading to misfires, white smoke, stalling, and eventual engine failure. Ford appears to be aware of this issue and issued TSB 22-2229, which recommends replacing the long block engine under certain conditions. However, they are not offering repairs or cost assistance unless the customer presses the issue—and often only after filing complaints or escalating to regional reps. I have personally spoken with at least three other Ford owners who experienced this exact problem. This is a serious defect that could result in unexpected vehicle failure or even fire risk (as some reports have noted) while driving. It poses a safety concern and should be investigated. A recall should be considered.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Coolant leak into cylinder resulting in a misfiring cylinder and engine overheating. This is a known issue that FoMoCo has a service bulletin for. [XXX] My vehicle falls within the parameters of this, however, there are no active recalls for this problem. Doing some Google searches, it appears this issue is wide-ranging and is affecting a lot of Escape owners whose vehicles fall within the service bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 6, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the engine causing a code of p1299 stating coolant head temperature sensor bad but change out and problem persisted come to find out that coolant goes missing with any apparent leaks outside did an pressure test and coolant is going into engine.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Coolant leaking and also p0302 code. Engine is about to go and is a common failure within these cars.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Vehicle has 62,151 miles. I am making this complaint as the original owner of this vehicle. We performed all recommended maintenance on this vehicle at the dealership on schedule including the three recall repairs. On [XXX] I noted a rough idle for a few seconds at start up. Later that day the check engine light came on. Dealer diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders and noted that this is a known issue in 2017-2019 Escapes that were manufactured in Louisville, KY but no recall was ever issued. Instead Ford opted for a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) and did not inform owners of the program proactively. They just let engines fail and owners lose the value of their investment overnight. Had this happened to my car 6 months ago they would have fixed it. We called the Ford Customer Assistance line, and Ford has declined to assist with the repair of their faulty manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Leaking antifreeze into Cylinder 2, causing mis firing the engine, damaging the engine.Also overheating the engine, hesitation when trying to accelerate.