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, Feb 26, 2025
I was told by a mechanic that my engine block has a crack in it and that I need a new engine. This seems to be an ongoing issue with 2018 Ford Escapes. It will cost me $7000 for a used engine and there are a lot of people in the same boat with this vehicle. Is there a recall on it yet??
Engine, Feb 22, 2025
The engine has internal coolant leakage causing sudden and extreme overheating. A warning comes on to pull over immediately.
Engine, Feb 21, 2025
Engine misfires low coolant
Engine, Feb 20, 2025
Engine overheat warning and vehicle shut down on highway. Mechanic says most likely compromised head gasket with coolant intrusion into engine. Currently quoted $7200 at Ford dealer for short engine block replacement.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that recently the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was stalling more frequently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed and DTC: P0456 (Evap. System); P0451 (Evap. System Switch) and P1450 Bleed out Fuel Vacuum) were retrieved. The contact stated that a friend recently had a recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) for the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) completed and related the failure to the recall. The contact had spoken to the manufacturer and a dealer and was advised that the vehicle was included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Engine, Feb 18, 2025
On recent trip to Florida from Ohio, we experienced an incident where the check engine service light was flashing and the car was running very rough(determined later that it was misfiring). Incident lasted about 3-4 minutes. Were able to get to next exit; before we exited the highway the incident stopped, and the engine sounds back to normal. Pulled into a parking lot, shut off the engine, and restarted and stopped a number of time. The check engine light never came back on. Drove another 600+ miles to our destination in Siesta Key FL. Decided to contact local Ford dealer, Sarasota Ford, to have it checked out before having to drive 1100 miles back home. Learned that their diagnostics indicated that we had a coolant leak into the engine. Service advisor initially indicated that he thought their was a "recall repair" for this issue. But later advised that the "recall" had expired on Nov. 30, 2022, and was subject to a limit of 7 years of service or 84000 miles. Estimated repair cost was $8000, about the value of the 2018 Ford Escape with 100,900 miles. Contact Ford customer service to discuss why the "recall" had a time and mileage limit, and why I wasn't notified. CSR was really rather rude; advised that it was NOT a recall but a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). On subsequent discussion with both Sarasota Ford and Masheter Ford in Columbus OH, where we bought the vehicle, also learned that the one time repair offered by the TSB was only valid IF the vehicle actually experienced a coolant leak. I have a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and in researching what lead to the TSB being issued, learned that the actual design of the head gasket was changed. This to me indicates that a defect in the design was discovered, prompting a change. Based on that this TSB should have had NO restrictions on time or mileage for the one time repair, and quite frankly should have been offered to customers BEFORE a coolant leak actually occured, not afterwards
Power train, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was still jerking and failed to accelerate as needed. The "Transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission and flywheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,184.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
While driving the vehicle car completely shuts off in the middle of traffic, dash lights turn off then power went out.Now HORN no longer works. Turned the car back on and pulled to the side of the road. I tried to accelerate and white smoke came out of the back of the vehicle and a rattle noise from the front passenger side. Warning lights never turned on ! I was able to drive the vehicle to a nearest ford dealer after stopping multiple times in the process. Took the car to Ford , they claimed there was no issues except the ones they found not relating to the problem I first stated . They advised me for security I would have to get these problems fixed and that could be the cause. I picked the vehicle up 2/17/2025, $1951.72 later. Car cuts off again in the middle of Traffic , Smoke , lights flash then everything went off. I have a full report of the battery and everything else however the car is a big SAFETY ISSUE IF IT KEEPS STOPPING IN TRAFFIC .
Engine, Feb 15, 2025
Coolant intrusion in the cylinders that requires a replacement engine, a known issue by Ford but not something they are replacing or assisting with the cost of if you are outwith 84,000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Engine, Feb 13, 2025
Engine has a defect that causes car to have coolant leak and engine block to crack while driving, putting the vehicle into "limp mode". Accident can occur when vehicle suddenly begins decelerating while driving. There is no current recall for this issue for this vehicle.
Engine, Feb 12, 2025
The engine on my car has become unusable because antifreeze leaked into my engine. It is available for inspection. Thankfully due to familial support my safety was not put at risk. The problem was confirmed by a mechanic. BJ's Auto Collision and Restoration, 816-279-2886. The check engine light came on when I first started the car for the day. This happened to my car while I was 5 hours away from the city where I live. I do not have the money to repair the car. So I had to rent a car. And will have to find a way to buy a new car.
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape started to shake upon starting the engine. Within 2 days the check engine light turned on. I immediately phoned my mechanic and took the car in for diagnostics. The mechanic determined that coolant is present in the engine cylinders, he said likely due to head gasket failure. He said that the only was to resolve the issue is a total engine replacement which he quoted could cost as much as $17,000. The mechanic tells me that the car cannot be driven at all as it is because the engine can fail at any time. This renders the car a total loss. I have done internet searches and have discovered that many Ford owners are experiencing this same problem and that it has been known to Ford that there is this defect in certain models yet they have not offered a recall or compensation for repairs.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2025
I bought this car a month ago and now the transmission is not working I got a warning from my car saying “transmission fault service now” and now I’m trying to see how to fix that, if you guys can help me that would be great
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
Fluids leaked into engine. Overheated and died on highway drive home no check engine lights were on prior. 2nd and 4th cylinder misfires. Spark plug welded and cross threaded and needed to replaced but when when it was attempted it broke off in engine due to being welded. Due to the original issues and all of those caused from them this vehicle is NOT SAFE; even if this was able to work again it is NOT SAFE! It was a family car and we do NOT trust for our families safety!! (Had car towed to repair the next day and has been inoperable since without either new engine or engine rebuild.)
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost engine is experiencing issues that include coolant leaking into the cylinder. There has been white smoke emitting from the exhaust with an odor present. Multiple mechanics have looked at the vehicle and have reported that it might need a total engine replacement. The vehicle has roughly 64,200 miles on it and is currently at a Ford Dealership in Clarksville, Indiana. A google search shows that this is a known issue with the Ford 2.0 Ecoboost engine, but Ford is not showing a recall. I also have seen that there is or there is the possibility of a class action lawsuit.
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
My check engine light came on after a few rough starts prior, all of the rough starts came with white smoke from my exhaust pipe, and the entirety of my vehicle shaking. My first initial impression of the issue was either my spark plugs or my ignition coils. Neither was the case. I have had my car checked out by multiple mechanic shops, and they have all said I have a “coolant intrusion”, as I have had to refill my coolant several times in the past 2 months, while also having “milky oil” indicating coolant has been leaking and mixing into my oil, causing the code P0302, or a cylinder 2 misfire. For a new engine from Ford themselves, I have been quoted $14,000 plus taxes to get this issue fixed. My only concern is Ford has a class-action lawsuit filed against them for this same issue. I can’t afford to put $14,000 into this vehicle for a new engine, when the issue has been happening to many, many others, all fitting the exact description of what I am complaining about. I am concerned for my safety as people with the same issue, have expressed their vehicles have overheated without warning. I am worried my vehicle will catch on fire, as well as my own safety while driving the vehicle. My vehicle is also not covered by warranty.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts store which diagnosed that the EVAP high purge flow was faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several days later, the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered because the vehicle had exceeded the mileage limit. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,200.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
The motor started to get hot dealership said it dumped coolant into the head of the engine and that its a know issue with this motor but it's not on the recall list why not
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 3, 2025
Cracked header, electric emergency parking brake says to release the parking brake when it's not even engaged
Engine, Feb 2, 2025
Coolant leak into engine
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and was jerking. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was still jerking and failed to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to an out of state dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was still under warranty and was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and was taken to another out of state dealer who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
An engine coolant leak on the engine caused the engine to overheat. This could have led to a possible fire. If we were on a highway or freeway when this happened and the car cut off, this could have caused an accident. There were NO warning signs or lamps that came on before this issue that would have alerted us to this issue. I had the vehicle towed into the Ford dealership and the diagnostic was engine failure due to a coolant leak. The engine coolant leak has been a known issue on the 2018 Ford Escapes by the manufacturer.
Power train, Engine, Jan 30, 2025
I had to replace the engine May 28, 2024. The coolant started mixing with the oil based on the poor design of the engine. Then December 16, 2024, I had to replace the transfer case. Now my transmission has gone out on January 22, 2025. All of this has been out of pocket because I was out of the warranty mileage range. I'm still currently financing the vehicle and have to make all these costly repairs. I'm trying to see what can be done? There is no way a new vehicle like this should be having all these problems especially when it was bought new off the lot.