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.
Power train, Jan 9, 2025
Transmission is not going into fifth gear correctly.
Engine, Jan 8, 2025
Coolant is getting in to the engine and blowing the engine up. Ford is aware of the issue but is denying coverage and repair under a distraction. They are aware of the repair and issued Customer Satisfaction program 21N12 which is the fix to the engine. However, they say that if customer satisfaction program 19B37 was not completed prior to 2022, then you do not qualify to do 21N12 even though under 21N12 if the car is under 7 years old and 84,000 miles that it qualifies. Ford says that if the previous owner (since we did not get the car until 2023/24) did not do 19B37 that we are screwed and they will not cover the engine replacement that they know about. This issue is all over the internet, so I am shocked a recall has not been issued.
Engine, Jan 8, 2025
Complete Engine failure causing vehicle to be totally un drive able at only 91,000 miles. Engine failure cause was diagnosed by local authorized Ford dealer service department as systemic engine design flaw that caused catastrophic fluid intrusion into cylinder(s), rendering engine useless. Remedy, engine needs to be totally replaced, not repaired, but replaced. Not an isolated incident in my particular case as there have been thousands of issues with this model of engine that FORD (manufacturer) has employed on this model year, make, and model (2018 Ford Escape SEL). No warning lamps lighted to warn of potential engine failure, and most importantly, no written notices provided by Ford to alert of the catastrophic engine issue, and certainly no information on remedies provided either.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinders one and four resulted in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was 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 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The engine fault service immediately message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder had misfired. The coolant was flooding the engine. The dealer recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,800.
Engine, Jan 6, 2025
Check Engine Light came on with Error Code Engine Misfire Cylider 1. Mechanic diagnosed it with a Burnt Valve from Coolant Intrusion. Car only has 85,000 miles on it. Contacted Ford and they said it's a known issue but they refuse to pay to fix the vehicle since my vehicle is 1,000 miles over the 84,000 mile mark.
Engine, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was driving unusually rough with the engine misfiring. The contact and his father attempted to change the spark plugs. The contact stated that one of the spark plugs had seized and was unable to be removed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and 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 and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall repair or special programs. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that there was coolant leaking into cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, with the "Engine Fault Service Now” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed the contact was informed there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 21N12 and 19B37. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
Less than one month after purchasing this used vehicle from a dealership, the check engine light came on. A personal code reader showed the PO302 code. Upon inspection by the manufacturer dealer we were told that it has an engine coolant leak, known as coolant intrusion. The mechanic noted that the engine appeared to have parts replaced trying to rectify this issue (prior to our ownership) but that the only fix to this issue is engine replacement with a cost of around $9500. We were told this would be our cost as the manufacturer no longer replaces the engines under a previous satisfaction program. Now the vehicle is shuttering and has the permanent PO302 code and showing signs of consistent misfiring. Facts lead us to the fact that the previous owner did not resolve the issue and then the dealership put a vehicle on the lot that should not have been without a new engine as this was a pre-existing problem to our purchase.
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the low beam however, the low beam was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pigtail connectors and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2025
My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehicle. Multiple default code come up. P1016, p0365, p0299,p164D p0369,p0443,p0456,p1450. Brought it to the Ford dealership, upon inspection the diagnosis Evap system related disc on this line , tested evap system, found canister purge valve to be broken , tech notes that this is a non Oem part. Advised to replace purge valve and hose assembly. Also discovered that vacuum pump not pulling vacuum, advise to replace pump and reset. Upon removal of the vacuum pump, found pump cam lobe twisted off , vacuum pump is seized, cam replacement is seized , cam replacement will be required. Also both front axel boots are torn, spewing grease all over, recommend replacing both axels, leak p2 pinion value, left back axel leaking, both back brake rotors and pads worn 2mm in the red, coolant level low possible leak. Also is discovered that there was a non ford part purge valve that shouldn’t be there. Estimated cost is 8,500-9000 dollars could be more
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and could cause engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Power train, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH in the rainy weather, the vehicle lost motive power. The "Transmission Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) for which the VIN was included, had failed along with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable bushing had not caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact performed a diagnostic test and identified an engine misfire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
Good morning, I would like to discuss an issue concerning the Ford Motor Company and one of their many Technician Service Bulletins (TSB). I am a former auto technician now healthcare worker and had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a 2018 Ford Escape with 55k miles for my wife in 2023. The vehicle now has a check engine light on due to engine coolant leaking into the cylinders at 97k miles. After research I discovered Ford issued a limited time fix NOT a recall under the heading of TSB 19-2375 & TSB 21-N-12. The whole engine needs to be replaced and the Ford Motor Company will not pay for a flawed design. There seems to be multiple lawsuits due to many of these engines failing in different Ford Models. Why hasn't this been forced to be a recall? Many people are struggling as it is and a 7 thousand dollar repair is going to put me under. The people of this country including myself need the help of people with is voice. Please I am sinking here
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2024
Purge valve stuck open causing check engine light to come on. Same as current recall on Ford Focus 2012-2018 vehicles. Ford Escapes within the same time frame should be included in the recall. Every time I fill gas there is a hard turn on since beginning of December. Then check engine light came on and code P1450.
Engine, Dec 28, 2024
Car occasionally ran rough, engine light came on, code indicated a misfire so we changed the spark plugs and coils. No improvement, then suddenly while on the interstate, it was jumping and bucking and could barely run. Took it to a Ford dealer and they said it was a known problem with engine coolant leaks in Ecoboost engines but that they what $9,000 to replace it. This is not only reprehensible corporate irresponsibility but a safety issue, as my defective engine suddenly stopped working properly while I was driving in heavy high speed traffic.
Engine, Dec 28, 2024
Coolant leaking in the engine at 96k miles. Car locked up and is not drivable. Manufacture quoted me $8500 for the repairs.
Engine, Dec 28, 2024
Engine is exhibiting a P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire code and was taken to the Ford Dealership. Here, they stated the misfiring is due to a coolant leak that has seize the spark plug. The engine light has been on (periodically turning off) over the course of 3 weeks but the vehicle has not been driven much due to fear of stalling out in middle of drive/highway/road. Once the engine light started flashing it was towed to a Ford Dealership.
Engine, Dec 27, 2024
Coolant leaks into my engine’s cylinders, is causing cylinder misfire, overheating, engine corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, with high potential for the cylinder head cracking, total engine failure, and/or engine fires, according to my mechanic.
Engine, Dec 26, 2024
Engine design flaw with coolant channels caused coolant to leak into cylinder 3 causing misfire and rapid coolant loss.
Engine, Dec 26, 2024
Coolant leaked into engine and the vehicle now needs a new engine.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2024
APIM is not fuctional. Rear camera does not work, display does not work, stereo does not work. Resetting the system does not work. Fuses are all good, and electrical connections confirmed good. APIM issues have been an issue with this year of Ford.
Engine, Dec 20, 2024
Ford 2.0l EcoBoost engine has a design failure Ford has been aware of prior to 2019. My 2018 Ford Escape, I bought new with less then 45000 miles on it has failed due to this design where coolant is sucked into the #2 cylinder. I have contacted Ford, and they will not admit it their design failure. Ford also issues two technical service bulletins concerning this issue in 2019 where the recommend replacing the engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-2208 and 19-2346. I've contacted Ford and they are willing to pay for the labor but not the parts. This failure was caused by Ford and since I could do nothing to fix it nor did they inform me about the possible issue prior to the expiration of the 5-year warranty in 2023. I am having to foot a bill for something they knew about for years. This is consumer fraud.