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.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2024
We purchased this 2018 Ford Escape new. The headlights have burned out many times, and much sooner than normal. What is really a mystery is that many times the low beams will burn out together. This is typically rare as one will burn out and then the other will continue to work for a while. We always replace them in pairs. The local shop changed them out most of the times and they only work for a few months to about six months on average. It is a very strange situation. They will stop working and then will sometimes begin working again, leading me to believe it is not a bulb issue as much as its an electrical issue. We keep checking to see if there is a safety recall as this is very unsafe when they stop working together at night while driving. There are many comments on websites and blogs so we know we are not alone. This is just one of the problems. This vehicle, driven mildly and maintained perfectly on schedule, with most service done at the local Ford dealer service center, has experienced both engine and transmission failure in the low 90k miles. Fortunately, we purchased coverage that took care of those. But we are told that our CNA bumper to bumper warranty does not cover head light issues. I think Ford should pay to have this vehicle examined, to determine what is wrong with the headlight wiring and pay for the repair to restore it to safe operation .
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally but returned to normal functionality afterward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 had caused a misfire. 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 referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2024
Total engine failure and rebuild due to faulty head gasket component from ford. Vehicle went from running good to all of a sudden having smoke when starting, engine light came on. Immediately had inspected and was told total head gasket/engine failure.
Power train, Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and felt bouncy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,018.
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
1.5L Short Block Coolant Intrusion to Cylinder "19B37" Customer Satisfaction was Performed in January 2020 with 65,000 miles on it. We bought car in June of 2020 now with 105,000 miles on it needs a Motor Per Dealer. They won't cover it Being it's out of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 its Still within 7yrs but not 84,000 milage. When we bought it we were UNAWARE of issues before Purchase.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine, 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 and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
The coolant leaks into the engine's cylinders. This is a known issue by the manufacturer for all 2018 Ford Escapes. Engine failure can occur at anytime while operating the vehicle. The engine light will come on and in one instance there was an engine failure message on the dash.
Engine, Sep 30, 2024
Coolant leaked into the engine causing it to overheat requiring the engine to be replaced. This was a known defect by Ford regarding this year Escape
Power train, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle functioned normally. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was hesitating while shifting to the next gear, and occasionally slipped out of the intended gear while driving at various speeds. The contact stated there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the vehicle whenever the transmission slipped out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coil packs and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Sep 29, 2024
A warning signal came on in my FORD Escape indicating a problem with the head gasket or head of the engine. I am NOT complaining about a fire possibility, but I have heard of this as being and issue. I am complaining about the head or head gasket being a problem, according to the vehicle's computer warning system. I contacted FORD and was told that if my vehicle was under seven years old, which it is, or under 84,000 miles, which it is not(@89,000), FORD would do a CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPAIR. FORD's customer service told me that they would do nothing. This vehicle is my fifth FORD. My last FORD was an F-150. When I retired that vehicle, it had almost 200,000 miles on it. My other vehicle is a DODGE Caravan, with just shy of 200,000 miles. My only point is that I always take care of my vehicle. I have never had any serious issues with my vehicles, save this one. Is there any mandates for the repairs of this vehicle? Thank you for your attention. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 28, 2024
Coolant leaking from between cylinders in engine causing it to overheat. This is a known issue by Ford in engines manufactured within a certain time frame. Problem occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. Ford knows about this issue. Check engine light turned on the day before and then the next day the car would fail to start and was overheating
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 28, 2024
I have a 2018 ford escape only like 100,000 has engine gone due to coolant leak. In research I saw ford has ignored this issue from day one to its customers. I have 2018 ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost. Ford has had one recall also with the transmission bushings that were repaired at 80,000. car ran bad since recall repaired of transmission bushings. Ford has deceived consumers with its engine failure and coolant leaks, with its fraudulent deceptive practices.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that despite the warning light, the vehicle was still safe to drive. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was a misfire in engine cylinder#1. While the contact was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and after months of negotiations, the dealer, the manufacturer, and the contact all partially paid for an engine replacement. Recently, the contact was informed that vehicle was losing coolant. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested a vehicle buy back. The contact continued driving the vehicle; however, the vehicle shut off while driving 60 MPH with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The contact immediately notified the manufacturer and was later informed that the buyback request had been denied. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test to be performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3. The contact was then provided an estimate to replace the engine. The contact was referred to the manufacturer who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Power train, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, shuddered, and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and exceeding 30 MPH. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The recall repair was previously performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough idling and was sputtering while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a message that the engine was overheating, and to urgently stop the vehicle safely was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 was misfiring due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not covered due to the mileage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,900.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2024
I was taking off and i had a warning sign that my hood was opened and nobody didn't even touch the hood
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound detected. The transmission default warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall coverage for the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
Coolant leaking into cylinder 3 causing engine issues. Problem occurred 3 times in the last 6-7 months. Less than 100k miles
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
Check engine light came on. Brought to dealership and told Long Block replacement needed under TSB 22-2229. Manufactured defect of block is root cause. Ford nor dealership are helping at all. This is a manufactured defect that was known to dealership at time of sale. There was no information relayed. Ford has multiple vehicles with recall for same issue but not mine.
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
While sitting in my car at idle in park, the car cuts off after 20 minutes or so. At this point, the car will not restart, and it seems that the battery is dead. It did not respond to an attempted jump start, however. On the first occasion the car restarted normally after approximately 1 hour. It has been starting and running fine since then. . On the second occurrence, today, the car shut off while idling in park. It has been 1.5 hours. since auto shutoff left me stranded. The car finally started. I have on occasion put a car ( this is a new one) in park when stopped in traffic.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 19, 2024
I bought a 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost as the 2 or 3rd owner. There were no recalls I checked and also did a carfax when I bought the car 7/4/2024. I was driving the car and all of a sudden the car slows itself down from 50mph to 5mph and give me a warning car is overheating. Got to side of road safely and took to the mechanic he then told me about fords customer satisfaction program but since I have 95k miles my car does not qualifiy as they only gave 4 months to people with 84k miles to get fixed free if you are over they will nto fix. I did not own the car when they sent this out in 2022 and there was nothing made public about this engine isssue they are aware of. I am still sore from the seat belts locking up and have neck issues. this car sits in my garage as a paperweight now.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinders #1 and #2, and the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 62,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the vehicle during cold starts. The failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test showed that there was coolant intrusion into engine cylinder #4. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the facility where it remained. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.