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, Jul 8, 2026
defective engine block coolant intrusion into the cylinders engine shuts off during highway use. check engine light comes on before. i have taken it to ford dealership, it is a know defect, and they will not help with cost
Engine, Jul 7, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost has a dealer confirmed coolant intrusion failure. This is what is addressed in the 21N12 program customer satisfaction program. But my vin is not listed. But my engine has the identical engine failure. They told me I needed a new engine. I reached out to Ford and to y'all I have waited almost a year for a response. I need help please.
Engine, Jul 7, 2026
Coolant intrusion I now need a new engine Known problem by Ford who refuses to fix it I now owe on a car that I cannot drive
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver-side vent failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 78,200.
Engine, Jul 6, 2026
The suv had a coolant loss. After checking the oil it smelled like antifreeze and the antifreeze container smelled of gas mixed with antifreeze
Engine, Jul 4, 2026
Vehicle has a coolant intrusion issue which is a well known issue for this model and year. Reference campaign 21N12
Power train, Jul 3, 2026
The transmission has very harsh and delayed up shifts. It has been maintained by Ford since new. The transmission appears to be defective.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2026
Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leaks, and an authorized Ford dealership has confirmed that coolant is entering the engine, causing internal damage. The dealership noted that this matches the exact defect Ford has acknowledged in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 19-2375, TSB 20-2100, SSM 48106, SSM 48150) and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. However, I am told my specific VIN is excluded from coverage, leaving me financially responsible for a full engine replacement. This defect is a severe safety concern. It can cause sudden engine misfires, overheating, and a complete loss of power while driving, placing my family and other motorists at immediate risk. As a single mother rebuilding my life after leaving a domestic violence relationship, I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars to fix an inherent, manufacturer-acknowledged design flaw. The high volume of consumer complaints proves this is a widespread manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this further and require Ford to issue a full safety recall or extend coverage to all affected vehicles, regardless of VIN eligibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle catching on fire. Additionally, the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the spark plugs were replaced. Additionally, coolant was added to the reservoir, but the vehicle was losing coolant. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback, but later declined the offer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 1, 2026
The vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. While driving, the engine began to misfire and run rough, and the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing confirmed a cylinder misfire. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant was leaking internally into one or more cylinders due to engine coolant intrusion. The dealership advised that the manufacturer recommends replacing the engine short block rather than performing a head gasket repair because the underlying engine design is the cause of the failure. This condition creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose power, run unpredictably, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Continued operation also risks catastrophic engine failure. The condition has been confirmed by an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, symptoms included rough engine operation, a check engine light, and a confirmed cylinder misfire. The coolant intrusion was verified during the dealer's inspection. Based on the dealership's findings, this appears to be an internal engine defect rather than normal wear or maintenance-related failure.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
Coolant leak from engine block. Crack in engine block. Per Ford its a known issue on the 2018 escape model vehi les. Required full engine replacement by Ford. Paid for out of pocket, no warranty no recall when work completed in 2022.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
1. The engine developed a coolant intrusion failure. A Ford repair shop diagnosed coolant leaking into the engine, consistent with the known 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion issue. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection upon request. 2.The engine misfired and requires replacement due to internal coolant intrusion. An engine failure while driving could result in sudden loss of power or stalling, increasing the risk of a crash, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. 3. Yes. The problem was confirmed by a Ford dealer repair shop, which diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. The check engine light illuminated with the cylinder 1 misfire code before the diagnosis. I initially took it to an independent repair shop and got the spark plugs replaced. Then a week and a half later the CEL turned on again with the same code. In response, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership, where the engine was diagnosed with coolant intrusion.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers from engine misfires. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration and vehicle power in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roadways. Furthermore, the constant loss of engine coolant creates a severe risk of sudden engine overheating, cylinder head cracking, and catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle is in motion.The manufacturer is aware of this design defect via the certified class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor Co., but the dealership refused to offer goodwill assistance, quoting an exorbitant $17,000 for repair, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road in an unsafe, hazardous condition.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
Contaminated coolant system
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This has caused me a great deal of financial stress as I still pay on the vehicle auto loan and was quoted $12,000 for an engine replacement after already paying $2,000 to repair the original misfire. This needs to be recalled NOW!
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
2018 Ford Escape SE with a 1.5l Ecoboost engine is experiencing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This is a well documented flaw in the engine block for which the repairs are more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Service centers have validated the problem and the flaw has been redesigned in newer vehicles. The only problem reported by OBD2 data is cylinder misfire, indicative of a coolant breach of the head gasket and coolant usage under normal conditions.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
Head cracked and allowed coolant to intrude into the cylinders causing misfiring and white smoke to come out of the exhaust. Barely made it off the highway to a safe location as I was quickly loosing acceleration. Issue confirmed by Sames Ford dealership in Harlingen, TX (codes p0302 and p0303). They informed me that this is a known issue with this 1.5L Ecoboost motor in this vehicle. Vehicle is a total loss and I still owe a significant amount on the lease.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
Check-engine light related to code P0301 (misfire, cylinder 1). This is a known issue on many Ford engines, including the 2.0L ecoBoost in our Escape (with Titanium trim). Reference: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf
Engine, Jun 29, 2026
The engine failed due to coolant system leak. Ford is well aware of this issue but refuses to do a recall.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2026
2018 Ford Escape. I have had the car since 12/2024. Less then 22000 miles in it. In this time I have had 4 alignment done. First one was 2 day after getting car. I pulls to the left. Second was 2 weeks after the first one. Then drove my car with a trailer on it to [XXX]. I made it [XXX] and dropped my load in a storage because I could not control the car. I was so scared. What should have taken maybe 2 days took a week. That was a nightmare trip. Ok so now in [XXX] took it to car max and explained what happened. Alignment always out. Always pulls to left. Carmax had my car 3 days called me and said I need a Alignment and 4 new tires. I was like what I just drove from [XXX]. Gentlemen told me I shouldn't have drove that car with it like that. I said carmax in [XXX] a load me to. Car repair places just think we can drop of our car and say here. I don't have another car to us will that one in the shop. Now the forth was when I got back into [XXX] which was maybe 2 months later. So my car did a lot of sitting in the driveway when I was in nc. With this car u have to have your hands both on the wheel because if u hit a pot hole the car goes crazy. I have been drive for about 40 yrs and I'm from [XXX] where u can drive not legally but able to drive with your knee,eat with the left hand will putting on makeup with the right. I can't do that. I can't even take my eyes off the road because the car will go to the left and I'm not even steering that way. So anyone out there please help. This is my first Ford and it's been a nightmare. Plus less then 40000 I have had a new battery alternator and start put in. My window wipes don't work. Came on it never rains in [XXX] so what the. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 27, 2026
The cylinder block in the engine has a Crack in it caused by a coolant leak and overheating. Never signaled low coolant. Showed signs of overheating after diagnosis from auto shop. Drove perfectly normal until one day it didn't. All preventative maintenance including oil changes were completed when due and up to date. According to Ford, this is a known problem with the 2018 Ford Escape Eco boost engines. My Escape is not under recall, bur should be.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 26, 2026
My daughter was driving down the highway and the brakes all of sudden wouldn’t work. She narrowly avoided a collision and got the vehicle to a stop. We had it towed to My shop for inspection and turns out the vacuum pump went out without warning and causes power brakes to fail. I have fixed it and only 5 days later the the head gasket blew. I have received quotes from multiple dealerships. All say they that due to the year and the problems with the 1.5 liter block they have to replace the engine.
Engine, Jun 26, 2026
I take pride in keeping my vehicles maintained when needed. Out of nowhere, my vehicle with less than 70,000 miles on it began having a cylinder misfire. Now I’m faced with possibly having to get a new engine because of an apparently known defect for this engine. Ford won’t help and my dealership warranty has run out. But it is well documented that Ford knew about this defect but still sold these vehicles. Now I’m stuck with up to a $6,000 bill because Ford didn’t hold themselves accountable.
Engine, Jun 26, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited engine misfires, rough operation, and noticeable “jumping” or jerking when starting the engine and when shifting into reverse. Warning indicator lights were also present. These symptoms indicated unstable engine operation and raised concern for potential sudden loss of power or engine failure while operating the vehicle, which could create a safety risk in traffic. The condition was first diagnosed by an independent repair facility and later confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine and determined that complete engine replacement was required. The manufacturer, through its authorized dealership, inspected the vehicle and confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle is currently not safely operable due to the confirmed engine failure. Based on my understanding, Ford has previously acknowledged coolant intrusion concerns affecting certain 1.5L EcoBoost engines through Customer Satisfaction Programs. Although this specific vehicle was not included in that program, the dealership confirmed the same coolant intrusion failure.
Engine, Jun 25, 2026
My car engine overheated, the check engine light came on, and the "engine fault, service now" message popped up when I was driving to work. My local Ford dealership confirmed that there was coolant intrusion into the second cylinder bore of the engine of my vehicle. Thankfully, due to the gradual progression of the intrusion, the overheating didn't get to the point where it affected my safety or the safety of others. The problem is well-known in Escapes manufactured from 2015-19 in the Louisville, KY Ford plant, to the point that a customer satisfaction program 21N12 and technical service bulletin 22-2134 were issued. The vehicle was inspected by my local Ford dealership. For a few days before the incident, the (i) information symbol popped up and disappeared inconsistently both on my way to work and on the way home.