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, Jun 24, 2024
Engine coolant leaks that ford is not covering
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that cylinder #2 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed again with a failure within cylinder #2, due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that cylinder #2 needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failure of cylinder #2 due to coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that due to the coolant intrusion and the repeated cylinder #2 failure, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,617.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and making an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer at slow speeds. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had leaked into an unknown valve and into the pistons, causing engine damage. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2024
While driving 70 mph on the interstate, the check engine light came on and the brakes went out and the car died. It was moved to the shoulder and towed to Jarrett Ford (Charlotte Co FL). They diagnosed it with fluids have leaked into the engine and now the engine needs replacing. I am of course 1,300 miles outside of warranty. Upon researching engine troubles, this seems to be a recurring issue in Ford Escapes. I contacted Ford and they refuse to help me. $7300 is a lot of money for a non profit animal rescue to come up with.
Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
Check engine light came on with a P0302 code, indicating misfire. Took it to the dealer that verified coolant intrusion, indicating 21N12. Mileage exceeding the allowable coverage under 21N12, but it was covered by an extended warranty. In addition to having the short block replaced, the wiring harness and PCM were soaked with oil, requiring additional replacement of both. A month prior, the flex plate also failed and required replacement under warranty.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC code: P201, indicating there was moisture in the cylinder. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,347.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to idle rough with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Jun 19, 2024
On the 1st of this month (June 2024), my check engine light came on. we took it to our local auto shop and had a diagnosis ran on it to see what the problem was. We were told that a p303 code was what showed up. I took it to a local mechanic who replaced the spark plug and ignition coil. The next day, it threw the same code again. Same mechanic replaced it all again. The code popped up again. Took it to another mechanic who then told us take it to Ford as it had a blown head casket and our coolant was leaking into the combustible engine. I took it to Ford and they acknowledged it was an ongoing issue with this make and model of vehicle. We had ford diagnose the vehicle themselves and are now telling us that we have to replace the whole engine. We found online there are over 500 people having the same issues as we are. I was warned that if i continue to drive it, my engine can literally catch fire at this point. It is definitely a safety concern for all who drive an escape. Also my vehicle doesn't even have 100k miles on it yet. I am suprized that there hasnt already been a recall on this motor yet seeing as how many people are having this same issue.
Seat belts, Jun 19, 2024
The passenger side seat belt anchor bolt which fastens the bottom of the seat belt to the vehicle failed. The anchor bolt rotted on the interior of the vehicle. We had no warning of any kind. Vehicle was taken to dealer where we purchased it and looked at. This is when we were informed that this failure would not be covered by any type of warranty. We were informed that the vehicle was past it's base warranty and that the extended warranty, which we purchased, would not cover the seat belt. Luckily this failed in the morning when my wife was leaving to take our daughter to school and go to work, so the vehicle was not in motion. We contacted Ford numerous times and were informed that the seat belt would not be covered.
Power train, Jun 19, 2024
Coolant intrusion problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, she noticed a slight vibration in the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted for over a year and recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
The motor blew. Dealer confirmed no compression in cylinder 2 and damage to the top and bottom of the head requiring the motor to be replaced. I was accelerating onto the freeway going uphill when I lost acceleration. The car went into "limp mode". I had no warning lights until the vehicle lost power at which time the service engine soon light illuminated and flashed intermittently. Evidently it's a known issue with this engine and a service advisory was issued but nothing was done to proactively prevent the issue. My vehicle is less than 6 years old and was under 75,000 miles.
Engine, Jun 17, 2024
This vehicle was purchased in 2018 new. In 2020, due to engine misfiring/recall a new engine was installed.. On June 10, 2024, the vehicle started misfiring and running sluggish. Took the vehicle on June 11, 2024 for a diagnostic test. The test showed that the number two cylinder was bad. It was suggested I buy a coil and spark plugs and they were installed on June 12, 2024.The vehicle still runs badly so it has been parked since June 12, 2024. I reached out to a Ford dealership and they agreed to come and fix the vehicle, but they only did the recall on the transmission. I was also informed to bring the car to their shop.
Engine, Power train, Jun 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,148.
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the clutch plate and flex plate needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
The contact's sister owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding noise coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a damaged bushing. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Jun 16, 2024
My 2018 ford escape began running strangely intermittently. No warning lights and it would only last less than a minute Some time later, it started slow starting on cold starts. No warning lights Eventually the engine light came on. Diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 2. Had all 4 spark plugs and two coils replaced The engine light came back on and the car was routinely starting slow. About 2 days later the overheating warning came on and the coolant was low
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 16, 2024
May or may not be related but three different warnings came up within a 30 minute period while driving: Hill Start Assist Fault, Anti-lock Brake Fault and Parking Aid Sensor Fault. Note, I have been driving for months with proximity sensor out. Cause is currently unknown, I hope to get it into a garage this week.
Engine, Jun 15, 2024
My 2018 ford sel 1.5 ecoboost constantly looses coolant. No leaks of coolant seen anywhere. And a smell of coolant is now coming from the rear of car. I also had a cylinder 3 misfire.
Engine, Jun 14, 2024
Coolant leak into engine.
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
The engine design used for my car and multiple other makes of Ford have a common problem of leaking coolant into the engine cylinder. After having it diagnosed at the Ford dealership, I was told that I would need a completely new engine because there is no fix and there is no recall for my specific vehicle, but funnily enough, for similar ones with the same issue. I was told that because it was made at X factory instead of Y factory, mine wasn’t included in the recall issued. If it’s an engine design flaw why does it matter what factory it was built in? Anyways, I’m glad I now know my engine is unusable because I had no engine light warning. I just started it one morning and noticed that it was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust and I had no coolant when I looked at the engine. I’m sure driving a vehicle without any knowledge it was out of coolant or had a crack in the cylinder is a massive safety issue not only to myself but to others on the road with me.
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
This is an update to complaint 11594178 regarding the coolant intrusion issue for cylinder 3 in 2018 1.5l Ecoboost. Customer Relations Case number: cxh02238478. Consumer to dealership who recommended speaking to customer relations regarding the engine replacement due to the coolant in the cylinders. Consumer spoke to customer relations at manufacturer who reported that consumers VIN does not have a customer satisfaction program. Consumer directed customer relations to the Ford Pass/recall/CSP webpage which lists CSP program. Customer relations reported that vehicle is out of the mileage and the date for that program, and consumer requested information on how to appeal, as vehicle is within the years span of the CSP, and consumer did not receive notice of this being a known issue until after the safety concern of vehicle losing power and overheating and shaking while driving. Manufacturing customer relations reported that NHTSA controls when CSPs are allowed or called for, even though manufacturers determine the length of time and if the program will be conducted. Manufacturers customer relations also reported the notice of the CSP would have been sent from NHTSA, not the manufacturer, after consumer reiterated that no such notice was received for the time frame allotted for this to be addressed. Manufacturers directed consumer to file a complaint with NHTSA and to ask NHTSA about manufacturers CSP and it's requirements. Customer relations reported that there is no allotted CSP or support for consumer regarding long block replacement, as the CSP is also specific to the short block, but due to the nature of the issue and the damage caused by the engine design, the dealership service center is recommending a motor replacement. Manufacturers customer team reported no other follow up can be completed to address the safety concern or assist in fixing the vehicle, but reported many other consumers were experiencing the same issue, and to call back if there are updates.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the check engine warning light returned on the drive back to the residence from the mechanic. After the check engine warning light appeared, the vehicle began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal while driving at 35 MPH. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle to the destination. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle back to the independent mechanic the next day, and the vehicle began to overheat as the "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely" message appeared on the instrument panel while driving at 25 MPH. After multiple attempts to restart the vehicle, the failure persisted. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a crack in the cylinder head. The crack resulted in an internal coolant leak which damaged the engine. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
I got in my car on June 2, 2024, the car was misfiring really bad. I took it to a mechanic on June 3, 2024 to get oil changed and checked to see why it was misfiring and the check engine light. They told me that I had cylinder 2 misfire and misfire on start up. They stated that I need a new head gasket. I then took to the ford dealer and they stated the same codes were reported and I needed a brand new engine. The dealership did inform me that there was a 1 time replacement on a part at a certain mileage or until June 2022. I never received this notice to get it replaced.