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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2024
The engine has a coolant leak and has made my car not properly functional. Have taken it in multiple time for repairs same issue would happen now they won't fix it because of a specific code is not reading but exactly what's going on they won't fix because it's over the milage coverage confidently.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to let the vehicle cool down. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact's husband observed oil mixed in the coolant reservoir. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, May 30, 2024
Coolant intrusion to engine causing all coolant to drain
Power train, Engine, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program because the mileage had been exceeded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, May 29, 2024
I brought my 2018 Ford Escape in for a fuel purge valve issue and the dealership Geweke Ford returned my car to me to put together all the way and with a cylinder misfire. I took the car back to the dealership and they say I now have coolant in my motor. They refuse to take responsibility for the issue which is a common issue with the Eco Boost engines and they know. I replace an engine for my 2015 Ford Edge for the same issue. I contacted Ford Corporate and they tell me to work with the dealership and will not help me out. I still have not got a detail quote from the dealer as Ryan the service coordinator will not work with me and was extremely rude to my wife and the Ford Rep. The service manager Josh will not do anything. I tried to ask if they will trade in and they told me they dont buy Ford Escapes especially that year and will engine issues. With multiple class action lawsuits for the ecoboast engines including Miller VS Ford. Ford should have to do the right thing and take care of these engines they built.
Engine, May 28, 2024
My car began running rough upon start a few weeks ago. After pressing the gas pedal, it would smooth out a little. I took it to my normal mechanic to get it looked at and the engine coolant was low. The reason was that coolant had been intruding into the engine block. This is a KNOWN ISSUE to Ford on 2017-2019 Escapes and other models. This issue puts people at risk for breakdowns. The engine can apparently overheat without warning. My mechanic filled the coolant and pressurized the system and the car started and idled the same way, which is to say roughly. It had been starting that way and running rough up hills for a few weeks, but the check engine lamp only came on recently.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under an unknown Manufacturer's Extended Warranty Campaign related to the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.
Engine, May 25, 2024
I’m at 87,000 miles and all of a sudden my check engine light comes on it reads misfire. I take it in have new spark plugs Put in next week my check engine light comes on again. We check the oil now I have coolant leaking into my cylinders and oil. It never overheated nor have I had any other issues. It is non-drivable and I owe $24000 on it. I read online that others have had this same situation.
Engine, May 25, 2024
Coolant leaking into motor
Engine, May 25, 2024
Check engine like came on and I took the vehicle to the dealership the next day. I was told there was coolant leak into the cylinders and I need a new engine. Cost $9000
Engine, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion which caused a misfire in cylinders #1 and #2 from a crack in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated driving approximately 65 MPH, the high engine temperature warning illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact checked the coolant level and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. 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 103,000.
Engine, May 17, 2024
Issue related to Technical Service Bulletin 21-2269 issued on 08 September 2021. My 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion into the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. There are many similar stories of this particular engine failing and many cases of the engine igniting. Ford has not responded appropriately to the claim. My check engine light came on at 101,000 miles. I immediately brought my vehicle to the local mechanic and the mechanic diagnosed code p0301 cylinder 1 misfired and p0316 misfired on startup. The mechanic referred me to the TSB above and explained that the only resolution was to replace the engine. Ford issued a service call for these engines to install a coolant sensor which has shown to be an inactive remedy. Vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engines should be recalled because they are hazardous to regular traffic. After investigating this matter on the web, I've discovered numerous related stories with this issue. This issue puts all operators, passengers, and other motor vehicles at imminent risk. I recall changing my engine oil around 75,000 miles and the oil had a greenish hue to it which I can now confidently assume was engine coolant. I was not made aware by of the known coolant intrusion into the engine issue though Ford claims to have notified all registered vehicle owners. Ford is aware of the design flaw and has not responded appropriately to this defect. Fellow 1.5L Ecoboost owners have referred me to a class-action lawsuit being taken against Ford pertaining to this issue. I have contacted Ford to privately recoup the cost(s) for related financial damages and I am told the customer has sole responsibility once the warranty of 84,000 or 7 years has been reached. Thank you for your prompt investigation into this matter, I look forward to hearing that NHTSA and Ford will issue a total recall to all 2014-2019 1.5L Ecoboost Ford Fusions and 2017-2019 1.5 L Ecoboost Ford Escapes to keep highway traffic safe.
Engine, May 17, 2024
Engine experienced a catastrophic failure of coolant leakage into #3 cylinder over time. Condition got so bad to the point while driving, the engine suddenly lost all power and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately we were on a quiet street. If this would have occurred entering a busy interstate, we could have been struck by speeding cars causing a life threatening accident. Upon research into this condition, this is a known design flaw/defect with the engine block coolant passages on Ford Ecoboost 1.5L engines. We read the condition could possible cause fires or more severe engine failure at moments when the car is operating at high speeds on the interstate. A recall needs to be issued before this known defect causes someone to lose their life.
Power train, May 16, 2024
Transmission started stuttering around 40 to 50mph. The transmission had to be rebuild because of issue.
Engine, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and the oil level appeared normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while the contact’s son was stopped at an intersection, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that engine oil was present in the coolant and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Engine, May 15, 2024
Dead in drive way no warning, got it running and had no power at all had it put on trailer and taken to local Ford engine cataropic failure due to coolant intrusion verified by Ford technician instructed replace motor and all associated one time use parts still in back lot open repair order.
Engine, May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, with the engine misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. In addition, the contact was informed of the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37, however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the engine temperature warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge rose to HOT. Additionally, when the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and cooled down on the third occasion, the engine temperature warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she observed black smoke emanating from the exhaust, after which the vehicle stalled and was not able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Engine, May 9, 2024
Coolant has leaked into cylinders 2 and 3 in my engine. The mechanic said this is a “common problem” with this vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, a message indicating that the vehicle was overheating and to pull over, was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact stated that upon checking the coolant level, she found there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir and drove to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after the first failure. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the vehicle was restarted, but the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant temperature sensor and short block needed to be replaced. The coolant temperature sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Seat belts, May 8, 2024
Driver seat belt will not latch, takes several tries to finally latch in place. SAFTEY CONCERN!