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, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2024
Went to start vehicle in morning after it had been sitting overnight. temperature gauge went all the way to red immediately and alert on dash said do not drive vehicle and turn engine off immediately. had it towed to dealer and they advised coolant was leaking which caused blown head gasket. only fix is to replace engine which will cost more than vehicle is worth
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started leaking fluid. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to a cracked fuel line. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed and there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that she replaced the coolant reservoir herself, and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the coolant evaporated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a coolant leak had caused damage to the timing belt, the pin, and the head gasket. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred six months later. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The contact stated that she added coolant to the vehicle and drove to AutoZone, and a significant amount of coolant had poured out onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Mar 11, 2024
The day after paying off my wife's 2018 Escape with 102,000 miles on it started telling us to pull over while driving on the highway because the engine was getting hot We pulled over and it went away. The next time we drove it our daughter was driving with our grandson in the car and it would not go more than a mile or two without overheating. We took it to be looked at by a local mechanic and was told that these regularly have head gasket problems, that was the problem with ours and we would have to replace the engine for about $10,000.00. A quick call to the Ford dealer and a perusal of the internet confirmed what the mechanic stated. I see information about the faulty head gaskets on the 1.0 liter engines, when I look on line I see at least as many customer complaints about the 1.5 liter engine in the escapes. These engines both have the same faulty wet sleeve design that is going to fail prematurely. Why isn't Ford being forced to address the dangerous engines in the escapes as well as the ecosport?
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 11, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Mar 9, 2024
Check engine light came on for misfire. Odaniel Ford in New Haven, Indiana confirms coolant intrusion. Short block needs replace for $6800.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the cylinders. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Wheels, Mar 7, 2024
Lug nuts have deformed and cannot be removed with standard lug nut wrench supplied with car. Have to be removed by a mechanic and replaced with new lug nuts which if from Ford only bend again.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the High Engine Temperature message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle had exceeded the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine, Mar 6, 2024
My check engine light came on and I brought my 2018 Ford Escape to a mechanic. I then learned that coolant was leaking into the engine and causing the spark plugs to misfire. Ford had a bulletin on this issue but refused to perform any repairs on it (they recommended a full engine replacement). I contacted both Ford's customer service line and spoke to the service department at the dealership. Both said they could do nothing to help. I researched this issue and discovered that it is common in this make and model. I do not wish to pay the $10,000 it would cost to replace the engine on my own. I fear that this vehicle may overheat and fail for me on the highway with the loss of engine coolant or the misfire of the spark plugs.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and a burning odor was detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump and timing belt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure persisted, and the vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle exceeded the mileage limitations. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Mar 5, 2024
This was a company leased vehicle that I bought in 2023. It was never in an accident, and I had it in for the regular maintenance every 7,000 miles as directed by my company. Car crossed over to 100,000 miles and started making a loud rattling noise near the engine. Took it to a local Goodyear who believed it was a cracked or damaged Flywheel. They have dealt with several problems with this make and model for the flywheel issue. They suggested I bring it to the dealer and have the dealer diagnose. Dealer confirmed the flywheel was cracked. During this time, I was able to confirm a November 2022 recall was conducted for the same year for the Ford Edge and again for the Ford Fusion and MKZ models, for the flywheel issue. Customer Satisfaction Program number 22N12. I believe the Ford Escape Flywheel issue should be connected to this recall.
Power train, Engine, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts and the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown transmission part had failed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the transmission fluid was flushed, and the failure ceased. The contact stated that the check engine warning light later illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission fluid was abnormally dark. The transmission specialist replaced the valve control assembly, the solenoid valve blocks, the clutch drum 3-4-5. Additionally, the transmission fluid was flushed, and the transmission was reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for repairs to reimbursed. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the radiator was repaired. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 27, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine
Engine, Feb 24, 2024
Car is experiencing coolant intrusion into cylinder of engine. Ford dealership in Orlando Florida is saying engine needs to be replaced. I'm reading that this issue is very common with this car. It was a safety hazzard for us because the car was running rough on a very busy highway. Had it towed to dealership.
Power train, Engine, Feb 23, 2024
The flex plate cracked in four places. I have images showing the cracks on the flex plate. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages, only a percussive tapping sound caused by the cracked flex plate. This issue could cause loss of control of the vehicle leading to an accident.
Power train, Feb 21, 2024
Vehicle made rattling noise that was evaluated as a heat shield 2 months ago . Vehicle began acting sluggish on acceleration finally refusing to travel over 15mph then stopping completely on road. Vehicle then rolled backward when in a forward gear ( automatic transmission) Transmission has been evaluated as " blown" $4,430.00 for rebuilt transmission from Ford Motor Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE : Lebanon Ford in Lebanon NH has disconnected our ability to service our vehicles at their facility. Leaving a [XXX] young lady to deal with this on the side of the road ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough idling, with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was examined by the local mechanic who determined there was coolant inside the cylinder #3, which caused severe engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 19, 2024
I have ford escape 2018 S and I bought the car from koons ford silver spring MD. It is unfortunate whenever I drive the car for long hours ; suddenly the acceleration declines and the vehicle loose its power. And a strange click sound comes up and the check engine light on. Once I parked the car and the car cool down --the warning system disappear. I tried to contact the dealership and I was told my vehicle is not on recall list despite my vehicle have the same symptom--I bought this car very expensive and handle it with care and the car has only 5900 miles on it. Appreciate if you guys could investigate the case .
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE - I've owned this car for exactly 6 years tomorrow (2/20/24). It has 106k on the odometer. It's almost paid off and Ford tells me the coolant issue will be $10k to repair which is more than the car is worth, more than I owe on the car. They'll give me $500 to salvage it. Ford knows about this issue but won't cover it because my car is over 80k. Ridiculous. I will never buy another Ford product again.
Engine, Feb 16, 2024
this car had an engine light go off and there was a cylinder 2 misfire. When I brought it into the dealership they said that there is a known issue that the coolant is intruding into the motor. Ford knows about this as a problem and has a faulty design and avoided telling people about it. I only realized the thousands of people who are being put at risk of the engine blowing while driving it down the road. My car was not the only one at the dealership with the same exact problem. These cars need to be recalled and corrected
Engine, Feb 15, 2024
Prior to this, my had no issues and I had been driving it all day. When coming home from some errands, the engine light suddenly came on and and then my car began shutting off on the highway. We were in the middle lane with cars going 70 miles a hour with no power in our own car, putting us in extreme danger. We were able to get it to the side of the highway and go through a series of starting it, having it run for a mile or so, and then having the engine shut down again. We were able to get it to a Ford dealership and it was inspected. Our garage immediately knew to look at the coolant cylinder to see if it was cracked and leaking as they have seen this issue multiple times. It was, in fact, cracked and coolant was leaking into our engine. Both a Ford representative and the dealership confirmed this is an issue with multiple of these engines but no recall has been enacted. They suggested we write a complaint to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2024
Coolant intrusion into motor. Coolant leak causing multiple misfires and my vehicle to lose power while driving and not to over 30mph. I have had the spark plugs, injectors, and coil packs all changed and problem persisted. Taking my car back to mechanic a test was done and there is coolant in the pistons.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
Coolant has leaked into my engine block causing damage to the engine. I have brought my car into the dealership on 3 different occasions with the same issue only to be told that something else was wrong with my vehicle. The first time I brought my vehicle in, it was covered (unknown to me) by a special service bulletin. I believe that I was intentionally misled so that the repair would not have to be covered. The first incident was on or around 2/1/23, the second incident was on or around 5/1/23, the third around 10/1/23 and most recently on 2/13/24