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, Dec 28, 2023
The system that had failed is the engine. According to the dealership where I took my car, which is the same dealership I purchased the car from, the engine has a coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 that has compromised the engine. There is a technical service bulletin [XXX] stating similar issues in Ford Escapes and my VIN # is not included in that service bulletin. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford dealership where I have taken my car. According to the service manager, many Ford Escapes have encountered similar issues. The vehicle is readily available for inspection at the Ford dealership. While driving, a temperature notification informed me of an issue, but the temperature gauge was not affected. A 2018 vehicle is excellent condition with only 78,516 should not have this kind of engine malfunction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns 2018 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was noticed that the vehicle had a coolant leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted by the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 PCM (Power Train Control Module) reprogramming. After the reprogramming was performed, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact was almost in a crash due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the PCM needed to be replaced before an additional diagnostic test was performed to determine if coolant had intruded into the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer initially stated that the cost of the repair would be fully covered; however, the contact was later informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 35,176.
Engine, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after the vehicle had received an oil change, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the airflow shutter actuator needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,932.
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
11/29/2023 Temperature light came on/reported hot, said please pull over when safe; I stopped shortly but was on a hill with vehicles behind me, and had to get to the top to pull off. (Within 1 minute); NO previous warnings or having to put additional antifreeze in the vehicle. The coolant in the reservoir was boiling; Called Tow Truck; took to Ford Dealer; several days later they informed me there was coolant in the engine; Option replace the engine for $9,300 and did not tell me this is a recurring issue with the 1.5l EcoBoost Engine; The vehicle is still at the dealership and is available for inspection; Ford knows about the issue and is not taking full responsibility for a design or manufacturing problem; If the engine just shuts down in front of other vehicles our safety is compromised; An engine fire or coolant reservoir explosion is possible. The coolant leak issue has been inspected and confirmed by Ford and the local dealership; Ford acknowledges there is a problem (Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 and stated they provided recall information in 2022 to all Ford Escape 1.5l EcoBoost Owners that Ford would replace the short block in the Escape at their cost; said it ended 11/30/2022. I NEVER received any recall information from FORD and my vehicle had 0 Unrepaired recalls. What happened? Ford should replace the engine at no cost to the owner because of the known recurring issue. Hundreds of complaints. This is a design or manufacturing issue! Escape owners need HELP with this issue from the NHTSA.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2023
At roughly 54600 miles the engine began to shudder badly when starting the vehicle and driving for the first minute or so. The vehicle produced a check engine light that would come on and then would go off within the same day after it was parked multiple times over several weeks, finally staying on for 2 days. Shuddering from the engine became significantly worse in that time and the check engine light began to flash while driving along with experiencing sudden loss of engine power. Took the vehicle to Ford who found the cause was a known defect causing coolant intrusion into the engine, requiring short block replacement new spark plugs, gaskets, etc. The vehicle was retained by Ford for over 3 weeks for this repair.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The 1.5L eco boost engine is causing coolant to leak into the engine. I need a new engine and can’t get one. It failed the block test. I will need to check and fill the antifreeze everyday until a recall is issued. This is a common problem from what I’ve read.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had illuminated. Additionally, coolant needed to be added to the vehicle more frequently than normal. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop sign, there was a large amount of white smoke coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle to allow the smoke to dissipate. The contact was able to push the vehicle back to the residence nearby. The contact stated that a mobile independent mechanic arrived and inspected the vehicle, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 60,100.
Power train, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
Coolant going into block and ford refuses to fix makes no since there was a customer satisfaction on this issue it ended . But I never got the paper work on this issue I would say people before me did .Ford customer service told me I should of been cking internet really it was a new car for me and now they want 6000 to fix . I don't understand cuz I did a recall and the 1.6 and 2.0 why did they not do a recall on the 1.5 that makes no sense to me I really wish somebody would explain it to me this problem has been with this motor since 2010 they recalled all of them but they won't recall this now I'm lost please help me I'm done with that a car now for a month nobody is willing to help I have an extended warranty they won't help because they said that Ford should fix it cuz it's their default. But it doesn't make any sense that you got it somebody recalls all the other ones but not the 1.5 and now they're recalling 2020
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle was shuddering while driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle a week later, the vehicle stalled and was undrivable. The vehicle remained in the driveway. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact's son attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,024. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired.
Engine, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant level was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder, and that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
In 2023 at around 90,000 miles on our 2018 Ford Escape started leaking coolant into the engine cylinder. To resolve the issue, the long block needs to be replaced placing substantial financial burden on us. Ford has indicated that we do not qualify for any financial assistance and the engine replacement cost for our 5 year old car falls entirely on us.
Engine, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on one occasion while in reverse(R), the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an unknown speed two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Dec 6, 2023
Engine coolant is leaking into the cylinder head, causing misfire and low coolant level.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "High Temperature - Stop Engine" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle temporarily. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. 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 119,388.
Power train, Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged cylinder #2, requiring the replacement of the engine long block. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the head gasket. 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 a case was opened. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and nearly stalled. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle hesitated before driving forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinders and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulleting: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 100,131.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a coolant odor coming into the cabin while the vehicle idling or running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
I had vehicle checked by a mechanic about check engine light. There are no problems with vehicle. It seems to run a bit rough but drives well. Coolant was low and refilled. I believe dealership wants to trade in to sell new car. Wont be shopping ford vehicles
Engine, Nov 25, 2023
FSA -21N12 failed causing engine to need to be replaced.the car had a extended warranty on this model but because it's 400 miles over it Ford corporation refused to help me with the repairs which is 12000.00 they knew this model had problems is why they added the extended warranty but refused to help me now .now I owe for a car i can't drive
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat, and the steering wheel became firm. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle eventually became inoperable. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed a fluid leak and smoke coming from the muffler. The triangle master warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure an advised the contact to have a diagnostic test performed. The failure mileage was approximately 97,342.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle eventually failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to indicate that the engine was overheating, displaying a message reading "Stop Vehicle Immediately". The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to let the vehicle cool down. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. 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 but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.