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, Nov 20, 2023
Coolant Intrusion and it available for inspection. The vehicle suddenly started to overheat while on the freeway, slowing the vehicle down from 75th, down to 10, leaving me stranded for hours in “Limp Mode.” The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was confirmed to have the coolant intrusion. The vehicle is available for inspection by the manufacturer. The check engine light appears, along with message Check Engine Failure and has been happening since August 2023.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated and idled very roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the rough idling with the check engine warning light had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the short block 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 Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion in the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
Need new engine block. First issue was with A C/S: VEHICLE TOWED IN. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT - CHECK AND ADVISE 59FOZ REPLACE ENGINE EVAP VALVE - AUTH#A211102572- at 43,012 miles. Second incident was at 64,309 miles -- A C/S: CUSTOMER STATES WHEN SITTING AT RED LIGHT , WHEN VEHICLE IDDLE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF INTERMITTLEY AND SOMETIME IT WILL PUDDLE LIKE NOT GAS 00 AUTH#A230602080 - WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CEXT 2108 CEXT 2432.00 2432.00 1 DS7Z*6256*A SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 100.83 100.83 100.83 1 DS7Z*6256*B SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 136.50 136.50 136.50 2 4M5Z*6M282*A BOLT - OIL SUPPLY 9.17 9.17 18.34 1 CN1Z*6M280*F SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 70.67 70.67 70.67 1 CN1Z*6M280*E SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 48.83 48.83 48.83 1 BE8Z*6A340*A BOLT 3.60 3.60 3.60 1 DS7Z*6584*B GASKET - VALVE ROCKER ARM COVE 5.95 5.95 5.95 5 XO*5W20*BSP OIL - ENGINE 4.29 4.29 21.45 1 BM5Z*2A572*A GASKET - VACUUM PUMP 3.18 3.18 3.18 1 *W717236*S300 RING 0.81 0.81 0.81 1 DS7Z*9229*B KIT - "O" RING 13.84 13.84 13.84 PARTS: 424.00 LABOR: 2432.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 2856.00 64309 DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED FAILED VCT SOLENOIDS AND CAM PHASERS. REPLACED TIMMING BELT AND ROAD TESTED OK **************************************************** B MULTI POINT INSPECTION 99P ADDITIONAL PART NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CP 0.00 0.00 1 BE8Z*6268*C BELT - TIMING 83.33 83.33 83.33 1 MU2Z*6731*A KIT - ELEMENT & GASKET - OIL F 8.18 8.18 8.18 00 MISC 2106 ISP (N/C) 1 BM5Z*6312*A PULLEY - CRANKSHAFT (N/C) PARTS: 91.51 LABOR: 0.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE B: 91.51 and on September 20, 2023 engine failure requiring new engine block at 68,000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact's brother opened the coolant cap and topped off the coolant. The contact thought there might have been an air in the unit. While her father was driving the vehicle, the engine overheated. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the coolant reservoir was empty and topped off the coolant. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine fault service message was displayed. The contact had a friend check the vehicle and had retrieved unknown codes. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there was coolant intrusion and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact opened the hood and noticed the engine was not hot to the touch and that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that a month prior the check engine warning light had illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with coolant intrusion and a cracked engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown TSB did not apply to the vehicle and had already expired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2023
Gas goes fast, The canister purge valve? My engine light stays on.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 28 MPH, the vehicle became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2023
The fuel injector system needs to be replaced. Last year my vehicle had the short block replaced with the "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12" Some of the parts that should have been inspected included the fuel injector O ring kit and tubes. A year later after my engine had been overheating and was replaced. Now, the fuel injector system needs to be replaced. There are 1 reasons why the system would need to be replaced. 1 due to contamination and 2 due to over heating of the engine. Due to Fords faulty coolant system my engine was overheating for who knows how long until the coolant was completely depleted and running into the cylinders. Now my fuel injector system is leaking due to the overheated engine and ford will not repair.
Engine, Nov 13, 2023
Coolant intrusion with mil code p0301(misfire on cylinder one).Low coolant
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 11, 2023
About 20 months ago and at 120,000 miles my transmission blew and I filed a report with you. This time about 2 months ago my engine started shaking when being started, and according to my local Ford dealership, my engine block is either cracked or has a warped cylinder head. Either way the entire engine needs to be replaced. It now has 140,000 miles on it. In addition to this, I have had several other things go wrong with my vehicle over the same time frame. I cannot afford spend $8,000.000 for a new engine right now, and my experience also tells me that this will not be the end of the major repairs either. Right now I have a $35,000.00 (original price) boat anchor. Repair information to be provided upon request.
Power train, Nov 10, 2023
In Oct 2023, I received a transmission fault warning on my car after my car began having issues after the start up to kick in to gear to drive. When I took it to the Ford dealership to be serviced for a diagnostic test, they told me there was metal in my transmission and I would need a new transmission at a cost of more than $8,000. Considering my car is 5 years old, I bought it brand new from the dealer and only has 34,000 miles and was just serviced in June 2023 and I have regularly had maintenance at least twice per year since I bought the car, I find this appalling that I am having such a significant repair required. Transmissions can last up to 200,000 miles and I am nowhere near that amount. I’ve never been in a wreck with this car and it was just serviced. My safety is at risk because my car needs a new transmission and is dangerous to drive. The Ford transmission is faulty and should be taken under consideration for review for major safety concerns. I as the customer should not need to put my family’s safety at risk nor should I have to cover this cost when Ford’s parts are faulty and of low quality.
Engine, Nov 10, 2023
Motor repeatedly overheats causes coolant to boil, burning smell, coolant smell, leaves me stuck along highways and roadways in unsafe areas. Dealer replaced heater core coolant pump at almost $1,000 and still overheating. The vehicle has been to both an independent mechanic and dealer. There was a message that engine was overheating. Engine light came in and message to service engine now. First appeared last weekend driving in highway. Had to be towed.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2023
Ford is refusing to fix the coolant intrusion that is now happening on my vehicle
Engine, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the short and long blocks. The contact was informed that the engine blocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
Head or head gasket leaking and causing engine failure
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and would not properly accelerate. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that there was coolant present inside the cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and reversing, the vehicle suddenly overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine cylinders. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and declined to repair the vehicle under the Third-Party Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,648.
Engine, Nov 5, 2023
Got in my morning and it just went to red line overheat. Add a coolant and then go away. Add it Call my warranty told me that it was denied because I put cooler How do I get it fixed?
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2023
The car says it’s in neutral but the gear shift is in park.
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2023
We purchased at 2018 Ford Escape (VIN# [XXX] ), with 2.0-liter engine, it has 57K miles on it and has been well maintained. The engine indicator light came on, we took it into the Ford Dealership to diagnose the issue and were told it needed a new engine. Here’s the diagnosis provided by the Damerow Ford dealership in Beaverton, Oregon: VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN. FOUND CODE IS P0301 CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE. VERIFIED NO COOLANT IN COOLANT TANK. FOUND WHITE SMOKE ON START UP AND BURNT COOLANT SMELL FROM EXHAUST. OIL AND COOLANT MIXING. REMOVED CYLINDER 1 PLUG AND FOUND COOLANT TRACES ON PLUG. PRESSURE TESTED COOLING SYSTEM AND FOUND COOLANT IN CYLINDER 1. BLOWN HEAD GASKET CAUSING CYLINDER WASH OUT. VEHICLE NEEDS AN ENGINE DUE TO WASH OUT AND BLOWN HEAD GASKET Ford Motor Company knows they have a serious coolant, engine and overheating defects. Ford has already been forced to recall more than 200,000 defective and unsafe vehicles. Ford recalled other Ford Escapes, because their 1.6-liter turbocharged engines overheated when coolant got low, causing the cylinder head to crack and spew oil. The vehicle we purchased is suffering from the same coolant leak, engine, and overheating issues which are serious safety defects that creates a risk of fire. We are requesting NHTSA take immediate action to require Ford by law to recall the vehicle and pay 100% of the cost related to replacement of the engine and all associated failed parts as a result of the coolant, engine and overheating defects. Car owners like us who unknowingly purchased a defective Ford product should not bear the burden of paying unjustified repair costs. I am requesting immediate action be taken by NHTSA to protect all consumers who were unaware they had purchased and were driving an unsafe and defective vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
I took my 2018 Ford Escape in for a check engine light. I was told that there was a crack in the engine block due to coolant leaking into the engine and ultimately cracking the engine. There huge safety concerns with this such as over heating and risk of fire. Ford has refused to take responsibility for this. There should not be a reason to replace an engine in 5 years.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on the highway the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The vehicle then decelerated to 35 MPH independently and was sluggish. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that she continued driving with the hazard lights activated because the vehicle failed to exceed 37 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing power, and she was able to drive uphill to her residence at 10 MPH. The Hill Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine replacement would be covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not 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.
Power train, Engine, Oct 31, 2023
My 2018 Ford Escape has a coolant intrusion, which if left unchecked, can cause serious damage and danger (fire). I purchased this used vehicle from a trusted dealership, only 7 months ago, to now discover this issue and find out that the recall that could have fixed this is now "expired". Coolant intrusion was confirmed by a local autoshop and confirmed by Ford. There was a brief flashing MIL light, but it has not gone off since, which also adds to the concern.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. The message "Engine Overheated" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact then added coolant to the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had fractured between cylinder #1 and #2, which caused coolant to leak into the pistons. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Engine, Oct 29, 2023
I purchased the vehicle from a used car dealership and was the second owner. The check engine light came on. Took it to a Ford dealership, who confirmed it was coolant intrusion in the engine. Ford had put out notices on the issue, however the car was taken in for service numerous times and Ford did not take care of trying to fix the issue. This was a known problem with this engine. There could have been a serious accident from engine failure. I spoke with Ford who stated they would not fix the engine. I don't know how Ford can put a time limit or mileage limit on a design flaw which they knew about. I owned the car for all of about 15 minutes and now I have to pay for a brand new engine.