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 and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact added coolant and waited until the engine had cooled down. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that cylinder #2 was misfiring and there was coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start up, the vehicle started to shake, and the contact noticed a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that ignition coil and spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon start up, the vehicle started to shake, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then noticed that a cloud of white smoke came from the exhaust. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket leaked oil and coolant had leaked into the engine cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that upon research, he noticed that the vehicle was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall or the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine, Jul 11, 2023
My wife was stopping for gas, the car stopped running as she was pulling into the station. I had to have it towed to our dealer. She leaves for work at 4:30am and we are fortunate it didn’t happen on the road. I was told by the dealer that antifreeze had leaked into oil causing extensive damage to the engine. This is problem Ford has known about for years but refuses to accept responsibility for the issue. They said I would need to pay $8500 for the repairs while knowing it is their issue. I am in end stage renal failure and to not have a vehicle to get to the dialysis center or kidney doctor. I don’t think Ford understands how dangerous this situation is.
Engine, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and shut off. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Engine, Jul 10, 2023
I own a 2018 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle was purchased new. It experienced catastrophic engine failure in June 2023 with 86,286 miles on the original engine. With very little warning, the car began running rough, the "Check Engine" light came on, it lost power and it began billowing white smoke. The vehicle was transported via flatbed to a Ford dealership. In accordance with TSB 22-2322, the shop performed diagnostic testing and found coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. My vehicle was one of three in their shop with "blown" engines just that day. This dealership is reported to have serviced between 400-500 vehicles with the same type of engine failure. My research into this issue has uncovered an alarming rate of EcoBoost failures and generated serious safety concerns. Specifically: - Coolant intrusion can cause engines to overheat, causing automobiles to catch fire. (potential deadly consequence) - Sudden loss of power/acceleration. Engine failures while in traffic are a hazard to the driver, passengers and adjacent motorists (again, with potentially deadly consequences) The Ford dealership informed me that vehicle owners with less than 84,000 miles are being offered short block replacement under an extended Ford Motor Co warranty. Furthermore, some Ford owners are being offered financial assistance for repair if they are considered "loyal." In my case, I was refused financial assistance. Despite its otherwise good condition, I am undecided on whether I will repair the vehicle. I believe the existence of an extended engine warranty and the fact that multiple TSBs have been issued on these engines constitutes admission on the part of Ford that it is responsible for the extraordinary rate of EcoBoost engine failures. I believe these engines pose an inherent safety risk to drivers, their passengers and the public. I urge NHTSB to order a recall of the affected engines.
Power train, Jul 10, 2023
Coolant leak, Engine failure, available for inspection. Car could have caught fire, engine no longer able to perform. Confirmed by dealership. Inspected by mechanical garage and Ford dealership. First part of June 2023 check engine light came on, taken to garage for reading noticed coolant low. Garage replaced ignition coil. Engine light again came on took back to garage replaced spark plug. Engine light again came on, I then called Ford dealer and was informed of the problems coming in on 2.0 ecco boost engines. Took vehicle in and was informed of engine failure and new engine was installed.
Engine, Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started overheating with the high-engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired and did not provide any additional assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
My 2018 Ford Escape with 1.5L Turbo engine was diagnosed with coolant Intrusion into the cylinder bores. Wife states engine stalled out at busy intersection and was able to restart engine and barely get home. Next day engine would not even crank over. Towed vehicle to Ford dealership and it was diagnosed as coolant Intrusion into cylinder bores. Dealer says we need a new engine. The cost is $9400. Not even a year ago campaign 19B37 and 21N12 letter send to me but dealership said all was good. Well, it's not good and my wife could have been in a serious accident due to vehicle stalling out. I am getting the repairs done at an independent repair shop now but looking for some compensation for these repairs that Ford Motor Company has declined. How can you help me in this case?
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
Ford is casting faulty engine blocks and is not being forced to own the repair costs associated with putting in new engines. It's a safety hazard. My vehicle overheated and would not do over 20mph in traffic.
Power train, Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. While continuing to drive the vehicle, the sound dissipated, but the failure reoccurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined inconclusively that the flexplate and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle is repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 32,500. The contact is requesting reimbursement for repairs made to the vehicle.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
With 53,000 miles, this vehicle was brought in 5/6/2021 to address recall 19B37 (reprogram powertrain control module due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores). The recall was performed at this time. At this time, this was my company car (leased by Cardinal Health and managed through Element Fleet). I purchased the vehicle in April of 2022. I never received any additional information from Ford regarding this recall or the issue with the coolant. My company confirmed they never received any further information about this issue either. With 96,000 miles, I began having issues with the vehicle on May of 2023. The engine ran "rough" and was louder than usual. The "Engine Fault Service Now" light then appeared, so I brought it to a local shop and they replaced the spark plugs. The vehicle ran somewhat better for a couple of days, but was still a little louder than usual. In early June of 2023, the "Engine Fault Service Now" light came on again. I brought it to NAPA auto parts to run a diagnostic test. Nothing came up, but they noticed the coolant was low, so we filled the coolant and scheduled an appt with Ford dealer. Less than a week later, the flashing engine light came on, so I stopped driving it and had it towed to the Ford Dealer. They diagnosed it as a coolant intrusion in cylinder 3 and said it needs a new short block engine. The repairs are approx $8,000 so they directed me to Ford and told me to reference Customer Satisfaction Program 21NI2. I was told that the limitations to this program were that it had to be fixed prior to November 2022 or the vehicle had to have 84,000 miles or less. Because my vehicle didn't fit this criteria, I received no assistance. Ford was aware of this problem and is doing nothing to about it. They are allowing owners to drive a vehicle under potentially dangerous circumstances, and then are holding the owner accountable for the repairs.
Engine, Jun 26, 2023
Going south bound on interstate 81 in Winchester Va. The engine check light came on and the engine started to miss and lose power, and the engine was vibrating really bad. I was able to get the car to the side of the road and got the car to the dealer on 5/16/2023 where they checked it out. I was advised it needed a new engine. The electrode on spark plug 2 rusted off from the block as a result of a crack in block. They replaced the engine
Engine, Jun 24, 2023
We bought a 2018 Ford Escape 1.5 ecoboost. It was a one time owner. It had about 60,000 miles on it when we got it from a dealership in Montgomery AL. We drove the car for almost 2 months with no problems. All of a sudden out of no where it started leaking coolant. And taking it to the dealership it said it was running hot and popped up a message on the dash that said “high engine temperature drive safely”. The dealership replaced the engine under some kind of warranty with Ford, but I received my vehicle back unfixed. We have two young children and no vehicle to replace it. We are paying nearly 19,000 dollars for the car that we can not drive. $498 a month and $161 insurance a month. The prices to fix these Ford vehicles is outrages and money some people do not have. It is very unfair, and the Ford service departments know exactly what is going on with these vehicles. They are quick to diagnose the problem and they claim “the motors are garbage” so that tells me it a manufactured problem with the vehicles. So the people are supposed to struggle to pay for a vehicle that no longer works unless they find $6,000+ laying around. This needs to be fixed asap. You see all of these recalls on airbags and seat belts when this attempt to recall there’s certain ford vehicles have been going on for about 3-4 years and nothing has been done. It’s time for ford to stand up to their actions instead of continuing to put families out of vehicles. Some families depend on that ONE vehicle.
Engine, Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service on the throttle body and was informed by the mechanic that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 21, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light started to flash then remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on occasions, he checked under the hood and noticed that on multiple occasions that the coolant level was low and refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into cylinder #3, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced however, the contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete, and the vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty was out of the parameters. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
On Sunday, I was driving home from the store(about a 5 mile trip), I was less than 1/4 mile from home when engine temperature warning came up I immediately turned the engine off and coasted home in neutral. Lifted the hood and saw coolant was low. Filled reservoir. Monday morning was going to head to dealership about 2 miles away. Vehicle would not start and Engine Fault error came up. Vehicle started on 2nd try and drove to shop. After diagnosis today was Told coolant leaked into cylinders deed causing misfire and only fix was engine replacement at $7100. I bought the car brand new and have had just over 5 years. Called Ford and am waiting to see if resolution. Not crossing my fingers based on what I have read.
Air bags, Structure, Jun 18, 2023, crash
I was in a head on collision where my vehicle went off the road and hit a guard rail head on. My vehicle was totaled but not a single air bag deployed. If I was not wearing my seat belt I could have been ejected from the vehicle. There were no warning lights of any kind shown. It was raining and wet out during the day.
Engine, Jun 17, 2023
I took the car into the dealer for a check engine light which was misfire on cylinder 3. It seemed like he knew that it would be a cracked block and it was. The repair is a $6,000 engine. This is ridiculous. I had the same model engine previously and it would probably still be running if the car hadn’t been totaled. If you look on the internet there are many complaints of the same issue. Ford knows that this is a problem and refuses to stand behind this engine. I didn’t buy the extended warranty because I have never needed it. I would settle for paying 1/2 the cost, because I have over 100,000 miles on the car. But 6 thousand seems excessive for a known problem.
Engine, Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle had a routine oil check, the mechanic stated that the coolant was low. The vehicle was diagnosed but failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance and advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was jumped started. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The contact stated that the engine started overheating and a message to “Pull Over and Park” was displayed. The contact stated that he continued driving to his residence. The vehicle was not drivable after parking the vehicle. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,702.
Power train, Back over prevention, Jun 13, 2023
While driving at night at a speed of approximately 45 mph, the car started grinding and there was a smell of metallic material burning and it was difficult to accelerate. Within seconds the automobile came to a complete stop in the middle of a moderately traveled road in the left hand turning lane. There were no messages or warning lamps that would indicate that there was a problem prior to this complete stoppage. The safety of the driver as well as others is put at risk due to the fact that there were no prior indications or symptoms to this malfunction. Had this happened on a high traffic area while traveling at higher speed, there would have indeed been numerous accidents given the sudden stoppage without any safety lamps or alerts being exhibited on the dashboard that would alert the driver to get to a safer location or pull over. Waiting for a tow at night is dangerous and the safety of a lone driver is at stake. After three days at the dealer, we were advised that the vehicle has complete Transmission Failure. There is a safety recall (22S43) NHTSA 22V413 that deals with a transmission issue. The vehicle now needs a whole new transmission and is only 5 years old. Perhaps this initial recall may eventually lead to complete transmission failure. It was not described as what exactly the failure of the transmission.
Engine, Jun 10, 2023
The engine isn’t working. Took to Ford Dealership in Selma, Alabama and they told us it will cost 10k to fix the car and I still owe 15K for the car. It started out not cranking. It is not safe for a woman to be in a car and not crank to get me home back and forth to work everyday. I have only had the car for 4 years. The warning lamp came in for me on Monday, June 5th, 2023 and at that time my husband immediately got it to the Ford Dealership on Thursday of that week so he could get a dolly to take it there. The car is at the dealership in Selma right now. We don’t have an invoice yet. Paying 10k for a new engine is almost paying the car off on what I owe on it. My husband is trying to find someone else to look at the car at a reasonable cost. Hope you can help. This has put me out of a car.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon his wife starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a failure with the second cylinder spark plug, which he replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that he became aware that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was engine damage due to coolant intrusion, resulting in a cracked engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 73,600.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 8, 2023
What happened was I was Driving down the street at thirty miles per hour and the speed limit changed to thirty five miles per hour so I put my foot on the gas and nothing happened. The engine did not rev and the speed did not go up the speed kept going down. Quit thinking made me push the auto start off button and then I pushed on the gas again and the Car speed went up as I pushed on the gas pedal. There were no cars in front of me or beside me in the next lane but there was a pickup truck behind me. He was far enough back that he did not have to step on his breaks. This scared me to death and if quick thinking had not been a part of the situation for the auto off button, Then I would have easily caused a wreck with the truck behind me if he would not have been paying attention. This just happened about five minutes ago so I have not been able to tell the dealer yet. I am already scheduled for next tuesday to get my transmission bushing recall fixed next week at the ford dealership in my town.
Power train, Jun 4, 2023
Fly wheel cracks all of a sudden at 85000 miles