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, Jun 5, 2026
Coolant breach in engine block, Cylinder 3. Causing misfire and engine fault. TSB 22-2322
Air bags, Jun 5, 2026
WHILE DRIVING TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER MY HUDBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CAR BY AN INSURANCE COLLISION EXPERT THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR RODENTS THAT COULD HAVE AFFECTED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DEEMED A MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL FAILURE/DEFECT. MY HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH HE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CRASHED AND POTENTIALLY LOST HIS LIFE. A COLLISION CENTER HAS CONFIRMED THIS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY COLLISION CENTER AND INSURANCE COLLSION EXPERT. THERE WERE NO WARNING MESSAGES OR LABELS OF ANY KIND.
Power train, Engine, Jun 3, 2026
1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my expense. So many others having the same issue! Can you please help us get Ford to take responsibility for selling us vehicles with defective engines? Please?? Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Engine, Jun 2, 2026
I purchased this vehicle used in 2024, and since I bought it have had a variety of issues. I have already invested over 5k in repairs. I have replaced the head gasket and now the water pump twice. This vehicle will not stop overheating. Ford has a known issue with these engines and should correct these issues. They are making working families go broke and we still owed 8k on the car loan.
Engine, Jun 2, 2026
Coolant intrusion in the engine which needs replacement. Car was misfiring and white smoke coming out took the auto shop for service. Its about $9400 to fix the car which is now more than the car is worth. Dealership never warned me that this was a potential issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant had leaked into cylinder two and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2026
2018 Ford Escape 105K miles. Check engine light came on, car ran rough, white smoke coming out of tail pipe. I took it to a third party mechanic, they ruled out coolant intrusion (or so they said) replaced a coil and spark plug and cleared check engine light. One week later after I had driven maybe 100 miles it had a very rough start in the morning and the check engine light came on again. I noticed white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I had it towed back to the mechanic that first worked on it. They found coolant intrusion. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can misfire, overheat, lose power, enter limp mode, or stall while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. A sudden loss of engine power could prevent me from accelerating, merging, clearing an intersection, or safely pulling off the roadway. Ford has acknowledged coolant intrusion on certain 2017–2019 Escape 1.5L engines through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which provided short-block repair coverage for coolant intrusion, but my vehicle is now outside coverage and requires an engine replacement. Up to this point Ford has refused to provide any assistance.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2026
Got vechile 3 months ago. On going issues with coolant,overheating, pull over light coming on. Vechile has been in the shop 4 times for the same reason. Thermostat changed twice. Mechanic said common problem with fors escape.
Power train, Engine, May 30, 2026
Componet System that Failed: Engine and engine cooling Complaint Description:The vehicle experienced a sudden internal engine failure due to a manufacturer design defect causing coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. A professional mechanic diagnosed the issue with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0303, confirming a Cylinder 3 misfire caused by coolant leaking into the block. The vehicle requires a total engine replacement at just 48,406 miles. This internal coolant leak poses a severe safety hazard, including sudden engine stalling, loss of motive power while driving, and potential thermal runaway/engine fire risks. The vehicle is currently rendered unsafe to drive and is parked at my residence.
Engine, May 30, 2026
Check engine light came on and took to shop and determined that coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 this was a recall on other 2018 Ford Escape but not this VIN number.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2026
Safety issue involving a 2018 Ford Escape, Shortly after purchase, after approximately 80 miles of use, the vehicle displayed a “Service Transmission Now” warning, entered limp mode, and lost normal power/speed while on the interstate. This created a hazardous situation for me and my passenger because the vehicle could not operate normally in interstate traffic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed transmission failure requiring replacement and reported that the transmission fluid was black/burnt. The vehicle was later taken to the dealership’s shop after the selling dealer instructed me to bring it there. I understand that the transmission issue was also confirmed there. I am reporting this because the transmission failure and limp-mode event occurred almost immediately after purchase and created a roadway safety hazard. I am requesting that NHTSA log this complaint for defect/safety tracking and review.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2026
I have not even had this car for a year spent 10,000 on it it had less than 100,000 miles sounded great no noises or engine lights first it was the canister purge valve issue even tho I got the oil changed and everything wen I first got this car I have a work car so I literally bearly drive this car then the transmission went out less than a year into owning it it needs rotors In the front n mind u I paid cash so I can’t even complain to them can’t believe there are no recalls on this model im literally starting a facebook group about this car just to see how many ppl had this problem so far every person that had problems with this model transmission went out or both had my 2010 Kia for 12 years this car is a 2018 this is ridiculous
Power train, May 27, 2026
Engine displayed overheating, after diagnostic test by Corwin ford in nampa, Idaho, they said it needs gaskets and short block replacement and that there was a technical service bulletin issued by ford for my vehicle. The cost is astronomical and I feel it should be a recall issue since it is a known problem.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle misfiring, white some, hesitation. The engine light illuminated. antifreeze leaking into the cylinder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic code P0300 was read and an antifreeze leak into the cylinder and a design flaw in the Eco boost. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate mileage was unavailable.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2026
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, water would intrude into the engine compartment and the vehicle would independently shift into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced at the consumer's expense; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with water intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, May 24, 2026
Engine coolant intrusion. Known issue with these cars apparently that Ford needs to step up and fix/replace their design flaw. The fact car dealerships sell these ticking time bombs to unknowing customers is ridiculous.
Engine, May 21, 2026
I was driving doing errands when suddenly a warning popped up that my engine needed to shut down for cooling. I pulled over and shut down. After about 30 minutes, I started up again and the engine ran very rough and after a short distance, warned again. I took the vehicle to the shop and was told there was an engine defect known to ford causing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Because my vehicle was out of warranty, I had to pay the entire repair out of pocket ($7500), plus be without my vehicle for about 2 weeks. After, doing some research, I learned that had the incident happened 6 months sooner, the repair would have been covered in full by a CSR. I would like to know if there is anything that can be done to reimburse my expenses regarding this repair.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, May 21, 2026
My car shifts into gears when in drive and I am breaking, it has locked in park, or drive, my car without emergency break has rolled down my driveway while off and in park. My local dealership claims they don’t have parts for it and I’m stuck paying on a car I don’t feel safe in. They sold it to me knowing there was an active prior recall for this. I’m worried I’ll be driving one day and the gears shift automatically and kill me.
Power train, Engine, May 21, 2026
Bought the vehicle used and two months later engine and transmission needed replacement after several transmission faults and check engine light stayed on due to coolant intrusion in the cylinders and the known transmission defects in this model.
Engine, May 21, 2026
Car exhibited white smoke, overheated and engine stopped. Left me stranded in middle of extremely busy road, 90° temps and I’m [XXX] with no one to help me. I had car towed to Autonation (Ford Dealership, Jacksonville, Fl, where car was purchased in 2022 and Dealership was aware of defect but failed to divulge at time of sale. Autonation has confirmed Coolant Intrusion EcoBoost engine defect, they deny any responsibility quoting a cost of $11,000 to have Ford correct their defect; I do not have this kind of money. No early warning INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving her vehicle, she notices that her coolant levels drain very quickly, causing her to fill up after every trip, and stated her vehicle was overheating at times. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed to have coolant leaking into cylinder two, needing a new engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine, May 20, 2026
3rd cylinder coolant intrusion and blown head gasket diagnosis. Car needs new engine.
Power train, May 19, 2026
I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape with my wife and two toddlers in the vehicle when the car suddenly stopped moving in the middle of the road. The vehicle had to be towed and I was later charged over $4,800 for a transmission replacement. After the repair, I received Recall 22S43 from Ford regarding the transmission shifter cable bushing, which describes symptoms including the vehicle not moving or not engaging gears properly. The symptoms in the recall match exactly what happened to my vehicle. I am concerned this defect may have caused or contributed to a dangerous situation for my family and may have resulted in a costly misdiagnosis. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for safety concerns and potential consumer impact.
Engine, May 15, 2026
I own a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. My vehicle experienced a known coolant intrusion defect in which coolant leaks internally into the engine cylinders. This issue appears consistent with problems reported by many other owners of similar Ford vehicles and engine configurations. The vehicle experienced symptoms including coolant loss without an external leak, engine misfires, rough operation, and diagnostic trouble codes including P0316. The condition progressed to a determination that the engine requires replacement due to coolant entering the combustion chamber. This defect creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly misfire, lose power, hesitate, run roughly, or potentially stall while driving. Sudden loss of power during traffic, highway travel, merging, or intersections creates a risk of collision. Ford has issued service bulletins and customer programs involving coolant intrusion and engine replacement on similar 1.5L EcoBoost vehicles, yet my VIN was reportedly excluded despite suffering the same failure pattern. This appears to be a design-related defect rather than ordinary wear and tear, which ford subsequently completely altered as they recognize the design failure. An internal engine defect causing coolant intrusion and catastrophic engine failure presents a potential safety issue affecting numerous consumers.
Engine, May 14, 2026
My engine has coolant intrusion causing the 3rd cylinder to misfire. Ford will not speak to me on the issue other than to say it is not covered under warranty, even though this is a known and reported issue. I see there was a recall on the 2013-2019 Escape (2.0L Engines) - #26S01