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, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked there was a rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnosed with turbo assembly and engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,965.
Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an explosion coming from the engine. The contact also stated while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was shaking abnormally before losing motive power. The contact’s wife then restarted the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter seized before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to three different independent mechanics who were unable to diagnose the failure due to the vehicle being unable to start. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence, where it remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Wheels, Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for tire rotation, the mechanic informed her that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Power train, Jul 9, 2022
6 Speed Powershift transmission burnt up without giving any codes or warning lights. Vehicle had started making a low whine noise at 10,000 miles which Dealership technicians claimed not to hear. At 50,000 miles took vehicle into Dealership because noise became very loud and popping noise from front end, report was transmission had failed and burnt up. Dealership did a rebuild on transmission had vehicle almost 3 months, pick up vehicle still transmission whine, returned to Dealership they claimed air in transmission lines was flushed, transmission still had whine. Reman transmission ordered, installed and still has noise from transmission and no warning lights, still shift issues, jerking, pulling , etc.
Engine, Jul 7, 2022
The engine head gasket failed relating directly to TSB 19-2346. This is a known problem with Ford EcoBoost engines including those in Ford Escape model years 2017-2019. First, we noticed the rough idle and some exhaust smoke. The check engine light came on after a few days and we had that diagnosed as code P0304 . misfire cylinder #4. The vehicle would no longer start and we had to have it towed to one service shop. They stated per the TSB that we needed to replace the engine. We had it towed to another shop for a second opinion and they came up with the same conclusion, we need a total engine replacement. We had this done for a total cost of $8,721.90 for both the initial diagnosis and the engine replacement, parts and labor. The vehicle mileage was 71,840 when the repair was made. Ford apparently is aware of this situation and has not done anything to compensate owners who have this same problem. Before having the work done, we called the service department of a local Ford dealer and they stated they would not do anything for us on this issue. We would have had to pay Ford the full cost of the repair.
Power train, Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received an email from Carfax regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer stated that parts would be available in the fourth quarter of 2022. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Visibility, Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact discovered a vertical crack in the middle bottom section of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had formed without incident and was likely caused by a design defect. The contact stated that the crack obstructed her vision while driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The windshield was not repaired or replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2022, crash
On June 28, 2022 I pulled into a parking space, placed car in park & released brake, car abruptly flew into wall damaging hood & head light as well as engine. I have sore back & chest. Very disturbing, never involved in anything like this, never had accident in 41 years of driving.
Power train, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to shift into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was finally able to shift the vehicle into gear and drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while driving. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a hard gear shift while performing the road test. Additionally, there was a whining sound coming from the engine, and the transmission was overheating. The contact stated two months prior the same dealer had performed a transmission fluid flush. The contact related to the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
My complaint is there is no part available to fix this recall until the 4th quarter. I rent this car on Turo and how can I run my business without this being fixed? I have no choice but to sell this car. I have another Ford with the same recall.
Structure, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on the passenger side door the door panel where you could rest your arm had begun to go inwards. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated it may be caused by wear and tear, however, they were not able to find an exact cause. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and running rough. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive and electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where the failure was diagnosed as engine failure with an internal coolant loss. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Inquiring about recall of Ford 1.5 Ecoboost engine and requesting information about consumers with 2013-2019 Ford Escapes why they have not been informed and are treated differently than the 2020-2022 owners. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE SHORT BLOCK ENGINE WHICH ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK AND INTERFERE WITH THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER COVERED THE REPAIR COST.
Power train, Jun 18, 2022
Ford not responding in a timely manner to repair safety issue concerning 2018 Ford Escape. June 10,2022 recall no repair until October-December 2022. I must park car for 4-6 months due to safety concern. I now have no transportation to and from work.
Power train, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal sounds while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle independently shifted to neutral and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,966.
Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2022
Vehicle shakes on acceleration after a complete stop. Not only does it shake, but it is very slow to accelerate, and has put me in a bind during 5 o'clock traffic. The dealership currently has my car as it is still under warranty. The issue started a few weeks ago, and hasn't gone away.
Service brakes, Jun 15, 2022
Car with 32000 miles has brakes and rotors worn out and need replacing the same week that long block needs replacing. Is this low quality materials? Confirmed by dealer.
Engine, Jun 15, 2022
Long block failure. Car available until June 27th for inspection. Car could have stopped operating on interstate. Confirmed by dealer. Not inspected by manufacturer. Warning light on first inspection by dealer who could not find anything wrong. Second warning two weeks later on the 20th of May. Car shudders and stutters on starting and stopping. Told it was safe to drive by dealer until parts can be obtained. Car worse and not drivable for almost 2 months.
Wheels, Jun 14, 2022
Lugnuts are aluminum and expand in the heat of Florida. It is impossible without pounding a lug nut wrench on the lugnut to get said lugnut off of the wheel.
Engine, Jun 14, 2022
The engine light was on and would then go off. For example it was on in late December went off and was not on again until the middle of May. Ford dealer did a pressure test on June 9, 2022 and said coolant was leaking into one of the cylinder in the engine block. I was provided with technical service bulletin 22-2229. I was quoted a repair price of between $8,000 and $10,000. The 2018 escape is 4 years old and has almost 78000 miles. I contacted Ford Motors Monday, June 13 and the representative worked with the dealer and I am going to pay $2,448.28, the remainder is being paid by Ford corporate and the dealer. My repair is schedule June 27, 2022. I have seen many instances on line of this same issue. One even suggested it's a design problem. I hope you look into thus issue. Even though there wasn't a safety issue in my circumstance, who kniws what might happen. I think there should be a recall and all costs should be paid by Ford. I would like to remain anonymous.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to pass another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and he saw smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,550.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local mechanic which diagnosed a failure with the ignition coil and spark plugs. The mechanic replaced both the coils and spark plugs; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer which diagnosed a failure with coolant leakage into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 8, 2022
Hello, I am submitting a formal complaint on my 2018 Ford Escape. History: It is a Lease Plan vehicle that was assigned to me with 11,000 miles on it in 2018 It has a been maintained per the manufacturer schedule through the Lease Plan App Purchased the vehicle in May 2021 thru my companies purchase program, I have only had the car for 9 months and it is now inoperable It is a primary vehicle for work for a family member Situation Error alert appeared on the console for engine Took the car to Firestone initially as they had done all the maintenance work previously They were unable to look at the car and gave me a time of 5-7 days Took it to Tires Plus, they said they could look at it the next day which was a Sunday I had not heard back from anyone at Tires Plus, so I called, they recording indicated that they were closed. I drove up there and Mathew the Manager said that the mechanics had not shown up for work, it was Mother’s Day. Received call that the car needed 1 coil and spark plugs approved the work The told me to come pick up car, they were still working on it when I arrived and I stood around for 45 minutes waiting When the technician test drove the vehicle it started backfiring again, Diagnosis was a cracked spark plug and another coil. Waited another day for it to be completed Picked up the car to drove fine for two days then more engine error codes, overheating codes and the car went into “Limp Mode” The technicians allowed me to drive the vehicle and did not dive deeper into the codes to determine the root cause of why the car was showing all these engine codes Not until I brought it back 2-3 days later and explained that there was white smoke coming out of the tailpipes that the technician said these Ecoboost engines have a known issue with the computer dumping coolant into the cylinders. This cause the head gasket to blow. When I called Ford, they said there was not a recall for this VIN number even though the error codes and