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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 8, 2022
Vehicle shakes badly after100/200 miles at speeds of 60 -70 miles hour
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2022
Our Ford Escape had a coolant leak causing misfires. After searching online, we see that this is a known problem that Ford hasn't addressed. The repair costs are high and it isn't right that Ford hasn't issued a recall.
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the steering wheel became firm. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, May 22, 2022
I NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF SO WE TOOK SUV TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT INSTEAD OF BATTERY LIGHT THAT WAS ON, IT WAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND THAT THE RESERVOIR WAS OUT OF COOLANT, SO THEY WANTED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TO RUN A PRESSURE CHECK ON IT TO SEE IF AND FROM WHERE COOLANT COULD BE LEAKING. THIS SHOCKED BOTH ME AND MY HUSBAND B/C THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALWAYS CHECK AS SOON AS WE START THE CAR, AND EVEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING, AND AT NO TIME DID THAT GUAGE GO TOWARD THE H TO INDICATE IT WAS RUNNING HOT. THE NEXT DAY, WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER WALL AND AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. WE ARE CURRENTLY WAITING FOR AN ADJUSTER WITH THE COMPANY IN CHARGE OF OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY TO SEE THE VEHICLE AND MEET WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO DISCUSS COST AND HOW MANY DAYS THIS WILL LEAVE US WITHOUT A VEHICLE. LIKE I STATED BEFORE, AT NO TIME DID THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE EVER GET NEAR THE H TO ALERT US THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY B/C THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE FAILED TO DO ITS JOB, BUT HAD I NOT NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT, ALBEIT THE WRONG WARNING LIGHT, THE ENGINE COULD'VE SEIZED UP ON US WHILE OUT DRIVING TO WORK OR RUNNING ERRANDS AND WOULD'VE CAUSED A BAD ACCIDENT.
Engine and engine cooling, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the vehicle started to misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the message "Engine Fault, Service Now" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, refilled the coolant reservoir, and was able to drive to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that coolant was leaking onto the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, May 14, 2022
The motor is faulty on the vehicle. Took to dealer for smoking problem which it has had for a while, the confirmed that cylinder is leaking coolant due to most likely small crack. They noted only fix is engine replacement and that this is very common problem on these vehicle/engine configuration. Communicated with Ford but they were only willing to pay for portion of labor, which still puts bill over $4k-$5k. Not money we have and don’t have money to replace car. With engine cylinder leaking fear is that motor could go at anytime creating safety issue. Not just safety from car suddenly stalling on road, but also fire hazard from over heating. I know there is class action suit on this, but did want to register complaint.
Engine, May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Firerelated, May 9, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the neighbor told the contact that her vehicle was on fire. The fire was coming from under the hood The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The cause of the fire was electrical The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, May 3, 2022
One morning, we went to start the car and the check engine light came on. There was a slight burnt smell and a rumbling. We took it to Ford and got the famous coolant leak explanation. 4000 miles outside of the warranty. We are so disappointed that we are going to have to replace the entire engine on practically a new car.
Engine, Apr 29, 2022
Vehicle ran fine and no indicator lights on when I went to work on 4/21/2022 a.m. When I left work the same day the car started fine but was shaking. When I started driving there was a loss of power and the check engine light came on, the shake and power issue smoothed out as I was driving home. I quit driving it at that point. Took it to a garage a few days later, the car was shaking again and had lost a lot of power. The garage is very close to my house so I drove it there. They told me that the head gasket had blown and was leaking coolant into the engine and that I was probably going to need a new engine. Had to have it towed back to my house because it won't hold coolant. Verified with another garage that I do indeed need a new engine, the head gasket itself can't just be replaced. It is currently at my house while I work with the garage on the replacement engine.
Engine, Apr 29, 2022
2018 Ford Escape SUV 1.5L Ecoboost. Drove 150 from home with no issues. Stopped for about 30 minutes, attempted to resume drive of another 50 miles, but within the first 2 miles all of a sudden warning light came on "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely". I checked the coolant and with No advance warning the coolant was completely gone. I was able to get some coolant and get to a safe location. There are no leaks as the reservoir has stayed full. The temperature gage is still at the highest range even after sitting for days, vehicle not operatable. SUV has 90K miles, I have an extended warranty. Almost 2 weeks later I still can't get help from the Ford dealerships local where the SUV broke down or the location where I purchased it at. Ford Customer Service hasn't been able to rectify anything as well. I was stranded for almost a week before I could get back home. These are unsafe vehicles that desperately needs a recall. I hope it doesn't come down to someone dying before a recall is put into place. Hold Ford accountable, it's a $500 billion company they can do better than this! I think this is complaint #98 about engine issues most just like mine. I don't feel safe in this vehicle that may catch on fire as I'm driving on the freeway.
Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2022
Have a 1.5 engine and antifreeze leak into spark plugs.
Engine, Apr 14, 2022
Engine coolant leaking into motor - Complete engine rebuild must be completed AWD transmission also not working - Complete rebuild needed.
Engine, Apr 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle jerked. The contact thought the vehicle had a flat tire, but upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the engine guard on the front passenger's side had detached, causing it to hit the passenger's side front tire while driving. The contact's husband reattached the engine guard; however, the failure recurred with the front driver's side engine guard detaching. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2022
2018 Ford Escape SEL Blue in color. I bought this vehicle when it was 2 years old. The vehicle has had no accidents or major repairs needed. Paint started flaking away around the windshield. The driver’s side pillar and passenger side upper corner. The spots started out about the size of quarters and over the course of two days have gotten much larger about the size of a baseball. Took the vehicle to the collision center of the same dealer I bought it from. The estimate to fix it $3,005.48. Absolutely unbelievable.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022
The defects that cause coolant to leak into the engine cylinders, causing significant damage and, in some cases, complete engine failure. I have an invoice of over 2100.00 that did not repair the damage. My mechanic spoke to Ford dealership and they said they were aware of the problem and explained the issue to him. He sent me several estimates and so did Ford stating I need a new engine that would cost and estimated amount of $8200-$12,000.00. After the engine light came on. everytime I took it to get fixed, "cylinders" the engive light would go out temporarily and then I went to pull out of my home and was almost hit because my car would not go. it just kept stuttering. (best way I can describe it) my son and i were cussed out by the woman thinking I just purposely stopped in the middle of the road. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford over this matter since 2020. I called them and they refused to help me but told me to get another estimate from a Ford Delearship that would cost me an additional 500 plus. I am a single mom and owe almost 16,000.00 on this and cannot afford to get a new engine. My heart breaks that I a cannot travel to see my elderly parents and grandparents. In order to drive around town, I have to put several bottles of coolant in it a week. while my car was in the shop my son missed the bus and had to walk home 3 mile in the winter months. I hope that you can help us.
Engine, Apr 2, 2022
I drove 2 minutes down the road and my dashboard told me "autostart is disabled turn off the car and restart the car". after pulling over on the side of the road cause my car had to die while I was driving. I tried to restart my car and nothing working it was cranking but wouldn't start. I had to get my car towed to my local shop. My mechanic is saying there is zero compression and my engine is blown, my engine has a little over 60k. I get oil changes every time it is needed. my coolant is leaking but shows no trace of where the coolant is going. Please help!
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2022
The engine of my 2018 Ford Escape failed while driving, indicating it was overheating and to pull over and turn off the vehicle immediately. I could feel a loss of response of the engine while I was driving accompanied by shuddering and an odd noise. This happened within 3 minutes of leaving my house on a cold day, traveling about 1/4 mile. Fortunately, I was on a back road with a low speed limit and could pull over to the shoulder safely. However, had this been on a highway I may have had major safety issues with loss of acceleration and ability to safely move my vehicle to the side of the road. The problem was confirmed by an independent auto shop as well as the dealership by inspection where antifreeze was found to leak into the engine block and cause engine failure. This was noted as a service bulletin by the dealer, but never as a recall nor was it shared with car owners. My vehicle has only ~43000 miles on it. The check engine light to my vehicle turned on a few weeks prior to the engine failure. A diagnostic check by a service provider indicated a cylinder misfire caused by worn out spark plugs or ignition coils and repair was not urgent. This was also 1 week after I had my car inspected by the dealer for a tune up, oil change, and general check where I was told everything looked normal. The check engine light went off for periods of time before coming back on and there was a slightly rougher idle to the vehicle, but no obvious warning signs indicating engine contamination with antifreeze and imminent failure. I was told a compression test of the engine could have helped spot the problem before engine failure, but this was not confirmed by the car dealer.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal went to the floorboard. The coasted to the side of the road while pumping the brake pedal until the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was then driven to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned about having to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure; and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Engine, Mar 23, 2022
Engine requires replacement. Vehicle is presently located at Century Ford in Mount Airy, Md. The vehicle is scheduled to be picked up and repalced by Element Fleet. The engine cost replacement was estimated at $5.500.00. The vehicle slowed down severely, loss of horsepower on major 70 MPH highway near Hagerstown, Md. I was driving normally when the vehicle slowed and the Enigine Light was Flashing On and Off most of the 30 minute drive to the local repair shop. I was concerned about my safety from all traffic especially tractor trailers. I thought the vehicle might completely shut off. I was then instructed by the company Element Fleet management to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer. The local repair shop said the vehicle needed the engine replaced. The Ford Dealer also said the engine needed replacement. The mileage was 87, 376. Regular maintenance and proper driving was applied at all times. I received the vehicle with about 61,000 miles from another co-worker in May 2021.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination and attempting to open the liftgate, the contact was unable to open the tailgate. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature did not have a fail-safe feature which prevented the tailgate from operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,830.
Engine, Mar 15, 2022
Started sputtering. Engine light popped on. Sputtering. Stalling. Heating up upon diagnoses. Coolant leaked onto engine.
Engine, Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine head gasket failed and the engine short block 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 75,683.
Steering, Feb 23, 2022
Driving home after leaving car at my daughter's house. Very cold last night and it was left outside. Steering was a bit tight on the ride home. Then a light came on the dash...and the steering virtually locked up. Extremely hard to turn or maneuver. I am 6'3" and 260lbs..and had this been my wife driving who knows what would happened. Put it in garage this morning. Went out about 15 minutes ago...no change. Big red sign on the dash instrument panel reading "Steering loss. Stop safely". Major safety issue had some else been driving.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2022
Door would not unlock when hand is placed on door handle with key fob nearby. Had to use keypad on door. Happens intermittently Also horn beeps by itself Driver seat memory wasn’t automatically activated All intermittently