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, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light and the oil warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in an unknown Technical Service Bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2022
I have a 2018 Ford Escape purchased brand new off the lot.. Now less than 3 years and 66000 miles later my check engine light comes on.. I took my car to a trusted mechanic who advised of a bad spark plug. A day after the repair, driving less 15 miles the check engine light came back on. After further inspection the mechanic advised I should take it to the Ford dealership. The diagnosis at the Ford dealership showed a blown head gasket and that I would need to replace the entire engine. The Ford service agent said the damage was caused by coolant leaking into the oil. He said the cost of the repair is estimated at $10000 (which is more than I owe on the car). With so many similar issues this is definitely a defect of the engine in the Escape. This issue should be immediately investigated, recalled, and repaired by Ford as it is clearly not a consumer caused issue. I'm sharing a pic of the spark plug that has been corroded due to the coolant leaking into the oil which has destroyed my engine. Please help us!
Engine, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the coolant was mixing with the oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Consumer stated vehicle was serviced and repaired on December 2, 2021. Levittown Ford replaced the engine due to the coolant mixing with the oil.
Wheels, Jan 7, 2022
Had vehicle at the dealership for standard oil change and tire rotation. Service member included a note that says "Replace 12 swollen lug nuts next visit." This seems like a dangerous situation to me and Ford Motor dealer should have automatically replaced them.
Power train, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2022
Have taken my 2018 Escape S several times to Dealership where purchased for whirling winning noise from front end of vehicle and mechanic claimed could not hear noise now have clicking sound happening and expressing loose cv axel. . Headlights have started to peel Dealership shop staff claimed could not see damage or p R peeling. And front drivers seat lower upper back makes a popping sound and gives with any pressure to area. Dealership claims can not feel or hear.
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
2018 Ford Escape engine with just 22,000 Miles on it needs to be completely replaced for leaking coolant. Was told it could have given up on me at any moment while driving.
Service brakes, Dec 29, 2021
3 different times when I put on the brakes, they just went all the way to the floor without stopping. This happened in a parking lot, exiting my driveway and going down a hill. All 3 times I had just started the car & was only going 5 miles per hour. These incidents occurred randomly, not on the same week.
Engine, Dec 15, 2021
My 2018 Ford escape has a blown engine. My check engine light came on and I brought the car to the dealer. The Service rep advised me I need an appointment to have the car checked. I advised him that the check engine light came on and It might be a serious problem and I’m not driving the car. Ford took the car 14 days ago I’m awaiting an answer on the status. The engine was blown due to oil mixing with coolant through the cylinder. A quick Google check of the 2018 Ford escape has many complaints similar to mine. I called Fords Main office inquired if there was any recalls or any problems and they told me there was no recalls and no problems. This is a serious problem if somebody disregards the check engine light and the motor Ceased they could be a rear end collision. I observed on Car websites that people have complained of the similar problems and Ford does nothing about it. How can these dealers get away with not advising owners of possible serious the physical injury or death caused by defective parts that they are well aware of? I believe this needs checking into further by governmental agencies and force Ford to repair the engines and extend the warranties on those bad motors they’re aware of. My brother drives a Ford escape at work the car has three engines in it and it only has 48,000 miles. The same problem with my car happened with all three of those of the motors. It’s a shame Ford could get away with us. Ford is repairing the car right now after me insisting to them that I wasn’t leaving with the check engine light on. When the service manager advised me the motor was shot he also told me my free oil changes would not be honored any longer although I have it in writing. These dealers get away with it because they know you’re not gonna go to arbitration over a couple oil changes but they get away with it. The problem with the 1.5 eco-boost Ford motor should immediately be recalled and repaired the warranty.extended Sincerely yours, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle felt like it had a flat tire or low tire pressure. Upon inspection, the contact noticed the rear passenger's side strut had detached and was sticking up inside of the trunk. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics and diagnosed that the rear passenger's side strut was faulty, or the vehicle might have been previously totaled in a collision. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2021
UNKNOWN The vehicle is only three years old is kept up with on a regular basis with the maintenance and is now having issues with a leaking evap system which has been an ongoing issue with a lot of Ford vehicles. I was notified by a mechanic that inspected my vehicle that the vehicle is not safe to drive and is like a ticking time bomb.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2021, crash
I was stopped for an accident on I70 E in St Louis County. While stopped a 2015 Mazda hit me in the rear. He hit me so hard that the the seat broke and I went all the way back to the back seat. He then pushed me into the stopped Tahoe in front of me. I went forward and hit the steering wheel. None of the airbags deployed. Component malfunction would be air bag system and seat. I feel that if I had one of my grand kids in the back they may have been crushed. As far as I know the problem has not been confirmed by anyone. The car was checked by insurance company and totaled. There were no warnings or warning lamps. I have pictures that can be emailed or texted, I can't get them in here.
Power train, Nov 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle jerked and revved loudly, then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission fluid pump was faulty, causing the transmission failure. The transmission fluid pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made are of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Tires, Nov 15, 2021
A set of four (4) tires were purchased on 09/07/2021. The cars mileage was 30,389 at time of purchase. On 11/09/2021, I discovered two dollar size bulges on the sidewall outside of the front passenger tire. These bulges were protruding about 3/4 of an inch. I reported the defect to Firestone and on 11/15/21, the tire was replaced and remaining three were examined with no defects found. The mileage on the car when defect was found was 33,558. My concern is that if I had not discovered this defect, a possible front tire "blow-out" may have occurred and because my vehicle is an SUV, a "ROLLOVER" at highway speeds if likely. I am reporting this in the event that Firestone fails to make proper reports & notifications.
Wheels, Nov 11, 2021
Lug nuts swelled and were replaced at my expense by a Ford dealership. There were no warning messages. Problem found at routine tire rotation.
Engine, Nov 1, 2021
There is coolant going into our spark plug coils. We filled up the coolant, because the engine light came on and the temperature went directly to Hot after a 7 minute drive. Checked the coolant, it was very low. Filled it up to the max mark - had a mechanic look at it today and now as soon as you start it, you can hear the 1st and 2nd spark plug misfiring. The exhaust has a smell that you can detect coolant. There is coolant pooling in the coils.
Wheels, Oct 15, 2021
Got a flat tire. The lug wrench that came with the vehicle was too small. I tried a lug wrench that had four sizes. Three were too small and one was too big. I had to call a tow. The driver had a lot of tools and tried to change the tire. He wasn't able to, so I had to get it to a tire shop. When I called in advance, they asked if it was a Ford. They informed me that there was a defect with their lug nuts that causes moisture and dirt to get in between two layers and the result is swelling. I had them replace all twenty lug nuts. A simple 5 minute tire change turned into a 4 hour ordeal and added expense.
Engine, Sep 30, 2021
P0302 code is showing that coolant is leaking into the engine through cylinder 2. Dealer looked at our vehicle and we will need a completely new engine. Regular maintenance has been done on this vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2021
The dealer has determined that engine coolant is leaking into the motor. This is a 2018 model with 24,500 miles. I understand that a number of Ford vehicles with the same engine design have been recalled because this is a safety issue, and I am afraid to drive the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak and an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 61,000
Engine, Sep 17, 2021
Approximately one week ago, our car began running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to one independent service center who ran a diagnostic check that showed a cylinder 4 misfire. We took it to a separate ISC who performed a more robust diagnostic per the Ford outlined TSB 19-2346 and found coolant in cylinder 4 as well as loss of pressure in cooling system. Mileage of the vehicle is 25,398 miles and the vehicle is covered under Ford powertrain warranty; however, Ford customer service refused to support the diagnosis of the two separate ISCs. They informed us that they would only accept a diagnosis from a Ford dealership, but no appointments with dealerships were available in the near future. Upon further investigation, we discovered that this is a common and known issue for at least 5 separate models of Ford vehicles since 2015 and requires an entire replacement of the long block engine assembly. Despite that, Ford advised us they would be unable to help us without a dealer diagnostic whenever that became available. So while waiting for this supposed service to determine an already known issue in a month, my family must risk their lives with an engine that has coolant leaking into it if we want to be able to function outside of our home. Ford Motor Company is risking the lives of thousands with these engines, but since there is no recall we are left with no support.The ISCs and our other warranty companies cannot help due to the existing Ford powertrain warranty, but Ford refuses to acknowledge the issue.
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2021
While on the interstate, engine suddenly cut out. I was coasting and nothing else on the highway during rush hour. I got an alert the "auto start/ stop shift to park, then restart the engine" I pulled over and the engine would not restart.
Engine, Sep 12, 2021
My daughter was driving the car approx 40 mph on a busy road. Warning Notification: "Transmission, put in park". She slowed down then the car stalls. Eventually turned the car off then restarted the car and it seemed to reset and drive OK again. Taking car into dealership tomorrow. 49K miles on the car and in good working order....other than this.
Suspension, Sep 11, 2021
Was given inspection sheet on car after brought into Auto Fair Ford for Oil Change and they were suppose to do a front end alignment. Person came to me hand paper work work to me and said I was all set. Left to go on a trip with car and did not look at paper work until a week later. On from it talked about replacing rear trailing arm bushings and dog bone control arms the car only has about 39,000 miles on it. In look up on sites had noticed on past escapes that they had a recall on this same items. My car is a 2018 Ford Escape. First of all the Ford place I brought the car to should have told me about the problem right away verbally. The trailing arm needs to be looked at on these cars
Engine, Aug 24, 2021
Greetings, Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I am without transportation. I started experiencing engine coolant fluid leaking into my cylinder side lenders on May 18, 2021. I had the cylinder repaired. Since that date my car continued to overheat. I took my car to approximately 4 mechanics and I was told they did not see any leaks. The four different mechanics could find anything wrong with my car. Due to financial challenges during this pandemic my mother moved in with my two children and myself. We have experienced some challenges however I continued to pay my car payment on time. My car continued to overheat so I only used it to for necessities. I did a lot of research on my car attempting to determine what was going on and eventually on July 2, 2021, I found out my 2018 Ford Escape had been recalled and there was a big class action lawsuit that had been filed against Ford Motor Company over its EcoBoost engine taken in cars produced from 2013 to 2019 it alleges engine coolant is leaking into cylinders this is in addition to an Arkansas lawsuit already filed that includes both owners and lessees of both Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks with EcoBoost engines and alleges the defects results in the engine tendency to overheat cell and catch on fire second period. I was told I was not the original owner and I missed the cut off date.
Back over prevention, Aug 12, 2021
2018 Ford Escape SE 4WD with only 15,000 miles experienced a APIM failure resulting in a $1,000+ repair -- only two months outside of 3yr/30,000 mile warranty. Screen went black resulting in radio, navigation, rear view camera and other controls being inoperable. Ford dealer diagnoses APIM failure and recommended replacement. No other solution presented or consideration paid to the relative low-mileage. I have read about other APIM failures and subsequent recalls and would recommend investigating. Thank you.