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, May 14, 2026
The vehicle has coolant intrusion, and engine has been reported knock. Before the incident, I called the Bloomfield office to book an appointment, I was put on call waiting but no response, I booked the appointment online, no confirmation. I then booked another appointment and went to Springfield, Vauxhall Ford plant when I received the Recall paper. The agent that responded to me told me that the parts are not available and I have to wait for the part. I told them that the engine light is coming up and that maybe it is due to recall issue. They told me that I will pay $275 for diagnosis, and if any part or repair is needed, it will be additional charge. I told them to provide me with the temporary solution suggested by Ford on the paper. The agent told me that if they provide that, I will not get the intended part when it is available . I went to a local shop where they help me to change one of the misfired plug, change the oil, and add to the coolant because the level was low, and asked me to come back few days later to do the proper checking/smoke test. I packed the car, and on the appointment date, I tried to start the car, the car did not work again. I call my local mechanic to check for me, find out that the coolant has went down again! He said that the car has coolant intrusion and has affected the engine. I need to replace the engine now!
Latches/locks/linkages, May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH the front driver side door erroneously came open and would not remain shut and secured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, May 13, 2026
Hello, My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) is not operational due to coolant intrusion/corrosion. I was informed this issue is not covered by the Customer Satisfaction Program, but this failure matches a known problem affecting this model/year and should be reconsidered. Two months ago I took the car to Bob Allen Ford in Overland Park for a check-engine light. They replaced a coolant-related part, but the coolant intrusion was not discovered. Approximately 2,000 miles after that service the vehicle became undrivable. At the time of that visit I requested a bumper-to-bumper inspection and was told no. I am highly upset that a likely systemic issue was not identified or addressed, and that coverage has been denied despite the circumstances. Please have a supervisor or specialist call me to explain why coverage was refused, review the service and inspection history, and discuss options for goodwill, escalation, or repair assistance. I expect a clear explanation, next steps, and a timeline. Contact phone: [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Thank you, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 13, 2026
Vehicle was having engine problems, idling rough, loss of acceleration and unable to drive at speeds over 20 mph.. Took it to local Ford dealer July 1, 2025, they diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine block. They said it was a common known problem with the Ford Ecoboost engines. They offered $500 to buy it off of me, saying they would not fix it. - Diagnosed repair requires engine replacement. - Vehicle loses power leading to potential engine seize on roadway at highway speeds creating a risk of collision from another vehicle. - Engine issue was confirmed by an independent auto repair shop. - Check engine light came on, used code checker. Would not reset, so had it towed to Ford dealer for inspection. They then diagnosed it as coolant intrusion into the engine block.
Engine, May 12, 2026
Engine stopped and made me come to a stop on a busy rd. Car warning came on saying it was overheating. After taking to mechanic I find out it was due to a Ford known coolant intrusion issue on the 1.5L eco boost. This happened at 103000 miles. Ford is a worthless company knowing they have screwed many owners of these vehicles. Vehicle is sitting in driveway undriveable needing a $10000 engine replacement.
Engine, May 11, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost started shaking when in gear and the engine light went on so I brought it to the dealership immediately. PO302 and PO316 codes showed. Dealership has informed me that the coolant has been leaking into the cylinder and this is a known issue with these engines. I have been quoted $13,500 for a total engine replacement.
Engine, May 8, 2026
Engine coolant intrusion. I was told by the service department at my Ford dealership this is a common and known issue solely due to how it was made and the parts used. This should 100% be recalled and fixed. It literally makes the car unsafe and unusable.
Power train, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when turning her steering wheel to either the left or right, an abnormal thumping noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the rear differential was defective and needed to be repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer who informed the contact that the failure may likely be the rear differential based off the symptoms the contact described. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V102000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Engine, May 8, 2026
After driving about 300 miles the car started showing red engine light and lost power. When I took for diagnosis at Ford Dealer in [XXX] I was told there is known defect where coolant is getting leaked into the engine causing engine to fail and need engine replacement. there was no support provided from ford for this issue till date and recall is long due INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, May 8, 2026
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, the ball joint detached from the vehicle without any prior signs or issues. This caused an issue with the break line, with brake fluid leaking, the vehicle tilting and messed up the front of the vehicle had caved in on one side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a ball joint failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2026
I have a paid in full 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Eco Boost. I am just over the 150k mile mark and out of the blue I was left stranded on the side of a completely dark highway at 4:30AM after working a shift. The car alerted me out of no where with no indication of an issue arising that the engine was overheating and to pull over immediately. The coolant was completley empty even tho I had an oil change and check up the week prior, while getting this done there was no indication of low coolant. I was able to refill the coolant with the help of a friend and make it home that night. 2 days later on the way to work on the same highway it happened again out of the blue with no warning or indication yet again. I was able to get my boss to bring me coolant so I could refill it and get to work and off the highway, the coolant somehow was dry to the bone again. After this second occurrence I took my car to 2 different trustworthy mechanics close to my house to be diagnosed. Both mechanics were able to diagnose that the issue is coming from coolant is leaking into the engine and causing the car to overheat and engine failure. The only option to fix the car is to get a new engine. Currently my car is not drivable and I have no transportation. Ford is aware of the issues with the engine and I have had many phone calls and case numbers with them to try and get my car fixed by them. However I am out of luck because my VIN is not included in the current recall 26S01 EVEN THOUGH they are fully aware this recall affects many makes and models. I've been given no news or time frame on if or when the 1.5L engine will be added to this recall. Again Ford is fully aware of the issue and that it is affecting many makes and models but claim until my VIN is attached to the recall they can't do a thing. I have been without a car since March 23, 2026.
Engine, May 6, 2026
Coolant intrusion kill the engine at start up. Warning light temp high and prevent start. Ford dealer report as coolant intrusion and cannot provide simple repair i.e change gasket. So changed used engined to repair with mechanical shop
Engine, May 6, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape with 1.5L EcoBoost engine had repeated overheating and coolant loss over time. The vehicle was repaired multiple times for cooling system issues (hoses, coolant, water pump), but the problem persisted. It has now been diagnosed with internal coolant intrusion requiring engine replacement. This matches known issues reported with this engine.
Engine, May 5, 2026
I had to take my 2018 Ford Escape in the be checked out after it started losing coolant. Come to find out there is some type of defect in the eco boost engine that causes Coolant Intrusion. Basically I’ve been told it requires an entire engine swap to fix the issue.
Engine, May 4, 2026
Issue with the coolant system leaking into the engine causing the head to either crack or warp and needing an entire engine replacement. Had taken it in a few times for a check engine light and they had replaced coolant systems didn't think the problem still had the issue with the engine
Engine, May 3, 2026
There is a coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 that needs to be fixed my car started shaking and starting off very slow since November 2025,I have not driven my car in 3 months because my car was not starting and when it did it was shaking violently. I can not afford a new engine PLEASE PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 3, 2026
A metallic clinking/rattling noise developed from the engine/transmission area while the vehicle was running. The issue was diagnosed as a failed flexplate. The flexplate is a critical component that connects the engine to the transmission. Continued operation with a failed flexplate can lead to further mechanical failure and could result in loss of propulsion or inability to move the vehicle, creating a potential safety risk, particularly in traffic or when acceleration is needed. The problem was confirmed by a dealership service center. The vehicle was still operable at the time, but the noise was persistent and indicated a failure condition. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the issue. The noise appeared suddenly. The component was replaced during repair. It is unknown if the failed part is available for inspection. There are reports of similar flexplate failures in comparable vehicles, raising concern this may not be an isolated issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 1, 2026
I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues The car has always been serviced with no problems. I took the car to a mechanic certified mechanic that said there's a problem with the coolant leaking into the engine the same thing that I see other complaints about on this site there has to be something done about this. I've only had this car for a year this month April 2026 make it one year. I bought the car from Allan Turner Hyundai Pensacola Florida if Ford keeps getting complaints about the same issue why isn't it recalled in the engines being taken care of, now I am sitting here with the vehicle still trying to pay for it and the vehicle is messed up.
Engine, May 1, 2026
My engine needs to be replaced at 55,000 miles due to a known coolant leak issue that I had no knowledge of when I purchased the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle shakes when turning on.
Engine, May 1, 2026
Coolant is leaking into the piston heads because of a commonly understood design flaw with the cooling systems between the piston heads. Ford knows about this flaw but refused to replace it.
Power train, Apr 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter had malfunctioned and 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 59,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was idling rough, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it ws determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 53,200.
Engine, Apr 27, 2026
This Ford 2018 Escape has an Intrusion that is a Major defect on this motor . It is in the shop to be fixed now costing me a total of $6875.27 . As soon as the check engine light came on we stopped the car as we were home. We had the car towed to a mechanic for diagnosis & repair. It is in the shop now. I called Ford and told them and they said it is a known problem but nit a recall at this time and is my responsibility to get it fixed . There is a class action suit filed against Ford now for this but I also wanted to share to you all it is a safety concern . This could have actually caught on fire and I am glad it did not as I shut it down as soon as the check engine light came on and had a mis fire you could feel it in the engine where the intrusion caused the coolant to go into the cracked block into the cylinders.
Equipment, Engine, Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure was not duplicated. The dealer cleared the check engine warning light. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test, but the contact declined. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. An independent mechanic was contacted and confirmed that there was a coolant leak and that coolant might have leaked into the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2026
On 3/15/2026 I was on my way home from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and about 35 minutes into my drive I got an alert stating "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely", so I pulled over immediately and turned the car off. After allowing the engine to cool down, I opened the hood and started the car to see if I could identify any issues, the "Engine Fault Service Now" alert came up. This was the first time this ever happened, this put me, my two dogs who were in the car with me, and possibly others on the road at risk, had the conditions escalated. (i.e. under hood fire). The vehicle was towed to an Authorized Ford Dealership, Mathieu Ford Sales, Inc. who diagnosed the issue on 3/17/2026. The dealership removed the spark plugs to inspect cylinders and found coolant intrusion into cylinders significantly on cylinder 2. Dealership referenced TSB 22-2322, is recommending short block assembly and related parts to remedy concern. Dealership advised it was safe and okay to drive the vehicle slowly to a nearby residence (to store the vehicle/retain possession), noting to pull over if an alert pops up and to have it towed if I received another message like before. The dealership advised it was not safe to drive the vehicle back to Pennsylvania. There weren't any issues driving the vehicle back on 3/17/2026 following the dealership's guidance; the car hasn't been driven since. The car needed to be jumped to start the vehicle on 4/17/2026 for a tow truck to load the vehicle onto its bed. The vehicle is currently back in possession of the dealership who diagnosed the issue. Upon doing research, this appears to be a widespread manufacturing design defect that Ford has failed to properly address/recall. My vehicle met the criteria under their Customer Satisfaction Program in 2022 - the vehicle is an Escape, 2017-2019, assembled in Louisville, that was Built before April 8, 2019, and which exhibited a covered condition, having low coolant. Ford Motor Co is failing to remedy-cure.