2018 Ford Escape

What owners report most often

1. Engine1,149
2. Engine and engine cooling342
3. Power train271
4. Other or unspecified105
5. Electrical system54
6. Fuel/propulsion system42
7. Steering30
8. Service brakes27

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

1. Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 4, 2026

   Spark plug cylinder 1 gets stuck trying to replace which causes vehicle to misfire

2. Engine, Apr 3, 2026

   coolant intrusion requiring short block engine replacement MIL came on approximately 3 weeks ago and Ford no longer covers this repair for a known defect

3. Engine, Apr 2, 2026

   My 2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine experienced complete engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on 3/29/26. This is a known design and manufacturing defect in the engine block, documented by Ford in Technical Service Bulletins 19-2375, 19-2346, 22-2322, and 22-2134, and addressed under Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). Ford performed a preventive software update under CSP 19B37 on this vehicle, confirming that Ford identified this VIN as having the at-risk engine. Despite this measure, the engine failed from the exact defect 19B37 was designed to prevent. The engine block’s thin-walled cooling passages between cylinders cracked, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chambers, causing misfires, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure. This engine failure occurred without adequate warning while the vehicle was in motion. Sudden loss of engine power on public roads poses a serious safety risk to the motorists and pedestrians. Ford’s own TSBs describe this as a progressive failure, but coolant loss is internal and may not trigger warning lights until the engine is already critically damaged. Ford has addressed this defect through multiple TSBs and a Customer Satisfaction Program for some VINs, but has not issued a formal recall covering all affected vehicles. Thousands of 2013–2019 Escapes, Fusions, Edges, and Lincoln MKC/MKZ vehicles with 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines remain on the road with this defect. A class action lawsuit has been filed regarding this issue. I urge NHTSA to investigate and require a formal recall. This vehicle was purchased used from an authorized Ford dealership at 54,677 miles ( 7/2/2022). The dealer had full access to Ford’s OASIS system and did not perform the CSP 21N12 short block replacement or disclose the known coolant intrusion defect. As the owner, I was never notified by Ford or the dealer about 21N12.

4. Engine, Apr 1, 2026

   Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed a Technical Service Bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The engine shudders so bad I cannot drive the car. I have also had to replace the transmission a few years back. It became a safety hazard. I was driving it and it wouldn't get up to speed and it was stalling on the road with traffic. This vehicle has several know issues, the cost to upkeep and constantly replace things to maintain safety is unaffordable for anyone. Children and people ride in these cars. These cars are unsafe to be on the road for those in them and around them. I still owe money on mine and can't even drive it due to its safety hazards with the engine and the coolant intrusion. I do not have a repair invoice as I decided to not drop anymore money into this car. Its unfortunate I am still paying on the loan for it.

5. Engine, Mar 31, 2026

   Coolant leak/known engine issue is now effecting my car. 3/31/26 my mechanic said to take it to an engine place as it will need a new engine due to this known fault. I am too late for their extended warranty which I was never notified of, including when I purchased the car in 2021 when the issue was already well-known.

6. Engine, Mar 31, 2026

   Starting in Oct or Nov 2025 I noticed that my car was not starting right away when i put the key in the ignition, then a couple of weeks later my car began to shake when i started to drive and then would stop. My dad who is a retired mechanic stated that i was low on coolant, so he filled it and the car stopped shaking and drove fine, then the very next day the car would not start right away and it began to shake, my dad checked and the coolant was low again. We filled the tank back up to the correct level and the car stopped shaking. A couple of days later the car began to shake again and the coolant was low this went on from 2025 to March 2026, i took the car to the ford dealership and they stated that i have a coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. I can not drive my car due to the shaking and car not starting correctly.

7. Engine, Mar 30, 2026

   Car had a weird sound and was misfiring so was taken to a shop who diagnosed with coolant intrusion issues. This has been so much headache this car has so many issues with coolant intrusion and it’s a safety issue since it is coolant IN THE ENGINE which can cause so many issues. this needs to be fixed

8. Power train, Engine, Mar 27, 2026

   My 2018 Ford Escape, which has experienced catastrophic engine failure due to the well-documented coolant intrusion defect in the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. In early March 2026, without any prewarning or engine light, my vehicle displayed an “Engine Fault Service Now” warning and stored diagnostic trouble code P2601 (Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Range). I immediately took the vehicle to Bidwell Automotive in [XXX] , where on March 10–11, 2026, technician Gannon performed a thorough inspection. The findings were as follows: the coolant level was critically low; the water pump showed signs of leaking; the top of the piston in the affected cylinder appeared washed clean (a hallmark of coolant entering the combustion chamber); and the technician detected an odor consistent with combustion gases in the cooling system. The diagnosis was a suspected failed head gasket consistent with internal coolant intrusion. I then brought the vehicle to Future Ford Lincoln of Roseville, your authorized dealership, on March 12, 2026 (RO #XXX, Service Consultant [XXX] , Certified Technician [XXX] ). Future Ford verified the coolant intrusion into Cylinder 2 by removing the spark plugs and performing a borescope inspection. The dealership’s own technician referenced TSB 22-2322 and recommended either a short block replacement ($9,396.45) or a long block replacement ($13,331.01). The dealership confirmed that my vehicle has no remaining warranty coverage and offered no assistance beyond the paid repair estimate. Ford’s Documented Knowledge of This Defect Ford Motor Company has long been aware that the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in 2017–2019 Escape vehicles suffers from a structural design defect in the engine block’s cooling passages that causes coolant to intrude into the cylinders. Ford’s own actions confirm this knowledge. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

9. Engine, Mar 26, 2026

   Safety Risk: The vehicle suffered a sudden loss of power while driving. Without any warning light or prior symptoms, the car began "pulling". I was advised by mechanics that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the severity of the misfire. After two expensive spark plug repairs in six months, the engine light finally triggered during a trip, revealing that the internal defect was significantly worse than a simple maintenance issue. The problem began with a sudden, violent engine hesitation. A scan revealed a Cylinder 3 misfire (P0303), but there was no initial check engine light, leaving me unaware of the danger until the car began struggling to move. Over the next six months, the spark plugs were replaced twice. Despite these repairs, the car continued to struggle with acceleration and rough idling. A final diagnosis at Palmetto Ford confirmed coolant intrusion into the cylinders (TSB 22-2322). The engine is consuming coolant internally, which fouled the spark plugs and led to a mechanical failure leading to get over $11000 on repairs for a new engine.

10. Engine, Mar 23, 2026

    With only 122,000 miles on the vehicle, the Escape is generating an error associated with a misfire in cylinder 1. New plugs were installed for the entire engine and the coil in cylinder 1 was replaced. A few days later, the error was generated again with an added warning to Server now. The service station that did the previous repair, stated that this was a known issue with this Ford engine and the Escape would need a new engine. If I don't replace the engine, this vehicle has been known to discontinue working while driving. The estimate for repairs are $10,300.

11. Engine, Mar 22, 2026

    I went in to get a tune-up on car because a engine light came on which was a misfire. The mechanic had a hard time getting out one spark plug with a hard residue on it. I drove for a couple days after tune-up and engine light came on again. I then started the next day the garage filled with white smoke with a real weird smell. The car showed another engine light that said Engine fault service now. Car would not start. It was towed to Ford dealership. It is a coolant intrusion into the block. I have 110,000 on vehicle and had the 100,000 extended warranty. I now I need to fight Ford to get fixed. This is a known issue and there was not a recall on this. I am retired and I am forced into buying another vehicle on a fixed income. If Ford does not fix this, i will join the class action suit that will be heard in June 2026. I have bought Fords all my life and I am super disappointed that Ford did not recall this motor and replace. I have heard that alot of people with this problem with coolant intrusion in block if over 84,000 or 7yrs Ford will not replace. Shameful when they know there is this issue.

12. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the vehicle entered SAFE Mode, lost power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was raised from COLD to HOT immediately, and the vehicle was turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the coolant level was low. The independent mechanic "burped" the system and added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred approximately 30 days later. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, and the short block was cracked, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,900.

13. Engine, Mar 19, 2026

    The engine has a coolant intrusion problem with a rough idle and potential for complete failure. This problem is documented as a known problem with this engine and Ford has in the past provided extended warranties including engine replacements. Ford had earlier released TSB 20-2100 and has acknowledged the problem.

14. Engine, Mar 16, 2026

    At approximately 46,000 miles our 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion in cylinders 2 and 3. The car has the 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine. The car was out of warranty, requiring us to pay for the majority of the nearly 9,000 engine replacement. Additionally, we did not have the use of the car for over three months. We found that this a common problem with these engines throughout the Ford model lineup.

15. Power train, Mar 16, 2026

    The component that is failing in my vehicle is the engine, specifically the 1.5L EcoBoost engine short block, which is experiencing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This defect causes misfires, rough running, loss of coolant without visible leaks, and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. The car and all its components are available for inspection upon request. My safety, my child's safety, as well as the safety of others on the road, has been put at risk because this engine defect can cause sudden misfires, loss of power, or complete engine failure while driving. I rely on this vehicle to transport my special needs toddler to and from essential care appointments and therapies. I have experienced sudden intermittent powertrain loss that has resulted in the vehicle randomly stopping on highway. A local auto shop diagnosed the issue free of charge. It was explained to me that this is a known defect that Ford has documented, and other owners have reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, demonstrating that it is reproducible in vehicles with this engine type. My vehicle has not been inspected by Ford for repair coverage, nor have police or insurance representatives been involved. Ford has reviewed my VIN internally but refused coverage based on a narrow eligibility range, leaving me responsible for repair costs that are financially burdensome and urgently needed for the safety and care of my child. As of now I experience random misfires, rough running, white thick smoke expelling from the exhaust, random powertrain loss, and unexplained loss of coolant. These symptoms appeared gradually but are consistent with the documented defect in other vehicles with the same engine type, model, and assembly plant, making it clear that my vehicle is affected by the same issue.

16. Engine, Mar 14, 2026

    coolant intrusion. apparently this is a very well documented and known issue

17. Engine, Mar 14, 2026

    I have owned this car for a year have taken it to multiple mechanics to get the overheating issue fixed. Well the most recent time my car had overheated my whole car had smelt like it was on fire. I've had to fix this issue 5 times in the last year and mechanics are not cheap

18. Visibility, Mar 13, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the windshield wipers activated independently. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,845.

19. Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 11, 2026

    Vehicle overheated in middle of traffic and immediately went in limp mode due to antifreeze leaking in the internal engine

20. Engine, Mar 10, 2026

    I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This appears to be a manufacturing defect associated with this engine design rather than a maintenance issue. I have exercised proper diligence as the vehicle owner and have two prior inspection reports (available upon request) that showed no indication of this issue before the failure occurred. I have a formal written diagnosis from a Ford Service Center confirming internal engine failure consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. This defect allows engine coolant to leak into the cylinder bores, which can lead to misfires, overheating, severe internal engine damage, and eventual engine stalling or complete loss of engine power. This condition presents a serious safety hazard because it can cause sudden and unpredictable loss of engine power while the vehicle is in motion, including at highway speeds. A sudden stall in traffic significantly increases the risk of a crash and endangers the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 does not adequately address the severity of this defect. All these vehicles like mine even at only 101,000 miles are at risk with no warnings. Numerous owners have reported the same coolant intrusion failure in vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, suggesting a systemic manufacturing issue. There are also ongoing consumer complaints and civil litigation related to this defect. Because this issue has the potential to cause sudden loss of power without warning, I respectfully request your Administration investigate this defect and consider a mandatory safety recall to protect the entire public. Thank you.

21. Engine, Mar 9, 2026

    The engine leaked coolant into the cylinder. Bad cylinder #2 per mechanic. Engine needs replacement. This is a know problem with 2017-2109 ford 1.5L eco boost engines.

22. Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 45 MPH. The vehicle continued to accelerate without the accelerator pedal depressed until the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped. On another occasion, while the vehicle was at a stoplight, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

23. Engine, Mar 8, 2026

    Vehicle: 2018 Ford Escape SE, 1.5L EcoBoost, 130,000 miles Problem: Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 has caused engine misfires, rough starting, check engine light, and the engine now requires replacement. Circumstances: The failure occurred suddenly. The vehicle was properly maintained and regularly serviced. Safety concern: Coolant intrusion can lead to sudden engine stall and loss of power, creating a risk while driving. Additional info: Diagnosed by an independent mechanic; engine replacement recommended. This appears consistent with a known defect in this engine type.

24. Engine, Mar 7, 2026

    A check engine light came on the vehicle and I decided to get it tested with my device and it said that the was a problem with the crankshaft position sensor and there was a misfire on cylinder 2 and 3. When I did my research it said that it could be many things and I should replace my spark plugs and crankshaft position sensor. I did that and immediately after replacing the spark plugs and the sensor, white smoke started to emerge from the exhaust and a message came on screen that said engine fault service now. I decided to have my car towed to the service shop that I usually take my car to when I’m not doing minor replacements and they said that it was a problem with the engine due to a manufacturer design fault. The said that as a result of the design flaw coolant was getting into the engine. They said that it was coolant intrusion. I did my research and found out that my car falls under this known fault. I have a 2018 Ford Escape. I was not made aware of this problem when I purchased my vehicle in November of 2022. At that time there was a voluntary program that said that owners with this make could have a one time replacement of the engine. I am now out of a car as a result of this known problem. I called the company based on advice from my mechanic and they denied me a goodwill assistance repair. They open a case report and the case number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

25. Engine, Mar 4, 2026

    Check engine light came on last week. Took it into the repair shop and they let me know that there is coolant in the first cylinder. There is not a recall for this but it is a known issue with Ford escapes designs and that Ford has redesigned the engine block and gasket, and in some cases, they are replacing the entire long block.