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2018 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

668 reports with mileage · 1,123 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 1,145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 269 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports5 fire reports23 injury reports

Engine complaints

1,145 reports
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71,437 miles · Apr 2, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Engine Fault Service" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Engine Fault Service" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs, air filters, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was no provided. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "High Emergency Services Pull Over Safely" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,437.

NHTSA ODI #11652384

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2025
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape started having problems with the check engine light coming on following an extended trip. The spark plugs were replaced, and all was checked by an independent mechanic. A few days later, a new error appeared saying that there was an engine fault failure. Additionally, it smelled very hot, so we were very afra…

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My 2018 Ford Escape started having problems with the check engine light coming on following an extended trip. The spark plugs were replaced, and all was checked by an independent mechanic. A few days later, a new error appeared saying that there was an engine fault failure. Additionally, it smelled very hot, so we were very afraid to drive it. We brought the car to a certified Ford dealer, and were told that cylinder 2 of the engine had coolant leaking in it and that the engine would need to be replaced. I am attaching documentation to show this. We had JUST returned from a long road trip with many miles of highway driving, so if this had happened in heavy traffic, we would have been put in grave risk. Also, the service department at the Ford garage told us that she had 2 more vehicles with the same engine, with the same problem, just that DAY! It was going to be almost $10,000 to fix this problem, and my car was only worth $ 6000 in good condition, so our lovely, well cared for car, that I had planned to keep for 2 more years, was sent to the salvage yard. As attached, I had to buy a new car with no down payment due to this situation.

NHTSA ODI #11652355

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2025
Engine

This Ford Escape has coolant intrusion. The coolant leaks into the cylinder because of poor design.

NHTSA ODI #11651904

159,000 miles · Mar 31, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal o…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. In addition, the contact stated that during cold starts, there was heavy black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ODI #11651752

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2025
Engine

Coolant intrusion into cylinders 3&4 as a result of manufacturing defect. Confirmed by multiple certified mechanics. No warning messages/signs until major misfires occurred and car became nearly undriveable while traveling at highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI #11651591

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2025
Engine

For the 6 month my check engine light has been on First repairs was replacing both bank sensors, About 3 months later again replaced another sensor. Again check engine light would go off And out of no where one morning the the dashboard reads overheating it goes in limb mode gets repairs changes thermostatabd something else L…

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For the 6 month my check engine light has been on First repairs was replacing both bank sensors, About 3 months later again replaced another sensor. Again check engine light would go off And out of no where one morning the the dashboard reads overheating it goes in limb mode gets repairs changes thermostatabd something else Light off that's in Jan 2025, here mar 25 on again change spark plugs also misfire code burning coolant with no leak no warning on dashboard Start doing research and wow notice coolant leaking into cylinders Take my car to get looked at guess what that's what's happening to me Ford. Is highly aware with no recall This really needs to be looked at

NHTSA ODI #11651557

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I’ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people.…

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When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I’ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people. I was so scared on the highway. God bless you.

NHTSA ODI #11651471

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2025
Engine

P0302 code reading antifreeze/coolant leaking into engine. Had to have a new motor

NHTSA ODI #11651436

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2025
Engine

Originally the car started blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. Next it would misfire occasionally on engine start. After, i would start loosing coolant and getting engine overheat but could never find the leak. I had a mechanic diagnose it and he said it was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now the head gasket is blow…

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Originally the car started blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. Next it would misfire occasionally on engine start. After, i would start loosing coolant and getting engine overheat but could never find the leak. I had a mechanic diagnose it and he said it was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now the head gasket is blown and potentially more damage may be found that could lead to an engine change.

NHTSA ODI #11651272

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Engine

Cracked block causing misfire in cylinder 3

NHTSA ODI #11650654

Official recalls

4

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

18V104000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

17V803000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems