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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

Structure complaints

20 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2023
Structure

The paint on the pillar next to the windshield on the drivers side just bubbled up, cracked and flaked away leaving the body of my car exposed to the weather elements. Searching the internet, I have found this is a common problem with Fords, but Ford won't fix it. Since this is common and obviously a factory defect, I feel a r…

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The paint on the pillar next to the windshield on the drivers side just bubbled up, cracked and flaked away leaving the body of my car exposed to the weather elements. Searching the internet, I have found this is a common problem with Fords, but Ford won't fix it. Since this is common and obviously a factory defect, I feel a recall should be issued to cover this.

NHTSA ODI #11516752

68,000 miles · Mar 29, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11514400

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2023
Structure

I took my car into Lugoff Ford, in South Carolina today, because the passenger side dashboard is lifting up near the glove box, and I felt the transmission slip. I noticed this (Dash issue) has happened on the 2020 Fords. I was told today by the dealer that the "The Clips failed to secure the dash, probably because of to much vi…

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I took my car into Lugoff Ford, in South Carolina today, because the passenger side dashboard is lifting up near the glove box, and I felt the transmission slip. I noticed this (Dash issue) has happened on the 2020 Fords. I was told today by the dealer that the "The Clips failed to secure the dash, probably because of to much vibration." I would have to pay $298.00 for a new dash, I have 17,279 miles on it, so under 20,000 miles these clips failed? It sat in my garage for the first 4 years of having the car. I'm 68 years old, and only drive to doctors mainly, not sure how much vibration I could cause on this, just concerned how many more people are actually doing the same, and no one is reporting them. Safety issue to me would be if the other clips failed on driver side, and the dash rose up BLOCKING YOUR VIEW WHILE DRIVING. I DO have Premium warranty on my car until 2026, but was told it doesn't cover the dash. Thank you for your assistance.

NHTSA ODI #11506366

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2022
StructureUnknown Or Other

The driver and front passenger door passenger won't latch. It doesn't catch properly and the warning light comes on for the door. There shouldn't be any problems for a car with only 22509 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11483827

26,000 miles · Jun 24, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on the passenger side door the door panel where you could rest your arm had begun to go inwards. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated it may be caused by wear and tear, however, they were not able to find an exact cause. The vehicle had not been repair…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on the passenger side door the door panel where you could rest your arm had begun to go inwards. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated it may be caused by wear and tear, however, they were not able to find an exact cause. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11470852

18,000 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Structure

LEAK FROM ROOF BY REAR VIEW MIRROR SATURATING INSIDE OF CAR AND CONSOLE WHEN RAINING. CAR WAS STATIONARY AT TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11288283

13,000 miles · May 7, 2019
EngineStructure

WITH 10 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AT THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER CAUSING COOLANT TO BURN IN THE ENGINE AND OIL TO BE RELEASED INTO THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A BODY RATTLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SOMEWHERE NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. REPAIR SHOP IS UN…

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WITH 10 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AT THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER CAUSING COOLANT TO BURN IN THE ENGINE AND OIL TO BE RELEASED INTO THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A BODY RATTLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SOMEWHERE NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. REPAIR SHOP IS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE.

NHTSA ODI #11206063

6,709 miles · Jul 25, 2018
StructureInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR LIFTGATE OPENED AND A SUITCASE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WENT TO RETRIEVE THE SUITCASE FROM THE ROAD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE SUITCASE BACK INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S REAR AREA, THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR LIFTGATE OPENED AND A SUITCASE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WENT TO RETRIEVE THE SUITCASE FROM THE ROAD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE SUITCASE BACK INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S REAR AREA, THE HATCH STARTED TO CLOSE ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD AND DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE BOTH HANDS TO HOLD THE HATCH OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO TO THE URGENT CARE FACILITY AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED AND RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DAVIDSON FORD OF CLAY, 3690 NY-31, LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK, (315) 860-009), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S FOOT MUST HAVE BEEN TO CLOSE TO THE REAR FOOT SENSOR, WHICH CAUSED THE HATCH TO CLOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,709.

NHTSA ODI #11113565

3,500 miles · May 11, 2018
Electrical SystemStructure

BACK ELECTRIC TAILGATE DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. THIS IS INDICATED BY THE HORN DOUBLE HONKING WHEN LOCKING THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO INDICATOR ON THE DASH WHEN THE CAR IS ON THAT THIS IS NOT FULLY LATCHED. I BELIEVE THIS COULD LEAD TO EXHAUST IN THE CABIN, ESPECIALLY IF IDLING.

NHTSA ODI #11093294

797 miles · Apr 18, 2018
Structure

BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD ESCAPE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I FOUND THAT ALL THE SPINDLES WERE RUSTED. FORD SAID THIS IS NORMAL. BROUGHT IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC-CARTEC IN TULSA, OK. THEY FOUND RUST NOT ONLY ON THE SPINDLES, BUT THE DRIVESHAFT, AND CV AXLES. THEY PUT THE PICTURES ON A URL HTTP://2UN.ME/2IL56.…

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BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD ESCAPE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I FOUND THAT ALL THE SPINDLES WERE RUSTED. FORD SAID THIS IS NORMAL. BROUGHT IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC-CARTEC IN TULSA, OK. THEY FOUND RUST NOT ONLY ON THE SPINDLES, BUT THE DRIVESHAFT, AND CV AXLES. THEY PUT THE PICTURES ON A URL HTTP://2UN.ME/2IL56. I AM WORRIED THESE RUSTED PARTS WILL EVENTUALLY RUST ALL THE WAY AND CAUSE THE WHEELS TO COME OFF, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF LEFT UNTREATED.

NHTSA ODI #11088921

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