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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,791 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2025
Engine

I have a 2.0 ecoboost 2018 ford escape that has currently loosing coolant with in a week, after inspecting the issue it was found that engine coolant intrusion has began and white smoke is coming out of the back of the exhaust, and have a misfire code for cylinder 3 and 4. The spark plug on cylinder 4 upon pulling it out was wet…

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I have a 2.0 ecoboost 2018 ford escape that has currently loosing coolant with in a week, after inspecting the issue it was found that engine coolant intrusion has began and white smoke is coming out of the back of the exhaust, and have a misfire code for cylinder 3 and 4. The spark plug on cylinder 4 upon pulling it out was wet. 104,000 miles is currently on my car, and is parked because I can't come up with that type of money for either a new engine or head gasket to be fixed. There is no coolant leaks, so there for it has blown a head gasket, amd ford needs to issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11669123

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2025
Engine

2018 ford escape 1.5l ecoboost overheating issues.

NHTSA ODI #11669115

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Engine

Coolant intrusion in cylinders causing sudden stalling and engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11668989

91,060 miles · Jun 24, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The v…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,060.

NHTSA ODI #11668929

102,000 miles · Jun 24, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately 2 miles. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the warning light was no longer illuminated. T…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately 2 miles. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact called a person who inspected the vehicle, but was unable to identify any failures with the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire - and fractured head gasket). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another mechanic who scheduled an engine replacement. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #11668924

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2025
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape that I got under 3 years ago needs a new engine. It has the ecoboost engine. There should be a recall for this car because so many people are struggling with this. I know that there are others out there struggling like I am with a lot left to pay off their lease and not having the ability to buy another vehic…

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My 2018 Ford Escape that I got under 3 years ago needs a new engine. It has the ecoboost engine. There should be a recall for this car because so many people are struggling with this. I know that there are others out there struggling like I am with a lot left to pay off their lease and not having the ability to buy another vehicle or afford a new engine. My first check engine light came on and was a cylinder 3 misfire. The spark plugs were all replaced. The engine light came back on after a week and it was a cylinder 2 misfire. The light came back on after a few days of getting it inspected/looked at. Took it back to the shop and I was told the engine must be replaced because leaking coolant getting into the engine causing many issues. Their ecoboost engines are faulty and they should be held accountable.

NHTSA ODI #11668673

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2025
Lane DeparturePower Train

Transmission failed in the middle of me turning and a car almost hit me. Their Transmissions should be recalled on ALL ford escapes this is ridiculous.

NHTSA ODI #11668399

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2025
Engine

There is an Internal coolant leak inside of engine took it to a ford dealer they said it was not doing it when they checked it. This problem is getting worse blowing thick white smoke out of tail pipe and losing coolant rapidly. I looked this up it is a known problem /recall for this engine , make and model of vehicle. I have be…

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There is an Internal coolant leak inside of engine took it to a ford dealer they said it was not doing it when they checked it. This problem is getting worse blowing thick white smoke out of tail pipe and losing coolant rapidly. I looked this up it is a known problem /recall for this engine , make and model of vehicle. I have been trying to get this fixed for a while now and ford just gives me the run around. I had my mechanic test it and it came back as blowing combustion gas into the coolant system indicating blown head gasket or internal leak.

NHTSA ODI #11668329

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2025
Engine

I want to report a coolant leak that is a known issue with this vehicle . Im dealing with misfires and uncertainties when driving.

NHTSA ODI #11668255

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2025
Engine

Engine must be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder head. I was not told about any ongoing issue from the car dealer when I purchased in July 2022. I bought and financed car in good condition with 91k miles for $15,500 (which was fair market value) . I found out approx a year ago about ongoing issue, when I notice…

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Engine must be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder head. I was not told about any ongoing issue from the car dealer when I purchased in July 2022. I bought and financed car in good condition with 91k miles for $15,500 (which was fair market value) . I found out approx a year ago about ongoing issue, when I noticed excessive coolant loss. I was told engine replacement was the absolute only fix. I have added coolant weekly to keep from overheating. Approx 6 weeks ago; wouldn’t crank in my driveway, so I had towed to a mechanic to find out it now needs the new engine. Two cylinders have compression under 30-35. I initially had no options other than to trade or sell a lemon or replace the engine. I still owe over $7500 on a vehicle that doesn’t run. This is obviously a widespread issue and shameful that Ford will not assist in repair costs and isn’t held accountable for lack of info or assistance in repairing a defective automobile. A Ford dealership I consulted, confirmed no assistance offered.

NHTSA ODI #11668030

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