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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 · Feb 15, 2025
Engine

Coolant intrusion in the cylinders that requires a replacement engine, a known issue by Ford but not something they are replacing or assisting with the cost of if you are outwith 84,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11642921

112,000 miles · Feb 13, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be re…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #11642462

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2025
Engine

Engine has a defect that causes car to have coolant leak and engine block to crack while driving, putting the vehicle into "limp mode". Accident can occur when vehicle suddenly begins decelerating while driving. There is no current recall for this issue for this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11642410

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2025
Engine

The engine on my car has become unusable because antifreeze leaked into my engine. It is available for inspection. Thankfully due to familial support my safety was not put at risk. The problem was confirmed by a mechanic. BJ's Auto Collision and Restoration, 816-279-2886. The check engine light came on when I first started…

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The engine on my car has become unusable because antifreeze leaked into my engine. It is available for inspection. Thankfully due to familial support my safety was not put at risk. The problem was confirmed by a mechanic. BJ's Auto Collision and Restoration, 816-279-2886. The check engine light came on when I first started the car for the day. This happened to my car while I was 5 hours away from the city where I live. I do not have the money to repair the car. So I had to rent a car. And will have to find a way to buy a new car.

NHTSA ODI #11642215

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape started to shake upon starting the engine. Within 2 days the check engine light turned on. I immediately phoned my mechanic and took the car in for diagnostics. The mechanic determined that coolant is present in the engine cylinders, he said likely due to head gasket failure. He said that the only was to reso…

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My 2018 Ford Escape started to shake upon starting the engine. Within 2 days the check engine light turned on. I immediately phoned my mechanic and took the car in for diagnostics. The mechanic determined that coolant is present in the engine cylinders, he said likely due to head gasket failure. He said that the only was to resolve the issue is a total engine replacement which he quoted could cost as much as $17,000. The mechanic tells me that the car cannot be driven at all as it is because the engine can fail at any time. This renders the car a total loss. I have done internet searches and have discovered that many Ford owners are experiencing this same problem and that it has been known to Ford that there is this defect in certain models yet they have not offered a recall or compensation for repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11641170

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I bought this car a month ago and now the transmission is not working I got a warning from my car saying “transmission fault service now” and now I’m trying to see how to fix that, if you guys can help me that would be great

NHTSA ODI #11641156

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

Fluids leaked into engine. Overheated and died on highway drive home no check engine lights were on prior. 2nd and 4th cylinder misfires. Spark plug welded and cross threaded and needed to replaced but when when it was attempted it broke off in engine due to being welded. Due to the original issues and all of those caused from …

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Fluids leaked into engine. Overheated and died on highway drive home no check engine lights were on prior. 2nd and 4th cylinder misfires. Spark plug welded and cross threaded and needed to replaced but when when it was attempted it broke off in engine due to being welded. Due to the original issues and all of those caused from them this vehicle is NOT SAFE; even if this was able to work again it is NOT SAFE! It was a family car and we do NOT trust for our families safety!! (Had car towed to repair the next day and has been inoperable since without either new engine or engine rebuild.)

NHTSA ODI #11641134

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost engine is experiencing issues that include coolant leaking into the cylinder. There has been white smoke emitting from the exhaust with an odor present. Multiple mechanics have looked at the vehicle and have reported that it might need a total engine replacement. The vehicle has rough…

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My 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost engine is experiencing issues that include coolant leaking into the cylinder. There has been white smoke emitting from the exhaust with an odor present. Multiple mechanics have looked at the vehicle and have reported that it might need a total engine replacement. The vehicle has roughly 64,200 miles on it and is currently at a Ford Dealership in Clarksville, Indiana. A google search shows that this is a known issue with the Ford 2.0 Ecoboost engine, but Ford is not showing a recall. I also have seen that there is or there is the possibility of a class action lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI #11641103

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

My check engine light came on after a few rough starts prior, all of the rough starts came with white smoke from my exhaust pipe, and the entirety of my vehicle shaking. My first initial impression of the issue was either my spark plugs or my ignition coils. Neither was the case. I have had my car checked out by multiple mechani…

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My check engine light came on after a few rough starts prior, all of the rough starts came with white smoke from my exhaust pipe, and the entirety of my vehicle shaking. My first initial impression of the issue was either my spark plugs or my ignition coils. Neither was the case. I have had my car checked out by multiple mechanic shops, and they have all said I have a “coolant intrusion”, as I have had to refill my coolant several times in the past 2 months, while also having “milky oil” indicating coolant has been leaking and mixing into my oil, causing the code P0302, or a cylinder 2 misfire. For a new engine from Ford themselves, I have been quoted $14,000 plus taxes to get this issue fixed. My only concern is Ford has a class-action lawsuit filed against them for this same issue. I can’t afford to put $14,000 into this vehicle for a new engine, when the issue has been happening to many, many others, all fitting the exact description of what I am complaining about. I am concerned for my safety as people with the same issue, have expressed their vehicles have overheated without warning. I am worried my vehicle will catch on fire, as well as my own safety while driving the vehicle. My vehicle is also not covered by warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11641097

117,000 miles · Feb 6, 2025
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts store which diagnosed that the EVAP high p…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts store which diagnosed that the EVAP high purge flow was faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11641084

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.

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