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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

What owners actually said

1,791 reports
96,000 miles · Dec 18, 2024
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to display the rear-view camera, and the contact was unable to view the image behind the vehicle. The contact stated that the radio was also inoperable. The vehicle was not di…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to display the rear-view camera, and the contact was unable to view the image behind the vehicle. The contact stated that the radio was also inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and all the vehicle fuses were checked for proper functionality. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11631516

113,115 miles · Dec 17, 2024
Engine

Coolant leak into cylinder 3, with Ford dealer saying I need to replace the engine or the car will just die at the side of the road and leave me stranded. Check engine light indicated a problem and I kept leaking coolant but couldn't see where the leak was going until I went to the dealer and they changed me $200 to diagnose. Th…

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Coolant leak into cylinder 3, with Ford dealer saying I need to replace the engine or the car will just die at the side of the road and leave me stranded. Check engine light indicated a problem and I kept leaking coolant but couldn't see where the leak was going until I went to the dealer and they changed me $200 to diagnose. This occurred at 110,000 mi. Now I have to replace the engine or lose a car that is worse less than the price of the engine replacement, but I still owe money on it. The dealer encouraged me to replace the engine with a new one from Ford that addresses the problem. So Ford knows it's a problem yet will not pay for repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11631286

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2024
Engine

My engine light came in and upon checking codes and researching the problem I realized I was getting coolant into cylinder 3 and apparently it is a very common problem with this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11631130

128,000 miles · Dec 16, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine causing …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an engine misfire and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprograming). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ODI #11631080

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Engine

I bought the car in June of 2023 and 2 months later started having issues. Replaced the fuel pump, replaced the PTU, camshaft and now the engine needs replaced. Ford is aware of the engine issue but didn’t issue a recall only an extended warranty for 7 years/84,000 miles. I was not made aware of this problem at the time of purch…

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I bought the car in June of 2023 and 2 months later started having issues. Replaced the fuel pump, replaced the PTU, camshaft and now the engine needs replaced. Ford is aware of the engine issue but didn’t issue a recall only an extended warranty for 7 years/84,000 miles. I was not made aware of this problem at the time of purchase or receive any letter stating that. Had I known about the problem with those engines I never would have purchased the car.

NHTSA ODI #11631068

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Engine

Coolant intrusion into the engine, repaired under partial warranty and safety bulletin 21N12 having the short block replaced in March of 2024 by the dealership. Noticed coolant loss and white smoke while idling in December of 2024. Currently waiting to get the vehicle to the dealership

NHTSA ODI #11631030

120,067 miles · Dec 16, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test result was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactur…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test result was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,067.

NHTSA ODI #11631003

101,000 miles · Dec 16, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire in cylinder #2, and the mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a bent valve on the long block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened; and the contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had closed the case. The contact was informed there would be no additional assistance provided. Additionally, the manufacturer stated that an investigation would not be conducted in house; however, the NHTSA might be able to perform an investigation into the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11630995

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

Needing Throttle Body replace though the car is 6 years old. Car will not get up to speed and engine fault light comes on. Got diagnosis and need to replaced. Also motor mounts have deteriorated despite lack of miles on car. Numerous complaints.

NHTSA ODI #11630959

117,000 miles · Dec 16, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance.…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11630947

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