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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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Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2026
Engine

2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5L 4Cyl Turbo. 43,883 miles. Engine light came on. Checked by mechanic on 1/15/26. (Philadelphia PA 19128). Diagnosis: Coolant leaking from head gasket into cylinder #3. Recommend remove & replace engine. Cost: $11,551.13 (total) (which is around what the vehicle is worth). I have since researched this …

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2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5L 4Cyl Turbo. 43,883 miles. Engine light came on. Checked by mechanic on 1/15/26. (Philadelphia PA 19128). Diagnosis: Coolant leaking from head gasket into cylinder #3. Recommend remove & replace engine. Cost: $11,551.13 (total) (which is around what the vehicle is worth). I have since researched this problem and found out it is a longstanding issue with this Ford engine, across different models, but has not been addressed - no recall or maintenance notices that I am aware of. Many other consumers have encountered the SAME EXACT ISSUE, with engine replacement recommended for thousands of dollars - including in low milage vehicles like mine. Allegedly the faulty engines are still being manufactured and used...So, assuming this is true, if someone opts to replace the engine, couldn't they just be getting one with the very same problem?? It is INEXCUSABLE that this issue has not been addressed.

NHTSA ODI #11713106

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
Engine

I have a 2018 Ford escape and I have a coolant intrusion leaking into the cylinders.i can smell coolant inside the vehicle.i did some researched the problem.i noticed other people having the same problem.some of the while driving the motor stopped running.ford does have the knowledge of this and have done nothing about it.this i…

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I have a 2018 Ford escape and I have a coolant intrusion leaking into the cylinders.i can smell coolant inside the vehicle.i did some researched the problem.i noticed other people having the same problem.some of the while driving the motor stopped running.ford does have the knowledge of this and have done nothing about it.this is a real dangerous safety hazard.someone is going to get hurt badly and maybe even death can happen.what is it going to take for a national recall for these vehicles affected to be repaired ? This is a very concerning dilemma.can someone please get back to me.thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11712771

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other

Blown head gasket, it is available for inspection. The engine overheating could’ve left me and my family stranded. The problem has not been confirmed by anyone. It also has not been inspected yet either. There were no other indicators lit on the dashboard other than the check engine light.

NHTSA ODI #11712741

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2026
Engine

December/2025 I noticed a check engine light on my way home went to get the code read and was told I needed new plugs and coils had them replaced on 1/2026 about a week later check engine light again now I’m getting code po302 misfiring had them replaced again on 1/10/2026, only to get the same thing happen again to cylinder 2 a…

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December/2025 I noticed a check engine light on my way home went to get the code read and was told I needed new plugs and coils had them replaced on 1/2026 about a week later check engine light again now I’m getting code po302 misfiring had them replaced again on 1/10/2026, only to get the same thing happen again to cylinder 2 as before with constant low coolant in overflow !! So as of 1/16/2026 same reading done same code my cylinder #2 has coolant in there and now I need internal engine work done on my vehicle with know manufacture recall because I brought my car in 7/2024 n now I’m stuck with a vehicle with major issues/problems and no funds to repair..

NHTSA ODI #11711559

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2026
Engine

Coolant intrude. Coolant flow to engine make light on for engine high temperature at start. Can not drive after light on.

NHTSA ODI #11711275

54,000 miles · Jan 15, 2026
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage after being driven in the morning; however, later in the day, the vehicle failed to restart. While the contact’s grandson was using the vehicle, there was an abnormal popping sound. There was white steam in the garage. There were no…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage after being driven in the morning; however, later in the day, the vehicle failed to restart. While the contact’s grandson was using the vehicle, there was an abnormal popping sound. There was white steam in the garage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who noticed milky coolant inside the engine while using a camera to check the engine. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing a crack in the engine, which warped the cylinder heads. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #11711239

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2026
Engine

my Ford issue had the short block coolant intrusion which has resulted in a blown engine with only 55,000 miles on my car. It is my understanding in 2022, Ford issued a one time no cost repair as they knew they sold cars with a junk engine yet I was never sent the customer satisfaction program letter 21N12 informing me of the po…

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my Ford issue had the short block coolant intrusion which has resulted in a blown engine with only 55,000 miles on my car. It is my understanding in 2022, Ford issued a one time no cost repair as they knew they sold cars with a junk engine yet I was never sent the customer satisfaction program letter 21N12 informing me of the potential issue and the one time no cost engine replacement. When I called the Ford customer satisfaction program today, using my VIN they confirmed this as well and mentioned there hasn't been a recall on it to date but possibly sometime in the near future and to save all my maintenance receipts. My engine light had been coming on for quite some time, but my car ran fine so each time I took it to my mechanic no code came up so it was cleared and I drove it. Ford wants me to pay them $12,000.00 to replace the engine because my 7 year extended warranty ended and they will not assist financially. I realize my car is 8 years old but it has low mileage. been well maintained and I don't feel I should have to pay for a new engine as the dealership sold me the car with a defective short block in the first place and never informed me of the potential issue.

NHTSA ODI #11709859

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2026
Engine

Vehicle has overheated twice and left me in stranded in heavy traffic took to dealership to see what’s going on and was told coolant is leaking in cylinder number two and will need long block engine replacement no factory warranty or recall for this issue due to manufacture fault I have a infant granddaughter that has to ride in…

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Vehicle has overheated twice and left me in stranded in heavy traffic took to dealership to see what’s going on and was told coolant is leaking in cylinder number two and will need long block engine replacement no factory warranty or recall for this issue due to manufacture fault I have a infant granddaughter that has to ride in this car this problem is not anything of my fault at all

NHTSA ODI #11709668

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2026
Engine

The engine failed after only 73,000 miles while I was driving the car. The car lost power suddenly and almost caused me to have an accident. I took the vehicle to the dealer and it requires the entire engine be replaced because of a known engineering defect noted in TSB 19 2346.

NHTSA ODI #11708882

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2025
Engine

Vehicle with 84000 miles has coolant intrusion into cylinders, dealer is saying new engine is needed at $11,000. Vehicle was bought new by owner. This is a known issue from Ford who knew of this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11707733

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