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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 · Mar 25, 2025
Engine

Coolant leaking into engine

NHTSA ODI #11650602

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Engine

I am writing to PLEAD the NHTSA to intervene and Assist in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2018 Ford Escape Engine 1.5L short block. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?…

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I am writing to PLEAD the NHTSA to intervene and Assist in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2018 Ford Escape Engine 1.5L short block. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It has been confirmed that there is a presence of coolant intrusion into one or more cylinder bores. This could lead further damage, fires and engine shutdown while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. Their number is 614-861-7150. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? By the Dealership and an independent service Center in Grove City Ohio at Dart Automotive at (614) 875-7117. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Engine light on [XXX] showing Misfire in the Master Cylinder. My 2018 Ford Escape manufactured in Louisville KY is leaking coolant into the a cylinder. Mileage is 66,000. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the VINS that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12. Please assist me in adding my VIN so the dealership can fix my vehicle. I am now currently out of transportation and my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. There number is 614-861-7150. In Fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11650542

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Engine

Engine failed due to coolant intrusion. Car failed on highway once, did not run more than 10mph after that and was taken to a shop. After researching the issue, this is a known problem with 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. There is a class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor co. case number 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD. The issue is covered u…

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Engine failed due to coolant intrusion. Car failed on highway once, did not run more than 10mph after that and was taken to a shop. After researching the issue, this is a known problem with 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. There is a class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor co. case number 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD. The issue is covered under a Ford recall, however my vehicle is beyond the 84,000 mile limit. Problem occurred very suddenly with the check engine turning on, flashing, and the engine temperature spiking and crippling the car. A local mechanical conducted a borescope examination and found coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was quoted for the repair with them over $16,000 to replace the engine block. The mechanics report, invoice, and borescope images are attached.

NHTSA ODI #11650518

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2025
Engine

Our 2018 Ford Escape had to have a new engine installed. The car showed it was overheating, and was then diagnosed with a failed Eccoboost 1.5 engine block. It could not be driven safely with the overheating engine. A Ford dealership here installed a new engine block. The total cost was $11,000; Ford paid $4000 and we paid t…

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Our 2018 Ford Escape had to have a new engine installed. The car showed it was overheating, and was then diagnosed with a failed Eccoboost 1.5 engine block. It could not be driven safely with the overheating engine. A Ford dealership here installed a new engine block. The total cost was $11,000; Ford paid $4000 and we paid the remaining $7000. The car's mileage was just over 84,000 miles. We contacted Ford but were denied any additional claim. Our mileage was too high and while there had been a recall replacement in 2022, we were not notified of any recall and the program was no longer in effect, according to Ford. We are aware that Ford had a faulty design, and knew about it. Coolant was leaking into the engine block. There are many such complaints and even class action lawsuits shown online for this problem. A car shouldn't need a new engine at 84,000 miles. We have owned Fords for many years but no longer have faith in their product. We know our case had a ID number:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11649998

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

I am writing to implore the NHTSA to finally take an interest in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. you have over 1600 documented statements from concerned owners who ford has no intention of aiding. Its ironic that all are experiencing the same issues and receiving almost the same answers from th…

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I am writing to implore the NHTSA to finally take an interest in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. you have over 1600 documented statements from concerned owners who ford has no intention of aiding. Its ironic that all are experiencing the same issues and receiving almost the same answers from the dealerships, Ford and your agency. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Well if Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the vins that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12 Then I say add them all so Ford will honor their statements and fix these engines. You have over 1600 complaints and that's what we know of. at 10,000 an engine that is over 16,000,000.00 that the citizens of our nation have to cover for a flaw that Ford has admitted and every dealership will corroborate. I have read most of the complaints filed that are printed and it amazes me that no one at your office is doing anything about this. I ask that you tell us who we actually need to be speaking to because getting sent around the horn continuously isnt helping any one out. Please take notice of these safety issues it clearly states in fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving think of how many lives could or could have been saved if there was an issue that went un reported. I do not know about you but for me the loss of any 1 life is to great when it could be prevented. Its time for the NHTSA to do their Job and make Ford honor their obligations to their consumers. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail

NHTSA ODI #11649976

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2025
Engine

There is an internal coolant leak from the coolant reserve that cycles through my engine, breaking the head gasket and seeping out through the spark plugs. This was confirmed by a team of mechanics at Christian Brothers. According to the TSP released by Ford this can result in engine failure when operating the vehicle. This is a…

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There is an internal coolant leak from the coolant reserve that cycles through my engine, breaking the head gasket and seeping out through the spark plugs. This was confirmed by a team of mechanics at Christian Brothers. According to the TSP released by Ford this can result in engine failure when operating the vehicle. This is a severe risk to drivers and there are cases where it has resulted in death. I brought my car to a Ford dealership for an oil change and inspection. They failed to see my coolant was empty and the next day my check engine light came on. My husband did a quick inspection and my coolant was empty. When I confronted the dealership with this information they did not respond to me or taken blame for missing any of the signs.

NHTSA ODI #11649683

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2025
Engine

Engine diagnosed with coolant intrusion related to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. A serious misfire happened without warning after coming to a stop on the road and car perceived to be undrivable. Mechanic advised coolant in cylinders and engine needs to be replaced. Ford will not replace the engine after 84k miles but…

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Engine diagnosed with coolant intrusion related to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. A serious misfire happened without warning after coming to a stop on the road and car perceived to be undrivable. Mechanic advised coolant in cylinders and engine needs to be replaced. Ford will not replace the engine after 84k miles but mine is at 85k.

NHTSA ODI #11649047

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2025
EnginePower Train

UNKNOWN: Engine shakes and rumbles when going 35-45 miles per hour. Originally smooth when starting, now rumbles and shakes when started. Check engine light goes on and off. Engine kicks or jumps when accelerator is pushed... Not smooth, jerks very hard. Engine/starter/transmission issues. Available for inspection at dea…

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UNKNOWN: Engine shakes and rumbles when going 35-45 miles per hour. Originally smooth when starting, now rumbles and shakes when started. Check engine light goes on and off. Engine kicks or jumps when accelerator is pushed... Not smooth, jerks very hard. Engine/starter/transmission issues. Available for inspection at dealership doing repair. Shakes and jerks going down the road. Feels like it's going to shake apart. Currently at the dealership for repair and they diagnosed there is "Coolant entering into the cylinder" Check engine light came on then went off. Did this about 3 times and is currently still on.

NHTSA ODI #11649016

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2025
Engine

I was driving and the vehicle suddenly started to not accelerate. Then the check engine light started to flash and the motor shut off. I had to coast to the side of the road. After being toward my mechanic told me there was no oil and I had complete engine failure. This happened with no warning and I was stuck waiting for a …

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I was driving and the vehicle suddenly started to not accelerate. Then the check engine light started to flash and the motor shut off. I had to coast to the side of the road. After being toward my mechanic told me there was no oil and I had complete engine failure. This happened with no warning and I was stuck waiting for a tow in a very scary situation.

NHTSA ODI #11648723

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2025
Engine

Coolant leak into the cylinders due to a manufacturing defect in this type of engine (1.5L ecoboost). Cylinder 2 and 4 misfired detected. Harmful emissions.

NHTSA ODI #11648577

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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