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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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132,000 miles · Nov 14, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact stated that a blank warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not rep…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact stated that a blank warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ODI #11625219

95,000 miles · Nov 13, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to lose significant motive power, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. No w…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to lose significant motive power, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinder head gasket. The contact was informed that the seal between the engine block and the cylinder head had failed, resulting in damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #11625025

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2024
Engine

2018 Ford Escape - The engine made unusual noise and began running rough. We had to quickly exit traffic unexpectedly. Engine light came on after this incident. Local Ford Dealership has diagnosed the problem as coolant leak into the engine cylinder. Dealership recommended long block replacement at cost of just over $10,000.…

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2018 Ford Escape - The engine made unusual noise and began running rough. We had to quickly exit traffic unexpectedly. Engine light came on after this incident. Local Ford Dealership has diagnosed the problem as coolant leak into the engine cylinder. Dealership recommended long block replacement at cost of just over $10,000. They also stated that there were no recalls or other assistance available from Ford Motor Company. I later found out about Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which covers the cost to replace the 1.5 ecoboost engines with the same problem we are having. However, it only covers 7 years or 84,000 miles. Our vehicle was at 6 years and 118,000 miles when the issue occurred. We have never received any communication from Ford Motor Company regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12.

NHTSA ODI #11624749

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

I just recently came across the 21N12 letter that was sent out to people awhile back after googling an issue I noticed with my car. It appears my car is losing coolant. Which, after reading the 21N12, it appears is a known issue that ford submitted a letter letting people get this repair done for no charge. Well, I never receive…

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I just recently came across the 21N12 letter that was sent out to people awhile back after googling an issue I noticed with my car. It appears my car is losing coolant. Which, after reading the 21N12, it appears is a known issue that ford submitted a letter letting people get this repair done for no charge. Well, I never received the letter and might be experiencing these issues. I don’t find this to be anywhere near fair at all. What if my car died on me?

NHTSA ODI #11624395

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2024
Engine

Took the vehicle to 3 different mechanics for estimate as my daughter was driving the car and it started to over heat, white smoke coming from tailpipe , coolant level very low or gone. It was determined this is a known issue on this 1.5L eco boost engine. Estimate $9K to replace with new engine! It's technically not a blown he…

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Took the vehicle to 3 different mechanics for estimate as my daughter was driving the car and it started to over heat, white smoke coming from tailpipe , coolant level very low or gone. It was determined this is a known issue on this 1.5L eco boost engine. Estimate $9K to replace with new engine! It's technically not a blown head gasket. It's a design/manufacturing defect in the open-deck design of the block. Google "Ecoboost coolant intrusion" and "Ford Customer Service Program 21N12" for more info.

NHTSA ODI #11624227

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Engine

My engine failed as I was driving down the road with cars behind and in front of me. Lost power while driving, had to find a place immediately to pull over before being hit by other vehicles. Dash lights came on, car started making beeping noises, dash said it was overheating when thermostat gauge said it was completely cold. No…

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My engine failed as I was driving down the road with cars behind and in front of me. Lost power while driving, had to find a place immediately to pull over before being hit by other vehicles. Dash lights came on, car started making beeping noises, dash said it was overheating when thermostat gauge said it was completely cold. No antifreeze in the overflow tank, all antifreeze went into the engine from a coolant leak. Had to have car towed to garage they called and said it was engine failure due to coolant intrusion, called Ford Customer Care and they would not help me, talked to closest Ford dealership service department and they told me it was within the years but over mileage for the Customer Satisfaction Program and would be $8900 to replace the entire engine. Now I am left without a car that I am still paying on.

NHTSA ODI #11623923

92,561 miles · Nov 5, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notif…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,561.

NHTSA ODI #11623675

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2024
Engine

My car has about 104,000 miles. Suddenly the check engine light came on and a warnning that reads "High Temprature Engine Stop Carfuly" and "Engine Fault Service Now" came on. Certified mechanic checked and confirmed coolant intrusion into cyliners needing engine replaced. Ford was contacted and said the "Customer Satisfaction" …

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My car has about 104,000 miles. Suddenly the check engine light came on and a warnning that reads "High Temprature Engine Stop Carfuly" and "Engine Fault Service Now" came on. Certified mechanic checked and confirmed coolant intrusion into cyliners needing engine replaced. Ford was contacted and said the "Customer Satisfaction" addressing this issue expired. It was for 7 years or 84,000 miles, which my car exceeds. And refused to do anything and said to complain through NTHSA. This is clearly the manufacturer issue and is repeatedly showing on NTHSA by owners of 2017-2019 Escape. This should turn into a nationwide recall. New engine costs $12500 which is more than the car price.

NHTSA ODI #11623510

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2024
Engine

Engine coolant intrusion

NHTSA ODI #11623484

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaking into block.

NHTSA ODI #11623352

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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