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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 · Apr 25, 2024
Engine

I noticed a 'ticking' noise for about a minute when starting the engine after it'd been sitting overnight. In the first minute there'd also be some revving, about 100rpm, before the engine finally settled into normal idle. Other times, when starting the engine it would 'shudder' and I'd have to turn the car off, wait about 10 se…

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I noticed a 'ticking' noise for about a minute when starting the engine after it'd been sitting overnight. In the first minute there'd also be some revving, about 100rpm, before the engine finally settled into normal idle. Other times, when starting the engine it would 'shudder' and I'd have to turn the car off, wait about 10 seconds, and start the engine again. A few weeks later the check engine light came on and I took it to the dealership. I had recorded the noise at startup and played it for the employees. They kept the car overnight to test it in the morning. In the morning, I was notified I'd need a new engine as 'coolant was getting into a cylinder' and it was a "block/head flaw". My antifreeze was empty. I was told this is a manufacturer defect and the dealership has been seeing this issue about once a week. I was told this is a "Ford issue and not anything" I, as an owner/operator, would have done to cause it. I was told "this is not a repair, it is a replace" and could eventually cause engine overheating and engine failure. My vehicle is only 6 years old with 52,000 miles at the time this issue arose.

NHTSA ODI #11585292

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

known problem with ford eco boost engines. Coolant loss, engine overheating, loss of power and died. now $11000 to replace the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11585186

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
Engine

There was a coolant leak into cylinder #2. The recommendation is to replace the engine block. The repair estimate is $9321.55. In June 09, 2022, Ford issued consumer satisfaction program 21N12 related to this exact situation. There is a known defect in the 1.5L Ford Eco-boost engine that Ford should take responsibility for. Th…

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There was a coolant leak into cylinder #2. The recommendation is to replace the engine block. The repair estimate is $9321.55. In June 09, 2022, Ford issued consumer satisfaction program 21N12 related to this exact situation. There is a known defect in the 1.5L Ford Eco-boost engine that Ford should take responsibility for. They replaced some engines but the program ended in November of 2022. My vehicle was not acquired until 2023 and did not fail until 2024.

NHTSA ODI #11585128

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

My engine started to slow down while driving down even though gas pedal was to the floor on the road at peak hour of traffic at 4pm and was barely moving then my high temperature alert came on my dash board and told me to pull over as soon as possible. Once I pulled over saw that coolant was leaking from my emergency spot on t…

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My engine started to slow down while driving down even though gas pedal was to the floor on the road at peak hour of traffic at 4pm and was barely moving then my high temperature alert came on my dash board and told me to pull over as soon as possible. Once I pulled over saw that coolant was leaking from my emergency spot on tank. Had to have car towed home and then to deal ship to heritage valley ford in Brooklyn ct. I could have been rear end from the back when the engine started to act up which could have cause a accident and I had my kids in the car with me. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but not a safety recall on it so did not have to fix issue sense not a safety recall. Ford new about the issue of coolant leaking into engine in June of 2022 and told me they did not need to inform me of this issue and could blow engine but not their problem sense not a safety issue. The recall under their CSP program is 21N12 and Heritage Valley Auto Group confirmed this was the issue with my engine and told me I need a new engine. Yes about two weeks prior my check engine light came on with codes for misfiring in my engine and replaced spark plugs and coil packs and then found out this was a know issue with ford under their CSP program.

NHTSA ODI #11584821

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
Engine

The vehicle started having problems with ignitions, shaking/vibration at start. The check engine light came on and indicated a need to change spark plugs. The engine fault service now light also came on at this time. Had the spark plugs and Ignition coil replaced. The next day the engine fault service light came back on but went…

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The vehicle started having problems with ignitions, shaking/vibration at start. The check engine light came on and indicated a need to change spark plugs. The engine fault service now light also came on at this time. Had the spark plugs and Ignition coil replaced. The next day the engine fault service light came back on but went back off. I was informed that the code just needed to be cleared by Ford. The next morning while driving the engine fault light came back on in addition to an overheat alarm. The engine started failing while driving, was unable to get the vehicle to drive forward, multiple error for the start/stop ignition while trying to get the vehicle off the main road and to home. Luckily, I had just left home so was close. I was able to get the car back to home. Towed the vehicle to Ford dealer service center to be told that there was engine coolant in the engine and it would need to be replaced for 9000 to 12000 dollars. Had the vehicle towed home and did some research to find that this is a known issue for the Ford engine and a previous program was implemented for the engine repair. Ford states that program is not applicable for my vehicle now even though it has been a known issue with this model Ford Engine. Had I not been close to home this could have caused increased safety problems due to the engine failures while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11584733

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

Just like everybody else, coolant intrusion into engine block which required replacement of engine. 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L motor. Ford is fully aware there is a problem but hasn't issued a recall on the 2.0 motor. NHTSA needs to do an investigation once and for all! You've got over 400 complaints on here regarding the motor!…

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Just like everybody else, coolant intrusion into engine block which required replacement of engine. 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L motor. Ford is fully aware there is a problem but hasn't issued a recall on the 2.0 motor. NHTSA needs to do an investigation once and for all! You've got over 400 complaints on here regarding the motor!! I will never buy a Ford again.....

NHTSA ODI #11584572

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

Coolant intruding into cylinder bores, caused engine failure. Ford will not honor letter sent.

NHTSA ODI #11584564

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

My Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Engine overheated. A Ford service mechanic confirmed the Escape has a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the lea…

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My Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Engine overheated. A Ford service mechanic confirmed the Escape has a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the leaks causes overheating. The ford service mechanic confirmed my cylinder head was cracked and will lead to total engine failure, and/or engine fires.

NHTSA ODI #11584464

70,500 miles · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown temperature message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge had indicated that the engine w…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown temperature message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge had indicated that the engine was hot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic later discovered that coolant had intruded into one of the cylinders. A local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

NHTSA ODI #11584426

123,000 miles · Apr 22, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the coolan…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the coolant level was low. The mechanic added coolant and replaced all four spark plugs. The contact stated that several days after the repair, the failure recurred, and the check engine warning light and the engine overheating message was displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #11584400

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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