← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2024
Engine

2.0 ECOBOOST ENGINE IS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE CYLINDERS CAUSING HARD STARTING AND ROUGH IDLE. THIS IS KNOWN PROBLEM WITH ENGINE ADDRESSED IN FORD SERVICE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-2346.

NHTSA ODI #11581171

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2024
Engine

Coolant intrusion into the engine causing a misfire in cylinder #1. Slow and heavy idle at startup, thick white exhaust and an immediate warning of engine overheating. Car is inoperable and engine must be replaced. There was also a short at the main 150 amp battery fuse on 4 separate occasions since the misfire in cylinder #1.

NHTSA ODI #11580028

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Engine

Engine failed due to timing chain, a common issue for these motors & part of the reason they discontinued this models engine. The car was running when the engine failed. The vehicle is currently at a mechanic, with diagnosis of engine failure due to timing chain. The car has not been looked at by police, manufacturer, insura…

Read full complaint

Engine failed due to timing chain, a common issue for these motors & part of the reason they discontinued this models engine. The car was running when the engine failed. The vehicle is currently at a mechanic, with diagnosis of engine failure due to timing chain. The car has not been looked at by police, manufacturer, insurance or other. There were NO indications of the problem prior to the engine failing.

NHTSA ODI #11579825

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2024
Engine

Went out to start the car one morning. It started up no problems. About 2 mins after starting it the car completely stopped running. No check engine light came on or anything. I thought it was the battery so I replaced the battery. Upon further digging I found out there was a recall in the engine from 2022 that I was NOT notifie…

Read full complaint

Went out to start the car one morning. It started up no problems. About 2 mins after starting it the car completely stopped running. No check engine light came on or anything. I thought it was the battery so I replaced the battery. Upon further digging I found out there was a recall in the engine from 2022 that I was NOT notified of. I took the vehicle to two different dealerships one that is just up the block from my house and the second one is where I bought the car. Both places confirmed that it was Infact the recall problem, where the coolant leaks into the engine and destroys the engine block. The second dealership reached out to ford. Ford has refused to help fix the engine even though I was never sent or made aware of the recall on the engine.. I have also talked to a third ford dealerships who confirmed that there has been several vehicles with this same problem that does will NOT fix either. As a result I have a vehicle I CANNOT drive that I have to continue to pay for and ford is only offering me $5,000 as a trade in value but I owe $20,000. Had I been notified of the recall I would have been able to get it fixed BEFORE anything happened. I would have a in perfect condition car that was still usable. It is now financially hurting me. Ford should be held financially responsible for the gross negligence they are putting me through.

NHTSA ODI #11579630

91,000 miles · Mar 25, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a warning message stated there was "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely". The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent me…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a warning message stated there was "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely". The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with internal engine failure. Additionally, anti-freeze was leaking into the cylinder causing the engine to overheat. The independent mechanic contacted the dealer where it was recommended for the vehicle to be taken to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3, a cylinder compression was low, and it was stated that the long block assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted the findings to the manufacturer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle would not be included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #11579356

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

I received a warning on my dashboard to pullover safely because my engine was overheating even though I just left work from a cold start. I had it towed to my mechanic who told me I had a serious issue and recommended I take it to Ford. Ford just confirmed a short engine block issue and even though I had the required repair do…

Read full complaint

I received a warning on my dashboard to pullover safely because my engine was overheating even though I just left work from a cold start. I had it towed to my mechanic who told me I had a serious issue and recommended I take it to Ford. Ford just confirmed a short engine block issue and even though I had the required repair done on 7/9/22 that was supposed to prevent this more expensive issue. My particular vehicle was not on the Program 21N12 Coolant Intrusion Recall for possible short engine block issue but that's the exact issues the dealership just told me has happened to my vehicle. Luckily I was able to maneuver it out of the line of traffic safely.

NHTSA ODI #11579340

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2024
Engine

Timing belt slipped at 72,000 miles causing total engine failure

NHTSA ODI #11579043

93,000 miles · Mar 22, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the exhaust began to show signs of smoke, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The Check Engine Warning Light had illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but failed to maintain power and would not drive. The…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the exhaust began to show signs of smoke, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The Check Engine Warning Light had illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but failed to maintain power and would not drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was Anti-Freeze leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Ford Service center where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI #11578983

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Engine

I recently took my car for an oil change and was informed by the technician that a diagnostic was needed due to hearing coolant pooling into the engine. After the diagnostic was performed I was provided with a list of codes that stated it was a recall issue with coolant pooling into the engine. I then took it to a Ford dealershi…

Read full complaint

I recently took my car for an oil change and was informed by the technician that a diagnostic was needed due to hearing coolant pooling into the engine. After the diagnostic was performed I was provided with a list of codes that stated it was a recall issue with coolant pooling into the engine. I then took it to a Ford dealership and they stated it was not a recall issue. I submitted a copy of the codes that the independent repair technician emailed me, and that they signified a recall issue. A week later after vehemently denying there was no coolant issue, Ford stated they removed a spark plug and found contaminants in the engine, yet stated it was not a recall issue. My safety was put at risk in that my engine could seize at any moment and cause bodily harm to me or others. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative. There were no warning sign when I initially heard the coolant pooling, however, when I took it for an oil change the check engine light appeared as I was driving to have an oil change.

NHTSA ODI #11578811

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2024
Engine

The vehicle started overheating due to an internal coolant leak that sends coolant into the cylinder head. This is apparently a common issue with these vehicles and could easily lead to a fire. There is an active recall for the same exact engine in the Ford Fusion. There needs to be a recall for the Ford Escape engines as well b…

Read full complaint

The vehicle started overheating due to an internal coolant leak that sends coolant into the cylinder head. This is apparently a common issue with these vehicles and could easily lead to a fire. There is an active recall for the same exact engine in the Ford Fusion. There needs to be a recall for the Ford Escape engines as well before people sustain unnecessary injury/death.

NHTSA ODI #11578505

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