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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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75,024 miles · Dec 15, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact's son attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed en…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact's son attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,024. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired.

NHTSA ODI #11560257

23,000 miles · Dec 15, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant level was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder, and that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repai…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant level was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder, and that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

NHTSA ODI #11560245

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2023
Engine

In 2023 at around 90,000 miles on our 2018 Ford Escape started leaking coolant into the engine cylinder. To resolve the issue, the long block needs to be replaced placing substantial financial burden on us. Ford has indicated that we do not qualify for any financial assistance and the engine replacement cost for our 5 year old c…

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In 2023 at around 90,000 miles on our 2018 Ford Escape started leaking coolant into the engine cylinder. To resolve the issue, the long block needs to be replaced placing substantial financial burden on us. Ford has indicated that we do not qualify for any financial assistance and the engine replacement cost for our 5 year old car falls entirely on us.

NHTSA ODI #11559770

60,000 miles · Dec 8, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on one occasion while in reverse(R), the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failur…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on one occasion while in reverse(R), the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an unknown speed two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11559136

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Engine

Engine coolant is leaking into the cylinder head, causing misfire and low coolant level.

NHTSA ODI #11558842

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2023
Engine

I had vehicle checked by a mechanic about check engine light. There are no problems with vehicle. It seems to run a bit rough but drives well. Coolant was low and refilled. I believe dealership wants to trade in to sell new car. Wont be shopping ford vehicles

NHTSA ODI #11557058

Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2023
Engine

FSA -21N12 failed causing engine to need to be replaced.the car had a extended warranty on this model but because it's 400 miles over it Ford corporation refused to help me with the repairs which is 12000.00 they knew this model had problems is why they added the extended warranty but refused to help me now .now I owe for a car …

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FSA -21N12 failed causing engine to need to be replaced.the car had a extended warranty on this model but because it's 400 miles over it Ford corporation refused to help me with the repairs which is 12000.00 they knew this model had problems is why they added the extended warranty but refused to help me now .now I owe for a car i can't drive

NHTSA ODI #11556751

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Engine

Coolant Intrusion and it available for inspection. The vehicle suddenly started to overheat while on the freeway, slowing the vehicle down from 75th, down to 10, leaving me stranded for hours in “Limp Mode.” The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was confirmed to have the coolant intrusion. The vehicle is available f…

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Coolant Intrusion and it available for inspection. The vehicle suddenly started to overheat while on the freeway, slowing the vehicle down from 75th, down to 10, leaving me stranded for hours in “Limp Mode.” The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was confirmed to have the coolant intrusion. The vehicle is available for inspection by the manufacturer. The check engine light appears, along with message Check Engine Failure and has been happening since August 2023.

NHTSA ODI #11556070

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2023
Engine

Need new engine block. First issue was with A C/S: VEHICLE TOWED IN. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT - CHECK AND ADVISE 59FOZ REPLACE ENGINE EVAP VALVE - AUTH#A211102572- at 43,012 miles. Second incident was at 64,309 miles -- A C/S: CUSTOMER STATES WHEN SITTING AT RED LIGHT , WHEN VEHICLE IDDLE…

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Need new engine block. First issue was with A C/S: VEHICLE TOWED IN. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT - CHECK AND ADVISE 59FOZ REPLACE ENGINE EVAP VALVE - AUTH#A211102572- at 43,012 miles. Second incident was at 64,309 miles -- A C/S: CUSTOMER STATES WHEN SITTING AT RED LIGHT , WHEN VEHICLE IDDLE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF INTERMITTLEY AND SOMETIME IT WILL PUDDLE LIKE NOT GAS 00 AUTH#A230602080 - WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CEXT 2108 CEXT 2432.00 2432.00 1 DS7Z*6256*A SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 100.83 100.83 100.83 1 DS7Z*6256*B SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 136.50 136.50 136.50 2 4M5Z*6M282*A BOLT - OIL SUPPLY 9.17 9.17 18.34 1 CN1Z*6M280*F SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 70.67 70.67 70.67 1 CN1Z*6M280*E SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 48.83 48.83 48.83 1 BE8Z*6A340*A BOLT 3.60 3.60 3.60 1 DS7Z*6584*B GASKET - VALVE ROCKER ARM COVE 5.95 5.95 5.95 5 XO*5W20*BSP OIL - ENGINE 4.29 4.29 21.45 1 BM5Z*2A572*A GASKET - VACUUM PUMP 3.18 3.18 3.18 1 *W717236*S300 RING 0.81 0.81 0.81 1 DS7Z*9229*B KIT - "O" RING 13.84 13.84 13.84 PARTS: 424.00 LABOR: 2432.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 2856.00 64309 DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED FAILED VCT SOLENOIDS AND CAM PHASERS. REPLACED TIMMING BELT AND ROAD TESTED OK **************************************************** B MULTI POINT INSPECTION 99P ADDITIONAL PART NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CP 0.00 0.00 1 BE8Z*6268*C BELT - TIMING 83.33 83.33 83.33 1 MU2Z*6731*A KIT - ELEMENT & GASKET - OIL F 8.18 8.18 8.18 00 MISC 2106 ISP (N/C) 1 BM5Z*6312*A PULLEY - CRANKSHAFT (N/C) PARTS: 91.51 LABOR: 0.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE B: 91.51 and on September 20, 2023 engine failure requiring new engine block at 68,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11555631

64,000 miles · Nov 14, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact opened the hood and noticed the engine was not hot to the touch and that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that a month prior the check engine …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact opened the hood and noticed the engine was not hot to the touch and that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that a month prior the check engine warning light had illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with coolant intrusion and a cracked engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown TSB did not apply to the vehicle and had already expired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11555143

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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