← 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 And Engine Cooling complaints

342 reports
Clear category filter
64,000 miles · Apr 3, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11580988

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

54,000 miles · Mar 25, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost significant motive power. After which, the contact observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust, prompting her to pull to the side of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the co…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost significant motive power. After which, the contact observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust, prompting her to pull to the side of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed oil covering the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the contact was unable to recall the diagnostic result. 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 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #11579276

118,692 miles · Mar 21, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the tailpipe, and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagno…

Read full complaint

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the tailpipe, and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,692.

NHTSA ODI #11578661

110,000 miles · Mar 18, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who then determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. 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 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11578128

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

Check engine light came on steady. Took vehicle in for service at 1st possible appt. Was told it was engine block failure due to faulty porous block installed by Ford. Vehicle has 54000 miles on it, 8 months out of the 60,000/5yr powertrain warranty. Have an extended warranty but they refused to pay stating Ford knew about the…

Read full complaint

Check engine light came on steady. Took vehicle in for service at 1st possible appt. Was told it was engine block failure due to faulty porous block installed by Ford. Vehicle has 54000 miles on it, 8 months out of the 60,000/5yr powertrain warranty. Have an extended warranty but they refused to pay stating Ford knew about the faulty engine blocks installed on thousands of vehicles. Ford had issued a TSB warning of potential engine failures in these vehicles, but no recall. TSB 22-2322 Huge safety issue due to possibility of catching fire or breaking down on busy interstate. Vehicle currently at Ford dealership with a repair price tag of 10,400.

NHTSA ODI #11578050

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

I bought a used 2018 Ford escape eco-boost SUV from Elder Ford. I recently have been experiencing coolant problems where the coolant is dissipating from the engine. The car has run hot two or three times and now there appears to be coolant and oil mixed together that's over the engine and it appears that there is a cracked head …

Read full complaint

I bought a used 2018 Ford escape eco-boost SUV from Elder Ford. I recently have been experiencing coolant problems where the coolant is dissipating from the engine. The car has run hot two or three times and now there appears to be coolant and oil mixed together that's over the engine and it appears that there is a cracked head gasket. I have researched on the computer to find this is a known problem from Ford back to 2010 and there are multiple customers that have experience the same thing. Now I believe the engine has to be replaced. Ford needs to be held accountable for this faulty mechanism. There's a coolant intrusion issue which causing gulping of the coolant into the cylinders. Apparently Ford changed the area around the pistons to an open deck which is causing this problem . I noticed that there's a class action lawsuit in California for the same problem.

NHTSA ODI #11577869

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI #11577611

83,100 miles · Mar 15, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was overheating. A message advising to pull to the side of the road was displayed. The contact's wife was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was ta…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was overheating. A message advising to pull to the side of the road was displayed. The contact's wife was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the nearest independent mechanic, where the water pump, the serpentine belt, the water pump gasket, the cylinder head temperature sensor and the coolant temperature sensor were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was hydrocarbon intrusion into the coolant system. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,100.

NHTSA ODI #11577595

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