NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
42 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 25, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern,…
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I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern, since there were no prior signs at all of this happening. The transmission failure was immediate. I purchased the car new, and I'm the only owner. I kept up well with maintenance, even doing the oil changes prior to the oil light coming on. I spoke to several Ford dealers, including the Ford dealer I purchased my car in 2018. He admitted that the transmission in this make and model needs often replacement. The miles on my car is approximately 116,000.
NHTSA ODI #11720539
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
coolant loss with no visible external leak, a sweet smell from the exhaust, and bubbling or gurgling in the coolant reservoir after startup. There is a KNOWN issue ongoing regarding customer satisfaction program 21N12
NHTSA ODI #11698491
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
CEL is on -- hard time getting vehicle to start up after getting gas - once is running has a "shake to it" for a few seconds then stables Would this be a potential cover? March 30, 2018 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10137114 COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE NHTSA ID Number: 10137114 Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 47203 Com…
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CEL is on -- hard time getting vehicle to start up after getting gas - once is running has a "shake to it" for a few seconds then stables Would this be a potential cover? March 30, 2018 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10137114 COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE NHTSA ID Number: 10137114 Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 47203 Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA ODI #11698023
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Coolant leak into the engine causing engine failure. This is a known problem with the 1.5 turbo engine in this model vehicle. Automobile is now undriveable and entire engine must be replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11693044
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
FORD DESIGN FLAW IN 1.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE IN A 2018 ESCAPE WITH 91K MILES CAUSING WATER INTRUSION INTO CYLINDER WHICH CAUSES ENGINE TO RUN DANGEROUSLY BAD. FORD KNEW OF DESIGN FLAW BUT NEGLECTED ISSUE RECALL BUT DID ISSUE CSP 21N12 FORD WILL NOT ASSIST BECAUSE OF ENDING PROGRAM IN LATE 2022.
NHTSA ODI #11688428
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
My 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost experience rough starts for about a week. Then on the highway the engine temperature gage shot all the way to hot, the check engine light began flashing, and the vehicle started rumbling. We parked and had the vehicle towed. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as coolant intrusion into the cylin…
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My 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost experience rough starts for about a week. Then on the highway the engine temperature gage shot all the way to hot, the check engine light began flashing, and the vehicle started rumbling. We parked and had the vehicle towed. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as coolant intrusion into the cylinder. It has cracked the engine block. This issue is known to be a problem by Ford. The dealership mechanic knew what the problem just from the make, model, and year. Ford released a letter to all dealerships to attempt a computer repair in 2022, apparently to buy time as they knew there were going to be issues as these vehicles aged. The letter suggests that Ford and the Dealers are to contact anyone who purchased these vehicles. We were not contacted. We have contacted Ford and their customer service representatives say that Ford has a Customer Satisfaction Program, 21N12, in place to fix these vehicles, but it "is not attached to our VIN" and there is nothing they can do. When you ask for a supervisor, they call from a Toll Free Number after 8:00pm and tell you the same thing. "That program isn't attached to your VIN" and there is nothing they can do about it.
NHTSA ODI #11687744
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
We started to notice a rough idle when starting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The rough idle continued to get worse. We took it to a Certified Mechanic to have it inspected. Based upon the check engine status, they did further diagnosis through various tests. They determined that the coolant appeared to be seepin…
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We started to notice a rough idle when starting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The rough idle continued to get worse. We took it to a Certified Mechanic to have it inspected. Based upon the check engine status, they did further diagnosis through various tests. They determined that the coolant appeared to be seeping into the #1 cylinder. They checked the Ford website for any recalls and found a TSB ( Technical Service Bulletin} # 19-2346 regarding the 2.0L Eco-Boost engine. Ford's TSP says to replace the engine block, but does not indicate at who's expense. If this is defective and Ford knows, the consumer should not be responsible to pay for this major expense. What do we do? Within the ;next couple weeks we plan to take the car into a Ford Dealership to do their own diagnosis.
NHTSA ODI #11686010
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
Frequently (not all the time) the motor would shake after filling with the gas in tank when I start the engine and it stops pumping. So It needs to be turned back on and have to use the gas pedal to keep it running during neutral mode. Something is not right. It has to do with fuel pump system issue and engine light would be on …
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Frequently (not all the time) the motor would shake after filling with the gas in tank when I start the engine and it stops pumping. So It needs to be turned back on and have to use the gas pedal to keep it running during neutral mode. Something is not right. It has to do with fuel pump system issue and engine light would be on when the problem comes.
NHTSA ODI #11676044
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I purchased this 2018 Ford Escape in August 2022 from Richmond Ford. Within 2 days to a week I noticed fault indicators stating check engine, failed Auto stop and start malfunctioning. I immediately reported this issue. Richmond Ford put me in a loaner for approximately 2 months to only remedy the problem with a new battery. Thi…
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I purchased this 2018 Ford Escape in August 2022 from Richmond Ford. Within 2 days to a week I noticed fault indicators stating check engine, failed Auto stop and start malfunctioning. I immediately reported this issue. Richmond Ford put me in a loaner for approximately 2 months to only remedy the problem with a new battery. This has happened for 3 years. I’ve had 4 batteries replaced even recently after having Extreme high heat engine failure fault while in traffic with my grand children in the car and had to be towed. My engine has faulted several times and always shuts down in the middle of traffic. This issue could have killed me and my grand children and other vehicles. Richmond Ford kept replacing the battery and charging me for other things. The technician and General Manager has claimed it’s nothing wrong but kept replacing the batteries. 4 times. My life and my grandchildren have been in danger several times while driving on the highway and local streets. Today Richmond Ford says it’s that I need a new engine because Antifreeze has intruded into the engine blowing head gaskets, mind you it was just there on June 23 of 2025 or so for engine malfunction fault extreme high temp no antifreeze and the only band aid that was offered was yet another new battery. Then today I was advised that it will cost $14,000.00 plus to replace my engine. There is definitely a problem and should recall this model 2018 Ford Escape SEL because the manufacturer has fixed the notification system and or the Faults to not warn owners of major engine failures which cost thousands to repair and is always covered up by replacing the battery. Please add this make and model to the recent recall. Thank You
NHTSA ODI #11673495
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
Faulty purge valve control valve. Which is a common issue with the 2018 Ford Escape and there is an active recall for this issue. However my car was not included and I’m experiencing this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11662084
Official recalls
4Jan 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗