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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

42 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 7, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My coolant is leaking into the motor. Shop gave me a quote for a whole new engine. I’ve seen so many posts on forums and many friends who own the same car having the same problem. Please please make Ford issue a recall as this is my only vehicle and I got it hoping to finally not have to worry about car problems for a while. It’…

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My coolant is leaking into the motor. Shop gave me a quote for a whole new engine. I’ve seen so many posts on forums and many friends who own the same car having the same problem. Please please make Ford issue a recall as this is my only vehicle and I got it hoping to finally not have to worry about car problems for a while. It’s been 2 months since I bought it.

NHTSA ODI #11659414

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I’ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people.…

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When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I’ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people. I was so scared on the highway. God bless you.

NHTSA ODI #11651471

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape in February 2024 with 80,000 miles from a dealership. The vehicle had a single owner and appeared to be in great condition at the time of purchase. However, in December 2024 it presented a critical safety issue involving the engine. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost power…

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I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape in February 2024 with 80,000 miles from a dealership. The vehicle had a single owner and appeared to be in great condition at the time of purchase. However, in December 2024 it presented a critical safety issue involving the engine. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost power, almost stopping in the middle of an intersection. This placed me and others at significant risk of a collision, as I was unable to control the car properly or move it safely out of traffic. The problem was confirmed by the Ford dealership, where diagnostics initially revealed a misfire code (P0302). After further inspection, the dealership determined that the engine required a full replacement. This repair was estimated to cost $9,000—nearly the current value of the vehicle. The car is at the dealership and has not been repaired due to the prohibitive cost. Through my research, I found Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346, which documents similar engine issues reported by other Ford Escape owners, requiring significant repairs and part replacements. Despite reaching out to Ford Customer Service, I was denied assistance and left to bear the full cost of these extensive repairs. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The issue occurred without warning while I was driving, making the defect hazardous. Given the serious safety implications of this defect, I strongly urge this issue to be considered for recall. A vehicle with relatively low mileage should not experience catastrophic engine failure, and Ford must take responsibility for addressing this widespread and dangerous issue. My life and the safety of others on the road are far more valuable than the cost of repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11635064

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehi…

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My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehicle. Multiple default code come up. P1016, p0365, p0299,p164D p0369,p0443,p0456,p1450. Brought it to the Ford dealership, upon inspection the diagnosis Evap system related disc on this line , tested evap system, found canister purge valve to be broken , tech notes that this is a non Oem part. Advised to replace purge valve and hose assembly. Also discovered that vacuum pump not pulling vacuum, advise to replace pump and reset. Upon removal of the vacuum pump, found pump cam lobe twisted off , vacuum pump is seized, cam replacement is seized , cam replacement will be required. Also both front axel boots are torn, spewing grease all over, recommend replacing both axels, leak p2 pinion value, left back axel leaking, both back brake rotors and pads worn 2mm in the red, coolant level low possible leak. Also is discovered that there was a non ford part purge valve that shouldn’t be there. Estimated cost is 8,500-9000 dollars could be more

NHTSA ODI #11633558

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Purge valve stuck open causing check engine light to come on. Same as current recall on Ford Focus 2012-2018 vehicles. Ford Escapes within the same time frame should be included in the recall. Every time I fill gas there is a hard turn on since beginning of December. Then check engine light came on and code P1450.

NHTSA ODI #11632865

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Total engine failure and rebuild due to faulty head gasket component from ford. Vehicle went from running good to all of a sudden having smoke when starting, engine light came on. Immediately had inspected and was told total head gasket/engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11617859

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

I found coolant reservoir was really low. And found a check engine light. I scanned and found a code related to misfiring. After googling it I found that is a commonly issue in this vehicles related to a bad engine design. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And bought the car here. So I am wondering if we are covered by this…

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I found coolant reservoir was really low. And found a check engine light. I scanned and found a code related to misfiring. After googling it I found that is a commonly issue in this vehicles related to a bad engine design. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And bought the car here. So I am wondering if we are covered by this vehicle complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11606791

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

In March of 2024 warning lights for abs, hill assist, traction control came on while the car was driving. We stopped driving and had the error codes checked at a autozone who said the sparkplugs where misfiring on cylinder 3. it was changed and when we started the car it blew white smoke and the engine seized. The repairs were o…

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In March of 2024 warning lights for abs, hill assist, traction control came on while the car was driving. We stopped driving and had the error codes checked at a autozone who said the sparkplugs where misfiring on cylinder 3. it was changed and when we started the car it blew white smoke and the engine seized. The repairs were over $6000. We were told ford had a class action suit which closed on November of 2023. We opened a case but ford closed it and will not help with known problems with the 1.5 lt engine.

NHTSA ODI #11606201

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Ford Escape 2018 Recall #[XXX] and #[XXX] ENGINE COOLANT LEAK Needs “New Engine” confirmed by service and available for inspection at dealer. Car was taken to Ford Dealer right when engine light came on. Dealer / Service has been only one to inspect car. On [XXX] BEFORE “Engine Coolant” Recalls were expired, car was taken to d…

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Ford Escape 2018 Recall #[XXX] and #[XXX] ENGINE COOLANT LEAK Needs “New Engine” confirmed by service and available for inspection at dealer. Car was taken to Ford Dealer right when engine light came on. Dealer / Service has been only one to inspect car. On [XXX] BEFORE “Engine Coolant” Recalls were expired, car was taken to dealer for Recall #[XXX] I asked about ANY other CSP Letters or Recalls at the time of service. Ford Dealer decided on their own to ONLY preform ONE of the two Recalls that were crucial to being preformed for the safety of my vehicle. Both Recalls #[XXX] and #[XXX] should have been performed together according to letter sent to Dealers from Ford and NHTSA [XXX] Above link clearly states: “ Vehicle owners will receive one letter for both [XXX] and [XXX]. “ “Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.” Ford Dealer took it upon themselves NOT to perform repair work or even discuss Recall #[XXX] at the time car was serviced [XXX] before recall expired [XXX]. Ford and Dealers knew about the “Coolant Engine Leak” problem long before and did not warn me or make me aware I was driving a dangerous car. I did not receive CSP Letters that is why I make sure to double check with Service Dept. at time of service. Ford performed Recall #[XXX] and NEVER mentioned CSP Letters sent out or that there was a second recall that needed to done #[XXX] before [XXX] Ford basically sent me on my way in a very unsafe car for myself and my passengers. I should have been made completely aware of this situation at that exact time and service (XXX). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11582986

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Coolant intrusion to the cylinder bores.

NHTSA ODI #11577470

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