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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

What owners actually said

1,791 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2024
Seat Belts

The passenger side seat belt anchor bolt which fastens the bottom of the seat belt to the vehicle failed. The anchor bolt rotted on the interior of the vehicle. We had no warning of any kind. Vehicle was taken to dealer where we purchased it and looked at. This is when we were informed that this failure would not be covered …

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The passenger side seat belt anchor bolt which fastens the bottom of the seat belt to the vehicle failed. The anchor bolt rotted on the interior of the vehicle. We had no warning of any kind. Vehicle was taken to dealer where we purchased it and looked at. This is when we were informed that this failure would not be covered by any type of warranty. We were informed that the vehicle was past it's base warranty and that the extended warranty, which we purchased, would not cover the seat belt. Luckily this failed in the morning when my wife was leaving to take our daughter to school and go to work, so the vehicle was not in motion. We contacted Ford numerous times and were informed that the seat belt would not be covered.

NHTSA ODI #11595370

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2024
Power Train

Coolant intrusion problem.

NHTSA ODI #11595335

37,000 miles · Jun 18, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, she noticed a slight vibration in the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted for over a year and recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignit…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, she noticed a slight vibration in the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted for over a year and recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ODI #11595166

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2024
Engine

The motor blew. Dealer confirmed no compression in cylinder 2 and damage to the top and bottom of the head requiring the motor to be replaced. I was accelerating onto the freeway going uphill when I lost acceleration. The car went into "limp mode". I had no warning lights until the vehicle lost power at which time the service en…

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The motor blew. Dealer confirmed no compression in cylinder 2 and damage to the top and bottom of the head requiring the motor to be replaced. I was accelerating onto the freeway going uphill when I lost acceleration. The car went into "limp mode". I had no warning lights until the vehicle lost power at which time the service engine soon light illuminated and flashed intermittently. Evidently it's a known issue with this engine and a service advisory was issued but nothing was done to proactively prevent the issue. My vehicle is less than 6 years old and was under 75,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11595161

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
Engine

This vehicle was purchased in 2018 new. In 2020, due to engine misfiring/recall a new engine was installed.. On June 10, 2024, the vehicle started misfiring and running sluggish. Took the vehicle on June 11, 2024 for a diagnostic test. The test showed that the number two cylinder was bad. It was suggested I buy a coil and spark …

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This vehicle was purchased in 2018 new. In 2020, due to engine misfiring/recall a new engine was installed.. On June 10, 2024, the vehicle started misfiring and running sluggish. Took the vehicle on June 11, 2024 for a diagnostic test. The test showed that the number two cylinder was bad. It was suggested I buy a coil and spark plugs and they were installed on June 12, 2024.The vehicle still runs badly so it has been parked since June 12, 2024. I reached out to a Ford dealership and they agreed to come and fix the vehicle, but they only did the recall on the transmission. I was also informed to bring the car to their shop.

NHTSA ODI #11594967

113,148 miles · Jun 17, 2024
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engin…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,148.

NHTSA ODI #11594904

89,000 miles · Jun 17, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the clutch plate and flex plate needed to be replaced. The contact ca…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the clutch plate and flex plate needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #11594870

75,000 miles · Jun 17, 2024
Power Train

The contact's sister owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding noise coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehic…

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The contact's sister owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding noise coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a damaged bushing. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11594783

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2024
Engine

My 2018 ford escape began running strangely intermittently. No warning lights and it would only last less than a minute Some time later, it started slow starting on cold starts. No warning lights Eventually the engine light came on. Diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 2. Had all 4 spark plugs and two coils replaced The engin…

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My 2018 ford escape began running strangely intermittently. No warning lights and it would only last less than a minute Some time later, it started slow starting on cold starts. No warning lights Eventually the engine light came on. Diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 2. Had all 4 spark plugs and two coils replaced The engine light came back on and the car was routinely starting slow. About 2 days later the overheating warning came on and the coolant was low

NHTSA ODI #11594649

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2024
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other

May or may not be related but three different warnings came up within a 30 minute period while driving: Hill Start Assist Fault, Anti-lock Brake Fault and Parking Aid Sensor Fault. Note, I have been driving for months with proximity sensor out. Cause is currently unknown, I hope to get it into a garage this week.

NHTSA ODI #11594613

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