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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.

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

What owners actually said

1,791 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2024
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape with only about 70000 miles needs a complete engine replacement. The reason is there a crack in the cylinder which is leaking coolant into the engine. Because of that I need my entire engine replaced at a cost of $6,800.00. This car has been very well maintained. I have always followed the vehicle mainten…

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My 2018 Ford Escape with only about 70000 miles needs a complete engine replacement. The reason is there a crack in the cylinder which is leaking coolant into the engine. Because of that I need my entire engine replaced at a cost of $6,800.00. This car has been very well maintained. I have always followed the vehicle maintenance recommendations.

NHTSA ODI #11592908

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2024
Engine

Head Gasket appears to have failed prematurely allowing coolant liquid to enter cylinder and degrade internal components of engine, causing misfiring and engine overheating and failure messages. Conditions have been confirmed by private independent mechanic. have appointment to have dealer evaluate issue.

NHTSA ODI #11592859

90,000 miles · Jun 5, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge became extremely elevated. The check engine and high engine temperature warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local de…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge became extremely elevated. The check engine and high engine temperature warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11592718

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2024
Structure

the belly shield has falling off numerous times, speaking with another customer in a dealership today, his has also fallen off. This has to be a known issue as the clips are not stable to hold.

NHTSA ODI #11592454

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

Coolant leaking into engine. Not dead yet but not drivable since it will cause more damage to the engine. Luckily caught it before engine went out on the highway, overheating occurred, or fire occurred. This was confirmed by a dealership after they did an engine diagnostic, although a month ago when I brought it in for an oil ch…

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Coolant leaking into engine. Not dead yet but not drivable since it will cause more damage to the engine. Luckily caught it before engine went out on the highway, overheating occurred, or fire occurred. This was confirmed by a dealership after they did an engine diagnostic, although a month ago when I brought it in for an oil change they noticed my coolant was low and said they would look into it, they didn’t. Only the ford dealership mechanics have inspected this as of yesterday. An engine warning light came on the day I took it in (yesterday). - was told by my dealership that entire engine needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11592337

45,000 miles · Jun 4, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who scanned the vehicle and informed the contact that coolant was leaking and intruding into the engine and cylinder #3. The …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who scanned the vehicle and informed the contact that coolant was leaking and intruding into the engine and cylinder #3. The vehicle had misfired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no Warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11592326

89,000 miles · Jun 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 indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was in…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to b 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 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #11592268

100,228 miles · Jun 3, 2024
Engine

While driving the vehicle a light indicating overheating came on. I slowly and safely made it home and parked the vehicle outside as I was scared it could catch on fire. I contacted a local repair shop, who stated to have it towed to them. The owner of the shop indicated there is coolant leaking/intruding into the cylinder. He s…

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While driving the vehicle a light indicating overheating came on. I slowly and safely made it home and parked the vehicle outside as I was scared it could catch on fire. I contacted a local repair shop, who stated to have it towed to them. The owner of the shop indicated there is coolant leaking/intruding into the cylinder. He stated this is a known issue with Ford's with this particular engine. He stated it is not safe to drive. I contacted two Ford dealerships who stated this is a known issue but there is no coverage to repair it. I contacted Ford Customer Care who advised the customer satisfaction program, 21N12, for this mechanical issue expired in November 2022 which is prior to when I purchased the car. I have been advised by Ford to take it to a Ford dealership for a diagnostic check. I informed them the vehicle is not safe to drive and would need to be towed. I requested they at minimum cover the diagnostic evaluation at the dealership to which they responded the dealers are independently operated and they can't waive it. Ford customer care stated once evaluated at a dealer they would then escalate the issue to a level 2 care executive department and requested I keep all receipts for potential reimbursement. The vehicle is available for NHTSA to inspect.

NHTSA ODI #11592245

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2024
Engine

I have kept this vehicle always serviced and took care of it . One day I was starting the car in the morning , the car was shaking when starting, I drove it was ok , I did have little bit of shaking in Idle . the next day, car also started to shake , after driving it for 3 minutes a check engine light came . I called Pepboys whe…

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I have kept this vehicle always serviced and took care of it . One day I was starting the car in the morning , the car was shaking when starting, I drove it was ok , I did have little bit of shaking in Idle . the next day, car also started to shake , after driving it for 3 minutes a check engine light came . I called Pepboys where they did recommended the replacement of the Spark plugs and the coils, after doing all job at pep-boys, next day , same shaking problem and same check engine light it was a misfire in Cylinder 3 then it show multiple Cylinder code, get it back to pep boys. They checked their job and did a leaking test for cylinder which showed a 18-20% leak , then they told me they car has issues in the Gaskets or the Pistons , and you should take it to the dealer, I called the Davidson Ford in Clay, they did test the car and said there is nothing wrong with it , Even the tech drove for 30 Miles. they cleared the Engine light and gave me the car. the second day , car started shaking again when start and the check engine light start Flashing and then the sign Engine Needs Maintenance now appeared I turned it off , towed it back to the dealer . Where they did further diagnostic and found out that there's a coolant intrusion in the Cylinders and the car needs a new engine !! car has 93K ish miles on it ... never ever had an issue with it ....

NHTSA ODI #11592138

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2024
Engine

Manufacturing design defect in Ford 2.0L Ford Escape. Number 4 cylinder misfire (P0304) and coolant intrusion into cylinder 4. Common pproblem but Ford has not issued a recall as of 06/01/2024. Conyacted Ford customer relations but no succes. Demanding I pay for the engine replacement. Why - since it is a known defect by Ford? …

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Manufacturing design defect in Ford 2.0L Ford Escape. Number 4 cylinder misfire (P0304) and coolant intrusion into cylinder 4. Common pproblem but Ford has not issued a recall as of 06/01/2024. Conyacted Ford customer relations but no succes. Demanding I pay for the engine replacement. Why - since it is a known defect by Ford? 1.5L ening , same problem and Ford issued recall notice for that engine is same model Escape.

NHTSA ODI #11591891

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