Check engine like came on and I took the vehicle to the dealership the next day. I was told there was coolant leak into the cylinders and I need a new engine. Cost $9000
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
1,791 reportsThe contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusi…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion which caused a misfire in cylinders #1 and #2 from a crack in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated driving approximately 65 MPH, the high engine temperature warning illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact checked the coolant level and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated driving approximately 65 MPH, the high engine temperature warning illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact checked the coolant level and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehi…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Issue related to Technical Service Bulletin 21-2269 issued on 08 September 2021. My 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion into the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. There are many similar stories of this particular engine failing and many cases of the engine igniting. Ford has not responded appropriately to the claim. My check eng…
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Issue related to Technical Service Bulletin 21-2269 issued on 08 September 2021. My 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion into the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. There are many similar stories of this particular engine failing and many cases of the engine igniting. Ford has not responded appropriately to the claim. My check engine light came on at 101,000 miles. I immediately brought my vehicle to the local mechanic and the mechanic diagnosed code p0301 cylinder 1 misfired and p0316 misfired on startup. The mechanic referred me to the TSB above and explained that the only resolution was to replace the engine. Ford issued a service call for these engines to install a coolant sensor which has shown to be an inactive remedy. Vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engines should be recalled because they are hazardous to regular traffic. After investigating this matter on the web, I've discovered numerous related stories with this issue. This issue puts all operators, passengers, and other motor vehicles at imminent risk. I recall changing my engine oil around 75,000 miles and the oil had a greenish hue to it which I can now confidently assume was engine coolant. I was not made aware by of the known coolant intrusion into the engine issue though Ford claims to have notified all registered vehicle owners. Ford is aware of the design flaw and has not responded appropriately to this defect. Fellow 1.5L Ecoboost owners have referred me to a class-action lawsuit being taken against Ford pertaining to this issue. I have contacted Ford to privately recoup the cost(s) for related financial damages and I am told the customer has sole responsibility once the warranty of 84,000 or 7 years has been reached. Thank you for your prompt investigation into this matter, I look forward to hearing that NHTSA and Ford will issue a total recall to all 2014-2019 1.5L Ecoboost Ford Fusions and 2017-2019 1.5 L Ecoboost Ford Escapes to keep highway traffic safe.
Engine experienced a catastrophic failure of coolant leakage into #3 cylinder over time. Condition got so bad to the point while driving, the engine suddenly lost all power and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately we were on a quiet street. If this would have occurred entering a busy interstate, we could…
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Engine experienced a catastrophic failure of coolant leakage into #3 cylinder over time. Condition got so bad to the point while driving, the engine suddenly lost all power and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately we were on a quiet street. If this would have occurred entering a busy interstate, we could have been struck by speeding cars causing a life threatening accident. Upon research into this condition, this is a known design flaw/defect with the engine block coolant passages on Ford Ecoboost 1.5L engines. We read the condition could possible cause fires or more severe engine failure at moments when the car is operating at high speeds on the interstate. A recall needs to be issued before this known defect causes someone to lose their life.
Transmission started stuttering around 40 to 50mph. The transmission had to be rebuild because of issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and the oil level appeared normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and spark pl…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and the oil level appeared normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while the contact’s son was stopped at an intersection, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that engine oil was present in the coolant and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Dead in drive way no warning, got it running and had no power at all had it put on trailer and taken to local Ford engine cataropic failure due to coolant intrusion verified by Ford technician instructed replace motor and all associated one time use parts still in back lot open repair order.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, with the engine misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, with the engine misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. In addition, the contact was informed of the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37, however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Official recalls
426V011000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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