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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 · May 1, 2024
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape started running super rough one morning as I was heading into work. There were no lights and the system check said all systems running normal. However when I checked all the fluids and looked at everything it all looked fine. When I restarted the car I could see the engine shaking. As I was headed down the st…

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My 2018 Ford Escape started running super rough one morning as I was heading into work. There were no lights and the system check said all systems running normal. However when I checked all the fluids and looked at everything it all looked fine. When I restarted the car I could see the engine shaking. As I was headed down the street to have a mechanic look at it the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. Long story short the car was towed to the dealership and they told me I need a new engine and quoted $11,724.00, they said there was a coolant leak into the engine. I bought this car brand new and it only has 52,491 miles on it. After some extensive research I have found that this is a issue that is well known with all Escape models between the 2013 and 2019 years. However Ford is not doing anything to fix it and basically is just shrugging it off.

NHTSA ODI #11586291

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2024
Engine

I took my wife car to Ford in Yuba City for a engine light for P1450 Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum. I had the dealership pick up my car and take to the dealership to replace the purge valve. The quoted me 1 hr and changed me two. On the paperwork they said there was an engine misfire which nobody said anything to me and I …

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I took my wife car to Ford in Yuba City for a engine light for P1450 Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum. I had the dealership pick up my car and take to the dealership to replace the purge valve. The quoted me 1 hr and changed me two. On the paperwork they said there was an engine misfire which nobody said anything to me and I didn't ever had that error on this car. They drove my car to my house like this. I looked at paperwork and was surprised so I checked the car out and got a code po302 for cylinder 2 misfire. I popped the hood and saw that the cable was put in there lazy and there was a gap i the air tube to the air filter. I talked to the dealership and brought it in and they told me I have coolant in my motor and will need a short block replacement. I had no issue before the purge valve and with the on going issues with the coolant in motor issues with this type of engine. I feel ford should take car of it. I bought this car with 36 miles on it and it currently is at 96k or so. I know there was a free replacement for 7 year or 84 years of warranty. Is there anything Fork can do since I really don't want to go the legal route but will if I have to

NHTSA ODI #11585809

Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2024
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

2018 Ford escape titanium. I have kept current on all the maintenance on this car. All of a sudden I get a check engine light also it shook and weakened. I drove straight home and left it parked untouched. I called Ford they came and picked it up because I was too scared to drive it. I haven't even had this car for a year and th…

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2018 Ford escape titanium. I have kept current on all the maintenance on this car. All of a sudden I get a check engine light also it shook and weakened. I drove straight home and left it parked untouched. I called Ford they came and picked it up because I was too scared to drive it. I haven't even had this car for a year and the dealership called to tell me the engine is gone due to coolant leaking inshaft etc.. a list of problems I don't understand. About $9000. In repair cost. My warranty doesn't want to cover. I need help. I do not know where to turn Ford is well aware of these issues and failed to tell us consumers. This is a complete scam on there part and they need to be held accountable. I am still paying for that car always take care of it which they charge alot for simple maintenance. Please help and let me know what to do . I can not pay $ 9000 for repairs. I'll never feel safe again in that car. Also the blind spot and collision sensors keep going off when nothing is around. I took it in twice and they have not fixed it but I was charged for the repair.

NHTSA ODI #11585593

90,000 miles · Apr 25, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed an excessive amount of smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who deter…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed an excessive amount of smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion resulted in engine misfire. 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11585313

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
Engine

I noticed a 'ticking' noise for about a minute when starting the engine after it'd been sitting overnight. In the first minute there'd also be some revving, about 100rpm, before the engine finally settled into normal idle. Other times, when starting the engine it would 'shudder' and I'd have to turn the car off, wait about 10 se…

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I noticed a 'ticking' noise for about a minute when starting the engine after it'd been sitting overnight. In the first minute there'd also be some revving, about 100rpm, before the engine finally settled into normal idle. Other times, when starting the engine it would 'shudder' and I'd have to turn the car off, wait about 10 seconds, and start the engine again. A few weeks later the check engine light came on and I took it to the dealership. I had recorded the noise at startup and played it for the employees. They kept the car overnight to test it in the morning. In the morning, I was notified I'd need a new engine as 'coolant was getting into a cylinder' and it was a "block/head flaw". My antifreeze was empty. I was told this is a manufacturer defect and the dealership has been seeing this issue about once a week. I was told this is a "Ford issue and not anything" I, as an owner/operator, would have done to cause it. I was told "this is not a repair, it is a replace" and could eventually cause engine overheating and engine failure. My vehicle is only 6 years old with 52,000 miles at the time this issue arose.

NHTSA ODI #11585292

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

known problem with ford eco boost engines. Coolant loss, engine overheating, loss of power and died. now $11000 to replace the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11585186

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
Engine

There was a coolant leak into cylinder #2. The recommendation is to replace the engine block. The repair estimate is $9321.55. In June 09, 2022, Ford issued consumer satisfaction program 21N12 related to this exact situation. There is a known defect in the 1.5L Ford Eco-boost engine that Ford should take responsibility for. Th…

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There was a coolant leak into cylinder #2. The recommendation is to replace the engine block. The repair estimate is $9321.55. In June 09, 2022, Ford issued consumer satisfaction program 21N12 related to this exact situation. There is a known defect in the 1.5L Ford Eco-boost engine that Ford should take responsibility for. They replaced some engines but the program ended in November of 2022. My vehicle was not acquired until 2023 and did not fail until 2024.

NHTSA ODI #11585128

140,000 miles · Apr 24, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine and coolant temperature warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Shut Off for Safety" was displayed. The contact also stated that there was white smoke coming from the rear and the front of the vehicle. The contact turned…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine and coolant temperature warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Shut Off for Safety" was displayed. The contact also stated that there was white smoke coming from the rear and the front of the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and was able to push the vehicle back to the driveway since the failure occurred nearby. The contact checked the coolant level and discovered that the coolant level was low; however, the contact found no evidence of a coolant leak. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11584899

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

My engine started to slow down while driving down even though gas pedal was to the floor on the road at peak hour of traffic at 4pm and was barely moving then my high temperature alert came on my dash board and told me to pull over as soon as possible. Once I pulled over saw that coolant was leaking from my emergency spot on t…

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My engine started to slow down while driving down even though gas pedal was to the floor on the road at peak hour of traffic at 4pm and was barely moving then my high temperature alert came on my dash board and told me to pull over as soon as possible. Once I pulled over saw that coolant was leaking from my emergency spot on tank. Had to have car towed home and then to deal ship to heritage valley ford in Brooklyn ct. I could have been rear end from the back when the engine started to act up which could have cause a accident and I had my kids in the car with me. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but not a safety recall on it so did not have to fix issue sense not a safety recall. Ford new about the issue of coolant leaking into engine in June of 2022 and told me they did not need to inform me of this issue and could blow engine but not their problem sense not a safety issue. The recall under their CSP program is 21N12 and Heritage Valley Auto Group confirmed this was the issue with my engine and told me I need a new engine. Yes about two weeks prior my check engine light came on with codes for misfiring in my engine and replaced spark plugs and coil packs and then found out this was a know issue with ford under their CSP program.

NHTSA ODI #11584821

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
Engine

The vehicle started having problems with ignitions, shaking/vibration at start. The check engine light came on and indicated a need to change spark plugs. The engine fault service now light also came on at this time. Had the spark plugs and Ignition coil replaced. The next day the engine fault service light came back on but went…

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The vehicle started having problems with ignitions, shaking/vibration at start. The check engine light came on and indicated a need to change spark plugs. The engine fault service now light also came on at this time. Had the spark plugs and Ignition coil replaced. The next day the engine fault service light came back on but went back off. I was informed that the code just needed to be cleared by Ford. The next morning while driving the engine fault light came back on in addition to an overheat alarm. The engine started failing while driving, was unable to get the vehicle to drive forward, multiple error for the start/stop ignition while trying to get the vehicle off the main road and to home. Luckily, I had just left home so was close. I was able to get the car back to home. Towed the vehicle to Ford dealer service center to be told that there was engine coolant in the engine and it would need to be replaced for 9000 to 12000 dollars. Had the vehicle towed home and did some research to find that this is a known issue for the Ford engine and a previous program was implemented for the engine repair. Ford states that program is not applicable for my vehicle now even though it has been a known issue with this model Ford Engine. Had I not been close to home this could have caused increased safety problems due to the engine failures while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11584733

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