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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
96,400 miles · Apr 23, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shut off. The high engine temperature was displayed with a message to pullover immediately. The contact became aware that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The contact added coolant. The vehicle was towed to an indepe…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shut off. The high engine temperature was displayed with a message to pullover immediately. The contact became aware that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The contact added coolant. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there was an internal coolant leak. The coolant had leaked into the cylinders and caused the engine to misfire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,400.

NHTSA ODI #11584711

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
Wheels

Took vehicle my 2018 FWD SUV Ford Escape to Ford dealership for routine oil change service including tire rotation with 34,250 mileage on vehicle. Was told could not rotate tires as lug nuts were swollen/distorted and needed to get new ones for replacement and that my vehicle's tire iron or other conventional wrench will not fit…

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Took vehicle my 2018 FWD SUV Ford Escape to Ford dealership for routine oil change service including tire rotation with 34,250 mileage on vehicle. Was told could not rotate tires as lug nuts were swollen/distorted and needed to get new ones for replacement and that my vehicle's tire iron or other conventional wrench will not fit when this happens and equipment can break, etc. Ford DID NOT have a recall for this problem. Was told the original Ford lug nuts poor quality and design so bought new better ones from different manufacturer. I believe this should be a covered recall issue. Ford service code from invoice: ACPZ1012HX (I am unable to upload/attach invoice)

NHTSA ODI #11584710

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

Just like everybody else, coolant intrusion into engine block which required replacement of engine. 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L motor. Ford is fully aware there is a problem but hasn't issued a recall on the 2.0 motor. NHTSA needs to do an investigation once and for all! You've got over 400 complaints on here regarding the motor!…

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Just like everybody else, coolant intrusion into engine block which required replacement of engine. 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L motor. Ford is fully aware there is a problem but hasn't issued a recall on the 2.0 motor. NHTSA needs to do an investigation once and for all! You've got over 400 complaints on here regarding the motor!! I will never buy a Ford again.....

NHTSA ODI #11584572

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

Coolant intruding into cylinder bores, caused engine failure. Ford will not honor letter sent.

NHTSA ODI #11584564

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

My Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Engine overheated. A Ford service mechanic confirmed the Escape has a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the lea…

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My Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Engine overheated. A Ford service mechanic confirmed the Escape has a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the leaks causes overheating. The ford service mechanic confirmed my cylinder head was cracked and will lead to total engine failure, and/or engine fires.

NHTSA ODI #11584464

70,500 miles · Apr 22, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown temperature message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge had indicated that the engine w…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown temperature message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge had indicated that the engine was hot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic later discovered that coolant had intruded into one of the cylinders. A local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

NHTSA ODI #11584426

123,000 miles · Apr 22, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the coolan…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the coolant level was low. The mechanic added coolant and replaced all four spark plugs. The contact stated that several days after the repair, the failure recurred, and the check engine warning light and the engine overheating message was displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #11584400

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2024
Engine

2.0L EcoBoost engine failure due to coolant in cylinders.

NHTSA ODI #11584309

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2024
Engine

Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2, caused engine to go out. Issue was confirmed by dealer and stated this is a very common thing they see. This is part of a customer satisfaction campaign when in reality it should have been a recall. The car has only been inspected by the dealership, problem appeared suddenly

NHTSA ODI #11584073

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The roof seals failed, water poured into the rear of the car in cargo space, and filled spare tire wheel well without warning. We had noticed a sour, moldy smell prior to that, and began to show allergy symptoms, necessitating medication. Dealer was made aware.They tested roof and resealed it. The roof was glued on at manufa…

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The roof seals failed, water poured into the rear of the car in cargo space, and filled spare tire wheel well without warning. We had noticed a sour, moldy smell prior to that, and began to show allergy symptoms, necessitating medication. Dealer was made aware.They tested roof and resealed it. The roof was glued on at manufacturer… not riveted or secured in any other way. It is the fault of the Ford manufacturer . The leak appeared approx April [XXX]. Got appointment at Ford here in DeLand April [XXX]. They kept the car, tore it apart to find cause of leak. We got it back late Friday April [XXX]. There was still water 💦 in it ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11584023

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