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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
87,000 miles · Jan 27, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638942

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025
Power Train

Transmission failed at 42,000 miles

NHTSA ODI #11638913

101,000 miles · Jan 27, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder head, and the short block engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was co…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder head, and the short block engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638846

22,000 miles · Jan 27, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine failure, auto park, and restart engine messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; howev…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine failure, auto park, and restart engine messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, after shifting into drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local auto parts store where the techni8cian used a handheld diagnostic scanner and determined that there was no compression in cylinder #1 and cylinder #2 and there was a misfire in the engine. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638758

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2025
Visibility/wiper

On 01/25/2025 I discovered on my vehicle that my windshield weatherstripping and cowl was coming loose from the windshield. I contacted Ford Motor company of the issue after speaking with a glass repair company. I called Ford because my vehicle may have a manufacturing defect on the cowl (bottom seal of the windshield, as well a…

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On 01/25/2025 I discovered on my vehicle that my windshield weatherstripping and cowl was coming loose from the windshield. I contacted Ford Motor company of the issue after speaking with a glass repair company. I called Ford because my vehicle may have a manufacturing defect on the cowl (bottom seal of the windshield, as well as the side and top weather stripping used to seal the windshield in place). They informed me there were no recalls at the time however to fix the issue the entire windshield will have to be removed from the car in order to replace the cowl seal, weather stripping and seal coming off. If I am not to get this repaired this could cause leaking in my vehicle from rain or worse the eventual separation of the windshield unexpectedly which could be a safety issue. Please see the attached photos below as well as others online who have posted this issue, had it fixed, and it kept occurring. I believe it is a manufacturer defect either with the weatherstripping, sealing procedure or the overall windshield itself. The pictures of the other escape in the same area is showing that what I am describing is happening to others, this can be deemed a hazard or potential recall.

NHTSA ODI #11638541

101,000 miles · Jan 23, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly function. The contact stated that a message to “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was pending a diagnostic test. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle but believed that the…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly function. The contact stated that a message to “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was pending a diagnostic test. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle but believed that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638056

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Engine

Multiple times when weather is cold (currently 42 degrees, so not even that cold) the engine will not start. It is a brand new engine that was replaced after the heavily reported coolant leak issue - which should be recalled!) The car turns on, with lights, radio, air systems, etc all running, but the engine does not start or ev…

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Multiple times when weather is cold (currently 42 degrees, so not even that cold) the engine will not start. It is a brand new engine that was replaced after the heavily reported coolant leak issue - which should be recalled!) The car turns on, with lights, radio, air systems, etc all running, but the engine does not start or even attempt to start. After several hours the car turns on without issue and operates as normal. This car/engine are absolute lemons. I spent $10,000 to replace the engine due to Ford's own manufacturing issue with the coolant leak, and now this. NHSTA needs to do something about these faulty cars on the road.

NHTSA ODI #11637931

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2025
Engine

have a bad engine that seems to be a common problem with this year car.Has 68,300 miles and I am told that this one does not have all the right criteria to be under warranty.not sure of the reason other than I was told it is out of the 7 year period.its a 2018 and broke down in 2024.

NHTSA ODI #11637715

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2025
Exterior Lighting

Headlights continue to go out causing reduced visibility. Google search shows a lot of people having the same issue. Available for inspection. Driving during dark hours puts myself and others at risk when the light randomly goes out. I have consulted local shop and they confirm it's a common problem and unsure of a fix besides g…

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Headlights continue to go out causing reduced visibility. Google search shows a lot of people having the same issue. Available for inspection. Driving during dark hours puts myself and others at risk when the light randomly goes out. I have consulted local shop and they confirm it's a common problem and unsure of a fix besides guessing and replacing parts. No warnings or notifications that the light is out.

NHTSA ODI #11637551

117,000 miles · Jan 21, 2025
Steering

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized, with the steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering mo…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized, with the steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11637406

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