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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
80,000 miles · Jan 3, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, with the "Engine Fault Service Now” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed the contact was informed there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be r…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, with the "Engine Fault Service Now” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed the contact was informed there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 21N12 and 19B37. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633854

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
Engine

Less than one month after purchasing this used vehicle from a dealership, the check engine light came on. A personal code reader showed the PO302 code. Upon inspection by the manufacturer dealer we were told that it has an engine coolant leak, known as coolant intrusion. The mechanic noted that the engine appeared to have parts …

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Less than one month after purchasing this used vehicle from a dealership, the check engine light came on. A personal code reader showed the PO302 code. Upon inspection by the manufacturer dealer we were told that it has an engine coolant leak, known as coolant intrusion. The mechanic noted that the engine appeared to have parts replaced trying to rectify this issue (prior to our ownership) but that the only fix to this issue is engine replacement with a cost of around $9500. We were told this would be our cost as the manufacturer no longer replaces the engines under a previous satisfaction program. Now the vehicle is shuttering and has the permanent PO302 code and showing signs of consistent misfiring. Facts lead us to the fact that the previous owner did not resolve the issue and then the dealership put a vehicle on the lot that should not have been without a new engine as this was a pre-existing problem to our purchase.

NHTSA ODI #11633818

90,000 miles · Jan 2, 2025
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the low beam however, the low beam was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the p…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the low beam however, the low beam was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pigtail connectors and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633683

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehi…

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My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehicle. Multiple default code come up. P1016, p0365, p0299,p164D p0369,p0443,p0456,p1450. Brought it to the Ford dealership, upon inspection the diagnosis Evap system related disc on this line , tested evap system, found canister purge valve to be broken , tech notes that this is a non Oem part. Advised to replace purge valve and hose assembly. Also discovered that vacuum pump not pulling vacuum, advise to replace pump and reset. Upon removal of the vacuum pump, found pump cam lobe twisted off , vacuum pump is seized, cam replacement is seized , cam replacement will be required. Also both front axel boots are torn, spewing grease all over, recommend replacing both axels, leak p2 pinion value, left back axel leaking, both back brake rotors and pads worn 2mm in the red, coolant level low possible leak. Also is discovered that there was a non ford part purge valve that shouldn’t be there. Estimated cost is 8,500-9000 dollars could be more

NHTSA ODI #11633558

81,000 miles · Dec 31, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and could cause engine failure…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and could cause engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633412

114,000 miles · Dec 31, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH in the rainy weather, the vehicle lost motive power. The "Transmission Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehi…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH in the rainy weather, the vehicle lost motive power. The "Transmission Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) for which the VIN was included, had failed along with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable bushing had not caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633367

104,000 miles · Dec 30, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact performed a diagnostic test and identified an engine misfire. The caus…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact performed a diagnostic test and identified an engine misfire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #11633049

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Engine

Good morning, I would like to discuss an issue concerning the Ford Motor Company and one of their many Technician Service Bulletins (TSB). I am a former auto technician now healthcare worker and had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a 2018 Ford Escape with 55k miles for my wife in 2023. The vehicle now has a check engine light …

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Good morning, I would like to discuss an issue concerning the Ford Motor Company and one of their many Technician Service Bulletins (TSB). I am a former auto technician now healthcare worker and had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a 2018 Ford Escape with 55k miles for my wife in 2023. The vehicle now has a check engine light on due to engine coolant leaking into the cylinders at 97k miles. After research I discovered Ford issued a limited time fix NOT a recall under the heading of TSB 19-2375 & TSB 21-N-12. The whole engine needs to be replaced and the Ford Motor Company will not pay for a flawed design. There seems to be multiple lawsuits due to many of these engines failing in different Ford Models. Why hasn't this been forced to be a recall? Many people are struggling as it is and a 7 thousand dollar repair is going to put me under. The people of this country including myself need the help of people with is voice. Please I am sinking here

NHTSA ODI #11633044

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Purge valve stuck open causing check engine light to come on. Same as current recall on Ford Focus 2012-2018 vehicles. Ford Escapes within the same time frame should be included in the recall. Every time I fill gas there is a hard turn on since beginning of December. Then check engine light came on and code P1450.

NHTSA ODI #11632865

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
Engine

Car occasionally ran rough, engine light came on, code indicated a misfire so we changed the spark plugs and coils. No improvement, then suddenly while on the interstate, it was jumping and bucking and could barely run. Took it to a Ford dealer and they said it was a known problem with engine coolant leaks in Ecoboost engines bu…

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Car occasionally ran rough, engine light came on, code indicated a misfire so we changed the spark plugs and coils. No improvement, then suddenly while on the interstate, it was jumping and bucking and could barely run. Took it to a Ford dealer and they said it was a known problem with engine coolant leaks in Ecoboost engines but that they what $9,000 to replace it. This is not only reprehensible corporate irresponsibility but a safety issue, as my defective engine suddenly stopped working properly while I was driving in heavy high speed traffic.

NHTSA ODI #11632826

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