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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
140,000 miles · Oct 11, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the cylinder head temperature sensor was replaced. The contact stated that several weeks later, the contact discovered …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the cylinder head temperature sensor was replaced. The contact stated that several weeks later, the contact discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact checked the vehicle for leaks and added more coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where the contact was informed that coolant had leaked into cylinder #1, resulting in engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11619322

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2024
Power Train

2018 Ford Escape started jerking when first accelerating. Had it looked at by a service shop and they said they found metal filings in the transmission fluid and it should be replaced. Instead of replacing I decided to try to change the fluid to extend the life. But about 1 week later it completely went out at a stop light and i…

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2018 Ford Escape started jerking when first accelerating. Had it looked at by a service shop and they said they found metal filings in the transmission fluid and it should be replaced. Instead of replacing I decided to try to change the fluid to extend the life. But about 1 week later it completely went out at a stop light and it would not move. It was a very dangerous situation since the car would not move at a busy intersection.

NHTSA ODI #11619125

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2024
Engine

Coolant leak into engine. My ford escape stopped working while I was driving could have easily gotten into a serious life altering accident. Yes had a dealership confirm that coolant leak into engine. Only been inspected by the dealership. Coolant low light popped on put coolant in message went away then few days later my truck …

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Coolant leak into engine. My ford escape stopped working while I was driving could have easily gotten into a serious life altering accident. Yes had a dealership confirm that coolant leak into engine. Only been inspected by the dealership. Coolant low light popped on put coolant in message went away then few days later my truck takes a royal dump while I’m driving.

NHTSA ODI #11619007

87,300 miles · Oct 9, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The fai…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,300.

NHTSA ODI #11618948

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2024
Engine

coolant getting into engine causing misfiring, hesitating check engine light came on. this started in May 2024. Had spark plugs replaced then air filter coolant was low had to add to it had a gas cleaner put into gas tank. This was all done by a licensed mechanic. in 3 appointments. This was an on and off problem the last time i…

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coolant getting into engine causing misfiring, hesitating check engine light came on. this started in May 2024. Had spark plugs replaced then air filter coolant was low had to add to it had a gas cleaner put into gas tank. This was all done by a licensed mechanic. in 3 appointments. This was an on and off problem the last time i had it to the mechanic he saw the coolant was low and again the engine light was on again that is when he knew coolant was getting into the defected engine on 9/26/24. had a diagnostic test at a ford dealer 10/3. told me i need a new engine for it could catch on fire, blow up or stop running. gave me a ride home. This is a known defect by FORD company in the 2.0,1.5 EcoBoost engine 2018. yet no recall no help. Car is at keystone ford Chambersburg PA, around 43,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11618796

61,000 miles · Oct 8, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a misfire of the engi…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a misfire of the engine cylinders. The mechanic replaced all the spark plugs and one ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion Into Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11618760

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
Engine

The engine overheated and failed due to a known issue with the engine they put out a service bulletin for these specific engines but only up to 87k and now at 97k that mine has they won’t fix it. Its a coolant intrusion and they know this is an issue with these engines.

NHTSA ODI #11618556

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
Engine

Check Engine light came on. Scanner resulted in Code P0301. When taken to a service shop was advised coolant leak in cylinder 1, which froze the spark plug, engine needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11618539

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2024
Engine

My 2018 Ford Escape's engine light came on around February of 2024 with the code of P2096 and after a while, it started misfiring and showed the additional code of P0302. I took it in around 82K miles to get it checked out and since I hadn't had any work done, the place I took it to (Midas) did a bunch of work including a tune u…

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My 2018 Ford Escape's engine light came on around February of 2024 with the code of P2096 and after a while, it started misfiring and showed the additional code of P0302. I took it in around 82K miles to get it checked out and since I hadn't had any work done, the place I took it to (Midas) did a bunch of work including a tune up and replaced all the coils and spark plugs. It was fine for a month , then the P2096 code came back on and started misfiring again. The car was taken in to be looked at to the same place, but the codes weren't registering and nothing was done. By the end of the same day, the engine light came back on and it started misfiring shortly thereafter with the same 2 codes. I took it back to Midas around September 6, 2024 and they looked at it and told me that it was the known issue of coolant intrusion and the fix was a new engine. I didn't believe them as they had done me badly for other reasons so I took it in to Varsity Ford and they came up with the same conclusion. They replaced the spark plug in cylinder 2 and the misfiring immediately stopped. The check engine light stayed off for 6 days and then came back on with the P0302 code. I know there is a ford customer satisfaction issue and Ford should pay for the fix if it was below 84,000 miles, but my car started misfiring at 82000 miles and the problem has persisted through to almost 86,000 with no changes and I would like Ford to fix the issue since they knew it existed. The coolant intrusion issue is absolutely available for inspection upon request as long as it does not cost me anything. My safety and the safety of others is at risk because the engine can just stop at any point. The problem has been reproduced by two different places, Midas and Varsity Ford. The problem is confined to cylinder number 2. The vehicle or the component has been looked at by the manufacturer (Varsity Ford who confirmed the coolant intrusion issue) but not by the police, insurance representative or others.

NHTSA ODI #11618319

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2024
Electrical System

We purchased this 2018 Ford Escape new. The headlights have burned out many times, and much sooner than normal. What is really a mystery is that many times the low beams will burn out together. This is typically rare as one will burn out and then the other will continue to work for a while. We always replace them in pairs. …

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We purchased this 2018 Ford Escape new. The headlights have burned out many times, and much sooner than normal. What is really a mystery is that many times the low beams will burn out together. This is typically rare as one will burn out and then the other will continue to work for a while. We always replace them in pairs. The local shop changed them out most of the times and they only work for a few months to about six months on average. It is a very strange situation. They will stop working and then will sometimes begin working again, leading me to believe it is not a bulb issue as much as its an electrical issue. We keep checking to see if there is a safety recall as this is very unsafe when they stop working together at night while driving. There are many comments on websites and blogs so we know we are not alone. This is just one of the problems. This vehicle, driven mildly and maintained perfectly on schedule, with most service done at the local Ford dealer service center, has experienced both engine and transmission failure in the low 90k miles. Fortunately, we purchased coverage that took care of those. But we are told that our CNA bumper to bumper warranty does not cover head light issues. I think Ford should pay to have this vehicle examined, to determine what is wrong with the headlight wiring and pay for the repair to restore it to safe operation .

NHTSA ODI #11618198

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