2018 FORD ESCAPE
1909 complaints filed with NHTSA.
NHTSA Safety Rating
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 960 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 318 |
| POWER TRAIN | 232 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 91 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 47 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 31 |
| STEERING | 30 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 22 |
| WHEELS | 18 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 17 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 11 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10 |
| SEAT BELTS | 9 |
| SUSPENSION | 9 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
Recalls (4)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
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.
Recent Complaints
While driving to work on February 16, 2026 my car started making a knocking noise and had a hard time going. At one point I was in the middle of the road and the car wouldnât move. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said it needs a new motor. My car is a 2018, just barely 7 years old.
While driving 1,100 miles from Topeka, Kansas to Maryland to spend time with our first grandchild, our trip was interrupted by coolant intrusion in the cylinders of our 2018 Ford Escape SE (ecoboost), which had 78,600 miles on it. Both an independent garage and the Ford dealership in Maryland said the car needed a new engine. The garage put the cost at $16,000; the Ford dealer, $12,200. I quickly discovered online that the problem of coolant intrusion in Ford Escapes from that year was widespr
Took car into local repair shop (HARLAN AUTO 650 W Main Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406. phone 330-506-1737.) for normal maintenance. 02/12/26 Odometer 65033. Previous maintenance 10/28/25 odometer 61335. Performed vehicle inspection, oil change and tire rotation. Harlan discovered no antifreeze, coolant in reservoir. I authorized them to perform a pressure test lasting several hours. Test revealed evidence of damage to spark plugs, cylinder walls and cracks in cylinder walls. Revealing major
1. Vehicle Information ⢠2018 Ford Escape ECOSYSTEM 1.5 ⢠84,000 ⢠VIN [XXX] . Problem Description : My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This is an engine defect Ford has known about since 2010, yet they continued to put this engine into their cars. It is also the subject of at least one class action lawsuit. Common Issue: Many
Transmission Fault in red letters came on. Turned car off and then turned back on after 20 minutes and the message disappeared. Three days later same things happened- repeated what I did before and message went away. I've noticed when I try to accelerate it sounds as if I'm accelerating but I'm not getting passed 20 mph. Car does a hard jerk when trying to accelerate.
Engine Failure - available for inspection Safety was at risk when the vehicle died multiple times on the highway and I was told that there was no issue by ford. The dealership understand the problem now that the check engine light is staying on. No inspection other than by ford's mechanics. Possible insurance inspection. Alerts for engine failure whenever the car died. In November 2025 my car died on the highway. I was driving normally and the engine cut out (service code included Engine Fa
I had three incidents in January of 2026 where the coolant was leaking and then the check engine light would come on. I took it to the Ford dealership to have it checked and they said I need a new engine for $12000! But there are no recalls, I have the 1.5L engine. The recalls are on the 2L engine so they say I have no recourse! I have only owned this vehicle for 8 months and there was one previous owner before me.
Check engine light came on, took it to the ford dealership in Denison Tx. I was notified that there was coolant in 3 & 4 cylinders. Possible blown head gasket or cracked block. Estimated repairs $11,000.00. Vehicle was purchased used from Ford dealership in Sherman, Tx. in November of 2025, check engine light came on in Nov/Dec 2025. While diagnosising problem they broke a spark plug off in cylingder head.
Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- Occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/1
Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- Occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/1
Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- Occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/1
Coolant intrusion into cylinder
I was on my way to work on 2/4/2026 and all of a sudden the RPMs went up really high and wouldnât accelerate and then down shifted really hard so I pulled over. It then showed on the dash âSystem Fault: Transmission Fault Service Nowâ I ended up needing a tow truck. This is NOT ok! Itâs also apparently a common occurrence which means it should be recalled and fixed!
Battery light came on, its a new battery with warning of 12v battery failure. The back camera has been giving blank screen and camera unavailable message.
Battery light came on, its a new battery with warning of 12v battery failure. The back camera has been giving blank screen and camera unavailable message.
Flywheel detached and destroyed our engine and transmission while we were traveling 75 mph in traffic. We were nearly rear-ended and side-swiped due to immediate loss of power. A dealer inspected the vehicle and told us about the flywheel detachment. They referred us to Ford Customer Service, who said nothing could be done as we were a few thousand over the warranty. Repairs would cost 14,500. The transmission is 6F35, which has had several class action lawsuits due to its failure according to
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Engine Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was idling at a lower RPM. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due
Mileage: 57,000
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Engine Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was idling at a lower RPM. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due
Mileage: 57,000
Oct 2025 my engine died. Was told need new engine
MY 2018 Ford Escape Titanium has a engine malfunction that is known to Ford but has not been recalled. Their is a leak in the engine which causes coolant to leak. The long block engine needs to be replaced at a cost to me of $10,000. This cost was determined by the Ford dealership and I have included the invoice. This can cause complete engine failure without any warning.