2018 Ford Escape problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 1,819.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Engine
Engine and engine cooling
Power train
Safety recalls (4)
Recalls that cover the 2018 Ford Escape. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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: 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.
Power train › automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl); 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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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: 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.
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
1,166 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 42,445 and 100,000 miles.
Any overheating, coolant loss, or engine repairs? Ask for invoices and check the coolant level and temperature gauge on the test drive.
345 owner complaints mention the engine or cooling system, half of the reports with mileage are between 70,000 and 108,000 miles.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
275 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 56,000 and 101,000 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
57 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 3,500 and 95,000 miles.
Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.
45 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year.
Other Ford Escape years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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