NHTSA data · free2018 Ford EscapeProblems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)
Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2018 Ford Escape, ranked by the component that failed most.
Complaints on file
1,813
Recalls issued
4
Crashes reported
26
Fires reported
5
What breaks most
- Engine1,163 complaints · 64.1%
- Engine And Engine Cooling344 complaints · 19%
- Power Train275 complaints · 15.2%
- Electrical System57 complaints · 3.1%
- Fuel/Propulsion System45 complaints · 2.5%
Recalls on this model year
- 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.
Campaign 17V803000 · reported 18/12/2017 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- 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.
Campaign 18V104000 · reported 12/02/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- 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.
Campaign 22V413000 · reported 10/06/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- 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.
Campaign 26V011000 · reported 15/01/2026 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
What owners report
Engine
- I have a 2018 Escape that died on July 10, 2026, 39312 miles. Paid $300 for a diagnosis at a Ford dealer. A new engine was recommended. The dealer quote is $13,500 for replacement. Called Ford directl
- My daughter was driving our 2018 Ford Escape at highway speed when it suddenly began shaking and shuddering violently, with no advance warning. The check engine light came on for the first time as the
- On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days l
Engine And Engine Cooling
- The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the head gasket of the engine cracked and the vehicle stalled. There was coolant leaking into the engine previously,
- The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the message to "Pull Over Immediately" was displayed. The contact pulled over and
- The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately but started after several attempts. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where diagno
Power Train
- My daughter was driving our 2018 Ford Escape at highway speed when it suddenly began shaking and shuddering violently, with no advance warning. The check engine light came on for the first time as the
- Failed Component/System: The engine assembly/engine cooling system. The internal structural failure of the cylinder block (open-deck design defect) allowing engine coolant intrusion into combustion ch
- AT 56000 MILES HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE TRANSMISSION NOW DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP EVEN THOUGH THE CODE READER SAYS PO0087 , A SENSOR THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD TO BE TOWED
Electrical System
- On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days l
- On September 4, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM, I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) and executing a left-hand turn across an intersection. Mid-turn, the vehicle suddenly lost all powe
- My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replaced multiple times by different repair shops
Fuel/Propulsion System
- On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days l
- Failed Component/System: The engine assembly/engine cooling system. The internal structural failure of the cylinder block (open-deck design defect) allowing engine coolant intrusion into combustion ch
- My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replaced multiple times by different repair shops
Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.
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