2018 Ford Escape
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
64% of complaints: engine — 1132 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I bought a 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost as the 2 or 3rd owner. There were no recalls I checked and also did a carfax when I bought the car 7/4/2024.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240919
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
My 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L EcoBoost has recently experienced catastrophic engine failure with no prior warning by any of the vehicles sensors nor a notice from the manufacturer that this is a potential/known issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
My Ford Escape recently had the check engine light on. I took it to a Ford service center, and they confirmed it was coolant intrusion that damaged the engine and requires a replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 341 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and crankcase (pcv).
15% of complaints: power train — 272 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3% of complaints: electrical system — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH INJURY2% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 17V803000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V104000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.
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.
Campaign 26V011000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1132 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (341 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (272 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V803000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V104000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.