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
- 1,806
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
64% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 1,806 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
64% · 1,159 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-03
Also filed under Electrical system and vehicle speed control
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, 2024-09-19
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, 2026-07-21
Engine and engine cooling
19% · 342 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and crankcase (pcv).
Power train
15% · 275 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show 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, 2026-07-09
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
3% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
Fuel/propulsion system
2% · 43 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018Complaint volume 1,806 complaints filed for this model year.
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2018-02-02Air bags17V803000 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.
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2018-03-14Service brakes, hydraulic18V104000 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.
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2022-10-27Power train22V413000 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.
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Date not on fileEquipment26V011000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 1,159 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 342 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 275 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V011000 · Equipment
- Recall 17V803000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V104000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V413000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.