2018 Ford Escape recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape and 1,815 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (1,164), engine and engine cooling (345), power train (275). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #11 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Ford Escape. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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)
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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
Problem: 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.
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I have had a cylinder 2 misfire every 6 months for the past 3 years. After the 3rd misfire I replaced the entire engine that had less than 86,000 miles with another one that had only 32,000 miles on it. After another 6 months I had it happen again. I got the spark plugs and coil replaced and now I'm having it 6 months again happen and the read out says cylinder 2 had too many m…
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 directly and was told, " Too bad you're not covered".
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature increased, and the vehicle entered Limp mode. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Safety ratings
2018 Ford Escape SUV AWD
2018 Ford Escape SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Ford Escape.
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape, most recently for equipment · electrical · engine block heater (01/15/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Escape?
Based on 1,815 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (1,164), engine and engine cooling (345), power train (275).
Is the 2018 Ford Escape safe?
The 2018 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Ford Escape?
The 2018 ranks #11 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Ford Escape range from 23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Ford Escape in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ESCAPE, Escape.