2018 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 Escape years
The 2018 Ford Escape has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 6th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine complaints dominate at 80% of reports, with four recalls covering brakes, airbags, transmission, and a block heater.
- Complaints
- 1,797
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 25 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 30 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28.5 hwy
Top 2018 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine1,438 (80%)
- Transmission & Powertrain271 (15%)
- Other109 (6%)
- Electrical System63 (4%)
- Fuel System54 (3%)
- Steering32 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (2%)
- Brakes31 (2%)
- Structure & Body26 (1%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of engine power at low mileage, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Some describe the engine stalling or stopping entirely while driving, cutting power steering and brakes at the same time.
- Several drivers say the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers even with the brake pedal depressed.
- Reports describe brakes locking up on wet roads, with traction control engaging and the car losing steering control.
- One owner described the steering suddenly pulling hard to one side with visible suspension parts detached on the road.
- A case describes the vehicle shifting itself into motion and rolling into a garage after being left in park with the engine running.
2018 Ford Escape recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V011000Jan 15, 2026Other116,672 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
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 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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V104000Feb 12, 2018Brakes88 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28.5 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?
- Compared to other Escape model years, 2018 ranks 6th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up 80% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Ford Escape?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 1,438 of 1,797 complaints (80%), with a median mileage at failure of 84,786 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape, covering brake hoses, side curtain airbags, a transmission shift bushing, and an engine block heater. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Escape compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 67 is lower than the worst years like 2013 (100) and 2017 (93), but higher than better years like 2019 (40) and 2022 (20), placing it in the Caution range.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Escape?
- The 2018 Escape gets 24 mpg combined (21 city / 28.5 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700, according to EPA data.