2018 Ford Escape Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Ford Escape has a complaint index of 70, ranking 7th worst among 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 1,797 complaints, led by engine problems (80% of complaints), plus 4 recalls including brakes and airbags.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 Escape years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,797
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 25
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 30
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 30 / 0
Top 2018 Ford Escape problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Some describe the vehicle rolling or moving on its own after being shifted into park, consistent with the shifter cable bushing recall.
- Brake pedal reports include wheels locking up on wet roads and loss of stopping power during traction control activation.
- Several owners describe sudden hard swerving tied to suspension components failing, including a wheel found at an abnormal angle.
- One owner reported unintended acceleration at low speed while the brake was depressed, tied to an open recall repair part shortage.
- A side curtain airbag failed to fully deploy in a crash, matching the airbag recall for detachment during deployment.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Escape a complaint index of 70, ranking 7th worst out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other Escape years.
- What is the main problem with the 2018 Ford Escape?
- Engine issues make up 80% of complaints (1,438 of 1,797), with a median mileage at failure of 84,786 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Escape have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Escape covering brakes, airbags, transmission/powertrain, and an engine block heater issue; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Escape compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 70 is worse than years like 2019 (40, Good) and 2024 (15, Best), but better than 2017 (100, Avoid) and 2013 (90, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Escape?
- EPA rates the 2018 Escape at 24 mpg combined (21 city/28.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,700.