YearToAvoid

2018 Ford Escape Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 31 brake complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape, 2% of its 1,797 total complaints, tied to 5 crashes and 4 injuries. Median mileage at failure was 21,000 miles. A related recall (18V104000) covers incorrect front brake hoses that could chafe and leak.

Brakes complaints
31
2% of 1,797
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
21,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal reportedly extends to the floor with little or no stopping power at low speeds, including in parking lots and driveways.
  • Wheels lock up unexpectedly on wet roads, with owners describing loss of steering control leading to collisions.
  • Rear rotors and pads wear out or become deeply scored at low mileage, sometimes requiring replacement within thousands of miles of a prior service.
  • Pre-collision assist reportedly triggers automatic hard braking with no vehicle or obstacle present, especially at highway speeds.
  • Traction control activates on its own during highway driving, producing a shaking or bumping sensation through the steering wheel until manually turned off.
  • Brake pedal reportedly fails to stop the vehicle in time despite normal pressure, with no warning light illuminated beforehand.

When 2018 Ford Escape brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 16, 2018, latest Sep 22, 2026.

2018 Ford Escape brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2018Oct 2019Aug 2021Aug 2022Apr 2023Dec 2024Dec 2025Sep 2026
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to Sep 2026; peak May 2021 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201078 (4%)
  2. 201142 (3%)
  3. 201224 (4%)
  4. 2013107 (4%)
  5. 201447 (2%)
  6. 201535 (3%)
  7. 201629 (3%)
  8. 201758 (2%)
  9. 201831 (2%)
  10. 201910 (2%)
  11. 202047 (3%)
  12. 202150 (14%)
  13. 202234 (15%)
  14. 20234 (4%)
  15. 20243 (4%)
  16. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Ford Escape?
NHTSA lists 31 brake-related complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape, which is 2% of the 1,797 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Ford Escape?
Yes. Recall 18V104000 covers incorrect front brake hoses on 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles that may chafe against other components and cause a brake fluid leak.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape brake problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for reported brake complaints on the 2018 Ford Escape is 21,000 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to 2018 Ford Escape brake complaints?
NHTSA data ties 5 crashes and 4 injuries to the brake complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Escape.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.