Is the engine a common problem on the 2018 Ford Escape?

Yes. NHTSA data shows 1,438 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Escape, which is 80% of the 1,797 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Escape engine?

NHTSA's data provided here lists no related recalls tied to this engine complaint category, though one sample complaint mentions a separate powertrain recall (Campaign 22V413000).

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape engines typically fail?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 84,786 miles for engine-related issues.

What engine symptoms do 2018 Ford Escape owners report?

Owners describe sudden loss of power, rough idling, shuddering, overheating, unintended acceleration at low speeds, and in some cases engine fires.

Were there any injuries or fires linked to 2018 Ford Escape engine complaints?

NHTSA data lists 4 fires, 5 crashes, and 9 injuries associated with engine-related complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape.

2018 Ford Escape Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 1,438 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape, making up 80% of all 1,797 complaints filed for the year. Owners report stalling, fires, sudden power loss, and unintended acceleration, with a median failure mileage of 84,786 miles. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 1,438; 80% of 1,797
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 84,786 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine loses power suddenly while driving, sometimes leading to a crash or collision with another vehicle or object.
Owners describe engine shuddering or rough idling at low speed, in some cases followed by overheating, white smoke, and visible flames near the engine.
Vehicle accelerates on its own during low-speed maneuvers such as parking or turning, even with the brake pedal depressed.
Check engine light comes on along with abnormal noise, later traced by dealers to coolant leaking into a cylinder or engine needing full replacement.
Fires reported coming from under the hood, in one case after unrelated collision damage, in others with no crash involved.

When 2018 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 14, 2018, latest Sep 23, 2026.

1438 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q2 (153).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Escape model year

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

2010891 (43%)
2011428 (33%)
2012128 (21%)
20131,468 (53%)
2014902 (43%)
2015278 (25%)
2016263 (23%)
20171,991 (74%)
20181,438 (80%)
2019386 (66%)
2020144 (9%)
202149 (14%)
202246 (20%)
202338 (39%)
202417 (22%)
202511 (46%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the engine a common problem on the 2018 Ford Escape?: Yes. NHTSA data shows 1,438 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Escape, which is 80% of the 1,797 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Escape engine?: NHTSA's data provided here lists no related recalls tied to this engine complaint category, though one sample complaint mentions a separate powertrain recall (Campaign 22V413000).
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape engines typically fail?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 84,786 miles for engine-related issues.
What engine symptoms do 2018 Ford Escape owners report?: Owners describe sudden loss of power, rough idling, shuddering, overheating, unintended acceleration at low speeds, and in some cases engine fires.
Were there any injuries or fires linked to 2018 Ford Escape engine complaints?: NHTSA data lists 4 fires, 5 crashes, and 9 injuries associated with engine-related complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape.