2018 Ford Escape Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 271 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape, 15% of all complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 80,000. A related recall (22V413000) covers a shifter cable bushing defect.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 271
- 15% of 1,797
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 80,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles have rolled or moved unexpectedly after being placed in park, in some cases striking objects or structures.
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, including one case tied to recall 22V413000 before the repair part was available.
- Transmission lags or delays 2-3 gear shifts by several seconds, especially after a cold start, creating rear-end collision risk.
- Owners describe jerking or shuddering during deceleration around 40 mph, diagnosed by dealers as a transmission problem.
- Vibration and shaking from the front passenger side traced to a half shaft that required replacement under warranty.
- Some owners report the transmission spinning with the engine racing while the vehicle fails to move from a stop, stranding it in traffic.
When 2018 Ford Escape transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 20, 2018, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 271 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2018 Escape, which is 15% of the 1,797 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Ford Escape?
- Yes. Recall 22V413000 covers a shifter cable bushing that attaches to the transmission on 2013-2019 Escape and related Ford models; dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up on the 2018 Escape?
- The median mileage at failure for transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2018 Escape is 80,000 miles.
- Did the 2018 Ford Escape's transmission issues cause crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2018 Escape shows 4 crashes and 6 injuries reported, with no fires.