VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Escape problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,097 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Escape year — the 2018 model ranks #7 of 27 Escape years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 51 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 68% of all reports (1,419 of 2,097), far ahead of transmission at 261. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

2,097

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

51

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Escape years?

Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted3,670 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 1,389 complaints2002: 1,397 complaints2003: 736 complaints2004: 715 complaints2005: 2,030 complaints2006: 627 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 2,404 complaints2009: 2,348 complaints2010: 3,182 complaints2011: 1,871 complaints2012: 792 complaints2013: 3,670 complaints2014: 2,650 complaints2015: 1,285 complaints2016: 1,258 complaints2017: 3,207 complaints2018: 2,097 complaints2019: 708 complaints2020: 2,025 complaints2021: 428 complaints2022: 298 complaints2023: 149 complaints2024: 136 complaints2025: 32 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford Escape problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1,41968%
Transmission26112%
Other1045%
Electrical System583%
Fuel System502%
Steering311%
Tires & Wheels281%
Brakes271%
Speed Control211%
Driver Assistance201%
Body & Structure191%
Visibility & Wipers131%
Lighting111%
Suspension111%
Seat Belts90%
Airbags90%
Latches & Locks50%
Seats10%

Does the 2018 Ford Escape have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V011000Electrical SystemJanuary 15, 2026 · 116,672 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V413000TransmissionJune 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V104000BrakesFebruary 12, 2018 · 88 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V803000AirbagsDecember 18, 2017 · 11,113 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

Consequence

If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON DECEMBER 26, 2019, ANOTHER OTHER VEHICLE HIT THIS 2018 FORD ESCAPE, SPINNING IT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES (ALL FORDS) WERE IN MOTION TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS ESCAPE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON ROUTE 122 NEAR BURNT CHIMNEY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2019 · crash · fire

“STARTED THE VEHICLE ON LEVEL GROUND, VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT ON, FORGOT SOMETHING IN HOME, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE & PROCEED TOWARDS HOME BUT BEFORE I GOT THERE BACKED UP & HIT HOME, ENGINE THEN STALLED, RESTARTED ENGINE & MOVED VEHICLE BACK TO ORIGINAL POSITION, I THEN TRIED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 6, 2019 · crash

“ON DECEMBER 26, 2019, ANOTHER OTHER VEHICLE HIT THIS 2018 FORD ESCAPE, SPINNING IT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES (ALL FORDS) WERE IN MOTION TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS ESCAPE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON ROUTE 122 NEAR BURNT CHIMNEY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 26, 2019 · crash · fire

“WENT TO STOP ON WET ROAD TRACTION CONTROL KICKED IN WHEELS LOCKED UP CAUSING ME NOT BE ABLE TO GUIDE MYSELF OFF THE ROAD FROM HITTING CAR IT FRONT SLIDE THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN DOORS LOCKED CAUSING ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT HAD TO KICK THE DOOR OPEN AND MY PHONE WAS HOOKED UP TO THE BLUETOOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 9, 2018 · crash

“ON DECEMBER 26, 2019, ANOTHER OTHER VEHICLE HIT THIS 2018 FORD ESCAPE, SPINNING IT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES (ALL FORDS) WERE IN MOTION TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS ESCAPE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON ROUTE 122 NEAR BURNT CHIMNEY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 26, 2019 · crash · fire

2018 Ford Escape — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,097 complaints put the 2018 model at #7 of 27 Escape years. It is one of the Escape years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Escape problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (1,419 complaints), transmission (261 complaints), other (104 complaints).

Does the 2018 Ford Escape have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2010, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2005, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Escape years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Escape?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Ford Escape earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.