Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Ford Escape Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Ford Escape a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 1,816 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

1,816 complaints 4 recalls, 1 fire risk 6th worst of 18 Escape years

Top 2018 Ford Escape problems

1

Engine problems

1,443 complaints (80%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and engine.

Complaints 1,443 · Usually at 60,000–104,000 miles

2

Transmission problems

275 complaints (15%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).

Complaints 275 · Usually at 56,000–101,000 miles · Recall 22V413000

3

Electrical problems

57 complaints (3%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and software.

Complaints 57 · Usually at 4,000–95,000 miles

4

Fuel system problems

57 complaints (3%) name the fuel system, most often the canister and injectors.

Complaints 57 · Usually at 78,000–126,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 80%
Transmission 15%
Unknown or Other 6%
Electrical 3%
Fuel System 3%
Steering 2%
Brakes 2%
Acceleration 1%
Wheels 1%
Body 1%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (670 of 1,816). The amber line is the middle value, about 81,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Ford Escape recalls

Block heater can crack and short circuit

Fire risk

The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.

Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.

Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026

Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.

Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022

Front brake hoses may chafe and leak

Crash risk

Some vehicles have front brake hoses that were installed incorrectly, so they can rub against other parts and wear through. A resulting brake fluid leak can make the vehicle take longer to stop, raising the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the front brake hoses and replace any that are incorrect, free of charge.

Recall 18V104000 · Feb 2018

Side / window

The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag. 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V803000 · Dec 2017
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Escape years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Escape 2,750
2017 Escape 2,697
2014 Escape 2,089
2010 Escape 2,070
2008 Escape 1,974
2018 Escape 1,816
2009 Escape 1,693
2020 Escape 1,608
2011 Escape 1,318
2016 Escape 1,156
2015 Escape 1,116
2012 Escape 603
2019 Escape 595
2021 Escape 349
2022 Escape 235
2023 Escape 100
2024 Escape 76
2025 Escape 26

2018 Ford Escape problems by system

Engine (1,443)Transmission (275)

Common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Escape a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 1,816 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

What are the most common 2018 Ford Escape problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and fuel system. 1,443 complaints (80%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and engine.

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 60,000–104,000 miles, with a middle value near 85,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?

4. Block heater can crack and short circuit (26V011000); Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod (22V413000); Front brake hoses may chafe and leak (18V104000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Ford Escape?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.