This page covers 6 recalls, 1651 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Escape.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2018 Ford Escape complaints centers on the engine, specifically the 1.5L EcoBoost. Owners widely report coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, coolant leaking internally rather than externally, leading to misfires, most commonly in the third cylinder. Associated symptoms include rough idling, loss of acceleration, and in some cases the vehicle becoming undrivable at normal highway speeds. Engine knocking is also reported alongside the coolant intrusion issue. The engine cooling system draws the next-largest complaint volume, which aligns with the same underlying pattern, owners describing overheating-related symptoms and cooling system failures connected to the same engine complaints. Powertrain complaints follow at a lower volume. The coolant intrusion issue appears across a wide mileage range, and multiple owners report being told by dealers the repair falls outside warranty coverage.
1,651
Total Complaints
25
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
22
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Ford Escape has 6 recalls, the most serious involving side curtain airbags that can shed a component during deployment, sending a projectile into the cabin and raising the risk of injury to occupants.
A separate powertrain concern affects the shifter cable bushing, which can degrade or fall off entirely, leaving the transmission unable to shift into the intended gear and potentially causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. On vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine and an engine block heater, the heater can crack and leak coolant, which may cause a short circuit when the heater is plugged in, raising the risk of a fire. The brake system also has a concern: front brake hoses on certain vehicles may have been installed incorrectly and can chafe against nearby components over time, eventually leaking brake fluid and extending stopping distances.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, creating an electrical short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater or install a threaded plug and remove the electrical cord.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may be incorrect and contact nearby parts while driving, causing wear and potential brake fluid leaks that lengthen stopping distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front brake hoses and replace them if they are from the affected batch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may be incorrect, causing them to rub against other parts and leak brake fluid.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace any incorrect ones at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inflator diffuser in some side curtain airbags may be defectively manufactured. During a crash deployment, the diffuser could detach and become a projectile, or tear the airbag, preventing full inflation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both side curtain airbags and replace any that are from the affected population.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the side curtain air bags may detach when the air bag deploys, potentially reducing protection during a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
