2018 FORD ESCAPE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine cooling

    20 stranded, 368 unsafe, 2 broken

    390
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 81% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "ENGINE CYLINDER#2 COOLANT LEAK ON 2018 FORD ESCAPE WITH ONLY 7,865 MILES ON IT AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH ON THE FREEWAY. HAD PROBLEMS FOR WEEKS ROUGH IDLING, STALL WARNING CODE P0302 AND THEN IT STARTED TO OVERHEAT FOR 10-15 SECONDS DAILY. ONCE IT OVERHEATED I…"~7,850 mi, complaint #1525090
    • "NEW VEHICLE AND ENGINE OVERHEATING AT 25K"~25,000 mi, complaint #1495805
    • "ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT INTRUSION INTO THE NO. 2 CYLINDER RESULTED IN A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. AFTER TAKING 5 WEEKS TO REPAIR I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FAIL AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MILES."~49,200 mi, complaint #1680176
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN) however the contact stated that the remedy completed was not correctly addressed which had a lead coolant leak…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2039963
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated. The message "Vehicle Running Hot” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant int…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1921921
  2. #2

    engine internal

    15 stranded, 282 unsafe, 3 broken, 2 annoyance

    302
    incidents
    Typical range: 55,000–103,000 mi

    Median 87,000 mi, based on 196 reports (61% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT CALLED METRO FORD CHICAGO AT [REDACTED PHONE] (LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], CHICAGO, IL 60636) AND WAS…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1523311
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FREDERICK FORD ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], SEAFORD, D…"~18,620 mi, complaint #1582731
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Engine Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. In additi…"~57,000 mi, complaint #2172505
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer determined that there was coolant intrusion into…"~86,000 mi, complaint #2016112
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road and restart the vehicle; however, the failure persiste…"~146,318 mi, complaint #2103806
  3. #3

    engine head gasket

    8 stranded, 223 unsafe, 1 broken

    232
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 85% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM FORD THAT IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR COOLANT TO INTRUDE INTO THE CYLINDER BORES. THEIR SOLUTION IS "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 19B37," WHICH PRESCRIBES THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE LETTER NOTES THAT IF I PAID FO…"~1,100 mi, complaint #1656646
    • "2018 HEAD GASKET AT 23000 MILES WAS TOLD IN THE SHOP AT SHEZZY FORD THAT THEY HAD THREE MORE IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME THING. THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM. CAR BE DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON THE PULLED CODES MISFIRE COLD START. LOSE OF PO…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1591190
    • "I HAD NOTICED COOLANT DEPLETING FINALLY GOT RECALL. DEALER REPROGRAMS NOW ENGINE IS JUST REVVING AND LOOSES ALL POWER TO POWERTRAIN IN MULTIPLE SITUATION-3 FROM STOP, [REDACTED ADDRESS] SPEED WITH CONSTANT SPEED PRIOR EACH TIME THE ENGINE REV'S UP WHILE GIVING…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1644160
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALDORF FORD, INC. ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WALDORF, MD 20601) WHERE IT WAS D…"~83,344 mi, complaint #1744615
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine was misfiring. The contact started the vehicle and it was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into cylinder head three.…"~163,000 mi, complaint #2032912
  4. #4

    transmission automatic

    13 stranded, 57 unsafe

    70
    incidents
    Typical range: 59,000–101,000 mi

    Median 79,500 mi, based on 74 reports (51% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER A COLD NIGHT OR NOT BEING USED THE TRANSMISSION LAGGS SHIFTING BETWEEN 2-3 GEAR USUALLY ON SURFACE STREETS THERE IS A 3-5 SECOND DELAY IN ACCELERATION WHICH HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN TWO COLLISIONS FROM BEHIND. I TOOK IT TO THE DEAL…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1523687
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE OR A DECLINE, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSAXLE WAS DEFECTIVE.…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1698396
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the message "Transmission Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle hesitated while responding. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while dri…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1878711
    • "TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING NOISE AND STUTTERING. IT WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT WAS FIRST NOTICED. AS SOON AS I TURNED THE CAR ON AND SWITCHED GEARS THE TRANSMISSION STARTED WITH A WHIRRING NOISE. TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY TOLD ME…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1736277
    • "I have the 6F35 transmission in my 2018 Ford Escape. On 11/12/24, while driving, the transmission had a catastrophic failure. The vehicle started jerking, it would not move when giving it gas, and the transmission was whining loudly. After taking my vehic…"~141,069 mi, complaint #2040960
  5. #5

    engine stall or no start

    7 stranded, 34 unsafe

    41
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 61,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE TRAVELING IN A ROTARY OUR CAR WAS STRUCK VIOLENTLY BY A VEHICLE ON THE LEFT TRYING TO MAKE AN INCORRECT EXIT. THE IMPACT WAS HARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP OPERATING RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING LAND BRAKING. BECAUSE OF NO POWER, THE ST…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1541015
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A COLLISION WITH A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1497621
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she observed black smoke emanating from the exhaust, after which the vehicle stalled and was not able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The v…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1990568
    • "2018 FORD ESCAPE PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY OF 2018, ON A STRAIGHT AWAY FELT LIKE THE ENGINE PULLING ITSELF BACK THEN FLASHED AUTO START/STOP PUT IN P AND RESTART. LOST ALL ENGINE POWER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. ENGINE WOULD N…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1696886
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked approximately four times and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several minutes. The contact’s son continued to drive to the residence; ho…"~142,699 mi, complaint #2034050
  6. #6

    other

    10 unsafe, 14 annoyance

    24
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 52,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING AND A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC/RUBBER FILLED THE CABIN. I DID MAKE IT TO WORK AND HAD SEVERAL COWORKERS SIT IN THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE I WAS NOT IMAGING AN ODOR. ALSO LIFTED THE HOOD TO CHECK ENGINE FOR ANY MELTING HO…"~3,200 mi, complaint #1559898
    • "I PUT IN A COMPLAINT #11414950 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. PLEASE UPDATE ME."~13,967 mi, complaint #1745724
    • "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 NO…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1632714
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the spare tire well, he observed that the well was full of excess water. Later, he observed that water was entering from the rear passenger’s side quarter panel. The vehi…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1984502
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware of an extremely loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's daughter stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact's daughter pe…"~120,111 mi, complaint #2084972
  7. #7

    wheel or rim

    9 unsafe, 5 broken, 3 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "ON LATE EVENING OF MAY13, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE (ODOMETER IS AT 1368 MILES) ON EXCELLENT ROAD CONDITIONS ALONG SIDE ONE VEHICLE WITH NO OTHER TRAFFIC. WE JUST PASSED UNDER TRAFFIC SIGNAL WITH ESTIMATED SPEED AT 10-15MPH. WITHOUT WARNING THE LEFT FR…"~1,368 mi, complaint #1569278
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A GAS STATION, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HER WORK AREA. THE DRIVER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN EXITING SHE HE…"~49,002 mi, complaint #1682868
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle in for service, the contact was made aware that the lug nuts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1919161
  8. #8

    evap system

    12 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that recently the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was stalling more frequently. The contact…"~67,000 mi, complaint #2066880
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. A certified mechanic was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with evaporative emission system purge flow perform…"~81,131 mi, complaint #2239624
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to th…"~117,000 mi, complaint #2063247
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehi…"~129,000 mi, complaint #2099715
  9. #9

    steering electric assist

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 53,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WAS BEING TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE STEERING FROZE THEN VIOLENTLY TURNED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE STEERING TURNED TO THE RIGHT I INADVERTENTLY PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPEEDING UP SLIGHTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. DURING T…"~5,100 mi, complaint #1525159
    • "I BOUGHT 2018 FORD ESCAPE WITH 6K MILES ON IT. AFTER ONE WEEK "STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED" MESSAGE APPEARS AND GOES ON DISPLAY PANEL DURING START AND AFTER PUTTING IN DRIVE MODE. THE STEERING GET LOCKED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BELOW DESCRIPTION F…"~5,900 mi, complaint #1633486
    • "ON SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2019, OUR 2018 FORD ESCAPE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE 5 NEAR SEATTLE. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICL…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1601772
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the steering wheel became firm. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1816371
  10. #10

    airbag system

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The complaint was submitted on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving, the contact's daughter's vehicle was involved in a rear end crash where the vehi…"~118,365 mi, complaint #2115897
  11. #11

    control module

    7 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "2018 FORD ESCAPE SE ACQUIRED ON 09/2018. AT 17000 MILES, IN 08/2019, AND DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE STARTED TO DISPLAY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES: "HILL START ASSIST WARNING" "POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER" "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP - REGULATORY" "AN…"~1,700 mi, complaint #1672713
    • "THE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY COME ON IN APRIL 2018. MOSTLY CHECK ENGINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. TOOK TO AUTO ZONE GOT A READ OUT FOR SENSOR. BUT AAA REPAIR SHOP WOULDN'T USE THEIR REPORT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THEM, LIGHT WASN'T ON. SO THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT IT.…"~15,300 mi, complaint #1516814
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 PCM (Power Train Control Module) reprogramming. After the reprogramming was performed, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the…"~35,176 mi, complaint #1952204
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, she observed the blind spot detection system had started flashing on both sides off and on. Additionally, the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that…"~64,661 mi, complaint #1897530
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the auto Start/Stop feature was no longer operable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132…"~132,000 mi, complaint #1924025
  12. #12

    lighting exterior

    9 unsafe, 1 broken

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights turned off inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The…"~49,850 mi, complaint #1858920
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the low beam however, the low beam was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle…"~90,000 mi, complaint #2052624
  13. #13

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 105,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCCARTHY FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CHICAGO, IL 60655, [REDACTED PHONE]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1668490
    • "WHILE IN MOTIION (TAKING OFF AND DURING DRIVE) THE CAR 'CUTS BACK' AND DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED CAUSING DRIVER OF VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE SPEED(ONLY SOMEWHAT GRADUALLY AFTER ANOTHER CUTBACK). THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1715046
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1827664
  14. #14

    glass and windshield

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHILE DIVING DOWN [REDACTED ADDRESS] IN FARMINGTON HILLS, MI AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, MY VISTA ROOF EXPLODED. THE GLASS DID NOT FALL ON ME BECAUSE I HAD THE SHADE PULLED AT THE TIME."~4,500 mi, complaint #1483933
    • "THE BACK WINDOW ON THE HATCH IS SHATTERING. THE WINDOW FIRST HAD DONE SIZE CRACK IN IT. IT THEN WAS CRACKLING AND AFTER HOURS THE WHOLE WINDOW IS SMALL PIECES. IT WAS JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT BLEW THE SIDE PANEL OFF."~13,400 mi, complaint #1638139
    • "LEAK FROM ROOF BY REAR VIEW MIRROR SATURATING INSIDE OF CAR AND CONSOLE WHEN RAINING. CAR WAS STATIONARY AT TIME."~18,000 mi, complaint #1627786
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR WINDOW FRACTURED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND LEFT TO RIGHT. THE REAR WINDOW THEN SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT NEAR THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF AN IM…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1727596
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact discovered a vertical crack in the middle bottom section of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had formed without incident and was likely caused by a design defect. The contact stated that the cra…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1822961
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR DID NOT WORK AFTER A SUDDEN STOP ON THE SIGNAL LIGHT (ON A SLOP, ENTRANCE OF A HIGHWAY). AFTER THE STOP , MY CAR STARTED ROLLLING BACKWARD, NEITHER BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR COULD STOP THE BACKWARD ROLLING. I HAVE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO…"~11,600 mi, complaint #1567304
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while approaching an intersection and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floor and failed to stop in a reasonable amount of time. There was no warning light illuminated…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1761298
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal went to the floorboard. The coasted to the side of the road while pumping the brake pedal until the vehicle came to…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1803858
    • "The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 30 mph, he began to depress the brake pedal and also attempted to use the emergency brakes but failed to stop the vehicle and rear-ended another vehicle. The conta…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1889187
  16. #16

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (DRIVER SIDE) IS NOT HOLDING THE BELT, DAMAGED"~15,000 mi, complaint #1725793
  17. #17

    torque converter

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "Shifts hard sometimes slamming into and out of gears causing car to jump. No warning lights torque converter replaced at 58000 miles. Less than two years later problem came back. It causes the car to jerk sometimes when it shifts and stutters at times as well…"complaint #1924573
    • "I drove about 20 minutes to an eating establishment. Left the establishment after about an hour and a half. Got into my car. It would not shift into gear. The shifter moved., but not into gear. No reverse. No drive. No neutral. I called triple a. The arrived…"complaint #1926132
    • "I am experiencing transmission issues in my 2018 Ford Escape SUV, the vehicle is barely 5 yrs old with less than 75k on the odometer. I started noticing that when I go over 60mph it starts to sputter, I took it to the ford dealership and was told I need to rep…"complaint #1978493
    • "The torque converter was bad. My car was shaking at stop sign, light, or in traffic jam. Had to put in neutral every time I was in those situations. Car would stall pulling out on a hill or incline. I was in dangerous situations"complaint #2021948
    • "A metallic clinking/rattling noise developed from the engine/transmission area while the vehicle was running. The issue was diagnosed as a failed flexplate. The flexplate is a critical component that connects the engine to the transmission. Continued operatio…"complaint #2202848
  18. #18

    unintended acceleration

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. KELLY FORD…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1531659
    • "MY CAR ALLECRATES AT A FAST SPEED BY IT'S SELF, I HAVE TAKEN TO THE SHOP 3 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANY CODES, THEY TRIED TO SAY IT WAS MY FLOOR MATS, WELL THOSE HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ONCE AGAIN MY CAR IS ACCELERATING WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE ACTUAL GAS , WHEN…"~26,238 mi, complaint #1555286
    • "WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS ON, I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED BY PUSHING ON THE BRAKES, THE INSTANT I REMOVED MY FOOT OF THE BREAK THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN. I FOUND AN AREA TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR. I RESTARTED THE CAR T…"~33,126 mi, complaint #1635021
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated at high speed. The contact was not sure if a warning light was displayed or illuminated. The vehicle drove over the curb striking several shoppi…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1912985
  19. #19

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the Global Positioning System (GPS) became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the GPS cable needed to…"~44,381 mi, complaint #1854095
  20. #20

    door latch and hinge

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to shut completely. While exiting the vehicle, the door continuously poked her lower leg. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon exiting the driver's side door,…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1927690
    • "The contact 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced at a local dealer, the front driver’s side door failed to latch securely. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the door latch motor…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1858361
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH the front driver side door erroneously came open and would not remain shut and secured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dea…"~130,000 mi, complaint #2206454
  21. #21

    steering rack mechanical

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Assist Fault - Seek Service" was displayed , and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving the v…"~15,108 mi, complaint #2081382
    • "VEHICLE STEERING STIFF AND DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER STARTING. MUST WORK MOVING STEERING WHEEL FORCE ABLE TO UNLOCK TO DRIVE. ALSO MAKES NOISE WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING THE WHEEL. I THOUGHT IT WAS A LOW BATTERY TAKING/CONSERVING POWER; HOWEVER UPON TAKING TO FORD D…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1726921
  22. #22

    trunk or liftgate

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "BACK ELECTRIC TAILGATE DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. THIS IS INDICATED BY THE HORN DOUBLE HONKING WHEN LOCKING THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO INDICATOR ON THE DASH WHEN THE CAR IS ON THAT THIS IS NOT FULLY LATCHED. I BELIEVE THIS COULD LEAD TO EXHAUST IN THE C…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1467686
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR LIFTGATE OPENED AND A SUITCASE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WENT TO RETRIEVE THE SUITCASE FROM THE ROAD. WHEN AT…"~6,709 mi, complaint #1485657
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination and attempting to open the liftgate, the contact was unable to open the tailgate. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the A…"~12,830 mi, complaint #1802132
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the lift gate latch did not function as intended. The contact stated that the lift gate failed to unlock and open. In addition, the contact stated that due to the fail…"~44,600 mi, complaint #2032431
  23. #23

    wiring harness

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "2018 ESCAPE PURCHASED MARCH 2018. APRIL [REDACTED ADDRESS] WHILE DECELERATING DOWN OFF RAMP THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES BEGAN FLASHING: HILL START ASSIST UNAVAILABLE, STEERING ASSIST NOT OPERATIONAL, AND 911 ASSIST NOT OPERATIONAL. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIM…"~1,400 mi, complaint #1575494
    • "The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the neighbor told the contact that her vehicle was on fire. The fire was coming from under the hood The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1811588
  24. #24

    driveshaft axle cv

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD ESCAPE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I FOUND THAT ALL THE SPINDLES WERE RUSTED. FORD SAID THIS IS NORMAL. BROUGHT IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC-CARTEC IN TULSA, OK. THEY FOUND RUST NOT ONLY ON THE SPINDLES, BUT THE DRIVESHAF…"~797 mi, complaint #1462704
  25. #25

    engine oil consumption

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the en…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1825792
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact discovered that oil had splashed throughout the engine. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop white colored smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The contact initially took the vehicle to an…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1911593
  26. #26

    fuel pump

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. The vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The contact st…"~116,147 mi, complaint #2101376
  27. #27

    timing belt or chain

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "MILEAGE 18,895. ENGINE WAS SHUDDERING AFTER STARTING MORNINGS AND THEN WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY IN REVERSE AND FORWARD. SHUDDERING SUBSIDED AFTER DRIVING A SHORT TIME AT LOW SPEED. THIS OCCURRED 2-3 TIMES. ONE WEEK LATER ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, BROUGHT IMMEDIATELY T…"complaint #1659711
    • "Timing belt slipped at 72,000 miles causing total engine failure"complaint #1977674
    • "Engine failed due to timing chain, a common issue for these motors & part of the reason they discontinued this models engine. The car was running when the engine failed. The vehicle is currently at a mechanic, with diagnosis of engine failure due to timing c…"complaint #1978827
    • "Timing Chain broke with only around 106,000 miles on the vehicle. While I was driving to run some errands, I came to a four way stop. Taking a right turn and beginning to accelerate to turn onto the intersecting road, my car began to accelerate and then accel…"complaint #2056812
  28. #28

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE A 2018 FORD ESCAPE WITH 13,967 MILES .BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD MY REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE TOTALLY BAD.HAD IT SERVICED LAST YEAR AND ONLY TRAVELED 7,000 MILES.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM REPORTED ABOUT THESE REAR BR…"~13,967 mi, complaint #1745016
    • "AT THE 32,000 MILE ROUTINE SERVICE THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR, IMHO, PREMATURE WEAR. BOTH REAR ROTORS WERE DEEPLY SCORED ON THEIR OUTSIDE FACES, WHILE THE OUTSIDE PADS WERE WORN DOWN THEIR WEAR SLOTS AND THE INSIDE PADS WERE HARDLY…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1721345
  29. #29

    engine turbo supercharger

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and attempting to merge onto a highway, the vehicle would not accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the RPM’s would rise as he de…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1858438
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked there was a rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnose…"~107,965 mi, complaint #1825432
  30. #30

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION ON THE GEAR SHIFTER (PRNDL) WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON OR OFF. EVERY VEHICLE I HAVE HAD, HAS HAD THE ILLUMINATED GEAR SHIFTER. I HAVE READ REPORTS THAT SAID FORD DID NOT INCLUDE THIS FEATURE IN CERTAIN TRIM LEVELS, AND THE ILLUMINATION IS…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1545176
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Escape. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 80,851and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage…"~80,851 mi, complaint #2170161
  31. #31

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2018 Ford Escape SEL Blue in color. I bought this vehicle when it was 2 years old. The vehicle has had no accidents or major repairs needed. Paint started flaking away around the windshield. The driver’s side pillar and passenger side upper corner. The spots s…"complaint #1806033
    • "The paint on the pillar next to the windshield on the drivers side just bubbled up, cracked and flaked away leaving the body of my car exposed to the weather elements. Searching the internet, I have found this is a common problem with Fords, but Ford won't fi…"complaint #1887273
    • "Purchased a 2018 Ford escape in Oct 2024. By January 2025 the white paint around the windshield is chipping and cracking and peeling. The Ford dealership said that this was happening to all WHITE escapes and other Ford models in the white color. I was told…"complaint #2118088
  32. #32

    parking brake

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE INTO A UPHILL DRIVEWAY, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVEWAY HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE WIFE DID NOT HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ACTIVATED AND…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1686313
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the "Parking Brake - Fault Service Now" message illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stopped driving the vehicle out of fear of causing brake damage or engi…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1981046
  33. #33

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 55,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1498020
    • "COMING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN NEVADA, IT BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE WE RAN OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OVER AND OVER. THERE WAS A SHAKING IN THE STEERING/WHEELS SO FELT LIKE IT KEEP HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. WE FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT MAY BE…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1741951
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the hill start assist message was displayed. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated, and the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that the vehicle temporarily lost…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1873898
  34. #34

    suspension arms and bushings

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, the ball joint detached from the vehicle without any prior signs or issues. This caused an issue with the break line, with brake fluid leaking, the vehicle tilting and messed up the front of the…"~50,000 mi, complaint #2204674
  35. #35

    throttle and pedal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THROTTLE ACTUATOR STUCK ISSUE. VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING WHILE IN MOTION AND STALLED, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT START. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON."~85,940 mi, complaint #1650477
  36. #36

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ONE DAY AFTER WORK, THE AC SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. UPON RETURNING HOME, WE NOTICED A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, FROM WHICH WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM 4 MONTHS PRIOR. THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE…"~48,500 mi, complaint #1682877
  37. #37

    battery and charging

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The dealership, All American Chevrolet of San Angelo TX, sold me this car 12/14/2022 without fixing the recall that was issued 6/2022. My battery has died 2x within a month, my check engine light came on yesterday but there are only 68k miles on the car. It's…"complaint #1896440
    • "Battery light came on, its a new battery with warning of 12v battery failure. The back camera has been giving blank screen and camera unavailable message. "complaint #2173095
  38. #38

    engine mounts

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle jerked. The contact thought the vehicle had a flat tire, but upon inspection, the contact's…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1806443
  39. #39

    fuel injector

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The fuel injector system needs to be replaced. Last year my vehicle had the short block replaced with the "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12" Some of the parts that should have been inspected included the fuel injector O ring kit and tubes. A year later afte…"~143,508 mi, complaint #1942877
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle eventually failed to start.…"~149,000 mi, complaint #1945309
  40. #40

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on the passenger side door the door panel where you could rest your arm had begun to go inwards. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated it may be caused by wear and tear, however, they…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1821432
  41. #41

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AFTER HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE REMOTE START NOT WORKING, I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE FROM THE FORD PASS APP WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED IN AN UNCOVERED LOT, WHICH DID NOT START. I STARTED REMOTELY FROM THE KEY FOB AND LOADED MY INFANTS CAR SEAT I…"~6,615 mi, complaint #1482163
  42. #42

    noise or vibration unspecified

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MOST OF THE TIME THAT I START THE VEHICLE IT MAKES A SQUEALING SOUND, IT ONLY LASTS AS LONG AS I AM IN PARK OR IF I AM IN REVERSE. ONCE I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE THE SOUND STOPS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND I H…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1681741
  43. #43

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "You may want to investigate this. I own a 2018 Ford Escape which I purchased new. Two week ago the left rear passenger window was broken out. As I was in Idaho at the time, and had to drive back to Washington State, I drove the car down the highway at 55 MPH…"complaint #1755788
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the hatchback failed to open while pressing the power emergency release button and while using the key fob. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufac…"complaint #2016190
  44. #44

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I WAS DRIVING HOME 11-28-18 5:40PM PST WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SWERVED HARD TO THE RIGHT; I HAD NO CONTROL, & IT CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED UNOCCUPIED CAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I HAD NOT HIT ANY OBJECT NOR POTHOLE. VEHICLE IS [REDACTED ADDRESS]. PARTS OF…"~1,100 mi, complaint #1522618
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle felt like it had a flat tire or low tire pressure. Upon inspection, the contact noticed the rear passenger's side strut had detached and was sticking up inside of…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1783435
  45. #45

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2018 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE TIRES ON VEHICLES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRES FAILED AND IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE BY FAULT OF THE TIRE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE…"~10,800 mi, complaint #1678178
  46. #46

    transfer case awd

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Ford Dealership replaced the transmission under warranty and forgot to tighten the transfer case bolts when reassembling the vehicle. Transfer case bolts worked loose over 8,000 miles and the transfer case separated from the transmission while driving. "complaint #1955704
    • "This vehicle is driven by my [XXX] 3 things happened the third can cause an accident leading to death or a multi car accident. #1 [XXX] driving on the freeway she heard a squeeling noise like a belt slipping then went away and has not retuned. i checked belts…"complaint #2154893
  47. #47

    transmission cvt

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "6 Speed Powershift transmission burnt up without giving any codes or warning lights. Vehicle had started making a low whine noise at 10,000 miles which Dealership technicians claimed not to hear. At 50,000 miles took vehicle into Dealership because noise becam…"complaint #1824417
    • "SAFETY RECALL ON MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE WARNING RISK IN DAMAGED OR MISSING BUSHING IN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR CRASH. PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO FIX AND WE ARE TAKING OUT OF STATE TRIP. I ASSUME IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT FORD IS…"complaint #1841813
  48. #48

    transmission manual clutch

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that…"~89,000 mi, complaint #2000174
  49. #49

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "May or may not be related but three different warnings came up within a 30 minute period while driving: Hill Start Assist Fault, Anti-lock Brake Fault and Parking Aid Sensor Fault. Note, I have been driving for months with proximity sensor out. Cause is curr…"complaint #1999813
  50. #50

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL APPLIES THEM; BRAKE LIGHTS DO FUNCTION NORMALLY ON MANUAL BRAKING. THE APPARENT DESIGN FLAW OF BRAKE LIGHTS FAILING TO ILLUMINATE WHEN ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL APPLIES THE BRAKES VIOLATES THE SAFETY PR…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1593875
  51. #51

    adas autonomous driving system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I DROVE MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SLIGHT HILL. I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING TO CHECK OUT SOMETHING IN OUR YARD. I WALKED ACROSS MY SMALL YARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. I TURNED…"~4,785 mi, complaint #1508102
  52. #52

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING NEXT TO A TRAIN, THE PRE-COLLISION ASSIST WILL ENGAGE AND SLAM ON THE BRAKES EVEN WITH NO OTHER CARS IN THE AREA. THIS HAPPENS DAILY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (75MPH+) GOING STRAIGHT. IT HAPPENS WITH OR WITHOUT OTHER CARS IN THE AREA. THIS H…"complaint #1613232
  53. #53

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2018 Ford Escape. I have had the car since 12/2024. Less then 22000 miles in it. In this time I have had 4 alignment done. First one was 2 day after getting car. I pulls to the left. Second was 2 weeks after the first one. Then drove my car with a trailer on i…"complaint #2220554
  54. #54

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On Sept.17, 2021 my 2018 Ford Escape rolled away. When I was leaving a driveway, I got in car, buckled my seatbelt, started the engine and put the vehicle in Reverse. I immediately realized I had not paid for the item and shifted into Park. I unbuckled my seat…"complaint #2197827
  55. #55

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This 2018 Ford Escape Titanium has 32,000 miles on is experiencing chronic, substantive defects in the rear powertrain. Specifically, it is having its second replacement rear differential unit (RDU) installed. This means it will have worn out 3 RDU's in 32,0…"complaint #1864866
  56. #56

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " leaking coolant. Transmission problem with the shift cable bushing, which caused the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated and lead to the vehicle rolling away."complaint #2148984
  57. #57

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started leaking fluid. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was cracked. T…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1974603
  58. #58

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on January 11th, 2026, the vehicle was purchased and the contact discovered later that the heater was inoperable. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined tha…"complaint #2169239
  59. #59

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I wife was driving the the car it went into limp mode, lights on dashboard says pull over asp. The car would not restart now mechanic is saying it needs a new motor."complaint #2179385
  60. #60

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I bought the vehicle in July of 2019 with approximately 20,000 mi on it. I have never touched or adjusted the steering wheel, and I'm the only one to drive the vehicle. My daughter has gotten her temps and I allowed her to drive the vehicle last night. She adj…"complaint #1873497
  61. #61

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while adjusting the front driver’s side seat to the driver's height, the seat belt rubbed against the seat belt retractor located on the driver side door. As a result of the failure, the front driver’s se…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1982524
  62. #62

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, AN EXPLOSIVE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPA…"~24,900 mi, complaint #1570072
  63. #63

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the windshield wipers activated independently. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an indepe…"~95,845 mi, complaint #2186129

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 17V803000, 18V104000, 22V413000, 26V011000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD ESCAPE directly.