2018 Ford Escape recalls and problems
The 2018 Ford Escape has 4 safety recalls and 1,834 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Ford Escape recalls
Recall 26V-011: Equipment
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V-413: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 18V-104: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-803: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
2018 Ford Escape problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,179 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 346 | |
| Power Train | 281 | |
| Unknown or Other | 107 | |
| Electrical System | 58 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 | |
| Steering | 32 | |
| Service Brakes | 25 | |
| Wheels | 25 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 23 | |
| Structure | 20 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 12
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 4
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,851 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Escape years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape: 26V-011 (equipment), 22V-413 (power train), 18V-104 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V-803 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Escape?
Owners report engine problems most often (1,179 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (346). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,851 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.