2018 Ford Escape problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,793 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Escape, filed between 2018-01-11 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (1,147, 64%), engine and engine cooling (342, 19%) and power train (271, 15%). Owners reported 25 crashes, 5 fires and 30 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2018 Ford Escape complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,147 | 64% | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 342 | 19% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 271 | 15% | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Unknown or other | 105 | 6% | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 54 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 42 | 2% | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Steering | 30 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 25 | 1% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 22 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 20 | 1% | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 12 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 1% | 7 | 0 | 8 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 1,147 complaints
- 1,147 complaints of 1,793 (64%) name the engine.
- 110 of them also name the power train; owners reported 4 crashes, 4 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Escape covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 342 complaints
- 342 complaints of 1,793 (19%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 65 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Escape covers this system.
Power train: 271 complaints
- 271 complaints of 1,793 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 110 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2018 Ford Escape; the recall, campaign 22V413000, says: “The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.”
Electrical system: 54 complaints
- 54 complaints of 1,793 (3%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 19 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Escape covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 1,793 (2%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 31 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Escape covers this system.
Steering: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 1,793 (2%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Escape covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 43 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 150 |
| 2023 | 256 |
| 2024 | 462 |
| 2025 | 490 |
| 2026 | 270 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ESCAPE, model year 2018. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2018 Ford Escape recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Escape?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2018 Ford Escape's most common problem areas are the engine (1,147 of 1,793 complaints), engine and engine cooling (342 of 1,793 complaints) and power train (271 of 1,793 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA has 1,793 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Escape, including 25 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Escape's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.