TireKick

Problems to check

2018 Ford Escape reported problems

These problems appeared in the records we reviewed. This is not a list of what happens most often, and it does not predict the condition of one car.

What to look for

Airbags owner reports

High severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Symptom
6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 118,365 to 118,365 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Vehicle involved in collision on major highway with two other vehicles. Given speed and impact of collision very surprised that the air bags did not deploy.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEFLATE.”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“WHILE DRIVING TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER MY HUDBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CAR BY AN INSURANCE COLLISION EXPERT THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR RODENTS THAT COULD HAVE AFFECTED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DEEMED A MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL FAILURE/DEFECT. MY HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH HE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CRASHED AND POTENTIALLY LOST HIS LIFE. A COLLISION CENTER HAS CONFIRMED THIS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY COLLISION CENTER AND INSURANCE COLLSION EXPERT. THERE WERE NO WARNING MESSAGES OR LABELS OF ANY KIND.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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 vehicle was driving at approximately 45 MPH. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that the vehicle was crashed into the rear and then the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was damaged to the extent that the driver's and passenger's doors had to be opened with heavy equipment. In addition, the rear of the vehicle crashed in and the rear window fractured. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was severely damaged. The contact mentioned that the other vehicle did have the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact's daughter was the only occupant in the vehicle, was transported to the medical center by EMS. The contact's daughter sustained a mild concussion, whiplash and lower back pain. In addition, the contact's daughter sustained additional bumps and bruises to the body. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,365”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Seatbelt on the passenger side did not stop me from hitting the dash board and the air bags did not deploy. Was rearend while waiting to get off an of ramp.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“I was in a head on collision where my vehicle went off the road and hit a guard rail head on. My vehicle was totaled but not a single air bag deployed. If I was not wearing my seat belt I could have been ejected from the vehicle. There were no warning lights of any kind shown. It was raining and wet out during the day.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2023Open source record

Engine owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Symptom
3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Engine failure due to coolant intrusion. Ford has known about this issue for years. A recall needs to be issued.”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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 STEERING DID NOT RESPOND NOR DID THE BRAKES. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS PRIMARILY COSMETIC AND LITTLE MECHANICAL DAMAGE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND IF THE CAR HAD REMAINED IN CONTROL IT COULD HAVE BEEN STOPPED BEFORE IT PROCEEDED INTO THE ONCOMING LAND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE AND THE ONE THAT WAS HIT. IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF DEVICE TO TURN AN ENGINE OFF WHEN HIT WITH ALL OF OUR POWER STEERING AND BRAKES THIS IS A PROBLEM WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STILL OPERABLE.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“My Ford Escape recently had the check engine light on. I took it to a Ford service center, and they confirmed it was coolant intrusion that damaged the engine and requires a replacement. It was confirmed with multiple people at Ford that this is a known issue, but no recalls have been made. I use this car to drive my 2 year old son to and from daycare, and my family's safety has been put at risk by the car seizing while driving it and having to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle is now undrivable due to the issue.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record

Power Train owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Symptom
5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 35,250 to 51,750 miles.

Based on 2 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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 his wife was driving at low speeds, pulling into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle drove over a curve and crashed into the corner of a building when it came to a complete stop. There were no air bags deployed. The contact's wife was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene of the collision. No police report was filed. The contact and his wife later received medical attention at the hospital for his neck and back injuries and his wife had fractured and bruised ribs. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a body shop for front-end damage replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I bought a 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost as the 2 or 3rd owner. There were no recalls I checked and also did a carfax when I bought the car 7/4/2024. I was driving the car and all of a sudden the car slows itself down from 50mph to 5mph and give me a warning car is overheating. Got to side of road safely and took to the mechanic he then told me about fords customer satisfaction program but since I have 95k miles my car does not qualifiy as they only gave 4 months to people with 84k miles to get fixed free if you are over they will nto fix. I did not own the car when they sent this out in 2022 and there was nothing made public about this engine isssue they are aware of. I am still sore from the seat belts locking up and have neck issues. this car sits in my garage as a paperweight now.”
NHTSAcomplaintSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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 shopping carts and coming to a complete stop, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The contact suffered a bruise to the chest due to the seat belt but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact had experienced an unintentional rollaway and was injured when the vehicle rolled over her right ankle and calf. The contact was taken to the hospital by a friend to seek medical attention. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving forward into a parking space and exiting the vehicle, suddenly the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact attempted to get back into the vehicle but fell to the ground causing the front tire to roll over the right leg. The contact was taken to the hospital where medical treatment was provided. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact later received a recall notice for the NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 27,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2022Open source record

Airbags recall

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2018.

Symptom
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 118,365 to 118,365 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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. 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. 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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record

Service Brakes recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2018.

Symptom
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 33,000 to 66,000 miles.

Based on 3 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.”
NHTSArecallDec 2018Open source record

Power Train recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Symptom
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.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 29,000 to 58,272 miles.

Based on 6 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. 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. 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.”
NHTSArecallOct 2022Open source record

Equipment recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Symptom
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 9,217 to 72,797 miles.

Based on 6 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. 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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record

Manufacturer service campaign

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Symptom
Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 23,500 to 65,000 miles.

Based on 19 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available. This video illustrates the speed and simplicity of the dongle re-flash process. • Non-Traditional Repair Approaches: The dongle re-flash process allows for an improved customer experience, dealer service efficiency, speed, and no need for an appointment, service bay, or trained technician. • Service Action: All dealers will be shipped at least one dongle by February 28, 2020. • Shipment of dongles began the week of February 17, 2020. Dealers with the largest VIN count received the initial shipment. • Dealers may request additional dongles from the SSSC as needed. • Technician time clocking is not required for this program when using the 19B37 dongle.”
NHTSAtsbFeb 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available. This video illustrates the speed and simplicity of the dongle re-flash process. • Non-Traditional Repair Approaches: The dongle re-flash process allows for an improved customer experience, dealer service efficiency, speed, and no need for an appointment, service bay, or trained technician. • Service Action: All dealers will be shipped at least one dongle by February 28, 2020. • Shipment of dongles began the week of February 17, 2020. Dealers with the largest VIN count received the initial shipment. • Dealers may request additional dongles from the SSSC as needed. • Technician time clocking is not required for this program when using the 19B37 dongle.”
NHTSAtsbFeb 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Attachments: A new Service Advisor to Customer interaction video is now available. This video illustrates the speed and simplicity of the dongle re-flash process. • Non-Traditional Repair Approaches: The dongle re-flash process allows for an improved customer experience, dealer service efficiency, speed, and no need for an appointment, service bay, or trained technician. • Service Action: All dealers will be shipped at least one dongle by February 28, 2020. • Shipment of dongles began the week of February 17, 2020. Dealers with the largest VIN count received the initial shipment. • Dealers may request additional dongles from the SSSC as needed. • Technician time clocking is not required for this program when using the 19B37 dongle.”
NHTSAtsbFeb 2020Open source record

The records cannot show the service history, repairs, title, accidents, or condition of the car you found.

Check a 2018 Ford Escape at its mileage