Worst 2018 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Engine & Cooling
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Ford Escape.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 998 | 4 | 4 | 72,390 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 322 | — | — | 89,177 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 238 | 3 | — | 73,761 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 48 | 2 | — | 40,385 mi | |
| Fuel System | 34 | 1 | 1 | 90,836 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 30 | 3 | — | 38,532 mi | |
| Brakes | 22 | 4 | — | 40,382 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | — | — | 37,805 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 18 | 1 | — | 14,489 mi | |
| Body Structure | 11 | 2 | — | 8,824 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | 27,425 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | 24,410 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | 35,494 mi | |
| Airbags | 8 | 7 | — | 59,381 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 8 | — | — | 96,331 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 7 | — | — | 19,732 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 6 | — | — | 43,983 mi | |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 6 | — | — | 72,001 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2018 Ford Escape
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,053,841 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Ford Escape Years
2018 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?
What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Escape?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Escape?
How safe is the 2018 Ford Escape?
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Escape?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2018 Ford Escape
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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