CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2018 Ford ESCAPE — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 4 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Air Bags:Side/Window.

Most-reported issue: Engine (856 owner reports of 1701 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Engine856
Engine And Engine Cooling317
Power Train247
Unknown Or Other76
Electrical System41
Steering29
Service Brakes18
Wheels18
Structure15
Vehicle Speed Control12

Official recalls

Air Bags:Side/Window — campaign 17V803000 (18/12/2017)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that …

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings — campaign 18V104000 (12/02/2018)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect fro…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — campaign 22V413000 (10/06/2022)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-201…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater — campaign 26V011000 (15/01/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. Th…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Previous year: 2017 Ford ESCAPENext year: 2019 Ford ESCAPERival: 2018 Honda CR-VRival: 2018 Toyota RAV4Rival: 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOXSame class: 2018 Ford EXPLORERSame class: 2018 Honda PILOTSame class: 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE
Check another vehicleCompare similar vehiclesConfirm VIN
Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.