10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,020 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #690

Apr 082022

Escape

  • 15,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine block was replaced twice, the transmission was replaced twice, and the front axle was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer it was purchased from, Steven's Jersey City Ford (740 NJ-440, Jersey City, NJ 07304), and the engine block was replaced a third time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while one of the dealers was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

- Union City, NJ, USA

problem #689

Apr 012025

Escape

  • miles
The coolant started leaking and this caused the head gasket to blow

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #688

Feb 192025

Escape

  • miles
At 63000 miles my car keeps leaking engine coolant. Ford is telling me I need a whole new engine! Never have had an accident. Cannot afford this. Have called Ford customer service. Out of warranty. Was told to report here. Have read that many people who own this car with same model and year have experienced this

- Smithfield, VA, USA

problem #687

Mar 272025

Escape

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate violently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and the vehicle was towed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

- Earl, NC, USA

problem #686

Apr 022025

Escape

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, resulting in damages to the camshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

- Belleville, MI, USA

problem #685

Mar 242025

Escape

  • 71,437 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Engine Fault Service" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs, air filters, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was no provided. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "High Emergency Services Pull Over Safely" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,437.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #684

Mar 062025

Escape

  • miles
My 2018 Ford Escape started having problems with the check engine light coming on following an extended trip. The spark plugs were replaced, and all was checked by an independent mechanic. A few days later, a new error appeared saying that there was an engine fault failure. Additionally, it smelled very hot, so we were very afraid to drive it. We brought the car to a certified Ford dealer, and were told that cylinder 2 of the engine had coolant leaking in it and that the engine would need to be replaced. I am attaching documentation to show this. We had JUST returned from a long road trip with many miles of highway driving, so if this had happened in heavy traffic, we would have been put in grave risk. Also, the service department at the Ford garage told us that she had 2 more vehicles with the same engine, with the same problem, just that DAY! It was going to be almost $10,000 to fix this problem, and my car was only worth $ 6000 in good condition, so our lovely, well cared for car, that I had planned to keep for 2 more years, was sent to the salvage yard. As attached, I had to buy a new car with no down payment due to this situation.

- Carthage, NY, USA

problem #683

Feb 282025

Escape

  • miles
This Ford Escape has coolant intrusion. The coolant leaks into the cylinder because of poor design.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #682

Mar 172025

Escape

  • 159,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. In addition, the contact stated that during cold starts, there was heavy black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

- Avon, SD, USA

problem #681

Mar 012025

Escape

  • miles
Coolant intrusion into cylinders 3&4 as a result of manufacturing defect. Confirmed by multiple certified mechanics. No warning messages/signs until major misfires occurred and car became nearly undriveable while traveling at highway speeds.

- Parma, MI, USA

problem #680

Aug 012024

Escape

  • miles
For the 6 month my check engine light has been on First repairs was replacing both bank sensors, About 3 months later again replaced another sensor. Again check engine light would go off And out of no where one morning the the dashboard reads overheating it goes in limb mode gets repairs changes thermostatabd something else Light off that's in Jan 2025, here mar 25 on again change spark plugs also misfire code burning coolant with no leak no warning on dashboard Start doing research and wow notice coolant leaking into cylinders Take my car to get looked at guess what that's what's happening to me Ford. Is highly aware with no recall This really needs to be looked

- Ferguson, MO, USA

problem #679

Mar 282024

Escape

  • miles
When I get gas engine turns off. Need to restart it multiple times. Hesitation on acceleration afraid to be on highway. Rough idol at stop. I-??ve seen it multiple people have had this issue. It turns out to be the vapor canister, purge solenoid, which I had to be replaced that fixed it. Hopefully this could help out other people. I was so scared on the highway. God bless you.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

problem #678

Mar 242025

Escape

  • miles
P0302 code reading antifreeze/coolant leaking into engine. Had to have a new motor

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #677

Mar 282025

Escape

  • miles
Originally the car started blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. Next it would misfire occasionally on engine start. After, i would start loosing coolant and getting engine overheat but could never find the leak. I had a mechanic diagnose it and he said it was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now the head gasket is blown and potentially more damage may be found that could lead to an engine change.

- Fulshear, TX, USA

problem #676

Feb 272025

Escape

  • miles
Cracked block causing misfire in cylinder 3

- Orange City, IA, USA

problem #675

Mar 142025

Escape

  • miles
Coolant leaking into engine

- Hermitage, TN, USA

problem #674

Mar 042025

Escape

  • miles
I am writing to PLEAD the NHTSA to intervene and Assist in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" 2018 Ford Escape Engine 1.5L short block. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It has been confirmed that there is a presence of coolant intrusion into one or more cylinder bores. This could lead further damage, fires and engine shutdown while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. Their number is 614-861-7150. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others" By the Dealership and an independent service Center in Grove City Ohio at Dart Automotive at (614) 875-7117. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Engine light on [XXX] showing Misfire in the Master Cylinder. My 2018 Ford Escape manufactured in Louisville KY is leaking coolant into the a cylinder. Mileage is 66,000. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the VINS that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12. Please assist me in adding my VIN so the dealership can fix my vehicle. I am now currently out of transportation and my car has been sitting at Dick Masheter Ford Inc Dealership in Columbus Ohio now for 3 weeks. There number is 614-861-7150. In Fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Grove City, OH, USA

problem #673

Jan 202025

Escape

  • miles
Engine failed due to coolant intrusion. Car failed on highway once, did not run more than 10mph after that and was taken to a shop. After researching the issue, this is a known problem with 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. There is a class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor co. case number 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD. The issue is covered under a Ford recall, however my vehicle is beyond the 84,000 mile limit. Problem occurred very suddenly with the check engine turning on, flashing, and the engine temperature spiking and crippling the car. A local mechanical conducted a borescope examination and found coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was quoted for the repair with them over $16,000 to replace the engine block. The mechanics report, invoice, and borescope images are attached.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

problem #672

Mar 022025

Escape

  • miles
Our 2018 Ford Escape had to have a new engine installed. The car showed it was overheating, and was then diagnosed with a failed Eccoboost 1.5 engine block. It could not be driven safely with the overheating engine. A Ford dealership here installed a new engine block. The total cost was $11,000; Ford paid $4000 and we paid the remaining $7000. The car's mileage was just over 84,000 miles. We contacted Ford but were denied any additional claim. Our mileage was too high and while there had been a recall replacement in 2022, we were not notified of any recall and the program was no longer in effect, according to Ford. We are aware that Ford had a faulty design, and knew about it. Coolant was leaking into the engine block. There are many such complaints and even class action lawsuits shown online for this problem. A car shouldn't need a new engine at 84,000 miles. We have owned Fords for many years but no longer have faith in their product. We know our case had a ID number:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #671

Mar 132025

Escape

  • miles
I am writing to implore the NHTSA to finally take an interest in the ongoing issues with the engines in the 2018-2020 ford escapes. you have over 1600 documented statements from concerned owners who ford has no intention of aiding. Its ironic that all are experiencing the same issues and receiving almost the same answers from the dealerships, Ford and your agency. When calling Ford we are all directed to contact NHTSA who then sends us back to Ford who then sends us to the dealership who states its up to NHTSA. Well if Ford is saying that NHTSA can add the vins that were left off under their safety recalls 19B37 and 21n12 Then I say add them all so Ford will honor their statements and fix these engines. You have over 1600 complaints and that's what we know of. at 10,000 an engine that is over $16,000,000 that the citizens of our nation have to cover for a flaw that Ford has admitted and every dealership will corroborate. I have read most of the complaints filed that are printed and it amazes me that no one at your office is doing anything about this. I ask that you tell us who we actually need to be speaking to because getting sent around the horn continuously isnt helping any one out. Please take notice of these safety issues it clearly states in fords 21n12 recall that these engines could combust or stop running while driving think of how many lives could or could have been saved if there was an issue that went un reported. I do not know about you but for me the loss of any 1 life is to great when it could be prevented. Its time for the NHTSA to do their Job and make Ford honor their obligations to their consumers. I ask you please send me an email or contact to whomever can discuss this issue with me in more detail

- Beverly Hills, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »