Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Ford Escape

    EPA MPG: 24 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Ford Escape has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "water seeped in to multiple cylinders. Had to have the engine replaced (under extended warranty) TWICE for the same problem"

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Coolant entering cylinder 3. Common problem on 2.0L Turbo engine built 2017-2019."

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "In June 2024, my car wouldn't start. The motor needed replaced at 83,000 miles. Ford paid for the replacement motor. It took 5 months for them to fix it! I had to purchase a new battery because mine died while the car sat at the garage for 5 months. I had to buy another vehicle while my Ford was being repaired because I needed a car for work."

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Escape SEL Unsure)

    "Cylinder wall cracked. One cylinder was demonstrating a misfire"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "the engine started going very slowly and then stopped completely. TSB 19-2346:2.0L states that the long block engine assembly can fail. Ford did not acknowledge their own words on paper and did not re-imburse the $8,982.52 in repair costs. I do not know where to go from here."

    Anonymous A., IL (2018 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

    ""Engine overheated and shut down. I had to get a new engine which costed $15,000 including labor. I believe there was a crack in the head gasket. Once discovered within 2 days the engine overheated and shut down.""

    Anonymous A., MO (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "fluid leaked from radiator into cylinders"

    Anonymous, MI (2018 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

    "failure of head gasket caused antifreeze to pour into the cylinders, needed a new long block, 11,000 dollars and 13 wks to install!"

    Anonymous A., NY (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Ford Corporate Headquarters sent a Technical Service Bulletin about possible coolant intrusion issue and inspected the engine for coolant loss.Ford said everything was fine and 8 months later coolant was entering the engine cylinders and engine failed to run and engine was seriously damaged and new replacement engine needed to be replaced. This cost our family over $8000 to repair at our expense."

    Anonymous, MI (2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Head gasket

    "The coolant was leaking into the combustion chamber's and causing it to miss fire. Used Bars gasketI sealing compound to seal the head gasket from leaking"

    Anonymous A., CO (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "car broken down needs repair of 4200.00 I do not have repair money still owe 3000.00 on purchase amount I have talked to others and they have had same problem with this eco engine"

    Anonymous, AZ (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Replaced the spark plugs and coils and within two weeks found out that there was a crack in the head gasket. Within two days the engine overheated within 1 minute of starting it and driving it which led to purchasing a new engine."

    Anonymous A., MO (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Android Auto

    "Multiple times"

    Anonymous, SC (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Screen went black over a year ago. Dealership replaced the screen and audio control module but the problem still persisted. They could not figure it out and washed their hands of the problem. Currently working with an Auto Electric shop to resolve the issue."

    Anonymous A., CO (2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Black screen"

    Anonymous, MN (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""clock always reverts back to standard time, no matter how many times I set it to daylight savings time""

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Sync system would go into battery saver mode and shut off, requiring reconnecting phones. The car's battery was replaced but same problem happened again a year later. Battery replaced once again. So far, so good.""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""the phone pairing only lasts until I turn the car off - when I turn the car on, I have to enable the bluetooth again""

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Radio

    ""Due to the blank screen, our radio does not work as a result, as well as the navigation system.""

    Anonymous A., CO (2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Torque converter

    "Did not have that issue. My vehicle just started missing and getting worse. I was told that sometimes these vehicles will just stop all together. Thank goodness I did not run into that class sue prior to transmission being replaced."

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car shutters and jerks when accellerating up hills."

    Anonymous A., IN (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""Went to a reliable garage for two months saying something was off, space sound? They aligned my tires, they sold me new tires Those two months of delay caused me to have to pay $3600 out-of-pocket. Just missed my Warranty date. After the fact, learned about three models of Fords or notorious For failed transmissions. Then, :-) 20 miles away from home at 11 PM in the dark and a rural area, car just died. Battery cable had come loose. I had had new transmission and another four years ago, so thought I would recognize the issue. It was not until after two months when I felt the slightest change going up the slightest hill. Again, too late. Just shortly after Warranty expired. Car had just 54,000 miles. Regular oil changes, etc. Usual route was 32 miles x2 on days I did a contract job. 64 mph.""

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "This vehicle had a recall for the torque converter. It was fixed - two years later it started missing , bottom line transmission was recently replaced. I had purchased a warranty when purchasing this vehicle and the transmission cost was paid by warranty. These vehicles, which I did not know at the time, are famous for this issue. I was not aware of that at the time I purchased the vehicle and probably would not have purchased the car. On the plus side. Great gas mileage ."

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Transmission completely failed, no prior indication of issues.""

    Anonymous A., WA (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Transmission started bucking. It was hunting for a gear after third shift"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "4 times"

    Anonymous, SC (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "fob not working and changing battery does not help. Minor inconvenience."

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Car automatically unlocks with any code"

    Anonymous, MN (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The sunroof is closed and will not open. A service appointment is scheduled with a Ford dealer for tomorrow to fix it."

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Remote engine starter

    "It had to be reprogrammed because if I used the wrong remote it didn't start because it thought I was stealing me own car."

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Warning lights

    "Engine warning light. No further oroblem sice fixed"

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    ""Exhaust system seemed to be getting louder. Took it to a shop to learn their was a hole in it, and the resonator needed to be replaced as it was also rusting. $1100.00 later it was quiet once again. Seems expensive but then again, I haven't replaced an exhaust system in likely 20 years.""

    Anonymous, ON (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other/unsure

    "Rear drivers side seat belt refuses to retract"

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Driver's seat belt buckle. Replaced under warranty and failed again this year. Does not latch, takes 4-5 attempts.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "This is the second time the brakes have had to be replaced. I have never had a vehicle that needs brakes so often"

    Anonymous, ON (2018 Ford Escape Titanium Unsure)

    "Brake caliper seized resulting in premature pad and rotor replacement. Caliper had to be cut off."

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Rotors

    "some vibration and squeaking"

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Ford Escape SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Overheating

    "happened just once, the display said pullover and shut the car off. That was the end of the engine."

    Anonymous A., NY (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Water pump

    "Car shutters and jerks when accellerating up hills."

    Anonymous A., IN (2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "paint peeling around windshield"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "down shifting is not smooth"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "When the motor blew up, there was oil leaking into my spark plugs"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Escape SEL Unsure)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "EVAP line failed. As a result car would not start right after filling the tank."

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08*
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13*
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20*
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN
    Jun 10, 2022
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V413000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2925968
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Feb 12, 2018
    A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V104000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 88
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 18, 2017
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V803000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 11113
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle