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Ford Escape 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2018 and 1,806 complaints filed by owners. It has 111% more complaints than the average Ford Escape from 2016–2025 (855 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Own or buying a Ford Escape 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.

Free: vehicle details and recalls issued for its model. No sign-up.

Where do I find the VIN?
1 2 3
  1. Dashboard, driver side: visible from outside through the windshield.
  2. Sticker on the driver's door frame.
  3. Paperwork: title, registration and insurance card.

Recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2018

Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 2026-01-15

What happens

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.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 26V011000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022-06-10

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 22V413000

Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 18V104000 · 2018-02-12

What happens

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.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V104000

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 17V803000 · 2017-12-18

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V803000

Complaints from other owners

1,806 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

26 with a crash · 5 with a fire · 30 injuries

Most reported problems on the Ford Escape 2018

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Ford Escape 2018

Safety rating (NCAP)

OverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Ford Escape SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
2018 Ford Escape SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Ford Escape recalls by year

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Ford Escape 2018 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Ford Escape 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Escape 2018?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (1,157 of 1,806 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.

Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.

Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).