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2018 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the weaker Escape years.
1,806 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Escape?The 2018 Ford Escape has 1806 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag coolant intrusion into engine cylinders on 1.5l and 1.6l engines, causing engine destruction.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escape years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Escape?
Across the 27 Escape model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2000) to 4,834 (2008). With 1,806 complaints, the 2018 Escape sits above the model's median of 1,110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Escape
air bags:side/window
Campaign 17V803000Ford 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V104000Ford 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.
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 22V413000Ford 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.
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 26V011000Ford 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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation Escape
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive for owners who have had trouble-free experiences, with several reporting high mileage and strong satisfaction.
- Very frequentCoolant intrusion into engine cylinders on 1.5L and 1.6L engines, causing engine destruction
- Very frequentMyFord Touch infotainment system bugs, glitches, and poor navigation
- RecurrentTransmission failures, particularly on 2013 models, including bushing issues addressed by recall
- RecurrentSYNC system Bluetooth connectivity problems and audio dropouts
- RecurrentBattery dying prematurely, often around 50,000-60,000 miles
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Escape. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escape listings typically run $9,995–$20,378.
Other Escape model years
Compare every Escape year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escape against its rivals
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