2018 Ford Escape: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Ford Escape: 4 recalls, 1810 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V803000 · 2017 · 11,113 vehicles
What's wrong: The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that May detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #18V104000 · 2018 · 88 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that May chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Why it matters: A brake fluid leak May lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Equipment Vehicle recall #26V011000 · 2026 · 116,672 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 30 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (1159): the most common themes are warning light on (492), leaks (467), overheating (198).
- Engine & cooling (344): the most common themes are warning light on (277), leaks (95), overheating (74).
- Transmission & drivetrain (272): the most common themes are warning light on (107), hard / delayed shifting (68), leaks (53).
- Other / unknown (106): the most common themes are leaks (27), warning light on (26), stalls / loses power (14).
The 2018 Ford Escape has 1810 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 27 Escape model years for complaints (1.8× the average Escape year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (490 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,519 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (2694 complaints, 4 recalls), 2019 (594 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Ford Escape.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Escape problems?
Owners have filed 1810 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (1159), engine & cooling (344), transmission & drivetrain (272).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Ford Escape repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.