2018 Ford Escape engine problems
1,145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Ford Escape — 64% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Went to get service for a misfire and found out about a well documented issue with these engines. Coolant intrusion into the cylinders leading to complete engine failure. Ford has known about this issue since 2010 and continued manufacturing with this known defect”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“Check Engine light turned on for misfire codes. Replaced spark plugs but noticed coolant in the cylinder. Found Ford TSB 22-2133 and TSB 22-2229. So i want to report another failure of these engines”
filed Sep 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has…
SSM 52335 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 6, 2024
Engine problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 5 | 22% |
| 2024 Escape | 13 | 17% |
| 2023 Escape | 28 | 29% |
| 2022 Escape | 32 | 14% |
| 2021 Escape | 43 | 13% |
| 2020 Escape | 120 | 8% |
| 2019 Escape | 308 | 53% |
| 2017 Escape | 1,564 | 58% |
| 2016 Escape | 199 | 18% |
| 2015 Escape | 238 | 22% |
| 2014 Escape | 722 | 35% |
| 2013 Escape | 1,265 | 46% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.