2018 Ford Escape power train problems
269 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Ford Escape — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Coolant is leaking into the head causing engine failure. This car has fewer than 60,00 miles. From what I have read this is a common problem and is due to a manufacturer’s design flaw. Ford refused to help me in any way when I contacted them. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they informed…”
filed Aug 13, 2026
“Check engine light would come on vehicle was not running well, seemed to stall. When I turned off the car I could hear liquid moving around from inside the vehicle. I am a Mom so I am driving with my 2 small children constantly and worried about their safety. The problem was confirmed by the…”
filed Aug 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detachCampaign 22V413000 · Jun 10, 2022
Power Train problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 3 | 13% |
| 2024 Escape | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 Escape | 20 | 21% |
| 2022 Escape | 31 | 13% |
| 2021 Escape | 43 | 13% |
| 2020 Escape | 236 | 15% |
| 2019 Escape | 125 | 21% |
| 2017 Escape | 390 | 15% |
| 2016 Escape | 320 | 29% |
| 2015 Escape | 286 | 26% |
| 2014 Escape | 481 | 23% |
| 2013 Escape | 401 | 15% |
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.