2018 Ford Escape Problems: 6 Known Issues
2018 model year · 2,070+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,070+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Escape has 6 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the cylinders — bulletin 22-2322, 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure ($0-$9,500 repair), Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) ($0-$0 repair) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure ($300-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the cylinders — bulletin 22-2322 with 1,240 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $9,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls34 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
+ 29 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Escape problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,070+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Escape has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the cylinders — bulletin 22-2322, 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure, Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2018 Ford Escape has 6 known issues documented across 2,070+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the cylinders — bulletin 22-2322 and 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure and Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $9,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2017-2019 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the cylinders — bulletin 22-2322?
Some 2017-2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost may have a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or run rough, with or without the check engine light and only misfire or overheat codes stored. Ford says this may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. Applies to: 2017-2… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2019 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure?
The 2.0L EcoBoost in 2017-2019 Ford Escape suffers from the same fundamental open-deck block design defect as the 1.5L variant. Coolant leaks internally through the cylinder head/block interface into the combustion chambers. Ford issued TSB 19-2208 in 2019 (superseded by TSB 19-2… Repairs typically run $0-$9,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413)?
The plastic bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on the shift lever end degrades and can detach from the transmission. When it does, the transmission can be in a gear state different from what the shift lever and PRNDL display indicate. The dangerous case i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure?
On 3rd-generation AWD Escapes (primarily 2.0L EcoBoost AWD), the Power Transfer Unit (the right-angle gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle) holds only about one quart of fluid that Ford labels 'lifetime,' yet it runs continuously and runs hot. The fluid degrades and the uni… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close?
The 2013-2019 Escape power liftgate latch assembly frequently fails, causing the rear hatch to either not open, not close properly, or pop open while driving. The latch mechanism corrodes internally and the micro-switch fails, particularly in humid or salt belt environments. Ther… Repairs typically run $40-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2021 Ford Escape P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid?
P0011 indicates intake cam timing outside the commanded range. Ford SSM 49821 identifies small debris sticking a VCT solenoid as one possible cause on applicable 2015-2021 vehicles, not a diagnosis from the code alone. Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.