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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,286 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 28 of 33)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #102

Mar 152022

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle shakes badly after100/200 miles at speeds of 60 -70 miles hour

- Elizabeth, IN, USA

problem #101

Jun 022022

Escape

  • miles
Our Ford Escape had a coolant leak causing misfires. After searching online, we see that this is a known problem that Ford hasn't addressed. The repair costs are high and it isn't right that Ford hasn't issued a recall.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #100

May 192022

Escape

  • miles
I noticed the battery light was on and would not go off so we took SUV to the local Ford dealership. They said that instead of battery light that was on, it was the check engine light, and that the reservoir was out of coolant, so they wanted to keep the vehicle overnight to run a pressure check on it to see if and from where coolant could be leaking. This shocked both me and my husband B/C the temperature guage is something that we always check as soon as we start the car, and even while we are driving, and at no time did that guage go toward the H to indicate it was running hot. The next day, we were told by the dealership that there was a crack in the cylinder wall and an engine replacement was recommended by the dealership. We are currently waiting for an adjuster with the company in charge of our extended warranty to see the vehicle and meet with the dealership to discuss cost and how many days this will leave us without a vehicle. Like I stated before, at no time did the temperature gauge ever get near the H to alert us that there was something wrong. This is a safety hazard not only B/C the temperature guage failed to do its job, but had I not noticed a warning light, albeit the wrong warning light, the engine could've seized up on us while out driving to work or running errands and would've caused a bad accident.

- Hot Springs, AR, USA

problem #99

May 142022

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The motor is faulty on the vehicle. Took to dealer for smoking problem which it has had for a while, the confirmed that cylinder is leaking coolant due to most likely small crack. They noted only fix is engine replacement and that this is very common problem on these vehicle/engine configuration. Communicated with Ford but they were only willing to pay for portion of labor, which still puts bill over $4k-$5k. Not money we have and don-??t have money to replace car. With engine cylinder leaking fear is that motor could go at anytime creating safety issue. Not just safety from car suddenly stalling on road, but also fire hazard from over heating. I know there is class action suit on this, but did want to register complaint.

- Bardstown, KY, USA

problem #98

Apr 152022

Escape

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Flat Rock, MI, USA

problem #97

May 022022

Escape

  • miles
One morning, we went to start the car and the check engine light came on. There was a slight burnt smell and a rumbling. We took it to Ford and got the famous coolant leak explanation. 4000 miles outside of the warranty. We are so disappointed that we are going to have to replace the entire engine on practically a new car.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #96

Apr 212022

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle ran fine and no indicator lights on when I went to work on 4/21/2022 a.m. When I left work the same day the car started fine but was shaking. When I started driving there was a loss of power and the check engine light came on, the shake and power issue smoothed out as I was driving home. I quit driving it at that point. Took it to a garage a few days later, the car was shaking again and had lost a lot of power. The garage is very close to my house so I drove it there. They told me that the head gasket had blown and was leaking coolant into the engine and that I was probably going to need a new engine. Had to have it towed back to my house because it won't hold coolant. Verified with another garage that I do indeed need a new engine, the head gasket itself can't just be replaced. It is currently at my house while I work with the garage on the replacement engine.

- Tioga, PA, USA

problem #95

Apr 162022

Escape

  • miles
2018 Ford Escape SUV 1.5L Ecoboost. Drove 150 from home with no issues. Stopped for about 30 minutes, attempted to resume drive of another 50 miles, but within the first 2 miles all of a sudden warning light came on "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely". I checked the coolant and with No advance warning the coolant was completely gone. I was able to get some coolant and get to a safe location. There are no leaks as the reservoir has stayed full. The temperature gage is still at the highest range even after sitting for days, vehicle not operatable. SUV has 90K miles, I have an extended warranty. Almost 2 weeks later I still can't get help from the Ford dealerships local where the SUV broke down or the location where I purchased it at. Ford Customer Service hasn't been able to rectify anything as well. I was stranded for almost a week before I could get back home. These are unsafe vehicles that desperately needs a recall. I hope it doesn't come down to someone dying before a recall is put into place. Hold Ford accountable, it's a $500 billion company they can do better than this! I think this is complaint #98 about engine issues most just like mine. I don't feel safe in this vehicle that may catch on fire as I'm driving on the freeway.

- Auburn, WA, USA

problem #94

Oct 012021

Escape

  • miles
Have a 1.5 engine and antifreeze leak into spark plugs.

- Liberty, MO, USA

problem #93

Apr 112022

Escape

  • miles
Engine coolant leaking into motor - Complete engine rebuild must be completed AWD transmission also not working - Complete rebuild needed.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #92

Mar 182022

Escape

  • 41,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle jerked. The contact thought the vehicle had a flat tire, but upon inspection, the contact's husband noticed that the engine guard on the front passenger's side had detached, causing it to hit the passenger's side front tire while driving. The contact's husband reattached the engine guard; however, the failure recurred with the front driver's side engine guard detaching. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

- Boalsburg, PA, USA

problem #91

Dec 232021

Escape

  • miles
The defects that cause coolant to leak into the engine cylinders, causing significant damage and, in some cases, complete engine failure. I have an invoice of over $2100 that did not repair the damage. My mechanic spoke to Ford dealership and they said they were aware of the problem and explained the issue to him. He sent me several estimates and so did Ford stating I need a new engine that would cost and estimated amount of $8200-$12,000. After the engine light came on. everytime I took it to get fixed, "cylinders" the engive light would go out temporarily and then I went to pull out of my home and was almost hit because my car would not go. it just kept stuttering. (best way I can describe it) my son and i were cussed out by the woman thinking I just purposely stopped in the middle of the road. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford over this matter since 2020. I called them and they refused to help me but told me to get another estimate from a Ford Delearship that would cost me an additional 500 plus. I am a single mom and owe almost $16,000 on this and cannot afford to get a new engine. My heart breaks that I a cannot travel to see my elderly parents and grandparents. In order to drive around town, I have to put several bottles of coolant in it a week. while my car was in the shop my son missed the bus and had to walk home 3 mile in the winter months. I hope that you can help us.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

problem #90

Mar 312022

Escape

  • miles
I drove 2 minutes down the road and my dashboard told me "autostart is disabled turn off the car and restart the car". after pulling over on the side of the road cause my car had to die while I was driving. I tried to restart my car and nothing working it was cranking but wouldn't start. I had to get my car towed to my local shop. My mechanic is saying there is zero compression and my engine is blown, my engine has a little over 60k. I get oil changes every time it is needed. my coolant is leaking but shows no trace of where the coolant is going. Please help!

- Cary, IL, USA

problem #89

Mar 112022

Escape

  • miles
Engine requires replacement. Vehicle is presently located at Century Ford in Mount Airy, Md. The vehicle is scheduled to be picked up and repalced by Element Fleet. The engine cost replacement was estimated at $5.500.00. The vehicle slowed down severely, loss of horsepower on major 70 MPH highway near Hagerstown, Md. I was driving normally when the vehicle slowed and the Enigine Light was Flashing On and Off most of the 30 minute drive to the local repair shop. I was concerned about my safety from all traffic especially tractor trailers. I thought the vehicle might completely shut off. I was then instructed by the company Element Fleet management to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer. The local repair shop said the vehicle needed the engine replaced. The Ford Dealer also said the engine needed replacement. The mileage was 87, 376. Regular maintenance and proper driving was applied at all times. I received the vehicle with about 61,000 miles from another co-worker in May 2021.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

problem #88

Mar 102022

Escape

  • miles
Started sputtering. Engine light popped on. Sputtering. Stalling. Heating up upon diagnoses. Coolant leaked onto engine.

- Beverly Hills , CA, USA

problem #87

Feb 142022

Escape

  • 75,683 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine head gasket failed and the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 75,683.

- Hannacroix, NY, USA

problem #86

Jan 232022

Escape 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light and the oil warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in an unknown Technical Service Bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #85

Jan 112022

Escape

  • miles
I have a 2018 Ford Escape purchased brand new off the lot.. Now less than 3 years and 66000 miles later my check engine light comes on.. I took my car to a trusted mechanic who advised of a bad spark plug. A day after the repair, driving less 15 miles the check engine light came back on. After further inspection the mechanic advised I should take it to the Ford dealership. The diagnosis at the Ford dealership showed a blown head gasket and that I would need to replace the entire engine. The Ford service agent said the damage was caused by coolant leaking into the oil. He said the cost of the repair is estimated at $10000 (which is more than I owe on the car). With so many similar issues this is definitely a defect of the engine in the Escape. This issue should be immediately investigated, recalled, and repaired by Ford as it is clearly not a consumer caused issue. I'm sharing a pic of the spark plug that has been corroded due to the coolant leaking into the oil which has destroyed my engine. Please help us!

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #84

Jan 112022

Escape 4-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the coolant was mixing with the oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Consumer stated vehicle was serviced and repaired on December 2, 2021. Levittown Ford replaced the engine due to the coolant mixing with the oil.

- Levittown, NY, USA

problem #83

Dec 302021

Escape

  • miles
2018 Ford Escape engine with just 22,000 Miles on it needs to be completely replaced for leaking coolant. Was told it could have given up on me at any moment while driving.

- Glen Lyon, PA, USA

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