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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,288 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 1 of 26)

problem #513

Aug 262024

Escape

  • 147,700 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,700.

- London, OH, USA

problem #512

Jan 042023

Escape

  • miles
Coolant leaked into engine cylinder causing catastophic engine failure. My [XXX] daughter was driving down highway when car suddenly started shaking violently and engine light comes on. She managed to pull off without crashing. Had it towed to a Ford dealership. They diagnosed issue and replaced the engine. Took over 2 months to replace. See paperwork attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #511

Aug 302024

Escape

  • miles
After my car started and I tried to go, it shook a little, and the check engine light came on. I got it checked at a service station, and they said my coolant was low and my engine was shot, it appeared that there was a leak in the coolant that was leaking into and ruining the engine. I do not feel safe driving the car in the case that is breaks down, and with only 32,000 miles on it this is not standard for the car.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #510

Aug 292024

Escape

  • 53,249 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 when the vehicle was started, the engine was idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with head gasket failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,249.

- West Point, CA, USA

problem #509

Aug 152024

Escape

  • miles
If you own a Ford Escape 2017-2019 this is a must-read it will not let me upload but go to ford.com customer satisfaction and put your VIN number in they owe you a new engine. THIS IS A COVER-UP AS THEY ARE NOT A RECALL SINCE THERE HAS BEEN NO ONE HURT To whom it may concern, August 17, 2024 I bought a 2018 Ford Escape SEL on [XXX], well several months back I noticed that I had to keep adding more coolant and oil. Since the car is always parked inside, you would think you could see something on the floor. Well, I never saw anything. So, on August 8, 2024, I took it to my mechanic who on August 13, 2024, said that I needed a new engine do the following engine codes P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285, and/or P1299. After a few moments of silence, my mechanic said -??But I might have something that can help you with the repair. I honestly thought well guess he has a payment plan I was sure hoping as I did not have the $5,676.09 and nowhere to get it from plus paying the car notes. That is when he told me at the customer satisfaction program the only issue was it is either 7 years our younger on the car or less the 84,000. My car is 6 years old but has 98537 miles. I thought why not call them and talk to them anyway. Talked with a rep on my 1st call and could tell she was reading the script from start to finish. I asked her why I had not received a letter or even a notice on the Ford Pass App. She told me they sent one round of letters and nothing else and will not send anything else unless it becomes a recall. Well, a recall happens when someone is in danger of being hurt or killed by the product. So, I asked for a supervisor and was told one would call me back within twenty-four business hours. Two days had passed so I called them back and was about to speak to someone who stated they were a supervisor and went thr INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Texas City, TX, USA

problem #508

Aug 272024

Escape

  • miles
The coolant and coolant system suddenly failed resulting in a full engine replacement. There were no noticeable signs of where the coolant went either. The auto is regularly serviced at a ford garage had a sensor replaced 6 months ago and no other issues were diagnosed.

- East Troy, WI, USA

problem #507

Aug 162024

Escape

  • miles

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

A couple of weeks ago my car started shaking and the engine light came on. I took it to the dealer to be told the engine blew and a replacement would be over $11k. The problem is a valve was stuck open and oil got into it. The car is barely 6 years old and has had regular service.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #506

Jul 312024

Escape

  • miles
Engine coolant into cylinders, resulting in white smoke exhaust, fouling spark plugs and coils due to engine coolant leak in combustion chambers, and engine coolant leak due to issue.

- Yulee, FL, USA

problem #505

Aug 232024

Escape

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, an unknown message, and the message "Emergency Stop" were displayed, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed into a parking lot with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with cooling system failure and coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown TSB number. The vehicle was not repaired. The used car dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Fort Mill, SC, USA

problem #504

Aug 192024

Escape

  • miles
The coolent intrusion into the cylinders cause catastrophic engine failure. Ford knows this and still sells these. They will not cover the new engine.

- Rochester Hills , MI, USA

problem #503

Aug 162024

Escape

  • miles

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

I had a problem with my engine overheating and took it to Ford dealer for service and was advised that water had gotten into the cylinder #2 I believe and ruined the engine. The dealer said the water was getting into the engine block and I needed a new engine. Another service director from another dealer said their was a issue with Ford and there was a program on this. A new engine is around $7500 and this was quite a shock since I am on social security. I contacted Ford and they said it was not their problem and referred me to you for help on this issue. Please advise asap since they want to install the new engine next Monday or tues at pittsville Ford in pittsville, md. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Salisbury, MD, USA

problem #502

Jun 012024

Escape

  • miles
The engine has failed due to a cylinder misfire that was caused by coolant leaking into the engine block. Mileage on my car is 85,918 Ford had a recall on the engine but the recall was for 84,000 miles or below. So, my car is over by 1,918 miles. Ford says they can-??t do anything to offset the cost of getting a new engine.

- North Ogden, UT, USA

problem #501

Jul 052024

Escape

  • miles
Low COOLANT reservoir condition and COOLANT into the engine with regular driving and maintenance. After 58,000 miles the owner had intermittent check engine lights stating to check or change the ignition coil and/or plug on 2 of 4 cylinders. Owner did this at their own expense, and check engine light continued to go on and off intermittently and refilled COOLANT reservoir. At 60,000 miles the owner experienced some white smoke coming from engine and additional check engine lights with the same codes and one additional code relating to misfire. Owner took the vehicle to an independent mechanic which tested it and found coolant into affected cylinders. Shop advised owner to rebuild or replace the engine, but after further research into this issue identified it as catastrophic ENGINE failure and new engine replacement from Ford would be required. Owner spoke to Ford who instructed him to take it to the nearest Ford Service Center for further diagnosis and repair. After 2 days service department contacted owner back and told them the repair cost for new engine is $6450 and Ford may provide some assistance based on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Vehicle was repaired at owner expense and now awaiting further assistance due to recall needed on this issue due to safety concerns and lack of drivability once service light is encountered. Vehicle did not catch on fire, but fire or mechanical breakdown while driving was another concern from the owner at the time and why the vehicle was towed to Ford Service Center.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #500

Aug 162024

Escape

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence where a handheld diagnostic machine failed to retrieve any fault codes. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #499

Aug 142024

Escape

  • miles
Purchased vehicle used and had my mechanic inspect it. They reported that there was a possible coolant leak and so I took it back to the dealer, Antwerpen Toyota. They couldn-??t find anything. After a couple oil changes where my mechanic continued to state there was a coolant leak somewhere, went back to Antwerpen where they said it could be that the radiator isn-??t sealed properly. Took it to a proper Ford dealer who has now said there is coolant intrusion in an engine cylinder and the engine needs replaced, which from looking online, seems to be a frequently occurring issue with these engines that has not been recalled

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #498

Aug 092024

Escape

  • miles
On Friday, August 9, the check engine light was blinking and the car ran roughly. On Saturday, August 10, I had my car towed to AAA Repair. Current codes: P0316 - Misfire Detected on startup; P0302 - Cylinder 2 misfire; swap CYL2 coil to CYL4 & retest..misfire remains on CYL2. TSB:22-2322 indicates cylinder failure allowing coolant into the engine causing misfire and rough running. AAA recommended vehicle service be done at the dealership-?"complete engine rebuild/replacement. The dealership recommends a complete engine rebuild/replacement with an estimate of $11,400. The balance on paying off the car is $8,400.

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #497

Aug 082024

Escape

  • miles
Coolant leak caused engine failure while I was driving. Engine warning came on and alerted me the Engine was overheating and to pull over as soon as it was safe to do so. I did immediately and had the car towed to Ford dealer garage

- Winchendon, MA, USA

problem #496

Aug 122024

Escape

  • miles
The engine was throwing multiple codes from misfires to crank sensors. Low coolant light was not working. Engine ended up having a blown head gasket and overheated because of low coolant. Upon researching the problem, I have found that this is a huge issue with the 1.5l eco boost and many people are having their motors blown while ford does nothing about the problem.

- Yuma, AZ, USA

problem #495

Jul 292024

Escape

  • miles
While driving I received a -??Engine Failure, Service Now-?? notification; however, the check engine light was not on. I immediately called a ford dealership and said it was fine. I did not trust it and took it to an O-??Reilley-??s store to get a free diagnostics, everything was cleared. The next morning I still went to the dealership to ask. At this point the notification wasn-??t on anymore but I did notice there was no coolant in the tank. They ran a regular diagnostics and told me car was fine. Again, I didn-??t trust it and asked for more diagnostics. After charging me $200 they did it and found coolant leaking into the engine and cylinders. Car still runs but it did not make me feel safe driving with the notification and the rest of the diagnostics showing zero issues was extremely suspicious. They told me my engine needed to be replaced. I researched the issue and found Ford notified widely this issue in early 2020 and ford dealership sold me this in late 2020 and never told me about said issue or notification. I was told there is a program to get it fixed but is not active anymore. On too of that, ford had a warning on my car VIN number for two years and they never notified me of it during service appointments for the last 2 to 4 years I have been going there. I do not feel safe driving my car and ford won-??t do any repairs about it even after they admitted to me it was a manufacturing fault and my car is under that block/build affected.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #494

Jul 182024

Escape

  • miles
While driving the engine would run rough and started missing which resulted in diminished power. Took it to mechanic to change spark plugs. Problem still continued. Took it to Ford dealership for diagnostic test. They determined there is coolant intrusion in cylinders #2 & # 3. Recommended engine replacement.

- Irvine , CA, USA

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