Ford Escape / 2018
2018 Ford Escape problems
Owners have filed 2,167 complaints about the 2018 Ford Escape with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 52.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 15.7%.
Complaints2,167
Crashes38
Fires7
Injuries51
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 52.1% · 1128
Engine and engine cooling 15.7% · 341
Power train 12.6% · 272
Unknown or other 4.7% · 102
Electrical system 2.5% · 54
Fuel/propulsion system 1.9% · 42
Steering 1.5% · 32
Wheels 1.2% · 25
Severity
Of those complaints, 38 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 51 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 24 model years of the Ford Escape in this data, 2018 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 1447 in the last three years against 572 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Engine
Every morning after starting, a thick cloud of white smoke emits from the exhausts. It clears up after a minute or so but it happens in both hot and cold weather. Took the car to the mechanic and it was determined there is a head gasket leak. Vehicle runs fine and does not overheat. Upon further research, i noticed it is a common occurrence with Ford Escape owners and the manufacturer isn't doing anything about it. Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,340. Engine · reported at 67,340 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…