2018 Ford Escape
Common Problems
Ranked from 703 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
55 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Coolant Intrusion into Engine
441complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant enters the engine cylinders, causing engine failure and overheating.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 2
Engine Overheating
168complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant loss or intrusion, leading to engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 3
Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Leak
95complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant leakage into the engine block, causing engine failure and potential fire hazard.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 4
Engine Misfire
88complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires due to coolant intrusion or other mechanical failures, causing loss of power and poor performance.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 5
Engine Overheating and Loss of Power
57complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats and experiences loss of power due to coolant intrusion or other cooling system failures.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 6
Engine Failure Due to Design Flaw
43complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine fails due to a known design flaw allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber, leading to engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 7
Engine Stall at Idle
27complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalls at idle due to stop-start system failure or other engine control issues.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 8
Engine Misfire Due to Spark Plug Issues
23complaintsMedium severityEngineSpark plugs and ignition coils fail, leading to engine misfires and check engine light illumination.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 9
Transmission Failure
21complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions leading to loss of power and inability to shift gears properly.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 10
Coolant Intrusion into Engine Causing Overheating and Engine Failure
20complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into engine cylinders causing overheating, misfires, and engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 11
Engine coolant leak causing engine damage
20complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine block leading to engine damage and requiring replacement.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 12
Engine Failure Due to Known Defect
18complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine fails due to a known manufacturing defect, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 13
Engine Block Crack Due to Coolant Intrusion
11complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine block cracks due to coolant intrusion, necessitating complete engine replacement.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 14
Cylinder Misfire
10complaintsMedium severityEngineMultiple cylinders misfire, leading to poor engine performance and check engine light illumination.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 15
Engine Stalling
9complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalling occurs due to various issues such as misfires and coolant intrusion, affecting vehicle reliability.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 16
Engine Misfire Due to Cylinder Block Issues
8complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and loses power due to cylinder block failures.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 17
Check Engine Light Due to Coolant Intrusion
7complaintsMedium severityEngineCheck engine light illuminates due to coolant intrusion, indicating potential engine damage.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 18
Coolant leakage into engine cylinders
7complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine cylinders, leading to engine damage and requiring replacement of the long block.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 19
Electrical system issues including sync system malfunction
7complaintsLow severityElectricalSync system stops working properly, often requiring replacement of the APIM module.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 20
Engine Block Replacement Required
7complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine block needs to be replaced due to coolant intrusion, causing engine failure and requiring extensive repairs.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 21
Engine Overheating Without Warning
7complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats without warning, leading to potential engine failure and loss of vehicle function.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 22
Engine Overheating with White Smoke Emanating
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats, producing white smoke from the exhaust, indicating a cooling system failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 23
Transmission issues including transmission pump failure
7complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission starts making noise and stutters, often requiring repair or replacement.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 24
Check Engine Light and Cylinder Misfire
6complaintsMedium severityEngineCheck engine light illuminates and cylinder misfires due to coolant intrusion.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 25
Engine coolant leakage leading to engine failure
6complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine causing significant damage and potential engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 26
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Failure
6complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and cylinders fail due to coolant intrusion.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 27
Engine misfire and unusual noises
6complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and produces unusual noises, often due to coolant leakage or other mechanical issues.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 28
Engine Overheating Leading to Unpredictable Shutdown
6complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats and unexpectedly shuts down, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 29
Engine Shuddering and Rough Idling
6complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine shudders and runs roughly due to coolant intrusion, causing check engine light and engine failure.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 30
Overheating Issues
6complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant leakage or insufficient coolant levels, leading to engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 31
Brake system issues including rear brake wear
5complaintsLow severityOtherRear brake rotors and pads wear out prematurely, often requiring replacement.
$250–$700est. brake pads + rotors (per axle) · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 32
Check Engine Light On Due to Low Coolant Level
5complaintsLow severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates due to a low coolant level, indicating a potential cooling system issue.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 33
Power steering failure
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, making it difficult to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Steering system issues including rack and pinion failure
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering becomes stiff and difficult to unlock after starting, often requiring replacement of the rack and pinion.
$900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 35
Check Engine Light Due to Coolant Leaks into Cylinders
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates due to coolant leaking into the cylinders, causing misfires and engine damage.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 36
Engine Failure Due to Head Gasket Issues
4complaintsHigh severityEngineHead gasket failure leads to coolant intrusion and engine failure.
$1,400–$2,800est. head gasket replacement · 8–15 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 37
Engine Misfire Due to Defective Ignition Coils
4complaintsMedium severityEngineIgnition coils fail, leading to misfires and engine performance issues.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 38
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
4complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalls at idle due to stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 39
Steering System Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering system locks up or malfunctions, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
- 40
Suspension Failure
4complaintsHigh severitySuspensionThe suspension fails, causing the vehicle to shake or become unstable.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 41
Transmission Failure Leading to Loss of Power
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission failure results in loss of power and inability to accelerate, posing safety risks.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 42
Transmission shifting issues
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionVehicle shifts unexpectedly into reverse or fails to engage gears.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 43
Brake system failure
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesBrakes fail to function properly, causing the pedal to go to the floor and requiring immediate repair.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V104000
- 44
Engine Failure Due to Timing Chain Issues
3complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine fails due to timing chain problems, leading to complete shutdown.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 45
Engine Overheating and Limp Mode
3complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats and enters limp mode, reducing acceleration and power.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 46
Head Gasket Failure Causing Engine Overheating
3complaintsHigh severityEngineHead gasket blows, leading to coolant loss and engine overheating, potentially causing engine damage.
$1,400–$2,800est. head gasket replacement · 8–15 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 47
Transmission issues leading to stalling
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall or hesitate during acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 48
Coolant Leak
2complaintsMedium severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine, causing misfires and potentially engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 49
Coolant Leaking into Engine Oil
2complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine oil, causing engine damage and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 50
Power Steering Malfunction Causing Loss of Control
2complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe power steering system fails, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 51
Recall Issues Leading to Delayed Repairs
2complaintsLow severityOtherDelayed repairs due to unavailability of parts for recalls, leading to unresolved issues.
- 53
Steering wheel locking up
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheel locks up intermittently, posing a safety risk during driving.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 54
Unintended Acceleration
2complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe vehicle experiences unintended acceleration while the brake pedal is depressed.
Related recall: 22V413000
- 55
Vehicle Speed Control Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle accelerates independently without driver input, posing a risk of accidents.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.