2018 Ford Escape body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 14, 2026130,000 miFLBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH the front driver side door erroneously came open and would not remain shut and secured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11737750 · source
2. Filed Aug 7, 2025PABody & Structure

   Purchased a 2018 Ford escape in Oct 2024. By January 2025 the white paint around the windshield is chipping and cracking and peeling. The Ford dealership said that this was happening to all WHITE escapes and other Ford models in the white color. I was told that they are aware of the problem with the white paint but refuse to do anything about it. I was told the the surface was not cleaned properly causing the white paint not to be applied properly. The 2018 Ford escapes has…

   NHTSA complaint #11678993 · source
3. Filed Jul 29, 2025OHBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while entering and existing the driver’s door, the hinges made a loud popping sound like the door would detach. The contact stated that the hinge on the door need to be reinforced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the driver’s door hinge needed to be reinforced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…

   NHTSA complaint #11676944 · source
4. Filed May 29, 2025103,000 miVABody & StructureEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving or reversing from a complete stop, the vehicle was shuddering and there was an abnormal waterflow sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for…

   NHTSA complaint #11663621 · source
5. Filed Mar 23, 2025NCCrash2 injuredTowedAirbagsBody & Structure

   Vehicle involved in collision on major highway with two other vehicles. Given speed and impact of collision very surprised that the air bags did not deploy.

   NHTSA complaint #11650019 · source
6. Filed Nov 7, 2024FLBody & Structure

   After Hurricane Milton my car had 2 in of water in it. I contacted my insurance company they looked at the car said it needed to be dried out and I needed to take it to the dealership where I purchased it. Took my vehicle to Kisselback Ford and the diagnosis States looks like the seam sealer under the roof moldings is falling off the body causing water to come into the body panels from the roof has to go to Body Shop we can't do these repairs. Took the vehicle to two…

   NHTSA complaint #11624112 · source
7. Filed Oct 15, 202444,600 miKYBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the lift gate latch did not function as intended. The contact stated that the lift gate failed to unlock and open. In addition, the contact stated that due to the failure, it took about 20 minutes or more to get the lift gate latch to unlock and open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a…

   NHTSA complaint #11619812 · source
8. Filed Aug 14, 2024NCBody & StructureElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the hatchback failed to open while pressing the power emergency release button and while using the key fob. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint #11608485 · source
9. Filed Jun 4, 2024ILBody & Structure

   the belly shield has falling off numerous times, speaking with another customer in a dealership today, his has also fallen off. This has to be a known issue as the clips are not stable to hold.

   NHTSA complaint #11592454 · source
10. Filed Apr 18, 202435,000 miNJBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the spare tire well, he observed that the well was full of excess water. Later, he observed that water was entering from the rear passenger’s side quarter panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage…

    NHTSA complaint #11583785 · source
11. Filed Sep 14, 202336,000 miTN1 injuredBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to shut completely. While exiting the vehicle, the door continuously poked her lower leg. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon exiting the driver's side door, the contact was poked on her leg. The contact sustained injuries to the calf muscle and was cut. The contact was taken to the emergency room, where her leg was stitched up. The local dealer was not contacted. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11544485 · source
12. Filed Jun 18, 2023OHCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsBody & Structure

    I was in a head on collision where my vehicle went off the road and hit a guard rail head on. My vehicle was totaled but not a single air bag deployed. If I was not wearing my seat belt I could have been ejected from the vehicle. There were no warning lights of any kind shown. It was raining and wet out during the day.

    NHTSA complaint #11527611 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology