2018 Ford Escape fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replaced multiple times by different repair shops, but the misfire repeatedly returned, sometimes within months, sometimes within about a year. Wiring and injector testing was also performed and ruled out as the cause. A mechanic ultimately performed a leak-down/compression test and borescope inspection and found a compression…

   NHTSA complaint #11767894 · source
2. Filed Aug 26, 202681,131 miILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. A certified mechanic was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with evaporative emission system purge flow performance failure. Additionally, the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The contact stated that on December 24 of 2025, the vehicle was repaired by the dealer due to a failure associated with the issue, and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11759694 · source
3. Filed Aug 4, 2026122,000 miUTTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure and coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11754690 · source
4. Filed Jul 3, 2026MOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect ​Vehicle Information ​Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape ​Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost ​VIN: [XXX] ​I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leaks, and an authorized Ford dealership has confirmed that coolant is entering the engine,…

   NHTSA complaint #11748094 · source
5. Filed Jun 30, 2026VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers…

   NHTSA complaint #11747531 · source
6. Filed Jun 24, 2026MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The coolant is going into the cylinder or intake and exhaust causing the car to lose power and completely stal while on freeway. No warning, completely stal out.

   NHTSA complaint #11746148 · source
7. Filed Jun 17, 2026NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes P0303, P04DB, P0316, P0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, SERVICE NOW". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was seen by the manufacturer about two years.

   NHTSA complaint #11744892 · source
8. Filed May 27, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I have not even had this car for a year spent 10,000 on it it had less than 100,000 miles sounded great no noises or engine lights first it was the canister purge valve issue even tho I got the oil changed and everything wen I first got this car I have a work car so I literally bearly drive this car then the transmission went out less than a year into owning it it needs rotors In the front n mind u I paid cash so I can’t even complain to them can’t believe there are no…

   NHTSA complaint #11740468 · source
9. Filed May 1, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues The car has always been serviced with no problems. I took the car to a mechanic certified mechanic that said…

   NHTSA complaint #11735227 · source
10. Filed Apr 17, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Hello, I would like to file a safety complaint regarding my Ford Escape. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Make/Model: Ford Escape Year: 2018 Issue Description: While driving, my vehicle suddenly overheated. The temperature gauge moved from normal to hot within seconds, and a warning appeared to stop the vehicle immediately. This created a serious safety concern, as the failure was sudden and without warning. After inspection by a certified technician, I was informed that the…

    NHTSA complaint #11731899 · source
11. Filed Mar 3, 2026NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    While driving on a highway the RPMS in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 MPH! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into park & tried to move it into a parking lot the car would not go into gear at…

    NHTSA complaint #11721666 · source
12. Filed Mar 2, 2026108,500 miWIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling and starting the vehicle, the warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle restarted after three attempts. The failure reoccurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was…

    NHTSA complaint #11721364 · 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