2018 Ford Escape Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 1,817 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Escape. The EPA rates it 23 to 26 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 4
- Owner complaints
- 1,817
- Crashes / fires reported
- 26 / 6
- EPA combined
- 23–26 MPG
2018 Ford Escape recalls
EquipmentJan 15, 2026 · NHTSA 26V011000+
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Power TrainJun 10, 2022 · NHTSA 22V413000+
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Service Brakes, HydraulicFeb 12, 2018 · NHTSA 18V104000+
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Air BagsDec 18, 2017 · NHTSA 17V803000+
Risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2018 Ford Escape problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine1,166
- Engine and Engine Cooling345
- Power Train275
- Unknown or Other107
- Electrical System57
- Fuel/Propulsion System45
- Steering30
- Service Brakes27
2018 Ford Escape gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 |
| Escape AWD | 1.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Escape FWD FFV | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape, most recently for the equipment (Jan 15, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Escape problems?
Owners filed 1,817 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (1,166), engine and engine cooling (345), power train (275).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Escape get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Ford Escape at 23 to 26 MPG combined (best version: 23 city / 30 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.