2018 Ford Escape Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,822 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Ford Escape, 1% of the 1,822 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With 10 months of ownership and approximately 13,000 miles the head gasket blew at the number 1 cylinder causing coolant to burn in the engine and oil to be released into the intake and exhaust systems. Additionally, there is a body rattle on the right side of the vehicle somewhere near the rear passenger door. Repair shop is unable to locate the source of the noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11206063, filed 2019-05, 13,000 miles“Back electric tailgate does not close completely. This is indicated by the horn double honking when locking the vehicle. However, there is no indicator on the dash when the car is on that this is not fully latched. I believe this could lead to exhaust in the cabin, especially if idling.”
NHTSA complaint #11093294, filed 2018-05, 3,500 miles“The paint on the pillar next to the windshield on the drivers side just bubbled up, cracked and flaked away leaving the body of my car exposed to the weather elements. Searching the internet, I have found this is a common problem with Fords, but Ford won't fix it. Since this is common and obviously a factory defect, I feel a recall should be issued to cover this.”
NHTSA complaint #11516752, filed 2023-04“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, filed 2023-06“I took my car into Lugoff Ford, in South Carolina today, because the passenger side dashboard is lifting up near the glove box, and I felt the transmission slip. I noticed this (Dash issue) has happened on the 2020 Fords. I was told today by the dealer that the The Clips failed to secure the dash, probably because of to much vibration. I would have to pay $298.00 for a new dash, I have 17,279 miles on it, so under 20,000 miles these clips failed? It sat in my garage for the first 4 years of having the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11506366, filed 2023-02Related service bulletins
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to…
- 10175895May 18, 2020Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty…
- 10159502Apr 4, 2019SSM 47909 - 2017-2019 Escape, MKC - License Plate Bracket Nut(s) Damaged With Over Torqued Screw(s) 2017-2019 Escape and MKC vehicles may exhibit a concern of the license plate…
- 10156484Mar 1, 2019Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may exhibit a power liftgate that bounces back and/or will not cinch to the fully closed position. This may be due to the adjustment of the…
- 10144219Jul 26, 2018If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become…
- 10127394Nov 3, 2017Some 2013-2018 Escape, Focus and C-Max vehicles may exhibit a water stained headliner after the vehicle has experienced a water leak from areas such as the roof opening panel…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 | 20 | 8% |
| 2021 | 92 | 26% |
| 2020 | 671 | 41% |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% |
| 2018 | 20 | 1% |
| 2017 | 62 | 2% |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% |
| 2015 | 36 | 3% |
| 2014 | 84 | 4% |
| 2013 | 87 | 3% |
| 2012 | 68 | 11% |
| 2011 | 43 | 3% |
| 2010 | 84 | 4% |
| 2009 | 32 | 2% |
| 2008 | 41 | 2% |
| 2007 | 18 | 7% |
| 2006 | 63 | 14% |
| 2005 | 434 | 31% |
| 2004 | 138 | 28% |
| 2003 | 121 | 22% |
| 2002 | 87 | 8% |
| 2001 | 54 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ford Escape
1,169 complaintsEngine cooling
345 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
275 complaintsOther or unknown
109 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology