The Lemon Index2018 Ford Escape.
The 2018 Ford Escape is better than average by owner complaints: 165 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 23 to 26 mpg combined. The best Ford Escape year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2013–2019 Ford Escape, 19.1M views. The 2018 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.6M views
2013-2016 Ford Escape Battery Replacement FAST!NNKH 2 · 394K views · 7 videos - Transmission & shifter1.5M views
2013-2019 Ford Explorer Escape Fusion 6F35 Six Speed Transmission Fluid Change ProcedureFordTechMakuloco · 631K views · 6 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door1.2M views
2013-2014 Ford Escape Poor A/C Performance Quick FixFordTechMakuloco · 433K views · 6 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring900K views
How To: Change the Headlights in a 2013 to 2019 Ford EscapeO'Reilly Auto Parts · 347K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Cooling system624K views
2013-2016 Ford Escape 1.6L Ecoboost P26B7 Coolant Bypass Valve "C" ReplacementFordTechMakuloco · 318K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS537K views
2013-2019 Ford Escape Full Brake Job. (Front & Rear)Repair Geek · 313K views · 3 videos - Steering & suspension407K views
How to Replace Front Wheel Bearings & Hubs 2013-2019 Ford EscapeTRQ · 140K views · 4 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors259K views
How To Find The Keypad Door Code On 2013 - 2019 Ford Escape - Driver's Door Key Pad Code LocationPYR Automotive · 130K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Escape SUV 2013-2019 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 397K views
Ford Escape 2013-2019 Problems, Engines and ReliabilityMaxTheCarGuy · 191K views
TOP 5 Problems with the FORD ESCAPE ( 3rd Generation 2013-2019)Alex The Car Doctor · 79K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 1,819 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Escape year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 102K miles on the car (671 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 41K–100K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 55K–103K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–95K miles
Recalls 4
- equipment 2026
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- brakes 2018
These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2017
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 at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 173 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2017-2018 Fusion/MKZ/MKC/MKX/Continental with all audio systems and 2017-2018 Escape with…
- Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine and built on or before…
- Timing belt saw or chirp
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving to Town 16 oct.18-check engine light came and I took the car to dealer. Code was 1136 and I was told the long block would need to be replaced. Work was done and car returned 22 oct.18.
2018 Ford Escape owner · NHTSA complaint 11292541
More owner reports
P0302 code is showing that coolant is leaking into the engine through cylinder 2. Dealer looked at our vehicle and we will need a completely new engine. Regular maintenance has been done on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11435064
2018 Ford Escape engine with just 22,000 Miles on it needs to be completely replaced for leaking coolant. Was told it could have given up on me at any moment while driving.
NHTSA complaint 11445533
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Escape year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Escape problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (50%), transmission & drivetrain (15%) and electrical (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
4 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Escape get?
23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Ford Escape safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 102,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,900 miles, from 671 complaints.
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Ford Escape cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Ford Escape year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2015 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works