2018 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 492owner reports
- 75,000median miles
- $10,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
1431 of the 1,802 complaints on this car are about the engine. 492 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 492 reports
Engine failure on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (485 reports), the short block or long block (45 reports), the turbo (12 reports) and the timing chain (9 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 4 recalls on the 2018 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escape
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 27, 2024.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 21, 2013.
Engine stalling. Closed aug 31, 2004.
Engine stalling. Closed apr 15, 2004, led to recall 04V-165.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 10, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
114 of the 492 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $7,000 to $11,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 98,537 miles, from the 247 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My 2018 Ford Escape needs a completely new engine at 84,495 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine. $9100 to fix an issue Ford is aware of is unacceptable. Ford extended the warranty to 84,000/7yrs. This should be a recall and not simply an extended warranty.”
Filed Jun 8, 2024 · 84,495 miles
“My 2018 Ford Escape with only about 70000 miles needs a complete engine replacement. The reason is there a crack in the cylinder which is leaking coolant into the engine. Because of that I need my entire engine replaced at a cost of $6,800.00. This car has been very well maintained. I have always followed the vehicle maintenance recommendations.”
Filed Jun 6, 2024 · 70,000 miles
“Car was running rough immediately upon cranking with intermittent check engine light, roughness would clear up soon after starting to drive. Started needing to add coolant pretty frequently, maybe once a week. Kept driving that way for about a month. Independent service center (Mooneyhan's, West Columbia, SC) diagnosed "coolant intrusion," needs new engine or re-build. Engine has approximately 70,000 miles on it.”
Filed May 7, 2024 · 70,000 miles
“Coolant leaked into causing engine failure. Now having to have engine replaced. Noticed 156 other complaints to NHTSA regarding same issues. Why is Ford not doing anything about this. My Ford has 58560 miles on it.”
Filed Mar 13, 2024 · 58,560 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 492 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1179 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 949 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 231 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 46 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 37 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports