2018 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and reliability

“2018 Ford Escape equipped with EcoBoost engine suffering catastrophic engine failure due to the manufacturing defect known as open-deck coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford TSB 22-2322). The vehicle has only 25,233 miles. This defect causes loss of power while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate traffic hazard and risk of a collision. The manufacturing flaw allows coolant to breach the cylinders, creating a stalling safety risk. Engine light is on. Ford dealer assessed and a new engine is recommended.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026

“The check engine light started flashing and my car lost acceleration as I traveling uphill on a busy freeway. I had it towed to my mechanic who found evidence of coolant leaking related to cylinder 2 in my engine. I did not feel safe going so slow on a busy freeway. My car did not have any problems prior and only has 31000 miles on it. It was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion leak (a known problem with this engine) and requires an engine replacement.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026

“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 manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2026

“Coolant is leaking into the head causing engine failure. This car has fewer than 60,00 miles. From what I have read this is a common problem and is due to a manufacturer's design flaw. Ford refused to help me in any way when I contacted them. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. The bill would be $13,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026

“Engine has been replaced three times already. Now, the engine has a constant cylinder 2 misfire with coolant level significantly decreasing. Car is shuddering real bad now. This is not the first time it happened. Before the third engine replacement, the car was moving on its own even with foot on the brakes. Very dangerous vehicle and unsafe.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026

“Cracked engine block due to coolant intrusion, which seems to be a known problem as engine blocks were redesigned for 2019 models. Could lead to overheating, engine damage, and even fires from my understanding. In Ford dealer service center at the moment, they confirmed diagnosis. White smoke from exhaust, rough idle and sensor lights also.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026

“Coolant intrusion into the cylinders causing engine failure. This is a repeat of the known 1.5L EcoBoost defect. The engine was previously replaced in 2021 under TSB 21-2269. The repair order shows Ford installed the original defective open-deck short block (part number DS7Z-6009-G) instead of the updated closed-deck design. The same failure has now returned. This defect can cause sudden loss of power and overheating while driving, creating a safety risk.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026