What 1,734 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Escape Gas

WHILE DRIVING TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER MY HUDBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CAR BY AN INSURANCE COLLISION EXPERT THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR RODENTS THAT COULD HAVE AFFECTED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DEEMED A MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL FAILURE/DEFECT. MY HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH HE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CRASHED AND POTENTIALLY LOST HIS LIFE. A COLLISION CENTER HAS CONFIRMED THIS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY COLLISION CENTER AND INSURANCE COLLSION EXPERT. THERE WERE NO WARNING MESSAGES OR LABELS OF ANY KIND.

NHTSA ODI 11742241

On Sept.17, 2021 my 2018 Ford Escape rolled away. When I was leaving a driveway, I got in car, buckled my seatbelt, started the engine and put the vehicle in Reverse. I immediately realized I had not paid for the item and shifted into Park. I unbuckled my seatbelt, opened the door, got out of my vehicle, walked fully past the door. At that point, I noticed the vehicle rolling backward on the flat driveway. I ran after my car to try to get my foot on brake because I was in a neighborhood with children. I nearly got my foot on it when I was knocked down and the driver-side front wheel ran over me, crushing my pelvis and sacrum and causing other injuries to my abdomen and legs. -I believe my car was in False Park.That is why it didn’t move as soon as I took my foot off the brake and was able to clear the open door. Both my husband and I have been able to get the car back to that false park position where it might stick for 5 seconds or several minutes. I have several videos I can share. - Automatic Electronic Park Brake would have prevented this accident. - Inadequate Warnings 1.The chime for Door Open when in Park is almost identical to the Door is Open not in Park. 2.The warning on the dash is in white and Orange for Door Open In Park and All WHITE for the more dangerous Door Open Not in Park. 3. A warning in the magnitude and attention-grabbing of the Seatbelt off or Collision warning would be more appropriate. 4.Ford did not warn customers until July of 2022 that there was a transmission issue recall. However, Ford sent a technical Bulletin to their Dealer Repair shops that there was a transmission issue in March 2021. I always used my Parking brake on hills but not on flat ground. Had Ford sent me a warning in March 2021, I most certainly would have used it that day and every day. -Quick Reference Guide should include Parking Brake Information and warning not just in the long owners manual. They don't even show its location.

NHTSA ODI 11731964

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's mother was an additional occupant in the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat. The contact and the contact's mother exited the vehicle. The contact stated that within seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN had no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720444

We were at a stop on a over crossing, and all of a sudden, the car engine started racing loudly and , even with foot on the brake, hard, it surged forward twice and hit the vehicle in front of us and caused that vehicle to hit the vehicle in front of him.My husband tried to shift gear to park or neutral, but shift was stuck. My husband then turned off the car. The hits damaged our radiator and other components. It is now at the body shop and since, our insurance company deemed, we were at fault, we will be paying a deductible and insurance is taking care of driver #2 who sustained soft flesh injury. We are very uneasy about driving this car again after what happen. So far the body shop has not identified the problem. After looking this issue online, I found, that some 2018 ford escapes have problems with the ETB. I just want to bring this to your attention.

NHTSA ODI 11691280

Driver rear-ended another car, the airbags did not deploy. The cars passenger front was damaged, the front end frame was bent, and the car is deemed totaled. Driver hit steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11690411

The complaint was submitted on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving, the contact's daughter's vehicle was involved in a rear end crash where the vehicle was driving at approximately 45 MPH. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that the vehicle was crashed into the rear and then the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was damaged to the extent that the driver's and passenger's doors had to be opened with heavy equipment. In addition, the rear of the vehicle crashed in and the rear window fractured. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was severely damaged. The contact mentioned that the other vehicle did have the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact's daughter was the only occupant in the vehicle, was transported to the medical center by EMS. The contact's daughter sustained a mild concussion, whiplash and lower back pain. In addition, the contact's daughter sustained additional bumps and bruises to the body. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,365

NHTSA ODI 11677489

The car hit 101,000 miles, and the check engine light came on. I do not remember having the spark plugs replaces, so I took the car in to the dealership to have those done thinking that was the problem. They have the car for two days. The dealership replaced the spark plugs and the crank case. The day after the car came back it did not start. Then the next time I drove it, I made it half a mile down the road and it started smoking. After the car was towed to the dealership at 9:57 am, this is the first message I received from the dealership at 4:48pm on Tuesday. "I wanted to inform you the tech did take a look at the vehicle and found a bunch of codes to different parts of the system. The shop foreman, my manager, and my director are all involved to correct this for you. Still performing inspections of different parts of the engine & under the hood." The second message I received was 11:37 Thursday "I apologize, I had to leave office yesterday at 1030 unexpectedly. I have been catching up on everything since returning today. I was informed there is coolant intrusion on the engine after performing the spark plugs. That is what caused the vehicle to start overheating. Our sincere apologies. There is a recall on the vehicle for this exact concern. It calls for an engine replacement. However, your vehicle is outside of the allotted mileage for that recall. I have submitted to both Ford and our rep for assistance to have these repairs taken care of. Per my manager, Jess & director Chris, please stay in the loaner vehicle (our cost) until we can resolve this matter. I should have an answer from our rep/Ford by this afternoon." Then I did not hear from them again until the Monday after at 1:37 pm asking for me to call them. The news on the phone call was that it was an extended warranty not a recall and that Ford was not willing to do anything about it.

NHTSA ODI 11659127

My husband were driving and per him and per my Son brake failed to work he stepped the break multiple times wouldn't work that RESULTED TO A CAR CRASH. I have a dashcam I reviewed the video the car had a weird noise then accelerated from 64-78 then that's it it crashed,, break didn't engaged The car is currently in Marion IL, I spoke with state farm they said they are in the process today in transferring the car to the closet state farm storage. I am ok for NHTSA to do forensics in the car. So let me know ASAP I can turn over the car to NHTSA for further investigation. Having the vehicle brand new for 6 years a 2018 ford escape titanium with no problem and been maintained brought to Golf Mill ford in Niles Il every 6 months and I was not told there is any problem in my car, the last time it was checked was January 2025 and all were fine I was told. The vehicle placed 5 lives was put at risk of death because of this break failure that shouldn't happen, this is something that needed checked ( and ESCALATED) and take seriously before multiple lives can possibly affected or taken. I HOPE FORD reach out to me of this matter I almost lost my husband and Son with this defect. No warning lights or anything for this brake failure and this 2018 ford escape vehicle should be updated with the technology but it's just a failure now I AM LEFT WITH NO CAR, and per state farm liable to the other party or defected car hit and we should me responsible FORD should take that responsibility. NOW I DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD GET ANOTHER FORD THE TRUST HAS BEEN TARNISHED NOT UNTIL MAYBE FROM FORD REACH OUT TO ME DIRECTLY. and I have Statefarm , I didn't feel that I was heard.. This is not our fault it's a defect. Hopefully NHTSA can help us investigate this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11657360

Vehicle involved in collision on major highway with two other vehicles. Given speed and impact of collision very surprised that the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI 11650019

Engine failure due to coolant intrusion. Ford has known about this issue for years. A recall needs to be issued.

NHTSA ODI 11626311

I bought a 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost as the 2 or 3rd owner. There were no recalls I checked and also did a carfax when I bought the car 7/4/2024. I was driving the car and all of a sudden the car slows itself down from 50mph to 5mph and give me a warning car is overheating. Got to side of road safely and took to the mechanic he then told me about fords customer satisfaction program but since I have 95k miles my car does not qualifiy as they only gave 4 months to people with 84k miles to get fixed free if you are over they will nto fix. I did not own the car when they sent this out in 2022 and there was nothing made public about this engine isssue they are aware of. I am still sore from the seat belts locking up and have neck issues. this car sits in my garage as a paperweight now.

NHTSA ODI 11615323

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to shut completely. While exiting the vehicle, the door continuously poked her lower leg. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon exiting the driver's side door, the contact was poked on her leg. The contact sustained injuries to the calf muscle and was cut. The contact was taken to the emergency room, where her leg was stitched up. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ODI 11544485

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated at high speed. The contact was not sure if a warning light was displayed or illuminated. The vehicle drove over the curb striking several shopping carts and coming to a complete stop, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The contact suffered a bruise to the chest due to the seat belt but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11534386

Seatbelt on the passenger side did not stop me from hitting the dash board and the air bags did not deploy. Was rearend while waiting to get off an of ramp.

NHTSA ODI 11532914

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 ODI 11527611

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 30 mph, he began to depress the brake pedal and also attempted to use the emergency brakes but failed to stop the vehicle and rear-ended another vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the front driver-side air bag did deploy. The driver did not sustain major injuries nor sought medical attention. The contact stated the other female driver did sustain unknown injuries and was taken to seek medical attention by an ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to the insurance towing lot. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11518072

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 12 MPH while approaching a speed bump, the vehicle lost the power steering and the hill assist warning light illuminated. The steering wheel became stiff causing the vehicle to flip completely over onto the roof of the vehicle. The contact stuffed minor injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towed lot and was deemed totally lost. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 53,086.

NHTSA ODI 11517871

Another driver ran stop sign and hit middle of car, mostly the left door behind drivers seat. The back and passager airbags released but the driver side airbag didn't fully release. I didn't know at the time that this was weird and was actually relieved it didn't. Since then, my son's dad drove my suv and told me that the front windshield may not have been bonded correctly, he has to put additional force on the breaks and the engine makes random noises whenever it does, it looses power and he has to put the pedal to the metal. He says since my suv only has 18,000 miles, it shouldn't be doing these things. It also burns through coolant. I don't know if any other fords have issues likes this too.

NHTSA ODI 11509865

2018 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM NHTSA SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 22S43/22V13. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI 11479916

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact had experienced an unintentional rollaway and was injured when the vehicle rolled over her right ankle and calf. The contact was taken to the hospital by a friend to seek medical attention. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11479955

SUV began "shuttering" at idle. Drove for another 10-15 minutes then made an appt to bring to a mechanic to check codes. As I drove vehicle for about 30 seconds the next morning, white smoke began to pour out of the tailpipe and the engine temperature gauge showed it was overheating. Pulled over and opened hood. Saw flames near engine and extinguished with an old t-shirt. Towed to mechanic. Claimed Ford had a new technical bulletin out (TMK 22-2229) that directed mechanics working on vehicles with these symptoms to replace the engine long block. Vehicle only has 67,000 miles on mostly the highway. All occurred while on vacation so I had to buy airline tickets to get back home from the vacation spot. Incident occurred 6/29. Still awaiting word from Ford on whether they will help with engine repairs/replacement. Should be a recall. Pending class action lawsuit. Danger the engine could catch fire and injure.

NHTSA ODI 11478797

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving forward into a parking space and exiting the vehicle, suddenly the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact attempted to get back into the vehicle but fell to the ground causing the front tire to roll over the right leg. The contact was taken to the hospital where medical treatment was provided. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact later received a recall notice for the NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 27,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478205

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds, pulling into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle drove over a curve and crashed into the corner of a building when it came to a complete stop. There were no air bags deployed. The contact's wife was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene of the collision. No police report was filed. The contact and his wife later received medical attention at the hospital for his neck and back injuries and his wife had fractured and bruised ribs. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a body shop for front-end damage replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11475699

On June 28, 2022 I pulled into a parking space, placed car in park & released brake, car abruptly flew into wall damaging hood & head light as well as engine. I have sore back & chest. Very disturbing, never involved in anything like this, never had accident in 41 years of driving.

NHTSA ODI 11471893

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the neighbor told the contact that her vehicle was on fire. The fire was coming from under the hood The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The cause of the fire was electrical The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463845