2018 Ford Escape recalls
Safety recalls listed by NHTSA
4
A recall on the model year does not always mean your car is affected. Your VIN decides. Confirm open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
All 4 2018 Ford Escape recalls, newest first
Jan 15, 2026Equipment, ElectricalFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 to 2018 Focus, 2013 to 2019 Escape, and 2015 to 2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1 866 436 7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · Ford Motor Company
Jun 10, 2022Power Train, Automatic TransmissionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 CMax, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1 866 436 7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · Ford Motor Company
Feb 12, 2018Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Foundation ComponentsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1 866 436 7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
NHTSA campaign 18V104000 · Ford Motor Company
Dec 18, 2017Air Bags, Side/windowFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1 866 436 7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
NHTSA campaign 17V803000 · Ford Motor Company
Other Ford recalls
FAQ
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2018 Ford Escape. Not every car of this model year is affected, so check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.
How do I check if my 2018 Ford Escape has an open recall?
Enter your 17 character VIN in the NHTSA lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call any franchised dealer of the brand. The VIN check tells you which recalls are still open on your exact car.
Are recall repairs free?
Yes. Under federal law the manufacturer must fix a safety recall for free at an authorized dealer, no matter who owns the car or how old it is. Some recalls on very old vehicles may be limited, so ask the dealer.
How long does a recall repair take?
Most recall fixes take under two hours once the dealer has the parts. When parts are short the dealer may need weeks, and for do not drive recalls they often offer a loaner or towing.