2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers versatility and practicality. Available engines include a 2.5L Duratec I4 producing around 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, a 1.5L EcoBoost I4 producing around 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L EcoBoost I4 producing around 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. All engine options are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency (especially with the smaller EcoBoost engines), and available technology. Common complaints include the somewhat cramped rear seating, potential reliability issues with the EcoBoost engines, and occasionally frustrating infotainment system.

Engine

2.5L Duratec I4

• No Issues Found

1.5L EcoBoost I4

• Coolant Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, potentially causing engine damage or failure. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, engine misfires, and coolant loss. This issue stems from a design flaw in the engine block and cylinder head that can lead to cracking and coolant seepage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the engine is often required. In some cases, a short block replacement might be sufficient, but a full engine replacement is the most common and reliable long-term solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil between oil changes. Symptoms include the need to frequently add oil, blue smoke from the exhaust, and potentially engine knocking if oil levels get too low. This can be caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, or issues with the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system.
  • Solution: A compression test and leak-down test can help determine the source of the oil consumption. Depending on the cause, solutions may range from replacing valve seals or piston rings to replacing the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L EcoBoost I4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission experiences rough or jerky shifts between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration. This can be caused by worn transmission fluid, faulty solenoids within the transmission, or valve body issues.
  • Solution: Start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. A transmission fluid flush and filter change may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a diagnostic scan can help identify faulty solenoids or other internal transmission components that may need replacement. In some cases, the valve body itself may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises coming from the rear suspension, particularly when going over bumps. This can be caused by worn sway bar bushings, worn rear shocks, or broken coil springs.
  • Solution: Inspect the sway bar bushings, shocks, and coil springs for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the components needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains overnight or within a few days of being parked, resulting in a no-start condition. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty electrical component or module, a failing alternator, or a weak battery.
  • Solution: Have a mechanic perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the battery drain. Replace any faulty components or modules that are causing the draw. If the alternator is not properly charging the battery, it may need to be replaced. Finally, ensure the battery is in good condition and replace it if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain and the necessary repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Ford SYNC infotainment system experiences frequent freezing, crashing, or slow response times. This can be caused by software glitches, outdated software, or hardware issues within the infotainment system itself.
  • Solution: Try performing a hard reset of the SYNC system. Check for any available software updates and install them if necessary. If the problem persists, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500+ (APIM replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the rear liftgate, including the liftgate not latching properly or the power liftgate malfunctioning. This can be caused by a faulty liftgate latch, damaged struts, or issues with the power liftgate motor or control module.
  • Solution: Inspect the liftgate latch, struts, and power liftgate components for damage or wear. Replace any faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2018 Ford Escape, while generally a good compact SUV, does have some potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most concerning issues relate to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, specifically coolant intrusion and excessive oil consumption, which can lead to costly engine repairs. Other common issues include transmission harsh shifting, rear suspension noise, electrical problems like battery drain, infotainment system malfunctions, and rear liftgate issues. While not all Escapes will experience these problems, it’s wise to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before buying. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission repairs.