Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving or reversing from a complete stop, the vehicle was shuddering and there was an abnormal waterflow sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change and spark plug replacement, the contact was informed that the spark plugs were frozen, and the failure could cause the vehicle to stall while driving. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the spare tire well, he observed that the well was full of excess water. Later, he observed that water was entering from the rear passenger's side quarter panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 35,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on the passenger side door the door panel where you could rest your arm had begun to go inwards. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated it may be caused by wear and tear, however, they were not able to find an exact cause. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
I took my car into Lugoff Ford, in South Carolina today, because the passenger side dashboard is lifting up near the glove box, and I felt the transmission slip. I noticed this (Dash issue) has happened on the 2020 Fords. I was told today by the dealer that the "The Clips failed to secure the dash, probably because of to much vibration." I would have to pay $298.00 for a new dash, I have 17,279 miles on it, so under 20,000 miles these clips failed? It sat in my garage for the first 4 years of having the car. I'm 68 years old, and only drive to doctors mainly, not sure how much vibration I could cause on this, just concerned how many more people are actually doing the same, and no one is reporting them. Safety issue to me would be if the other clips failed on driver side, and the dash rose up BLOCKING YOUR VIEW WHILE DRIVING. …
Purchased a 2018 Ford escape in Oct 2024. By January 2025 the white paint around the windshield is chipping and cracking and peeling. The Ford dealership said that this was happening to all WHITE escapes and other Ford models in the white color. I was told that they are aware of the problem with the white paint but refuse to do anything about it. I was told the the surface was not cleaned properly causing the white paint not to be applied properly. The 2018 Ford escapes has engine problems too ( 2 engine replacement in 7 years also due to another known Ford problem and again they will not do anything about it.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while entering and existing the driver's door, the hinges made a loud popping sound like the door would detach. The contact stated that the hinge on the door need to be reinforced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the driver's door hinge needed to be reinforced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The paint on the pillar next to the windshield on the drivers side just bubbled up, cracked and flaked away leaving the body of my car exposed to the weather elements. Searching the internet, I have found this is a common problem with Fords, but Ford won't fix it. Since this is common and obviously a factory defect, I feel a recall should be issued to cover this.
Body complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2018 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2018 Ford Escape, 1% of the model year's 1,820 complaints. The component named most often is body (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Escape body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2018 Ford Escape, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.