2018 Ford Escape Safety Report

The 2018 Ford Escape presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals significant underlying mechanical issues. With 1586 total complaints, including 25 crashes, 5 fires, and 28 injuries, there's a clear pattern of concern. A staggering 750 complaints are related to the ENGINE, with an additional 246 for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, indicating a prevalent and severe problem. This is further supported by numerous complaints detailing coolant intrusion into cylinders, leading to engine misfires and complete engine failure, often requiring costly replacements. The recall history for the 2018 Escape includes four significant campaigns. One recall addresses a fire risk due to a cracking engine block heater, directly linking to the 5 reported fires. Another critical recall involves the shifter cable bushing, which could prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, increasing the risk of unexpected movement. Furthermore, there's a recall for incorrect front brake hoses that could chafe and lead to a brake fluid leak, potentially lengthening stopping distances and increasing crash risk. Finally, a recall for side curtain airbags addresses a component that may detach during deployment, posing a projectile risk to occupants. In summary, while the 2018 Ford Escape performs well in controlled crash tests, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning engine failures and power train issues, along with multiple safety recalls, suggests potential long-term reliability and safety concerns. The 'coolant intrusion' problem, specifically with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, stands out as a major and frequently reported defect, often occurring outside of warranty and leading to expensive repairs. Buyers should be aware of these documented mechanical vulnerabilities despite the strong crash test scores.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be highly cautious of the 2018 Ford Escape due to widespread and severe engine coolant intrusion issues, which can lead to costly engine replacement, and be aware of the four safety recalls.