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2018 Ford Escape AWD SEL

The 2018 Ford Escape AWD SEL is a 168-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $29,450 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 168 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Escape measures 178.1 inches long on a 105.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,552 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$29,450
MSRP with Destination$30,445
Destination Charge$995
Engine
Engine Type2.5L Flex Fuel I4
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower168 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelFlex Fuel (E85 capable)
Tank Capacity15.7 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17.0 in
Wheels Rear17.0 in
Tires FrontP235/55R17
Tires RearP235/55R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.1 in
Width81.8 in
Height66.3 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb Weight3,552 lbs

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (18.5 % risk)
Tested variant: 2018 Ford Escape SUV AWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2018 Ford Escape SUV FWD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford ESCAPE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 15, 2026 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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

Jun 10, 2022 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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

Feb 12, 2018 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Ford 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.

Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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

Dec 18, 2017 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Ford 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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

1,817 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford ESCAPE

Owner Complaints

1,817 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford ESCAPE (26 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 23 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine1,166
Engine And Engine Cooling345
Power Train275
Unknown Or Other107
Electrical System57
Fuel/Propulsion System45
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 21, 2026 · Exterior Lighting, Unknown Or Other, Engine Fire
“There have been several issues that cause safety concerns with my 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost. The two most concerning are the headlights and engine failure. Since I drove this vehicle off the lot…”
Oct 20, 2026 · Engine
“Apparently my 2018 Ford Escape 1.5 liter Ecoboost engine has a known flaw of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. It can be inspected right now as it's at the Ford service center. This problem could…”
Oct 18, 2026 · Engine
“I have had a cylinder 2 misfire every 6 months for the past 3 years. After the 3rd misfire I replaced the entire engine that had less than 86,000 miles with another one that had only 32,000 miles on…”
Oct 15, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature increased, and the vehicle entered Limp mode. The vehicle was driven to an independent…”
Oct 15, 2026 · Engine
“I have a 2018 Escape that died on July 10, 2026, 39312 miles. Paid $300 for a diagnosis at a Ford dealer. A new engine was recommended. The dealer quote is $13,500 for replacement. Called Ford…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2018 FORD ESCAPE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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