WrenchReport

Sample report

This is the full report, unedited, for a real 2018 Ford Escape — exactly what $9.99 delivers. The demo odometer is 87,000 miles and the demo asking price is $12,000; every number moves for the VIN you enter.

Mechanic's report — sample

VIN 1FMCU9GD8JUA47197 (sample)

2018 Ford Escape

1.5L 4-cylinder 170 hp gasoline · four-wheel drive · automatic.

87,000 miles on the clock · asking $12,000

Built in LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.

The verdict

Catastrophic warning on record — price the coolant intrusion into the cylinders before you commit.

The mechanic's opinion

The federal record for this exact build carries 16 documented warnings. The serious one: coolant intrusion into the cylinders, a $5,500-$7,500 repair when it lets go. Owners also document 5 fire or crash complaints tied to these patterns.

At 87k miles, engine seizure and internal destruction sits in the due-now window. Have it checked before money changes hands.

We could not build a fair-price zone for this trim today — no book value and no live listings on file. The repair ranges still name your leverage at the table.

4 recall repairs remain open on this build — by law each is free at a dealer, so ask for the completion paperwork. Federal crash tests rate this model 5 stars overall. Federal fuel cost runs about $2,700 a year.

Warnings on record
16
3 catastrophic · 7 expensive · 6 watch
Maker bulletins
173
every TSB listed, by number
Worst repair on file
$8,500
Open recalls
4
free at a dealer
Crash rating
5-star overall
this model, federal tests
Fuel cost
$2,700/yr
federal estimate

Pattern, not inspection. We have never touched this car.

Read the evidence

Use this at the negotiation table

Read against 87,000 miles.

The sample is tuned to an odometer of 87,000 miles — yours tunes to the car you are standing next to.

Due around now

  • Engine seizure and internal destruction

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 45k and 90k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $5,000-$8,500 off the price.

    $5,000-$8,500

  • Coolant intrusion into the cylinders

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 45k and 95k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $5,500-$7,500 off the price.

    $5,500-$7,500

  • Transmission failure

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 45k and 100k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $3,800-$6,500 off the price.

    $3,800-$6,500

  • Stalling and sudden loss of power

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 25k and 90k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $600-$2,400 off the price.

    $600-$2,400

  • Cooling system leaks

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 35k and 90k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $250-$1,200 off the price.

    $250-$1,200

  • Ignition coils and engine misfires

    You are inside the window: owners report this between 45k and 100k miles. Ask for proof it was handled — no receipts, $200-$800 off the price.

    $200-$800

Behind you — ask who paid

  • Turbocharger and boost faults

    This failure usually strikes by 75k miles. If it never happened, fine. If it happened and was not fixed, that is $1,800-$3,800 — ask who paid for it.

    $1,800-$3,800

  • Steering faults

    This failure usually strikes by 50k miles. If it never happened, fine. If it happened and was not fixed, that is $400-$1,600 — ask who paid for it.

    $400-$1,600

  • Electrical faults

    This failure usually strikes by 55k miles. If it never happened, fine. If it happened and was not fixed, that is $150-$900 — ask who paid for it.

    $150-$900

  • Infotainment and display faults

    This failure usually strikes by 60k miles. If it never happened, fine. If it happened and was not fixed, that is $150-$700 — ask who paid for it.

    $150-$700

No mileage pattern

  • Emissions and exhaust component failure

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $1,400-$2,900 if it shows up.

    $1,400-$2,900

  • Air bag and restraint faults

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $900-$2,500 if it shows up.

    $900-$2,500

  • Brake system failure

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $500-$1,800 if it shows up.

    $500-$1,800

  • Fuel pump and injector faults

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $700-$1,600 if it shows up.

    $700-$1,600

  • Doors, latches and structure

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $200-$800 if it shows up.

    $200-$800

  • Wipers, defrost and visibility

    No common mileage in the complaint record — it can surface at any odometer. $120-$450 if it shows up.

    $120-$450

Worst single item on this table: $5,000-$8,500. Name it out loud at the table — sellers discount documented risks faster than imagined ones.

Repair Cost Ranges are typical shop estimates for the job on this build, not quotes for this car. Every line cites the federal complaint and recall record on the cards below.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Open the hood. Check the coolant reservoir: below the mark, or sludge, is a sign.
  • Unscrew the oil filler cap. Look at the underside. Milky residue means coolant is in the oil.
  • Watch the exhaust at idle. Sweet-smelling white steam points to the same failure.
Catastrophic

$5,500-$7,500

Coolant intrusion into the cylinders

The cylinder head or block casting lets coolant reach the combustion chambers. The cylinder fills with coolant and the engine stops turning — hydro-lock — which destroys it.

Range breakdown

15–19 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — a remanufactured engine runs $1,925–$2,325 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($1,650–$2,850) plus counter parts ($3,850–$4,650) is the $5,500-$7,500 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 45k–95k miles.

Middle half of the 157 complaints that state a mileage.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 785 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 26V011000
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system
  • 1 complaint reports a fire

In owners' words

  • My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replac...
  • Supplemental Information – NHTSA Complaint XXX– 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost.Vehicle information: 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Turbocharged EcoBoost VIN:...
  • I have a 2018 Ford Escape with a 1.5 liter engine. I am loosing coolant into my combustion chambers. I just learned that Ford knew about this problem but did...
Catastrophic

$5,000-$8,500

Engine seizure and internal destruction

Oil starvation or bearing wear lets the rotating assembly contact the block. The engine locks, and the only repair is a replacement engine.

Range breakdown

7–18 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — a remanufactured engine runs $2,115–$2,900 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($770–$2,700) plus counter parts ($4,230–$5,800) is the $5,000-$8,500 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 45k–90k miles.

Middle half of the 55 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Start the engine cold. A knock that rises with rpm is a bearing on its way out.
  • Ask for the oil change receipts. Long gaps are how this failure starts.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 226 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 26V011000
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system

In owners' words

  • 2018 Ford Escape Mileage 74,920. Catastrophic unrepairable engine failure due to coolant leaking into engine on 09/21/26. Ford Motor Company knew of this des...
  • As I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5 liter EcoBoost on the interstate at the posted 70 mph limit, my dash warning center display said Cross Traffic Fa...
  • At approximately 64,500 miles, my Ford Escape was diagnosed by a Ford dealership with coolant intrusion into 3 of 4 cylinders. At the time of diagnosis, the ...
Catastrophic

$3,800-$6,500

Transmission failure

Clutch packs or valve body wear out early on this build. The transmission slips, shudders or drops gears, and the repair is a rebuild or a replacement unit.

Range breakdown

5–9 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — a remanufactured transmission runs $1,625–$2,575 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($550–$1,350) plus counter parts ($3,250–$5,150) is the $3,800-$6,500 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 45k–100k miles.

Middle half of the 10 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • On the test drive, hold a steady 45 mph. A shudder or rpm flare between gears is the tell.
  • Ask the seller whether the transmission fluid has ever been changed.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 43 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 22V413000
  • 29 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system

In owners' words

  • COMPONENTS FAILED & AVAILABILITY:Engine and transmission failed concurrently at 45,893 miles. Engine suffered internal coolant intrusion per Ford TSB 19-2139...
  • Safety issue involving a 2018 Ford Escape, Shortly after purchase, after approximately 80 miles of use, the vehicle displayed a “Service Transmission Now” wa...
  • I have not even had this car for a year spent 10,000 on it it had less than 100,000 miles sounded great no noises or engine lights first it was the canister ...
Expensive

$600-$2,400

Stalling and sudden loss of power

Fuel delivery, sensor or throttle body faults cut the engine without warning. The car stalls in traffic, which is a safety problem before it is a repair bill.

Range breakdown

2–5 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the pump, throttle body or sensor behind it runs $190–$825 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($220–$750) plus counter parts ($380–$1,650) is the $600-$2,400 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 25k–90k miles.

Middle half of the 40 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • On the test drive, make one full stop-and-go pass. A hesitation at launch is where these complaints start.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 184 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 26V011000
  • 66 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system
  • 2 complaints report a crash

In owners' words

  • Transmission suddenly failed causing vehicle to violently vibrate and stall. No warning lamp or check engine light. Vehicle has been repaired by independent ...
  • My 2018 Ford Escape SEL with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine has only 12,770 miles. The vehicle experienced a misfire and coolant-related issue resulting in loss of...
  • My 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L EcoBoost is actively suffering from the manufacturer defect outlined in Ford TSB 19-2375 (coolant intrusion into the engine cylin...
Expensive

$400-$1,600

Steering faults

Electric power steering units and tie rods fail, and the driver feels it: a heavy wheel, a clunk, a pull.

Range breakdown

2–3 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the assist unit, rack or tie rods runs $90–$575 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($220–$450) plus counter parts ($180–$1,150) is the $400-$1,600 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 20k–50k miles.

Middle half of the 6 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • With the engine running, turn the wheel at rest. Groaning or weight changes point at the assist unit.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 32 complaints
  • 1 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall
  • 4 complaints report a crash

In owners' words

  • I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding a complete powertrain failure on my 2018 Ford Escape Titanium AWD equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Thi...
  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when turning her steering wheel to either the left or right, an abnormal thumping noise would em...
  • This vehicle is driven by my [XXX] 3 things happened the third can cause an accident leading to death or a multi car accident. #1 [XXX] driving on the freewa...
Expensive

$1,800-$3,800

Turbocharger and boost faults

Turbo bearings, wastegates and boost control fail on smaller forced-induction engines. Oil and coolant lines feed the turbo, so one leak can take the unit with it.

Range breakdown

3–8 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the turbo assembly runs $735–$1,300 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($330–$1,200) plus counter parts ($1,470–$2,600) is the $1,800-$3,800 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 35k–75k miles.

Middle half of the 7 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • On the test drive, use full throttle briefly in second gear. A siren whine or a flat spot is the tell.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 22 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 26V011000
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system

In owners' words

  • Supplemental Information – NHTSA Complaint XXX– 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost.Vehicle information: 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Turbocharged EcoBoost VIN:...
  • took to a shop to replace dead battery. shop did full inspection as this shop does for me. shop found oil dripping down cv boot and thought I needed new CV b...
  • 2018 Ford Escape SEL 1.5L 4Cyl Turbo. 43,883 miles. Engine light came on. Checked by mechanic on 1/15/26. (Philadelphia PA 19128). Diagnosis: Coolant leaking...
Expensive

$900-$2,500

Air bag and restraint faults

Air bag modules, sensors or inflators fail two ways: they do not deploy when needed, or they deploy without impact. Open recalls on this component are corrected free at a dealer.

Range breakdown

2–6 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the module, sensor or inflator runs $340–$800 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($220–$900) plus counter parts ($680–$1,600) is the $900-$2,500 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Look for the air bag warning light. It must come on briefly, then go out. Staying on means a fault.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 17 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 17V803000
  • 12 complaints report a crash

In owners' words

  • WHILE DRIVING TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER MY HUDBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY....
  • Driver rear-ended another car, the airbags did not deploy. The cars passenger front was damaged, the front end frame was bent, and the car is deemed totaled....
  • The complaint was submitted on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's...
Expensive

$700-$1,600

Fuel pump and injector faults

High pressure fuel pumps and injectors fail early on some engines. The car cranks but will not run, or runs rough under load.

Range breakdown

2–4 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the pump or injectors runs $240–$500 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($220–$600) plus counter parts ($480–$1,000) is the $700-$1,600 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Turn the key to run, not start, twice. A faint whine from the rear for a second is the pump priming. Silence is a sign.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 15 complaints

In owners' words

  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The c...
  • Frequently (not all the time) the motor would shake after filling with the gas in tank when I start the engine and it stops pumping. So It needs to be turned...
  • The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. The vehic...
Expensive

$500-$1,800

Brake system failure

Master cylinder, booster or ABS unit faults leave the pedal long or the brakes weak. Owners report the pedal going to the floor.

Range breakdown

2–4 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the master cylinder, booster or ABS module runs $140–$600 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($220–$600) plus counter parts ($280–$1,200) is the $500-$1,800 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • With the engine off, press the brake pedal. It should firm up after two pumps. A sinking pedal is the tell.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 3 complaints
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 18V104000
  • 5 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system
  • 1 complaint reports a crash

In owners' words

  • My husband were driving and per him and per my Son brake failed to work he stepped the break multiple times wouldn't work that RESULTED TO A CAR CRASH. I hav...
  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal went to the f...
  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while approaching an intersection and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended...
Expensive

$1,400-$2,900

Emissions and exhaust component failure

Catalytic converters, EGR coolers and related parts are expensive to replace and rarely covered after the emissions warranty ends.

Range breakdown

3–6 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the converter or EGR cooler runs $535–$1,000 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($330–$900) plus counter parts ($1,070–$2,000) is the $1,400-$2,900 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Look under the car for a rattling heat shield, and ask whether the check engine light has ever been on for a catalyst code.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 1 complaint
  • NHTSA recall campaigns 26V011000
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system

In owners' words

  • The engine is misfiring and riding rough, with the check engine light on. After a series of service calls to an independent mechanic to replace other compone...
Watch

$200-$800

Ignition coils and engine misfires

Coils and plugs on this build wear early. The engine misfires, runs rough and flashes the check engine light before it strands you.

Range breakdown

1–3 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — coils and plugs runs $45–$175 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($110–$450) plus counter parts ($90–$350) is the $200-$800 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 45k–100k miles.

Middle half of the 88 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Start it cold. A rough first ten seconds or a shaking idle is the tell.
  • Ask whether the check engine light has ever flashed, not just glowed.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 391 complaints
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall
  • 1 complaint reports a fire

In owners' words

  • My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replac...
  • The engine began misfiring and causing the car to shake and causing an engine light on ignition, pulling an error code of P0304, pointing to an issue with th...
  • At approximately 64,500 miles, my Ford Escape was diagnosed by a Ford dealership with coolant intrusion into 3 of 4 cylinders. At the time of diagnosis, the ...
Watch

$250-$1,200

Cooling system leaks

Radiator seams, plastic thermostat housings and water pump seals fail first. Losing coolant slowly becomes overheating, and overheating becomes a head gasket.

Range breakdown

1–5 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the radiator, water pump or thermostat housing runs $70–$225 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($110–$750) plus counter parts ($140–$450) is the $250-$1,200 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 35k–90k miles.

Middle half of the 100 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Check the coolant reservoir cold. Below the mark or pink crust around the cap is a sign.
  • Look for dried coolant trails on the hoses and under the water pump weep hole.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 375 complaints
  • 44 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall

In owners' words

  • 2018 Ford Escape Mileage 74,920. Catastrophic unrepairable engine failure due to coolant leaking into engine on 09/21/26. Ford Motor Company knew of this des...
  • Coolant reservoir emptying due to design flaws. Rough idle,white smoke from exhaust. Engine light constantly on. No Coolant or wet spots on the ground. Coola...
  • The engine is having issues. There is coolant leaking into the engine. Causing for the engine to shake upon starting the car. Issues that can come from opera...
Watch

$150-$900

Electrical faults

Battery drain, alternator, wiring and sensor faults cluster here. Individually small, they strand the car and mask other failures.

Range breakdown

1–2 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the alternator, battery or sensor runs $20–$300 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($110–$300) plus counter parts ($40–$600) is the $150-$900 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 15k–55k miles.

Middle half of the 12 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Check that every warning light works on startup, then goes out. A bulb test defeats a dead dashboard light.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 66 complaints
  • 71 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall
  • 2 complaints report a crash
  • 1 complaint reports a fire

In owners' words

  • My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replac...
  • As I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5 liter EcoBoost on the interstate at the posted 70 mph limit, my dash warning center display said Cross Traffic Fa...
  • Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power t...
Watch

$120-$450

Wipers, defrost and visibility

Wiper motors, defrost grids and glass faults cut visibility in rain. Complaints cluster around sudden wiper failure.

Range breakdown

half an hour to an hour of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the wiper motor or glass runs $32.50–$150 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($55–$150) plus counter parts ($65–$300) is the $120-$450 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Run the wipers and the rear defrost for thirty seconds before you sign anything.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 15 complaints
  • 2 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall

In owners' words

  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the windshield wipers activated independently. Neither an ...
  • No dummy lights show. Drivers low beam wiring connector melts and burns out headlight bulb. I have had it replaced by Ford dealer RT 2, Dixon Il on 12/20/24 ...
  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on January 11th, 2026, the vehicle was purchased and the contact discovered later that the heate...
Watch

$150-$700

Infotainment and display faults

Screens freeze, cameras go black and control modules reboot. Costly to diagnose, rarely dangerous.

Range breakdown

1–3 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the screen, camera or module runs $20–$125 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($110–$450) plus counter parts ($40–$250) is the $150-$700 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Owners report this most often between 30k–60k miles.

Middle half of the 3 complaints that state a mileage.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Bring up the backup camera and the climate controls before the test drive. Freeze on arrival is the tell.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 13 complaints
  • 74 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall

In owners' words

  • While accelerating onto a 70 mph highway via an on-ramp, my vehicle suddenly began to misfire severely, resulting in a dramatic loss of power. It was unable ...
  • The APIM failed in both my ESCAPE and F150. These vehicles are under 65,000 miles and are 2018. This is a known issue, and is all over Internet forums. The A...
  • Multiple times when weather is cold (currently 42 degrees, so not even that cold) the engine will not start. It is a brand new engine that was replaced after...
Watch

$200-$800

Doors, latches and structure

Latch and hinge faults can leave a door ajar while driving. Annoying, loud, and cheap to fix once identified.

Range breakdown

1–2 hours of book labor at $110–$150 an hour, plus the parts — the latch or hinge assembly runs $45–$250 wholesale, doubled at the counter.

That labor ($110–$300) plus counter parts ($90–$500) is the $200-$800 range. A shop billing past $150 an hour, or a dealer parts counter, quotes above it.

Walkaround Check

Go do this now. It takes ninety seconds.

  • Open and close every door once. A latch that needs a second try is the pattern.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, owner complaint database: 8 complaints
  • 7 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) on file for this system — none of them became a recall

In owners' words

  • 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 inde...
  • The contact 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced at a local dealer, the front driver’s side door failed to latch securely. The...
  • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination and attempting to open the liftgate, the contact was unable to...

Searched and Cleared

Every pattern we searched for this build that did not earn a Warning.

  • Oil cooler and filter housing leaks
  • A/C compressor and condenser failure
  • Sunroof glass shattering
  • Battery drain and dead-battery no-starts
  • Windshield cracking without impact
  • Power headrests deploying on their own
  • Seat mounting bolts working loose

NHTSA complaint database, 1,798 complaints; NHTSA recall database, campaigns 26V011000, 22V413000, 17V803000, 18V104000; searched 23 failure patterns.

Price check — is this a fair buy

We could not price $12,000 against the market right now — no book value and no live listings on file for this build. The repair ranges on this report still stand.

  • The worst documented repair due around this odometer: $5,000–$8,500 (6 fall in the due-now window — the rest are on the negotiation table above). Book value assumes a healthy engine; the record here says otherwise, so the big one comes off the top.

Demo read — the live price form appears on a paid report.

The math is the evidence on this report only: documented repair ranges off the book or asking price. It cannot see option packages, tires, or a seller who needs money by Friday. Add an odometer in the negotiation table to move repairs in or out of the due-now column.

Open recalls — 4 campaigns on record

These repairs are free at any dealer of the brand — no mileage limit, no expiry. Sellers are required to have recall work done, so ask for the completed paperwork.

  • Campaign 17V803000 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

    Listed for this model without naming your engine — may not apply

    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.

    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.

  • Campaign 18V104000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Listed for this model without naming your engine — may not apply

    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...

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

  • Campaign 22V413000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

    Listed for this model without naming your engine — may not apply

    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...

    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....

  • Campaign 26V011000 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    Listed for this model without naming your engine — may not apply

    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...

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

Recalls are listed per build (year, make, model). Confirm against this exact car's VIN on NHTSA's official lookup before relying on it.

Check this exact VIN at NHTSA.govForward to the seller

Every manufacturer communication on file for this exact build — service bulletins (TSBs), dealer symptom fixes (SSMs) and the like — obtained through the federal Manufacturer Communications file. A pile of bulletins on one system means the maker was fighting that problem in writing before your car was ever built. Bulletins that touch one of the report's Warnings are flagged at the top; the rest run newest first. Hand the numbers to a shop — they can pull the full bulletin by its ID.

BulletinDateSystem covered
SSM 523352024-03-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 514092023-03-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 22-23222022-08-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 22-22292022-06-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

19B37-S42022-06-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

21N122022-06-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

19B372022-06-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 22-21332022-04-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 22-21342022-04-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 504392022-01-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 21-22692021-09-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 498212021-05-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 495962021-02-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 492102020-09-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 488952020-06-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / ENGINE / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

19B37-S32020-05-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 20-21002020-04-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

19B37-S12020-01-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB-20-20022020-01-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 19-23462019-12-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 19-23752019-12-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 19-21392019-11-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 481502019-08-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 481062019-07-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 19-22082019-06-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 480462019-06-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 19-21722019-06-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB19-21712019-05-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 479482019-04-26

ENGINE

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 479372019-04-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / ENGINE

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 478492019-03-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 477042018-12-11

ENGINE / EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 476622018-11-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 476252018-10-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

TSB 18-22552018-08-23

ENGINE

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 474622018-08-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 474202018-07-19

ENGINE / EQUIPMENT / SERVICE BRAKES

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Brake system failure · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 473972018-07-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / ENGINE

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 472312018-04-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 472042018-03-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 471872018-03-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING / EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 471582018-03-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 470002018-01-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 470002018-01-08

ENGINE / POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

flagged: Coolant intrusion into the cylinders · Engine seizure and internal destruction · Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Turbocharger and boost faults · Emissions and exhaust component failure · Cooling system leaks · Ignition coils and engine misfires

SSM 543662025-11-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 22-20662022-04-26

POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 500492021-08-17

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

TSB 21-21522021-05-18

EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

TSB 21-20332021-03-10

POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 492922020-10-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 20-21652020-05-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 487252020-04-03

POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 484232019-12-20

POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

19B372019-12-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 479762019-05-10

POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

TSB 19-20172019-02-05

EQUIPMENT / POWER TRAIN

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

TSB 19-20172019-02-05

POWER TRAIN / POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 477502019-01-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 18-22462018-08-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

tsb18-22102018-07-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

tsb18-21782018-07-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 472632018-04-25

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 472382018-04-16

EQUIPMENT / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

18U122018-04-09

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 471702018-03-21

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power

SSM 469002017-11-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

flagged: Transmission failure · Stalling and sudden loss of power · Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 476382018-11-01

STEERING / STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

flagged: Steering faults

SSM 512612022-12-16

SERVICE BRAKES

flagged: Brake system failure

SSM 511202022-10-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

flagged: Brake system failure

18U17-S12018-06-01

EQUIPMENT / SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER / SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

flagged: Brake system failure

SSM 546012026-02-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / STRUCTURE:BODY / UNKNOWN OR OTHER

flagged: Electrical faults · Doors, latches and structure · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 25-25702025-11-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 518382023-08-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 509752022-07-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 508732022-06-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 508042022-05-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 503752021-12-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE / EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 500672021-08-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 500392021-08-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 21-21752021-06-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 498202021-05-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 498032021-05-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 497952021-05-12

COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 21-20772021-03-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 492842020-10-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE / EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 490842020-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

TSB 20-22552020-08-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 489082020-06-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 488582020-05-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 487572020-04-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 486192020-03-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / UNKNOWN OR OTHER

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

19B37-S22020-02-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 485582020-02-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 483402019-11-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 483352019-11-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / TRAILER HITCHES

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 483162019-11-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 482792019-10-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 482672019-10-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 482602019-10-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 481232019-08-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 480532019-06-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478502019-04-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478752019-03-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478242019-02-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478242019-02-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478212019-02-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 478212019-02-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477842019-02-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477842019-02-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL / LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477482019-01-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477352019-01-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477222018-12-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477112018-12-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 477032018-12-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 475752018-10-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 475382018-09-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 475132018-09-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 475082018-09-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 474672018-08-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 474702018-08-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 474442018-08-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

tsb18-22292018-07-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 474302018-07-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK / STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE / TRAILER HITCHES

flagged: Electrical faults · Doors, latches and structure · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 474242018-07-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 473792018-06-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 473802018-06-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 472292018-04-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 470862018-02-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 469332017-11-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / EQUIPMENT

flagged: Electrical faults · Infotainment and display faults

SSM 481302019-08-09

VISIBILITY / VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

flagged: Wipers, defrost and visibility

SSM 476782018-11-21

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

flagged: Wipers, defrost and visibility

SSM 530402024-10-10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

flagged: Infotainment and display faults

TSB 24-21652024-05-27

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

flagged: Infotainment and display faults

SSM 502512021-11-02

COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS / UNKNOWN OR OTHER

flagged: Infotainment and display faults

SSM 515362023-04-04

STRUCTURE

flagged: Doors, latches and structure

TSB 20-21712020-05-18

SEATS / STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

flagged: Doors, latches and structure

SSM 479092019-04-04

EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY / STRUCTURE

flagged: Doors, latches and structure

TSB 19-20562019-03-01

STRUCTURE / STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

flagged: Doors, latches and structure

17-22182017-11-03

STRUCTURE

flagged: Doors, latches and structure

SSM 524762024-04-24

EQUIPMENT

SAN-Vol1 I12023-06-08

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SSM 507262022-04-27

COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

SSM 506512022-04-05

COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS / EQUIPMENT

TSB 22-21042022-03-21

EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL / SEATS

SSM 505022022-02-17

SEATS

SSM 503462021-12-14

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SSM 500642021-08-25

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING

TSB 21-22362021-07-22

SEATS

SSM 495412021-02-03

EQUIPMENT

SSM 481352019-08-14

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SSM 478582019-03-14

SUSPENSION / SUSPENSION:REAR

SSM 477492019-01-17

EQUIPMENT

SSM 477242018-12-19

EQUIPMENT

TSB 18-23612018-12-04

EQUIPMENT / SEATS

TSB 18-23312018-11-01

TIRES / WHEELS

SSM 476342018-11-01

TIRES

SSM 475192018-09-13

EQUIPMENT

SSM 474992018-08-30

EQUIPMENT

SSM 474162018-07-18

EQUIPMENT / SUSPENSION

SSM 473352018-06-06

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER / EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SSM 472192018-04-06

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SSM 472012018-03-30

EQUIPMENT

SSM 472032018-03-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SSM 470802018-02-14

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SSM 470402018-01-26

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SSM 470402018-01-26

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL / EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SSM 470092018-01-10

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SSM 470092018-01-10

EQUIPMENT / EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SSM 469302017-11-22

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

tsb17-22072017-10-20

TIRES

SSM 468602017-10-06

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

SSM 468622017-10-06

BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM

SSM 468542017-10-04

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

173 manufacturer communications on file for the 2018 Ford Escape. Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communications (TSBs received), read for this build's year, make and model.

These are defect classes the manufacturer acknowledged by extending warranty coverage instead of issuing a recall. No recall exists for these problems — the extension is how the maker paid for them quietly. Coverage terms and limits are stated exactly as the program letter sets them; a program whose window has closed is still evidence the maker knew this part fails, which is worth real money in a negotiation.

1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion — short block replacement (Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12)

7 years or 84,000 miles from the original warranty start, whichever comes first

Ford paid for a one-time short block replacement when this engine let coolant into the cylinders — the exact failure pattern in this report (low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running). Coverage transferred to subsequent owners, but both the 7-year and 84,000-mile limits have now closed for 2017–2018 builds. If this car shows the symptom, that program is your negotiating evidence: Ford's own documents attribute it to coolant intrusion.

Program closed for 2017–2018 builds (7 yr / 84,000 mi limits passed).

Read the program letter (PDF)

Eligibility is always checked by VIN at a dealer service desk — bring the program letter and ask them to run the VIN before paying for any of these repairs yourself.

Fuel economy — federal ratings for this engine

22 city / 28 highway — 24 combined MPG. The EPA's yearly fuel bill for this engine: $2,700.

Worth a line at the negotiation table on a high-mileage example: a thirstier engine is a running cost the sticker price never shows.

EPA ratings via fueleconomy.gov (Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo). National estimate, not your gas bill; the same engine in another trim can differ by a point or two.

Federal crash ratings — NHTSA 5-star program

5-star overall — 5-star front crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover resistance.

The stars grade how this model's design performed in government crash tests. They say nothing about how this specific car was maintained, crashed before, or repaired.

Rated variant: 2018 Ford Escape SUV AWD. A differently configured trim of the same model year may carry its own ratings.

What this report is

Pattern, not inspection. We have never touched this car.

This is a predictive diagnostic built from federal bulletins, recalls and national owner complaint patterns for this exact build — the car's factory DNA. It is not a claim about this individual vehicle's condition. It cannot see deferred maintenance, hidden damage or how this car was driven. Repair Cost Ranges are market estimates for the named failure, not quotes.

Sources read today: the NHTSA vPIC decoder and the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint, recall and manufacturer-bulletin (TSB) databases — 173 manufacturer bulletins on file for this build, every one listed by number in the Bulletins tab. A Clean Read means no documented systemic pattern for this build, not a clean bill of health for this car.

What this report does not cover

Title history, accidents, salvage brands and odometer rollback are not here — that data lives in NMVTIS, the federal title database, and no report at our price includes it. If the car's past matters more than its future, the official check costs a few dollars: vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov. We read what breaks next, which that report cannot see.

That is the whole product. Now run the car you are actually standing next to.

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