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 Fault, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Front Camera Fault, Collision Warning Not Available, Blindspot Left Sensor Fault, AWD Temporarily Unavailable, and Speed Control (radar?) not available. It then felt as if my AWD was switching on and off while making weird clicking noises. My engine then began missing and running very rough. After a very short period of time, it completely shut down and would not start and I wasn’t able to get the all the way to the right because of impatient drivers passing me on the right as my vehicle slowed. I’m [XXX] and had trouble pushing the car with the driver door open while steering it. The road was slightly uphill. Fortunately, two men stopped and helped me push it off the road. After several hours of waiting on the side of the road I was able to get it towed on a flatbed tow truck. I had it towed to Brondes Ford in Maumee, Ohio and they diagnosed that it has the coolant intrusion issue. They said it needed a new motor and the estimate was about $11,000. I contacted Ford Customer Support for help with the cost and was told there was no Customer Satisfaction program to help me. She said I would need to pay the entire amount myself. I asked for her to have a supervisor call me and the supervisor said there was nothing she could do as Ford had made no accommodations for owners of these 1.5-liter EcoBoost vehicles (“open deck” cooling grooves block design defect) Which have a known extremely high percentage of engine failure. My Escape is still sitting unrepaired in the Ford Dealer’s lot as I’m hoping that a Class Action Suit will prevail to help those customers, including myself, that Ford chose to turn their back on. This known by Ford engine failure probability was extremity dangerous for me and could easily have cost me my life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
2018 Ford Escape brakes problems
27 complaints (1% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 27
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 32,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
- Foundation components: disc: caliper1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Escape brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford Escape brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 18V104000 · Recall details
What 2018 Ford Escape owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My daughter was driving down the highway and the brakes all of sudden wouldn’t work. She narrowly avoided a collision and got the vehicle to a stop. We had it towed to My shop for inspection and turns out the vacuum pump went out without warning and causes power brakes to fail. I have fixed it and only 5 days later the the head gasket blew. I have received quotes from multiple dealerships. All say they that due to the year and the problems with the 1.5 liter block they have to replace the engine.
On Sept.17, 2021 my 2018 Ford Escape rolled away. When I was leaving a driveway, I got in car, buckled my seatbelt, started the engine and put the vehicle in Reverse. I immediately realized I had not paid for the item and shifted into Park. I unbuckled my seatbelt, opened the door, got out of my vehicle, walked fully past the door. At that point, I noticed the vehicle rolling backward on the flat driveway. I ran after my car to try to get my foot on brake because I was in a neighborhood with children. I nearly got my foot on it when I was knocked down and the driver-side front wheel ran over me, crushing my pelvis and sacrum and causing other injuries to my abdomen and legs. -I believe my car was in False Park.That is why it didn’t move as soon as I took my foot off the brake and was able to clear the open door. Both my husband and I have been able to get the car back to that false park position where it might stick for 5 seconds or several minutes. I have several videos I can share. - Automatic Electronic Park Brake would have prevented this accident. - Inadequate Warnings 1.The chime for Door Open when in Park is almost identical to the Door is Open not in Park. 2.The warning on the dash is in white and Orange for Door Open In Park and All WHITE for the more dangerous Door Open Not in Park. 3. A warning in the magnitude and attention-grabbing of the Seatbelt off or Collision warning would be more appropriate. 4.Ford did not warn customers until July of 2022 that there was a transmission issue recall. However, Ford sent a technical Bulletin to their Dealer Repair shops that there was a transmission issue in March 2021. I always used my Parking brake on hills but not on flat ground. Had Ford sent me a warning in March 2021, I most certainly would have used it that day and every day. -Quick Reference Guide should include Parking Brake Information and warning not just in the long owners manual. They don't even show its location.
Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to FORD even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- Occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/17/17 I request FORD buy back this vehicle at full purchase price. I'm a single Widow and don't feel safe driving this vehicle alone. FORD selling vehicles with long known problems to unsuspecting customers is shameful.
Multiple failures occurred while driving with my kids in the car from what we can tell an electrical system failure of the parking brake motor as well as a transmission failure it is unknown at this time whether the parking brake motor failed causing stress on the transmission or the transmission fault led to the end Electric motor failure of the parking brake
In November 2024 lost acceleration light popped on the dashboard service now. Was found to have a bad turbo full turbo replacement done July 2025 driving on the highway slow down behind a semi went to pass them. Gas pedal went all the way to the floor would not accelerate Pulled over checked all fluids. Everything was fine. Got back on the road then check engine and oil light came on immediately pulled over checked oil. There was no oil in the car, even though it had been full when I checked fluids put oil in let the car run and cycle through for a while. Oil light went off Got back on the road in half a mile oil light came back on and then stopped driving the vehicle has been sitting at a dealership for five months dealership changed turbo did not do oil change as mandatory part of the replacement. They then drove vehicle now the engine is blown. Was dangerous to myself and my daughters who were in the car losing acceleration on Highway two times. Bad Ford parts or bad mechanic work?
Engine burns alot of coolant. Break time is not where it should be for a car with only 38k miles. The engine intake valves in affected vehicles may crack and break, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. Prior to losing motive power, an engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in the cluster and the driver may notice that the vehicle is running rough. A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
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 have a dashcam I reviewed the video the car had a weird noise then accelerated from 64-78 then that's it it crashed,, break didn't engaged The car is currently in Marion IL, I spoke with state farm they said they are in the process today in transferring the car to the closet state farm storage. I am ok for the federal safety agency to do forensics in the car. So let me know ASAP I can turn over the car to the federal safety agency for further investigation. Having the vehicle brand new for 6 years a 2018 ford escape titanium with no problem and been maintained brought to Golf Mill ford in Niles Il every 6 months and I was not told there is any problem in my car, the last time it was checked was January 2025 and all were fine I was told. The vehicle placed 5 lives was put at risk of death because of this break failure that shouldn't happen, this is something that needed checked ( and ESCALATED) and take seriously before multiple lives can possibly affected or taken. I HOPE FORD reach out to me of this matter I almost lost my husband and Son with this defect. No warning lights or anything for this brake failure and this 2018 ford escape vehicle should be updated with the technology but it's just a failure now I AM LEFT WITH NO CAR, and per state farm liable to the other party or defected car hit and we should me responsible FORD should take that responsibility. NOW I DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD GET ANOTHER FORD THE TRUST HAS BEEN TARNISHED NOT UNTIL MAYBE FROM FORD REACH OUT TO ME DIRECTLY. and I have Statefarm , I didn't feel that I was heard.. This is not our fault it's a defect. Hopefully the federal safety agency can help us investigate this matter.
My engine check light came on and it said Engine Fault Service Now, with a wrench signal exposed. Then I could hardly stop the vehicle , it became very difficult to apply the brakes, using all of my body weight applied to stop the vehicle. I immediately brought it to O’Reily’s auto place and had a diagnostic test run on the vehicle. Multiple default code come up. P1016, p0365, p0299,p164D p0369,p0443,p0456,p1450. Brought it to the Ford dealership, upon inspection the diagnosis Evap system related disc on this line , tested evap system, found canister purge valve to be broken , tech notes that this is a non Oem part. Advised to replace purge valve and hose assembly. Also discovered that vacuum pump not pulling vacuum, advise to replace pump and reset. Upon removal of the vacuum pump, found pump cam lobe twisted off , vacuum pump is seized, cam replacement is seized , cam replacement will be required. Also both front axel boots are torn, spewing grease all over, recommend replacing both axels, leak p2 pinion value, left back axel leaking, both back brake rotors and pads worn 2mm in the red, coolant level low possible leak. Also is discovered that there was a non ford part purge valve that shouldn’t be there. Estimated cost is 8,500-9000 dollars could be more
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the parking brake engaged independently, and the vehicle came to a stop on the highway. The contact shifted into park(P), turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the parking brake and the driver’s side rear caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Questions about the 2018 Ford Escape brakes
Does the 2018 Ford Escape have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 Ford Escape, 1% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Escape brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Ford Escape brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V104000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Escape have bad brakes?
The Ford Escape model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (195 complaints), 2001 (163 complaints) and 2008 (140 complaints).
Other 2018 Ford Escape problems
Engine 1,458Transmission 278Fuel system 58Electrical 57Steering 32Acceleration 23Wheels 22Body 20Driver assistance 20Visibility 13Lights 12Suspension 11Airbags 9Seat belts 9Locks 5Tires 2Seats 1
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