2018 Ford Escape: backup camera failure

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Engine · NE

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 to climb the incline. I immediately activated the emergency flashers, but vehicles approaching from behind at highway speeds were forced to brake abruptly and swerve to avoid a collision. Fortunately, I was able to safely exit via the next off-ramp. During the misfire, the check engine light began flashing on the dashboard. A few months prior, a warning light appeared at startup. Diagnostic code P0302 indicated a misfire in Cylinder 2 during the first 1,000 revolutions. The recommended fix was to replace the spark plugs and ignition coils. I had all spark plugs replaced, and the plug in Cylinder 2 was notably fouled. I also topped off the coolant at that time. Approximately a month later, I checked the coolant again and found it nearly depleted. I refilled it, but there were no visible signs of leakage—no smoke, and the oil appeared normal. Then came the highway incident. Afterward, a mechanic diagnosed a significant coolant leak into Cylinder 2 using a scope. A new $12k engine(w/labor) is required! Further research revealed this is a well-documented and chronic issue tied to a manufacturing defect in Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost engines (and others). Numerous class action lawsuits have been filed, and Ford previously issued bulletin 21N12 for a one-time repair—now discontinued. Ford is fully aware of this defect. I am grateful that the vehicles behind me were able to avoid a crash, and that I am here today to share this experience. Every mechanic I consulted confirmed that this issue is widely known, and expressed frustration that Ford has not taken responsibility. Why must we wait for a catastrophic event or loss of life before Ford acknowledges the severity of this defect? Recently, Ford recalled a backup camera—yet faulty engines that can fail at highway speeds receive no such action. Lives are at risk!

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Electrical · MI

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 APIM failure has resulted in no rear camera, screen, radio, or USB ports.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · OR

APIM is not fuctional. Rear camera does not work, display does not work, stereo does not work. Resetting the system does not work. Fuses are all good, and electrical connections confirmed good. APIM issues have been an issue with this year of Ford.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Body · FL

After Hurricane Milton my car had 2 in of water in it. I contacted my insurance company they looked at the car said it needed to be dried out and I needed to take it to the dealership where I purchased it. Took my vehicle to Kisselback Ford and the diagnosis States looks like the seam sealer under the roof moldings is falling off the body causing water to come into the body panels from the roof has to go to Body Shop we can't do these repairs. Took the vehicle to two collision centers they stated this was a factory defect and they will not touch my car. Contacted Ford corporate I was told to take the vehicle to Greenway Ford upon taking my vehicle to Greenway Ford they are in agreement with the other dealership and stated the roof panel needs to be repaired the headliner needs to be replaced the right and left roof molding needs to be replaced the seam sealer in the roof is damaged causing leakage into the panels. All interior parts have corrosion need a teardown to see how far the water damage is. Ford corporate will not do anything to repair, or replace my vehicle. Stated because I am out of the 3-year lemon law there was nothing they could do. This is not something that happened overnight this is something that has been going on for years and apparently finally separated causing water to intrude into my vehicle every time it rains. This is affecting my backup camera my radio which is telling me the wiring is wet. I only have 54,000 miles on my car Ford has already replaced the engine due to factory defect replaced by headlights again due to factory defect which my headlights are still losing their clear coat. I'm still paying for this car it smells of mildew and the mildew is starting to show up on the interior. On antibiotics for the past 3 months. When I hit the brakes on my car it sounds like a wave of water is rushing forward. It's not right that Ford sold me a defective car that I'm still paying for. No warning, 2 firefighters have said car could catch fire.

Filed Aug 13, 2023 · Electrical · TN

After having the 2018 Ford Escape for three weeks, the entire APIM system went down. I was not able to charge anything, use the radio, or the touchscreen for all of the functions in the dash. It goes in and out constantly, often does not turn on at all, the touchscreen lags, the radio takes up to a minute or longer to change a channel once a button is pressed. The only thing that is in tact is the rear camera. The 2016-2017 APIMs have been recalled, and this one should as well. Other than the rear camera and now being able to charge a phone, I cannot use the touchscreen at all and do not use the radio because I cannot see what channel it is on.

Filed Feb 11, 2023 · Driver assistance · NJ

Sync is having issues... No rear camera, only 1 station on radio available, radio stays on when engine off and door is opened. Horn beeps on its own. Doors lock themselves, Sync screen goes blank etc

Filed Aug 16, 2022 · Electrical · FL

The SYNC system is failing causing no GPS, no phone connections, no radio, rear camera problems and other electronic issues. This is apparently a well known part (APIM) problem.

Filed Aug 12, 2021 · Driver assistance · IL

2018 Ford Escape SE 4WD with only 15,000 miles experienced a APIM failure resulting in a $1,000+ repair -- only two months outside of 3yr/30,000 mile warranty. Screen went black resulting in radio, navigation, rear view camera and other controls being inoperable. Ford dealer diagnoses APIM failure and recommended replacement. No other solution presented or consideration paid to the relative low-mileage. I have read about other APIM failures and subsequent recalls and would recommend investigating. Thank you.