2018 Ford Escape: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine, Lights · MO · 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 in 2023 I have had to replace the headlights every 4 to 6 months. I recently learned it is do to an electrical issue and the most recent occurrence caused a small fire under the hood of my vehicle. Sometimes both lights would go out at once without warning. This issue has been reported by numerous consumers and Ford has done nothing. Regarding the engine failure, a coolant leak was reported by two mechanics but the source of the leak couldn't be identified. It was only discovered it was internal when my vehicle just stopped while pulling forward in a drive through. Luckily it wasn't on the highway but if it had been it could've caused an accident, at 70 mph, that likely would've resulted in minor injuries for not only me but other drivers. Ford has been made aware of this issue by owners of 2013-2019 Ford Escape Ecoboost vehicles but still hasn't issued a recall. Ford refuses to do anything about this and has instructed its customer support team to tell consumers they "can't" (won't) do anything outside of warranty. This issue often occurs outside of warranty. Ford still hasn't issued a recall despite numerous lawsuits for this exact problem. All customers can do is file a complaint. There are thousands of these vehicles on the road and if Ford continues to do nothing this could eventually lead to fatalities due to vehicle collisions. Someone needs to do something if Ford won't. Engine failure 10/20/26; electrical fire September 2026; lighting failure 2023-2026. The fact someone was fine selling this vehicle, despite consumer reports, is appalling.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · IL

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 but again the same thing occurred again 01/03/26. I believe bad wiring or module. When asked dealer what caused the melting was told "We fixed it, it's good now". The bulb burnt out while driving on a rain dark night. My visibility was extremely low.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Lights · NH

I have had to replace one or both headlights about every 14 months. The date below represents the latest time this has happened.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Lights · OH

Headlights continue to go out causing reduced visibility. Google search shows a lot of people having the same issue. Available for inspection. Driving during dark hours puts myself and others at risk when the light randomly goes out. I have consulted local shop and they confirm it's a common problem and unsure of a fix besides guessing and replacing parts. No warnings or notifications that the light is out.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Lights · 90,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the low beam however, the low beam was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pigtail connectors and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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 Oct 29, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · CA

I have had to replace multiple headlight bulbs every few months. The bulbs and fuses are working fine. Sometimes one side will work and the other side will turn off without warning. I have been stranded on the side of the road multiple times. It is unsafe to drive this way. Finally today both lights just stop working without any warning. This is why I came to this page to see if I was the only one having this issue and it looks like I'm not. I have made an appointing to take it in to the dealer hopefully they can find the problem.

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Lights · MI

My headlights will not turn on, and will not stay on. No I have not taken it to dealer as of yet. I do not feel safe driving at night. Roads are too dark, not enough illumination coming from the car. There was no warning. Member of my family pointed out headlight not working.

Filed Oct 4, 2024 · Electrical · MO

We purchased this 2018 Ford Escape new. The headlights have burned out many times, and much sooner than normal. What is really a mystery is that many times the low beams will burn out together. This is typically rare as one will burn out and then the other will continue to work for a while. We always replace them in pairs. The local shop changed them out most of the times and they only work for a few months to about six months on average. It is a very strange situation. They will stop working and then will sometimes begin working again, leading me to believe it is not a bulb issue as much as its an electrical issue. We keep checking to see if there is a safety recall as this is very unsafe when they stop working together at night while driving. There are many comments on websites and blogs so we know we are not alone. This is just one of the problems. This vehicle, driven mildly and maintained perfectly on schedule, with most service done at the local Ford dealer service center, has experienced both engine and transmission failure in the low 90k miles. Fortunately, we purchased coverage that took care of those. But we are told that our CNA bumper to bumper warranty does not cover head light issues. I think Ford should pay to have this vehicle examined, to determine what is wrong with the headlight wiring and pay for the repair to restore it to safe operation .

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Lights · OH

I have had to replace multiple headlight bulbs every few months, but recently both headlights just stopped working. The bulbs and fuses are fine. If this had happened at night, I would not have been safe driving this car.

Filed Jul 27, 2024 · Lights · WI

Low beam headlights keep burning out, no repair information on Alldata and no recall for this safety problem.

Filed May 11, 2023 · OH

Drivers side headlight burned out and had to replace. 3 months later passenger side headlight burned out. While at the shop to replace the passenger side, the drivers side burned out again. 4 months later the drivers side is out again. I'm afraid they are both going to go randomly one night while driving in the dark.