2018 Ford Escape: jerking or lurching

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited engine misfires, rough operation, and noticeable “jumping” or jerking when starting the engine and when shifting into reverse. Warning indicator lights were also present. These symptoms indicated unstable engine operation and raised concern for potential sudden loss of power or engine failure while operating the vehicle, which could create a safety risk in traffic. The condition was first diagnosed by an independent repair facility and later confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine and determined that complete engine replacement was required. The manufacturer, through its authorized dealership, inspected the vehicle and confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle is currently not safely operable due to the confirmed engine failure. Based on my understanding, Ford has previously acknowledged coolant intrusion concerns affecting certain 1.5L EcoBoost engines through Customer Satisfaction Programs. Although this specific vehicle was not included in that program, the dealership confirmed the same coolant intrusion failure.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Transmission Fault in red letters came on. Turned car off and then turned back on after 20 minutes and the message disappeared. Three days later same things happened- repeated what I did before and message went away. I've noticed when I try to accelerate it sounds as if I'm accelerating but I'm not getting passed 20 mph. Car does a hard jerk when trying to accelerate.

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · MT

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine · WI

A check engine light came on. I brought it to a local mechanic and my Ford Dealership and they both confirmed coolant intrusion into the 1.5 Liter Ecoboost engine. The only fix would be a replacement engine. My safety was at risk because the engine could have catastrophically failed while I was driving due to the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. This could have caused serious injury or death. Ford knows about a design flaw in their 1.5 Liter Ecoboost engine that can lead to serious injury or death but has chosen to do nothing about it. Before the check engine light came on the car was emitting a rotten egg smell. Also when reversing, the whole car would shake. The rotten egg smell eventually went away but when the check engine light came on, the car still would shake when reversing. The car would also occasionally jerk when going to stop or accelerate after the check engine light came on. Reading online this exact issue has happened to thousands of people on several different Ford models with Ecoboost engines. Ford is ignoring the engine defect and forcing people to spend thousands of dollars on engine replacements when the issue occurs. Please force a recall before someone gets seriously hurt or dies due to this issue.

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Engine · 116,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the temperature gauge went to hot(H). The contact stated that the check engine and two unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, and when the hood was opened, the contact and her husband smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant had gone through the exhaust and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into two cylinders from a cracked engine block, allowing coolant vapor out of the exhaust, and the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 127,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the vehicle began to jerk then suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the contact stated that upon reaching her destination, the vehicle stalled and had since not been able to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine · 63,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, resulting in engine failure. The contact was notified that the failure was linked to Technical Service Bulletin: 212269. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 248,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked, and the contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to an oil change business nearby. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the transmission failure diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer a year prior to the failure, and the transmission was replaced. The contact was later informed by Car Shield that, per the pictures submitted, there was engine damage seen. The pictures indicated coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a dealer for a routine oil change, and the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the dealer found no failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 248,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · WA

UNKNOWN: Engine shakes and rumbles when going 35-45 miles per hour. Originally smooth when starting, now rumbles and shakes when started. Check engine light goes on and off. Engine kicks or jumps when accelerator is pushed... Not smooth, jerks very hard. Engine/starter/transmission issues. Available for inspection at dealership doing repair. Shakes and jerks going down the road. Feels like it's going to shake apart. Currently at the dealership for repair and they diagnosed there is "Coolant entering into the cylinder" Check engine light came on then went off. Did this about 3 times and is currently still on.

Filed Mar 14, 2025 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.