2018 Ford Escape Brakes Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11746763

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11731964

Incident

Sep 17, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11716564

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11707100

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

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?

NHTSA ID

11705306

Incident

Jul 13, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11675212

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

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 NHTSA to do forensics in the car. So let me know ASAP I can turn over the car to NHTSA 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 NHTSA can help us investigate this matter.

NHTSA ID

11657360

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11633558

Incident

Dec 16, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11629656

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

May or may not be related but three different warnings came up within a 30 minute period while driving: Hill Start Assist Fault, Anti-lock Brake Fault and Parking Aid Sensor Fault. Note, I have been driving for months with proximity sensor out. Cause is currently unknown, I hope to get it into a garage this week.

NHTSA ID

11594613

Incident

Jun 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the "Parking Brake - Fault Service Now" message illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stopped driving the vehicle out of fear of causing brake damage or engine damage. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11581370

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Mileage

115,000 mi

I GOT 2018 FORD ESCAPE ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO AND WHEN I BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE I GET A SCRUNCHING NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SEEM LIKE THE BRAKES ARE GRABBING

NHTSA ID

11571130

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 30 mph, he began to depress the brake pedal and also attempted to use the emergency brakes but failed to stop the vehicle and rear-ended another vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the front driver-side air bag did deploy. The driver did not sustain major injuries nor sought medical attention. The contact stated the other female driver did sustain unknown injuries and was taken to seek medical attention by an ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to the insurance towing lot. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11518072

Incident

Apr 18, 2023

Mileage

75,000 mi

Another driver ran stop sign and hit middle of car, mostly the left door behind drivers seat. The back and passager airbags released but the driver side airbag didn't fully release. I didn't know at the time that this was weird and was actually relieved it didn't. Since then, my son's dad drove my suv and told me that the front windshield may not have been bonded correctly, he has to put additional force on the breaks and the engine makes random noises whenever it does, it looses power and he has to put the pedal to the metal. He says since my suv only has 18,000 miles, it shouldn't be doing these things. It also burns through coolant. I don't know if any other fords have issues likes this too.

NHTSA ID

11509865

Incident

Nov 17, 2018

This 2018 Ford Escape Titanium has 32,000 miles on is experiencing chronic, substantive defects in the rear powertrain. Specifically, it is having its second replacement rear differential unit (RDU) installed. This means it will have worn out 3 RDU's in 32,000 miles. -Original RDU was replaced at ~23,000 miles and failed ~30,000 miles. Third RDU in vehicle's life is currently being installed. Additionally, this vehicle has already had its Power Transfer Unit (PTU) replaced at 22,000 miles and is now on its third set of rear brake rotors. My contention is that there are serious, substantive defects in the vehicles rear powertrain causing premature wearing of the brakes and potential for serious accidents related to the loss of rear differential control and brake damage.

NHTSA ID

11501302

Incident

Nov 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for a short period of time. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination at a slow speed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 79,334.

NHTSA ID

11481349

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

Mileage

79,334 mi

Car with 32000 miles has brakes and rotors worn out and need replacing the same week that long block needs replacing. Is this low quality materials? Confirmed by dealer.

NHTSA ID

11469375

Incident

May 9, 2022

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 floorboard. The coasted to the side of the road while pumping the brake pedal until the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was then driven to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned about having to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure; and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11458337

Incident

Mar 10, 2022

Mileage

23,000 mi

3 different times when I put on the brakes, they just went all the way to the floor without stopping. This happened in a parking lot, exiting my driveway and going down a hill. All 3 times I had just started the car & was only going 5 miles per hour. These incidents occurred randomly, not on the same week.

NHTSA ID

11445398

Incident

Sep 15, 2021

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 to the floor and failed to stop in a reasonable amount of time. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal sound while the vehicle was idling back to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ID

11427729

Incident

Aug 4, 2021

Mileage

19,000 mi

I PUT IN A COMPLAINT #11414950 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. PLEASE UPDATE ME.

NHTSA ID

11415440

Incident

Apr 23, 2021

Mileage

13,967 mi

I HAVE A 2018 FORD ESCAPE WITH 13,967 MILES .BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD MY REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE TOTALLY BAD.HAD IT SERVICED LAST YEAR AND ONLY TRAVELED 7,000 MILES.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM REPORTED ABOUT THESE REAR BRAKES.AS EVERY MECHANIC I'VE TALKED TO CAN'T BELIEVE THIS COULD HAPPEN. I TALKED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND HE SAID TO ASK IF THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO YOU.

NHTSA ID

11414950

Incident

Apr 23, 2021

Mileage

13,967 mi

COMING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN NEVADA, IT BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE WE RAN OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OVER AND OVER. THERE WAS A SHAKING IN THE STEERING/WHEELS SO FELT LIKE IT KEEP HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. WE FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT MAY BE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. WHEN IT WAS TURNED OFF, IT BEGAN TO CORRECT. BUT IT TURNED ITSELF BACK ON BY ITSELF.

NHTSA ID

11408686

Incident

Apr 3, 2021

Mileage

55,000 mi

AT THE 32,000 MILE ROUTINE SERVICE THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR, IMHO, PREMATURE WEAR. BOTH REAR ROTORS WERE DEEPLY SCORED ON THEIR OUTSIDE FACES, WHILE THE OUTSIDE PADS WERE WORN DOWN THEIR WEAR SLOTS AND THE INSIDE PADS WERE HARDLY WORN AT ALL. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND BLAMED THE UNEVEN WEAR ON DIRTY PAD SLIDE PINS. HE COULDN'T ACCOUNT FOR THE DEEP SCORING. MY EXPERIENCE OVER 6 DECADES OF VEHICLES IS THAT PADS SHOULD LAST 40,000 MILES AND ROTORS 100,000 MILES OR MORE.

NHTSA ID

11389205

Incident

Jan 20, 2021

Mileage

32,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING NEXT TO A TRAIN, THE PRE-COLLISION ASSIST WILL ENGAGE AND SLAM ON THE BRAKES EVEN WITH NO OTHER CARS IN THE AREA. THIS HAPPENS DAILY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (75MPH+) GOING STRAIGHT. IT HAPPENS WITH OR WITHOUT OTHER CARS IN THE AREA. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AS LONG AS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11269347

Incident

Nov 8, 2018

Mileage

150 mi