The 2018 Ford Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission issues reported. At $15,400 to $20,950, it’s too much money for an SUV which will cost thousands of dollars to keep running as it ages.
Is the 2018 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Ford Escape since there are some expensive problems reported, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about high repair costs, sudden breakdowns, along with steering issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice, the seats offer good comfort on long trips, yet cargo space is a bit smaller than the competition.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are widespread engine failures reported on the 2018 Escape. Avoid models form 2016–2018, which all have problems, while 2019 and newer are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engines, while the turbocharged motor is reasonably quick for a small SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Escape is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, parking sensors, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 26 MPG, giving 408 miles of range from the 15.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 higher than average at $227 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Ford Escape is cheaper than many other SUVs, however, costly problems paired with rapid depreciation make it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Ford Escape offers a quiet cabin, although owner satisfaction scores are very low.
- Edmunds rates the Escape at 3.8/5, praising the SYNC 3 technology interface, but doesn’t like the relatively poor fuel economy.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Escape a 4/5, enjoying the nice interior for the money, but owners don’t like the boring driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ford Escape Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Ford Escape include the engine misfiring, transmission failures, as well as paint peeling around the windshield. Overall, these problems are much worse than other compact SUVs from the same year, leading to expensive repair costs as they age.
The engine misfiring is the most common complaint on the 2018 Ford Escape at roughly 40,000 miles. Cylinder number 2 is known to misfire and get coolant in it due to a failed gasket. If the problem is caught quickly, the engine can be rebuilt for around $1,200. If it continues to misfire for a while, it will destroy the engine, costing around $5,400 to replace.
Transmission failures have also shown up on several Escape models, according to owners at around 25,000 miles. Some owners have been able to fix the problem by installing a new transmission wiring harness for $1,100. Other cases have needed a new transmission, costing around $4,000.
Paint peeling around the windshield is another issue found by Escape owners at roughly 50,000 miles. The paint around the windshield is thinner than on the rest of the vehicle, leading to it peeling easily as it ages. Repainting the affected area costs roughly $800 , depending on local labor rates.
There are 3 recalls on the 2018 Ford Escape, which is similar to other compact SUVs. The most serious recall covers the shift cable which can come detached, allowing the Escape to roll away. Ford will install a bushing and cap over the cable to fix the issue. Other recalls cover brake hoses on only 88 models, as well as airbag inflators which are common on all makes and models.
How Long Will the 2018 Ford Escape Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Ford Escape can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $506 per year.
As a used Ford Escape reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $800, power steering pump costing $550, as well as the camshaft position sensor which costs around $150.
It is very reliable. I have had it about a year now, and there have been no issues. It handles well and is very comfortable to drive.
It is very reliable. We have had it just around the year mark, with no problems. We have driven it across country and it drove very smooth and comfortably.
Very reliable. Have not had any issues. Except the windshield wipers broke when I had tried to use them when there was to much snow. This is actually 2nd time it has happened this year.
So far I have not experienced a single issue. The vehicle seems to be very reliable, providing safety and predictability.
The ford escape is a very reliable vehicle with very few problems. It has served me well for the period of my lease and has need nothing except a regular oil change.
It was reliable until I had a blown head gasket at 16,000 miles. Very lucky the warranty covered it or I could not have been have pay to fix it.
Yes, it's very reliable. I've had the vehicle about a year now, and I've had no problems with it. Like any other car, you need to keep up on maintaining it.
Yes, it is very reliable. I had not had any major problems so far (cross your fingers) it has been a very trusty and reliable vehicle.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is decent in the 2018 Ford Escape, offering a standard 4.2-inch central screen. There’s also an optional 8-inch touchscreen available with the SYNC 3 software, which is highly rated.
Safety technology is good as well, offering a standard rearview camera along with Ford MyKey which lets you set speed limits for teen drivers. Optional safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with brake assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, parallel parking assist, rear parking sensors along with adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Ford Escape a Good Value?
No, the 2018 Ford Escape is not a good value since there are a lot of expensive mechanical problems which show up as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,400 to $20,950, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $23,940 to $33,490. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Escape?
There are four models of the Ford Escape offered in 2018, from the base S all the way up to the well-equipped Titanium. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- 2-Inch Central Screen
- Rearview Camera
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SE is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Sound-Reducing Glass
- Roof Rails
- Foglights
- Keyless Entry Keypad
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
- Eight-Way Power Driver Seat
SEL is next in the lineup and adds:
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Partial Leather Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Side Mirrors
- Auto Dimming Rearview MIrror
- SYNC 3 Stereo System
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-Speaker Sound System
Titanium is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Remote Start
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- Xenon Headlights
- 110-Volt Household Outlet
- 10-Speaker Sony Audio System
What Engines Come In the Ford Escape?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 168 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. All engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the efficient 1.5L 4-cylinder which produces 179 horsepower and gets good gas mileage at up to 26 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the strong 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo which generates 245 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Escape Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Escape?
The 2018 Ford Escape is a comfortable compact SUV offering seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice, offering a good amount of support paired with durable soft materials.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Escape Have?
There’s less cargo room than other small SUVs with enough space for 4-6 suitcases behind the rear seats and up to 12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Ford Escape came out in 2013 and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: New SYNC 3 infotainment system added.
2017: Minor exterior styling changes, new engine choices available, and updated safety tech.
2018: New SEL model added, 2.0L turbocharged engine now only on Titanium models.
2019: Standard SYNC 3 on all models, keyless entry and push button start on SE and SEL models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2021: Traffic sign recognition added to adaptive cruise control.
How Does the Ford Escape Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Escape is a very bad compact SUV for the 2018 model year since there are a lot of expensive mechanical problems which show up as they age, making it one buyers should avoid.
The Chevy Equinox is a competitor which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Ford Escape offers higher quality interior materials. We recommend the Chevy Equinox since there are fewer serious problems reported by owners.
The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV which is available for roughly $1,000 more. Interior materials are nice in the Nissan Rogue, while the all-wheel drive system works better in the Ford Escape. We recommend the Nissan Rogue for 2018 since ownership costs are lower with no major mechanical issues reported.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?
Yes. It is reliable and very comfortable. It also has great cargo storage. It handles well in the snow and ice, with traction control.
Yes. I really like it. The gas mileage is great and I love having heated seats and a back - up camera.
Yes. 4 wheel drive, turbo engine. Heated seats, perfect for Montana winter and for hauling kids around.
Yes, the gas mileage is very good. The vehicle provides the perfect amount of space for my family. I love the height that I am seated at when I drive. It gives me perfect visibility.
Yes, the escape is an exceptional vehicle and very reasonably priced with a great trim package. Very good vehicle for the snowy northeast.
Yes, love the way my car rides on highway and back roads. I get excellent fuel mileage. Love the CarPlay hook up to my iPhone. Makes me feel like a safer driver.
Yes, it's a very good vehicle. It has good gas mileage and is eco friendly. It's a good size for my family of 4, although it's a little tight in the back seat with 2 car seats, not much room for a person in the middle.
Yes, it provides good gas mileage, is a smooth ride, and it is very dependable. I hope it lasts for years to come.