2018 Ford Escape SE
1FMCU9GD2JUA74282
Vehicle history report for the 2018 Ford Escape SE (VIN 1FMCU9GD2JUA74282). Sport utility vehicle (suv)/multi-purpose vehicle (mpv), 1.5L 4-cyl 170 hp, gasoline. 4 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
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What a full report checks for VIN 1FMCU9GD2JUA74282
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 4
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
NHTSA Campaign #17V803000 · 18/12/2017SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
NHTSA Campaign #18V104000 · 12/02/2018POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notifica
NHTSA Campaign #22V413000 · 10/06/2022EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim lett
NHTSA Campaign #26V011000 · 15/01/2026We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 1,689 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Escape, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1689
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2018 Ford Escape.
ENGINE
I bought a 2018 Ford Escape SEL 4WD in March of 2019 ( I think ) it already had about 1240 miles on it but was sold to me as new. At the time of purchase I also bought a 7 yr warranty because of my age. Only my wife and I drove the car. In March of 2026 the engine block failed due to a manufacturing error concerning coolant getting into the piston chambers.…
NHTSA ODI #11745759ENGINE
Coolant intrusion into cylinder, car shakes when idling, lots of white smoke coming out of tailpipes
NHTSA ODI #11745806ENGINE
Coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Vehicle suddenly loses power causing concern for collision at operating speeds. This was diagnosed by a dealership. This is a known issue.
NHTSA ODI #11745245UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Nothing happened I just noticed I have a blind spot in both of my rearview mirrors and I am aware of this.
NHTSA ODI #11745049ENGINE
Due to faulty manufacturing by Ford Motor Company the coolant leaked into cylinders 2 and 3 of the engine. Ford is aware of this issue and has issued a technical service bulletin stating that the only fix is to replace the engine however they have not issued a recall. The leak has been confirmed by two mechanics. Blacks Tire and Auto and is currently at the…
NHTSA ODI #11744738POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes P0303, P04DB, P0316, P0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, SERVICE NOW". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was …
NHTSA ODI #11744892ENGINE
When checking the oil, realized that there was no antifreeze in the reservoir. I went ahead and filled it to the max line, as the antifreeze didn't even come up to the minimum line of the reservoir tank. My gut was telling me that I need to every so often check the antifreeze, there was no apparent leak, there was nothing on my garage floor to indicate that…
NHTSA ODI #11744351ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving on two occasions at approximately 50 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. During the second failure, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road each time, turned off, and restarted; however, th…
NHTSA ODI #11744282+ 1681 more complaints on record.
