2017 Ford Escape
2017 model shown · Photo: Ryan Hildebrand, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · 3rd gen generation

2018 Ford Escape: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 1 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $17,933 to own, including $7,313 in repairs.

Reliability

1/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$7,313

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,846

26 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$13,001

$11,441 – $14,561, estimate

Recalls

4

on record

Owner complaints

1,826

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$5,310
Transmission & drivetrain$1,334
Electrical system$161
Driver-assist & stability$143
Steering$98
Body, glass & interior$84

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Ford Escape

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (0/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202464/100
202341/100
202239/100
202134/100
202010/100
201910/100
20181/100
20170/100
201612/100
201515/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Ford Escape a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 1 out of 100, among the least reliable compact and small SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2024 Escape scored much better.

Is the 2018 Ford Escape reliable?

It scores 1 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 1,826 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $7,313 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Ford Escape cost to own?

About $17,933 over 5 years: $2,774 in lost value, $7,313 in repairs and $7,846 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,001 today.

What are the best years of the Ford Escape?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (0/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?

4 recalls on record with NHTSA.