2018 Ford Escape Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Escape
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (1147 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1147 NHTSA complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (342 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 342 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (271 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 271 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (54 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 54 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (42 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 42 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
38 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Air Bags Red flag
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Check
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Escape–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Escape. The most serious involve Air Bags (17V803000) and Power Train (22V413000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Escape?
The top complaint areas are Engine (1147 complaints) and Engine and Engine Cooling (342 complaints), out of 1793 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Escape?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 1147 complaints for this model-year.