FordEscape2018Overview/ford/escape/2018/base/

2018 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2018 Ford Escape is an SUV whose maintenance profile is anchored by a 4.3-quart oil capacity filled with 5W-20 viscosity, and the model sits deep into a long production run carrying a mixed reliability record. Among the 1,733 owner complaints logged for this model year, engine-related issues lead the field, paired with four active recalls—a tally well below the platform's 2013 peak of 2,744 complaints but orders of magnitude above the five complaints filed in 2000. For a researcher, that middle position makes the 2018 Escape a telling data point in a model line that has never recaptured its inaugural-year quiet.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.3 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96R · 590 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96R · 590 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3677 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)58/42

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–9.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.70 sec245 hpAWD
2017SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.60 sec16.00 sec245 hpFWD
2017S 2.5L I-49.10 sec16.90 sec168 hpFWD
2017SE EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec179 hpFWD
2017Titanium EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec179 hpFWD
2017SE EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.60 sec17.10 sec179 hpAWD
2016SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec240 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.3 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-4-3.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.4 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity12.5
Engine Coolant Capacity10.9
Engine Coolant Capacity11.3
Engine Oil5W-20

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub221.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-3
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.028 in
Spark Plug Torque10 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.030 in
Spark Plug Torque9 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.50 lbs
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity2.70-4.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number96R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Standard BCI Group NumberStart Stop: 48; Without Start Stop: 96R
Standard BCI Cranking PerformanceStart Stop: 760; Without Start Stop: 590 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum46.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi
RPM46.0-80.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum55.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum73.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55.0-73.0
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum55.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum72.5 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129; Rear: 52
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .906; Rear: .374
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., 90 degrees Do not re-use old hub nut. Refer to installation procedure for proper installation. Failure to install properly will result in damage to hub and bearing.59 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 5 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
289.0 inch lbs.89 in
345.0 degrees45 degrees
470.0 degrees70 degrees
553.0 degrees53 degrees
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
212.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
2142.0 inch lbs.142 in
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45 degrees, Step 3: 4513 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
221.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
390.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
221.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
390.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: Wait 2 seconds, Step 4: 1574 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9011 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
137.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
259.0 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
383.0
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
137.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
259.0 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
383.0 ft. lbs.83 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolts 1,2 and 71.4 ft. lbs
2Bolts 3, 4, 5 and 61.4 ft. lbs
3Bolts 1-213 ft. lbs
4Bolts 3, 4, 5 and 67.4 ft. lbs
5Bolts 1-213.2 ft. lbs
613.2
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees, Step 4: 4522 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
221.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
390.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
144.0 inch lbs.44 in
218.0 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
390.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 74 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2180.0 inch lbs.180 in
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2180.0 inch lbs.180 in

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Escape sits near the middle of a generation that saw complaints rise sharply in 2013‑2017 (peaking at 2,744 in 2013 and 2,629 in 2017) before falling to 1,735 in 2018 and continuing down to 563 by 2019. Recall activity was relatively modest during this span, with only 4 recalls in both 2016‑2018, a low point compared with the 18‑16 recalls seen in 2013‑2014 and the spike to 23 recalls in 2020. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) remained high in 2018 (173) but were lower than the 249 issued in 2017, indicating that while issues persisted, they were not escalating dramatically. The top complaint categories for 2018 are dominated by engine‑related problems (847 engine complaints), suggesting the primary area of concern for owners. With complaints trending downward after the 2017 peak and recall numbers staying low, 2018 represents a comparatively stable year in the model’s lifecycle, making it a reasonable year to consider for purchase.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
173
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,733
Owner complaints
25 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,733 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine847
Engine & Engine Cooling258
Power Train133
Power Train,Engine76
Engine & Engine Cooling,Engine48
Unknown Or Other36
Unknown Or Other,Engine33
Steering19

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

17V803000Air Bags:Side/WindowReported 18/12/2017

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…

18V104000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 12/02/2018

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 173 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
TSB 24-21652024-05-27Unknown Or OtherThis article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Escape take?

4.3 qt of 5W-20 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.