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Service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Escape

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

173 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 477352019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2018-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes prior to programing. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle and do not install the TCU fuse until a new IDS session has been started. Once the new session has been started and the fuse reinstalled, the TCU can be programmed. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229.
SSM 475382018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. In prior versions of SYNC 3 software this menu was present, however in version 3.0 software the Android Auto Preference menu will only show up once an Android Phone has been initially connected to SYNC. This an operating characteristic of the Android Auto application after the SYNC 3.0 update and no repairs should be attempted.
SSM 475132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with an electronic manual temperature control (EMTC) system and built on 28-Jul-2016 and through 23-Aug-2018 may exhibit an inoperative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system display and no HVAC operation after a key on event. When one of the HVAC controls are manipulated the system wakes up and will resume normal operation. To correct the concern, reprogram the HVAC module to the latest calibration using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 475082018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2014-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit a concern of not able to program and/or no electrical power after installation of a service part BCM. Inspect the BCM for the presence of fuse F88. If the fuse is missing, install the correct size replacement fuse as outlined in the Wiring Manual and then re-evaluate the concern.
SSM 475752018-11-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine may exhibit fuse F34 open, an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06A0, P06DB, P188D, P02602, and/or P2681 in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may also exhibit an all-wheel drive (AWD) fault warning and/or traction control (TC) light on. Inspect the 12A690 (1.5L) or 12C508 (2.0L) wiring harness from the battery junction box (BJB) to the PCM for wiring harness retainers not installed correctly allowing chafing to occur at multiple points. Repair damaged wiring as required. Refer to the Wiring Diagram for repair information. For claiming, use causal part 12A690 (1.5L) or 12C508 (2.0L) and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 474702018-09-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with an electronic manual temperature control (EMTC) system and built on or after 28-Jul-2016 may exhibit an inoperative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system display and no HVAC operation after a key on event. When one of the HVAC controls are manipulated the system wakes up and will resume normal operation. To correct the concern, reprogram the HVAC module to the latest calibration using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 474672018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine may exhibit fuse F34 open, an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06A0, P06DB, P188D, P02602, and/or P2681 in the powertrain control module (PCM). May also exhibit an all-wheel drive (AWD) fault warning and/or traction control (TC) light on. Inspect the 14290 wiring harness at the battery junction box (BJB) under the air cleaner and/or the brake vacuum pump for wiring harness retainers not installed correctly allowing chafing to occur at multiple points. Repair damaged wiring as required. Refer to the Wiring Diagram for repair information. For claiming, use causal part 14290 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 474442018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. After Installation, complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
TSB 18-22462018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine and built on 2-Feb-2017 and through 3-Aug-2018 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P04DB and/or P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 474302018-09-10. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK; TRAILER HITCHES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become inoperative. Hands-free liftgate function can be restored by replacing the existing hands-free liftgate actuation upper sensor (14F680), lower sensor (14F680), stone deflector (17779), hands-free liftgate actuation module (14B291), plastic fasteners (N807951S) and screws (W506964) that are required for the factory installed trailer hitch receiver with hands-free liftgate option. Replacement of these parts to restore hands-free liftgate function is not warrantable. Regardless of trailer hitch configuration, the hands-free liftgate system cannot be added to a vehicle that was originally built without the hands-free liftgate option.
SSM 474242018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Continental, MKC, MKX, MKZ, and Fusion vehicles with an instrument panel center mounted speaker and 2017-2018 Escape vehicles with Sony audio systems may exhibit an inoperative speed compensated volume feature. This may be due to the calibration in the audio control module (ACM). To correct the concern, reprogram the ACM to the latest calibration using the appropriate Ford scan tool release 110.03 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. For claiming, use causal part 18C869 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 473972018-09-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a remote start system may exhibit an immediate engine shut off with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1594 stored in the BCM after using the remote start function to start the engine. If using FordPass, the app will indicate that the vehicle started successfully, but the engine may not have started or may start and then immediately shut off. Reprogram the BCM using the appropriate Ford scan tool or equivalent release 110.02 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. For claiming, use causal part 14A068 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
tsb18-22292018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION. Some 2018 Escape vehicles equipped with BLIS and CTA built on or before 4-May-2018 may exhibit BLIS and CTA fault messages in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:46 stored in the side obstacle detection control module left side (SODL) or side obstacle detection control module right side (SODR). Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
tsb18-22102018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 1Jun2018 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P051B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
tsb18-21782018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Jun-2018 may exhibit an illuminated MIL (wrench) lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 473802018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 473792018-07-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 472292018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229.
SSM 470862018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine and built on or before 24-Jan-2018 may exhibit fuse F34 open, an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06A0, P06DB, P188D, P02602, and/or P2681 in the powertrain control module (PCM). May also exhibit an all-wheel drive (AWD) fault warning and/or traction control (TC) light on. Inspect the 14290 wiring harness at the battery junction box (BJB) under the air cleaner and/or the brake vacuum pump for wiring harness retainers not installed correctly allowing chafing to occur at multiple points. Repair damaged wiring as required. Refer to the Wiring Diagram for repair information. For claiming, use causal part 14290 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 469332018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles with electronic manual temperature control (EMTC) and ford original accessory (FOA) or factory invoiced accessory (FIA) scalable remote start systems may exhibit a concern of the air distribution and temperature controls becoming locked after 5 minutes when the vehicle is started with the remote start system. Reprogram the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 107.01 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 469002018-01-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.