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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
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 474992018-09-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Explorer and Escape vehicles equipped with a 4G TCU modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. If normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis and testing does not indicate a fault and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. To assist with the investigation, use the Report A Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of the OASIS report and complete the form.
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 474622018-09-24. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2015-2018 Edge, Fusion, Focus, MKZ, MKC, Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit coolant consumption, white smoke and/or a runs rough condition. Refer to the extended coolant pressure test and checking for combustion gases in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A. If internal coolant loss is confirmed, further investigation of the head gasket interface is required. Carefully inspect the cylinder block and head for erosion, pitting, and flatness defects, primarily between the cylinder to cylinder bore bridges. If defects to the aluminum surface on the cylinder block and/or cylinder head are found, follow the cost cap tool for component replacement. Follow WSM, Section 303-01A for the repair procedures
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 18-22552018-09-24. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost and 2016-2018 Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition.
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 474202018-09-10. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES; EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. Some 2018 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an oily substance near the bellhousing area that could be perceived as an engine oil leak. This condition could be caused by assembly grease on the end of the crankshaft. Clean the area with Motorcraftù Brake Metal Parts Cleaner PM-4-A and compressed air. Add 1 oz. of Rotunda white engine oil dye 164-TP33200601 or equivalent to the engine and road test for 10 miles. Reinspect suspect area with Rotunda pure ultraviolet (UV) black light 164-TP8695 or 164-R3748 or equivalent. If evidence of white dye is found, follow Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 300-00 for engine oil leak diagnosis.
SSM 474162018-09-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SUSPENSION. Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part BV6Z-5500-D with a solid bushing is available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
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.
18U17-S12018-07-23. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; EQUIPMENT; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER. Certain 2018 Model Year Escape and MKC Vehicles - Rear Brake Caliper Bolt Torque
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 473352018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2017-2018 Escape and 2017-2019 MKC vehicles may exhibit a lack of A/C cooling performance during PDI. This may be due to a insufficient/low refrigerant charge. If a vehicle displays a lack of cooling performance during PDI, inspect for a leak. Refer to the diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00 for A/C leak detection. Many times when the system is only evacuated and refilled to the proper level at PDI the customer will return for a lack of cooling performance concern. A refrigerant leak will usually be identified as the root cause.
SSM 470402018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit inoperative climate or radio controls with DTCs U2100, U0140 in the FCIM or DTC U0164 in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to loss of communication or incomplete module configuration. Before further diagnosis, complete a battery reset per the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01. Clear the DTCs and complete a FCIM self-test. If the DTCs are no longer present, no further action is required. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in section 11 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 470092018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
SSM 470002018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE). Some 2013-2018 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.5L or 1.5L/2.0L/3.0L Ecoboost engine, 2015-2018 MKC/Edge/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L/2.7L EcoBoost engine, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.7L Ecoboost engine, 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost, and AWD may exhibit a fluid leak from the PTU intermediate shaft seal. Replacement of the intermediate shaft seal seal does not require removal of the PTU and does not require the use of the cover seal and bolt kit (CV6Z-7275-K) to perform the repair. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07.
SSM 470402018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Some 2017-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit inoperative climate or radio controls with DTCs U2100, U0140 in the FCIM or DTC U0164 in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to loss of communication or incomplete module configuration. Before further diagnosis, complete a battery reset per the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01. Clear the DTCs and complete a FCIM self-test. If the DTCs are no longer present, no further action is required. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in section 11 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 470092018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

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