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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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Bulletins, newest first
TSB 19-20562019-04-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; STRUCTURE. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may exhibit a power liftgate that bounces back and/or will not cinch to the fully closed position. This may be due to the adjustment of the striker, latch, liftgate margins, flushness and/or striker wings. To resolve the condition, adjust the striker position or the striker wings.
SSM 478242019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 478212019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 prior to programing remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. 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 477842019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or after 6-Apr-2017 equipped with factory trailer tow may exhibit a concern with a trailer lamp out warning and/or blind spot information system (BLIS) not available warning without a trailer connected to the vehicle. Access connectors C439 (4 pin) and C432 (12 pin) within the trailer connector harness (15K868). Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 151. Inspect connectors for corrosion and/or water contamination. Clean as required and add electrical grease (XG-12 or equivalent). Make certain the protective cover over C439 is installed and fully seated to prevent future water intrusion. For claiming, use causal part 15K868 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 19-20172019-04-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/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/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost/Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, and 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 477502019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 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 prior to programing remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. 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 477492019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
SSM 477482019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Escape and 2016-2018 Focus/C-Max vehicles may exhibit a customer perceived concern of a FDIM screen flicker during transitions between day/night mode and/or during auto headlamp on/off. The FDIM utilizes a ramp up and ramp down strategy of controlling the back lighting when the display setting is in auto dimming mode. This is a normal condition that does not affect the function or durability of the FDIM. Auto dimming mode can be turned off to minimize the ramp up and ramp down lighting strategy. To turn off the auto dimming mode feature in the FDIM display: select> FDIM settings> Display settings> Auto Dim selection. Do not confuse the auto dimming mode selection with the selection for auto day/night operation. Turning off auto dimming mode only effects the back lighting strategy and does not affect any other function or FDIM reliability.
SSM 477242019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Sirius satellite radio with a 4G telematics control unit (TCU) built on or before 31-Oct-2018 may exhibit an intermittent loss of satellite radio reception while displaying an acquiring signal message when driving in unobstructed areas. If this condition is present, use OASIS to verify the vehicle is equipped with a 4G TCU modem. Replace the audio unit antenna with GM5Z-18936-GF. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 18936 and applicable labor operations in Section 11 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 477222019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2018-2019 Escape, Transit Connect and EcoSport vehicles equipped with a keyed ignition and a factory invoiced accessory (FIA) VSS may exhibit intermittent alarm activation with lights flashing and the horn sounding after a loud noise and/or shockwave near the vehicle (ex. large truck passing, garage door slamming closed). The root cause of this concern may be an incorrect shock sensor sensitivity adjustment on the VSS module. Perform the shock sensor sensitivity adjustment procedure outlined in the vehicle security/remote start installation guide located on the PTS website. The shock sensor requires adjustment during the installation of a vehicle security/remote start system. The shock sensor sensitivity adjustment procedure should be performed following the installation instructions.
SSM 477112019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and a 6, 8 or 10 inch screen may show a pop-up message every key cycle that states 'SYNC can check for updates when connected to a WiFi network'. To remove the inconvenience of the pop-up the customer can either connect to a trusted WiFi network to complete the setup process or turn off WiFi in the WiFi settings located under the Settings menu. Adjusting the setting for the customer is not a warrantable defect.
SSM 477042019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a timing belt saw or chirp type noise at idle while the vehicle is in transport mode. The noise is noticeable because of an elevated idle speed while the vehicle is in transport mode. Do not disable transport mode to diagnose or perform a repair for this noise. Transport mode should only be disabled as directed by the pre-delivery procedure.
SSM 477032019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2018 C-MAX,Focus, and Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a concern of not able to program and/or no electrical power after installation of a service part Body Control Module(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.
TSB 18-23612019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
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 476782019-01-07. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. 2013-2019 Escape and 2015-2019 MKC vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel will exhibit a small vent opening position of 5 mm (.197 in). This is the normal vent position for optimal noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) and windnoise qualities. When the vent is closed, the front sliding glass panel will open to the 10 mm (.394 in) position and then close. The front sliding glass panel also opens to the 10 mm (.394 in) position to give the front sliding glass panel enough clearance before it opens to the rearward position. This is a normal operating characteristic of the front sliding glass panel. No repairs are required.
SSM 476622019-01-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
SSM 476382019-01-07. Service bulletin. STEERING; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
SSM 476342019-01-07. Service bulletin. TIRES. Some 2013-2019 Escape and 2015-2019 MKC vehicles may exhibit a vibration attributed to the tires. Prior to performing any road force balancing procedures or related diagnosis, make sure the vehicle tire pressure is correct and is driven a minimum of 24 Km (15 miles) to eliminate any possible flat spotting conditions and potential misdiagnosis. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-04A for further information. In addition, it is recommended that diagnosis of tire/wheel vibration should not be performed on tires with less than 320 Km (200 miles). Some initial tire/wheel vibration issues (such as flat spotting) may correct themselves after the tires have been in service for 320 Km (200 miles). Setting tire pressure to the correct placard pressure is contained within pre-delivery inspection.
TSB 18-23312019-01-07. Service bulletin. TIRES; WHEELS. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds above 80 Km/h (50 MPH) which may be attributed to short term flat spotting in the tires. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
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 475192018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2018 Escape vehicles built on or before 26-Aug-2018 and 2016-2018 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 to the latest calibration using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14A068 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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 476252018-11-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern. Follow the Cooling System Pressure Test procedure in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 303-03, pressurize the cooling system to 138 kPa (20 psi) and hold for 5 hours. If cooling system pressure drops 27.57kPa(4psi) after 5 hours and internal engine coolant loss is confirmed, further investigation of the head gasket interface is required. Carefully inspect cylinder block for erosion, pitting, and flatness. Defects will be between the engine block cylinders and cylinder bore bridges. If defects with the surface of the cylinder block and/or cylinder head are identified, follow WSM, Section 303-01A procedures for repairs. Complete cost cap as needed to determine the most cost effective repair.

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