2018 Ford Escape cruise control problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a cluster of drivability and safety problems centered on unintended acceleration, power loss, and transmission/engine failures on 2018 Ford Escapes. Several complaints detail sudden acceleration without pedal input—sometimes while using adaptive cruise control—that required brake pressure to stop. Others report the opposite: severe loss of power and acceleration, check engine lights, and engine overheating, often paired with transmission hard shifts or refusal to engage. One owner's newly replaced engine failed within 75 miles; another describes fuel pump collapse and subsequent engine sludge requiring full engine replacement despite proper maintenance. A separate complaint notes brake lights fail to illuminate when adaptive cruise control applies brakes, creating a safety gap for following drivers. Throttle body issues, water pump failures near 90,000 miles, and unresponsive acceleration on hills appear in later model year reports. One owner reports the dealer said the 6F35 transmission problem is "a known issue" with Ford. Most diagnostic attempts either found no codes or pointed to fuel system, engine, or transmission root causes. Owners emphasize these vehicles have low mileage and proper service histories, yet experience failures typically seen in much older cars.
Same Ford Escape cruise control reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration / loss of throttle control
Vehicle accelerates without driver input, sometimes while using adaptive cruise control; in some cases acceleration occurs at stop or during turns; owners report being unable to control speed except via braking.
When: Various mileage; one at ~4,000 miles, others at low to moderate miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine races or accelerates without pedal depression; Acceleration continues until brake applied; RPMs spike during coasting or stopped conditions; Loud engine noise accompanying acceleration; Occurs repeatedly after restart
Codes mentioned: No codes found in some cases, Check engine light (generic; specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics inconclusive in multiple cases; one shop blamed floor mats; throttle body replacement mentioned in complaint #11
Loss of power and reduced acceleration
Vehicle loses power and acceleration capability while driving, particularly at highway speeds or on hills; may occur with adaptive cruise control engaged; vehicle fails to accelerate despite pedal input.
When: Low to moderate mileage; complaint #5 at 5,900 miles; complaint #4 at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration declines suddenly; Vehicle loses power; Check engine light illuminates; Strange clicking sound reported; Unable to accelerate over 65 MPH on cruise control; RPMs rise but vehicle does not accelerate on hills
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not detailed)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement performed in complaint #4; throttle body replacement needed per complaint #11
High-pressure fuel pump failure and engine sludge
Fuel pump fails under highway driving conditions; replacement pump collapses onto itself; subsequent diagnosis reveals engine sludge, necessitating engine replacement despite owner maintenance compliance.
When: Highway driving, extended trips; complaint #2 specific instance provided
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power and acceleration while driving; Check engine light; Fuel pump physically damaged (collapsed); Engine sludge accumulation; Failure recurring after fuel pump replacement
Codes mentioned: High pressure fuel pump error code (complaint #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial fuel pump replacement; subsequent engine replacement required due to sludge; service provider deemed vehicle unsafe to drive after pump failure
Engine replacement required; repeated failures
Engine fails prematurely; in complaint #1, replacement engine exhibited same defect within 75 miles; in complaint #2, engine sludge causes secondary fuel pump damage; both owners cite proper maintenance and low mileage.
When: Complaint #1: 75 miles after replacement; complaint #2: during extended highway driving after fuel pump failure
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Engine coolant mixed with oil (complaint #1); Shaking and loss of power; Engine racing uncontrollably; Engine sludge (complaint #2)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #1: engine replaced; replacement engine failed; dealer mentioned bulletin procedure but stated 1 in 5 of these vehicles return for second engine replacement. Computer replacement subsequently needed. Complaint #2: engine replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #1: dealer referenced service bulletin for coolant-oil mixing but provided replacement engine without modification to address defect
Transmission failure / refusal to engage
Transmission fails to shift into gear or hold gear during acceleration; hard shifts noted; complaint #3 specifically cites 6F35 transmission as known issue with parts on back order.
When: Complaint #3 at 88,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shift into gear; Transmission will not move vehicle despite being in gear; Vehicle continues coasting despite gear engagement attempt; Later refusal to engage any gear
Codes mentioned: Warning light appeared after final engagement attempt (complaint #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; complaint #3 dealer stated 6F35 transmission replacement on back order 4–6 weeks; no loaner car provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #3: Ford dealer stated this is a known issue with 6F35 transmissions; parts on back order
Brake lights inoperative during adaptive cruise control braking
Brake lights fail to illuminate when adaptive cruise control system applies brakes; lights function normally during manual braking, indicating a system-specific design flaw.
When: Occurs consistently during adaptive cruise control use
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when ACC applies brakes; Brake lights function normally with manual brake application; Condition observed consistently
Water pump failure and engine overheating
Water pump fails, causing engine overheating despite normal coolant levels; vehicle exhibits shaking and acceleration failure.
When: At approximately 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shaking; Engine overheating; Accelerator pedal unresponsive; Check engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement diagnosed but not completed per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to dealer; repair not completed
Throttle body and motor mount deterioration
Throttle body requires replacement despite low mileage; motor mounts deteriorate prematurely; complaint indicates these parts should not fail on a 6-year-old vehicle with typical mileage.
When: At 6 years old; complaint #11 describes premature deterioration
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not reach desired speed; Engine fault light illuminates; Motor mounts deteriorated despite low miles
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement required
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2018 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 30,644 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.