Recall 18V104 covers 88 2018 Lincoln Mkc and Escape vehicles with incorrect front brake hoses. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 88 2018 Mkc and Escape vehicles because incorrect front brake hoses can chafe against nearby components and leak brake fluid. That leak can mean longer stopping distance and higher crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will replace the front brake hoses free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front brake jounce hose is a flexible brake-fluid line at the front wheel area. It carries hydraulic pressure to the front brakes while allowing the suspension and steering parts to move. The hose has to be the correct length and routing so it can flex without rubbing nearby components.
On affected 2018 Mkc and Escape vehicles, the wrong front brake jounce hose was installed. The incorrect hose is shorter, attaches in a different location, and has protective sleeves in different positions. During normal driving, that hose can rub against adjacent parts. Over time, the rubbing can wear through the hose and let brake fluid leak.
The warning sign listed for this recall is the brake fluid warning indicator light. If that light comes on, the vehicle needs dealer attention because the brake system is losing or detecting low fluid.
Who's affected?
The Mkc and Escape share the same listed component: the hydraulic brake hose.
| 2018 Lincoln Mkc | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Escape | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 88 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 120 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase crash risk. The warning sign named for this recall is the brake fluid warning light. If it comes on, pull over where safe and call a Lincoln dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Lincoln Mkc or Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free front-brake-hose inspection.
- Ask the dealer to replace any incorrect front brake hose that can chafe and leak brake fluid.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V104 and Lincoln recall 18S04 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete. Leave extra following distance because a brake fluid leak increases stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the front brake hoses and replaces each incorrect hose found during the recall inspection. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 13, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 5, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 5, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V104?
Recall 18V104 covers 88 2018 Lincoln Mkc and Escape vehicles with incorrect front brake hoses that can chafe against nearby parts and leak brake fluid. That leak can increase stopping distance and crash risk. Lincoln dealers will inspect the hoses and replace incorrect ones for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Lincoln Mkc or Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V104. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask for the brake-hose inspection under recall 18V104. The dealer will replace incorrect front brake hoses for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V104, Lincoln dealers will inspect the front brake hoses and replace any incorrect hoses free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance from a brake fluid leak. The incorrect front brake hoses can rub against nearby components, causing a leak in the brake system. If your VIN is included, schedule the free inspection and hose replacement with a Lincoln dealer.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Lincoln Mkc or Escape is included, then reference recall 18V104 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V104000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V104 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V104000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →