2017 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with timing belt, water pump, and engine failure. The contact was informed that the timing belt, the engine, and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

There is a known issue with EcoBoost engines that allows coolant to leak into the cylinder heads causing engine misfires, ruined spark plugs, white smoke in the exhaust, catastrophic engine failure, and fire. This vehicle has recently had this issue but is not covered by the extremely limited recall Ford submitted (7 years OR 84,000 miles). This issue needs a full and comprehensive recall as Ford is completely aware of the problem.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the repair would take approximately three weeks. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,632.

Vehicle began shaking and rattling upon acceleration onto freeway. Check engine light flashed, then stayed on. Vehicle taken to dealership where purchased (8 years ago, just paid off 10 months ago, 81k miles) to have service. Quoted appx $7600 to reinstall new engine after coolant intrusion into engine cylinder. Service rep stated this is a common occurrence for this vehicle. Gave me Number to ford customer care and said they couldn’t do anything to help. After researching more, this seems to be a very common problem in this “eco boost” 1.5 L engine in various years and models, some of which have been recalled. This is clearly a manufactured defect that is safety related and ford should be help responsible for producing low quality, knowingly faulty equipment that jeopardized myself and my children’s safety, as well as financial stability. Thank you for the consideration.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Coolant intrusion into cylinder bores. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problem has been looked at by Lens Auto Repair and Christian brothers auto who have both claimed issue is related to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for 2017-2019 Ford Escape vehicles with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine that were built before April 8, 2019. The bulletin, dated June 9, 2022, covers coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores and offers a one-time, no-cost repair for the 1.5L short block. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, this has been inspected by Lou Fusz Ford Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Coolant leaked onto driveway one year ago. Now, coolant disappearing and not visibly leaking anywhere. Also, there is now excessive white smoke at startup on occasions. The smoke is excessive enough to fill the entire garage instantly.

Engine has premature head gasket failure causing a coolant leak in a combustion chamber and low coolant levels. Vehicle at risk of sudden overheating and subsequent engine fire. Condition was not noticed by driver, and only noticed by a trained automotive technician. Failed component: Engine block and head gasket Safety risk: Severe engine fire Problem acknowledged by Ford: See TSB 22-2229 Problem verified by automotive technician Engine light and error code indicates cylinder 2 mis-fire