2018 Ford Escape

2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine. I was driving on a major 2 lane state road going 65 miles an hour when the warning light came on that the engine was overheating and pull over immediately. There was no prior warning. As soon as I stopped I looked at the temperature indicator and it returned to a normal level. I tried to drive again and got the same urgent message to stop. There was very little grass on the side of the road where I had to pull off and cars and trucks were passing us going 60-70 miles per hour. I had to call a tow truck to get the vehicle towed to the local Ford dealership. 3 hours sitting on the side of the road and did not get picked up for 3 hours in the dark. Ford ran a diagnostic test the next day and informed me in writing that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leakage into the engine block. I would also need the cabin coolant heater pump and the sparkplugs replaced. The total would be over $8,200. I had the vehicle in for service three months ago due to a check engine light and did the requested repair. The informed me now that it was for a different issue. Ford is not taking any responsibility for this known problem. I was the original owner and was never informed of the issue.

My 2018 Ford Escape developed a severe engine problem at fewer than 30,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire) was present. The vehicle was also losing coolant without any visible external leak, and white smoke was observed from the exhaust. The engine now misfires so severely that I do not consider the vehicle safe to operate. The vehicle has not been driven for more than 60 days because of concerns about further engine damage and safety. Due to the severity of the misfire, the vehicle cannot safely accelerate or reach normal traffic speeds. The symptoms are consistent with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, where coolant enters the combustion chamber through an internal engine defect. The combination of coolant loss, cylinder #2 misfire, and white exhaust smoke indicates an internal engine failure rather than a routine maintenance issue. This condition occurred at under 30,000 miles and has effectively rendered the vehicle unusable. The potential for loss of power, inability to accelerate with traffic, and possible engine failure while driving creates a significant safety concern. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this may be related to a broader defect pattern involving coolant intrusion in certain Ford EcoBoost engines and because the condition creates a risk of loss of power during vehicle operation.

took to a shop to replace dead battery. shop did full inspection as this shop does for me. shop found oil dripping down cv boot and thought I needed new CV boot. I advised CV boot just replaced a few years ago. They thought it was leaking from my Turbo. I advised I should still have warranties from Ford. Took to my Ford dealership I leased from in Dec 2017, and purchased in Dec 2020 and regularly brought my vehicle to. They said you need a new engine, and your warranties expired 5 months ago. My Ford had 38K miles ONLY! Called warranty # for Ford, no help, dealership wouldn't help. 38K miles on a 2018 Ford Escape and it's now JUNK! 15K for a new engine on a car that's worth 8K. Great job FORD! Never again!

In 2025 I bought this vehicle used at a dealership with 84,000 miles on it. A year later, it’s at 118,000 miles and needs a new engine. Due to coolant leaking into my cylinders and into my engine and mixing with oil and water in my oil pan. The issue it is having is directly caused my ford and the way it has designed this engine. Coolant has leaked into my cylinders causing a check engine light coming on labeled cylinder 3 misfire. I called ford about this to see if they would help, but they told me because my car is over 84,000 miles, they cannot cover the cost of repairs. I am still paying on my car loan, and in addition now, I have to pay even more to buy an engine for 5,000 dollars. This is not okay. Other have this issue as well. It is well documented online. Ford should recall this issue.

Driving on highway, suddenly starts chugging and stalling, blowing white smoke and engine light comes on. On side of road won't restart. Ford dealer confirmed it was coolant intrusion from a known engine faulty design, dealer said Ford did not cover all VINS that this effected, (which mine was one) even though it met the other criteria. Has only been inspected and confirmed at Ford repair center. Engine lights on at same time engine began mis-firing during drive. No previous warnings or issues with the car.