2018 Ford Escape

My 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost engine is experiencing issues that include coolant leaking into the cylinder. There has been white smoke emitting from the exhaust with an odor present. Multiple mechanics have looked at the vehicle and have reported that it might need a total engine replacement. The vehicle has roughly 64,200 miles on it and is currently at a Ford Dealership in Clarksville, Indiana. A google search shows that this is a known issue with the Ford 2.0 Ecoboost engine, but Ford is not showing a recall. I also have seen that there is or there is the possibility of a class action lawsuit.

My check engine light came on after a few rough starts prior, all of the rough starts came with white smoke from my exhaust pipe, and the entirety of my vehicle shaking. My first initial impression of the issue was either my spark plugs or my ignition coils. Neither was the case. I have had my car checked out by multiple mechanic shops, and they have all said I have a “coolant intrusion”, as I have had to refill my coolant several times in the past 2 months, while also having “milky oil” indicating coolant has been leaking and mixing into my oil, causing the code P0302, or a cylinder 2 misfire. For a new engine from Ford themselves, I have been quoted $14,000 plus taxes to get this issue fixed. My only concern is Ford has a class-action lawsuit filed against them for this same issue. I can’t afford to put $14,000 into this vehicle for a new engine, when the issue has been happening to many, many others, all fitting the exact description of what I am complaining about. I am concerned for my safety as people with the same issue, have expressed their vehicles have overheated without warning. I am worried my vehicle will catch on fire, as well as my own safety while driving the vehicle. My vehicle is also not covered by warranty.

An engine coolant leak on the engine caused the engine to overheat. This could have led to a possible fire. If we were on a highway or freeway when this happened and the car cut off, this could have caused an accident. There were NO warning signs or lamps that came on before this issue that would have alerted us to this issue. I had the vehicle towed into the Ford dealership and the diagnostic was engine failure due to a coolant leak. The engine coolant leak has been a known issue on the 2018 Ford Escapes by the manufacturer.

I had to replace the engine May 28, 2024. The coolant started mixing with the oil based on the poor design of the engine. Then December 16, 2024, I had to replace the transfer case. Now my transmission has gone out on January 22, 2025. All of this has been out of pocket because I was out of the warranty mileage range. I'm still currently financing the vehicle and have to make all these costly repairs. I'm trying to see what can be done? There is no way a new vehicle like this should be having all these problems especially when it was bought new off the lot.

Car started running hot feb 2023, took it to local auto shop where it showed leaking collant in cylinder 2&3. Local shop quoted 8000 for full engine repair. Contacted ford dealership to see about a CSP the auto body shop told me about and was told my car isn't covered due to millage (over the 84000). This CSP was never preformed on the ford before I bought it when the CSP came out in 2020. I bought in 2021. Nor was I informed about the 2022 extended CSP. I was not made aware of a collant leak possibility until it happened. No repairs have been completed on this car and I am still making my monthly payment for it. I will never buy another ford.

Engine light came on and car shakes a bit when car is first turned on for the day and has been off for a few hours. This started in early January 2025. We took it to a mechanic on January 10th 2025. Mechanic reported white exhaust smoke and stated this could be due to a coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Was told the short block, head gasket or the entire engine would need to be replaced. As of today, January 29th 2025, vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership, but as stated above, it has been checked by a mechanic. Concerned for family safety because vehicle can turn off at any time without any warning. Vehicle is available upon request, for inspection.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.