2019 Ford Escape

The engine in this vehicle has a known design flaw (see Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B37/21N12) that causes the cylinder head gasket to fail at a location that allows coolant to enter the cylinder. Coolant contains chemicals like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. While not easily flammable at room temperature, coolant can catch fire if it reaches its autoignition temperature, which can happen when exposed to the extreme heat and pressure inside an engine cylinder during combustion. The gasket failure also exposes the coolant passages within the cylinder head to these extreme temperatures and allows exhaust gases to enter through the failure location. Additionally, the coolant leak will also cause the engine to run at a higher temperature and the increased heat can further elevate the fire risk. Ford admits to this issue and will replace the engine in affected vehicles through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, however this program conveniently expired in November 2022, before most owners were made aware of the issue. This extremely dangerous defect does not become less dangerous with the passage of time and there should be no time limit on this repair. Either a class action lawsuit or action by the NHTSA will be required to force Ford to make these repairs. My own vehicle has been parked and not driven for well over a year due to this issue. It was replaced with a Chevrolet Traverse and I refuse to sell the defective Ford Escape to an unsuspecting buyer who would unwittingly be putting their family’s lives in danger.

The 2019 Ford Escape (purchased new in December 2018) was taken to the Nick Mayer Ford (Mayfield Heights, Ohio where it was purchased) service department in August/September 2024 for a computer diagnostic analysis for a previous warranty recall/repair problems regarding short block replacement for coolant intrusion that was not performed/corrected several years prior in 2021 when only the turbocharger was replaced. The problem was excessive smoke being emitted at engine start back in 2021 when the only turbocharger was replaced and the problem reappeared in August 2024. Nick Mayer Ford had the vehicle for two weeks in August/September 2024 and provided neither a computer diagnostic analysis report nor repair of the previous recall/repair issues (2021) including no explanation/resolution of the problem. Currently, due to the previous undiagnosed/unresolved problems, the engine failed at 70,000 miles in December 2024 and the long engine block has to be replaced. The engine warning lamp was on at the time of engine failure. We are still paying on a car loan for the vehicle. References: 1. Ford Help Desk Assistance Claim Case# [XXX] on 12/5/2024 filed with Tanya E. for short block replacement for coolant intrusion. 2. Ohio Attorney General Matter Number [XXX] on 12/6/2024 filed with Ross. 3. Ohio Attorney General Consumer Complaint# [XXX] filed online on 1/3/2025.

rough run condition when cold. coolant reservoir almost empty. Block test failed for hydrocarbons in the cooling system indicating a failed cylinder head to block gasket ror cracked head.P0302 misfire for cylinder 2 Issues have been addressed in Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 happened about a week ago in Jan 2025 then the check engine light came on within the week. vehicle odometer is at 82700

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was making an abnormally loud knocking sound due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from being stopped at a stop sign, the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 107,972.