2018 Ford Escape Complaint Log

About 20 months ago and at 120,000 miles my transmission blew and I filed a report with you. This time about 2 months ago my engine started shaking when being started, and according to my local Ford dealership, my engine block is either cracked or has a warped cylinder head. Either way the entire engine needs to be replaced. It now has 140,000 miles on it. In addition to this, I have had several other things go wrong with my vehicle over the same time frame. I cannot afford spend $8,000.000 for a new engine right now, and my experience also tells me that this will not be the end of the major repairs either. Right now I have a $35,000.00 (original price) boat anchor. Repair information to be provided upon request.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that cylinder #2 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed again with a failure within cylinder #2, due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that cylinder #2 needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failure of cylinder #2 due to coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that due to the coolant intrusion and the repeated cylinder #2 failure, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,617.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat, prompting him to pull the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. Upon refilling the coolant reservoir, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality but the failure later reoccurred. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined coolant intrusion had damaged the engine requiring an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 76,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis; the dealer informed the contact that the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer made the contact aware of Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B37 however, the CSP expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

leaking coolant. Transmission problem with the shift cable bushing, which caused the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated and lead to the vehicle rolling away.

Coolant Intrusion Cylinder #2. Codes for misfire cylinder 2 as well as coolant loss for OVER 2 YEARS. At the time of both of my warranty work (as well as other extended warranty work) they did the associated computer flash to add the low coolant light, but told me that on the 1.5 eco boost motor that coolant consumption is a "normal occurrence". Which is true but that is because ITS LEAKING INTO THE MOTOR. Ford has intentionally covered up this issue and knowingly sold this motor with this defect. We qualified for the 21N12 Customer satisfaction program but the letter was sent to the old owner of the vehicle ( we purchased this from ford and registered in VT and the letter was sent to a person in Tennessee.) We are currently working with ford customer care but they have said there is little they are willing to do. My local dealership currently has 3, 1.5 eco boost in 2 for intrusion diagnosis and 1 for a new motor. This is a massive safety issue because the motor could overheat ( even with the low coolant light they added the temp gauge does not go over normal operation levels) so the car has a high potential to catch on fire at highway speed. We are currently waiting for our diagnosis appointment (no one can see us for 2 months) but we have all symptoms and codes from the diagnosis process on the 21n12 customer satisfaction letter. [XXXX] ford INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated and idled very roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the rough idling with the check engine warning light had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion in the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

The vehicle check engine light came on at 61k miles, was found to be misfiring. Upon inspection, dealership found coolant intrusion in engine. Engine will require block replacement. Vehicle could have overheated, caught fire, or left family members stranded in severe weather conditions.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side wheel detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, requiring an engine replacement. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact opened the hood and noticed the engine was not hot to the touch and that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that a month prior the check engine warning light had illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with coolant intrusion and a cracked engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown TSB did not apply to the vehicle and had already expired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape from CarMax, I’ve had the car for 6 months I drove it to Illinois and my car was in park but stating it was in neutral upon a diagnostic it was discover my shifting cable was not working and I needed to keep my car parked and keep The emergency break on at all times. I called Ford and told them my issue they explained to me that in November of 2022 the gear shifting cable was a was fixed per a recall and I would have to pay to have it fixed because they only fix it one time for free . In January of this year another lawsuit was filed against Ford that alleges that even after the shifting cable is fix its still breaking on customers then can results in serious injury to the driver or others. I am asking that Ford take this vehicle back in exchange for a vehicle equal in value, i transport my grandchildren and children in this car and it’s not reliable or safe

Head or head gasket leaking and causing engine failure

I had vehicle checked by a mechanic about check engine light. There are no problems with vehicle. It seems to run a bit rough but drives well. Coolant was low and refilled. I believe dealership wants to trade in to sell new car. Wont be shopping ford vehicles

My 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L Eco Boost engine has a coolant leak that is leaking into the number 3 cylinder. My local Ford dealer said it cannot be fixed and that a new engine is required. The estimated cost to replace the engine is $10,500. My car is out of warranty by 5 months with about 36,000 miles. The dealer will not fix it for free. An online search shows a TBS for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. [XXX] Further searches provide links to Reddit and car forum posts by other owner's who have had the same issue. I will contact Ford corporate next to see if they can help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on the highway the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The vehicle then decelerated to 35 MPH independently and was sluggish. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that she continued driving with the hazard lights activated because the vehicle failed to exceed 37 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing power, and she was able to drive uphill to her residence at 10 MPH. The Hill Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine replacement would be covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a coolant odor coming into the cabin while the vehicle idling or running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

See attached document for complaint

Coolant intrusion leak in multiple cylinders causing misfires.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle turned off independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 34,035.

Issue: 2018 Ford Escape, damaged engine short block due to coolant intrusion. Inspection: Inspected by Ford dealership mechanic. Outcome: needs an engine replacement due to damage from coolant intrusion. Was told there is no preventive maintenance or alerts for this issue and I was told there was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. Opinion: Sounds like FACTORY DEFECT that should have been recalled

I was driving my 2018 ford escape. The check engine light came on, I drove straight to dealer. The inspected the vehicle and said there was a coolant leak which leaks on to the pistons. My 3 piston is misfire and my engine block needs to be replaced. $7500. As I research this issue, I see this was known by for manufacture. I just paid off my vehicle, I have no money and no vehicle to get to work.

Intermediate start ups, followed by "service engine now" light. Upon immediately taking to shop, I was informed that coolant had leaking into engine via head gasket and engine is damaged beyond repair - vehicle has less than 99,000 miles and has had regular oil changes and fluid checks.

On September 22 2023 I drove my car home from work and everything was good. The next day September 23 2023 I started my car and my check engine light went yellow, then red, my car instantly overheated, smoke poured out of my exhaust. I brought it to dealership for inspection and was told coolant had leaked into my engine and the engine cracked. Upon research this is a known problem with ford escapes dated from 2013-2019 with the possibility of the car catching fire. I paid over 10k to have it repaired but it shouldn’t have happened in the first place! Ford should have recalled the SUVs and fixed/replaced the problem components.

Coolant injection leak, blown engine.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the spark plugs, and ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,952.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was started. The contact checked the engine compartment and became aware that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated, and the contact had been filling the coolant reservoir on a recurring basis. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Engine Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was fluctuating between hot and normal, with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Check engine light came on while driving down the highway. Vehicle lost power to approximately 20 mph even though the throttle was pressed. This was a hazardous situation as the speed limit was 55 mph and no place to pull off. Was told by a mechanic the throttle body was defective and needs replaced.

Need new engine block. First issue was with A C/S: VEHICLE TOWED IN. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT - CHECK AND ADVISE 59FOZ REPLACE ENGINE EVAP VALVE - AUTH#A211102572- at 43,012 miles. Second incident was at 64,309 miles -- A C/S: CUSTOMER STATES WHEN SITTING AT RED LIGHT , WHEN VEHICLE IDDLE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF INTERMITTLEY AND SOMETIME IT WILL PUDDLE LIKE NOT GAS 00 AUTH#A230602080 - WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CEXT 2108 CEXT 2432.00 2432.00 1 DS7Z*6256*A SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 100.83 100.83 100.83 1 DS7Z*6256*B SPROCKET - CAMSHAFT 136.50 136.50 136.50 2 4M5Z*6M282*A BOLT - OIL SUPPLY 9.17 9.17 18.34 1 CN1Z*6M280*F SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 70.67 70.67 70.67 1 CN1Z*6M280*E SOLENOID - ENGINE VARIABLE TIM 48.83 48.83 48.83 1 BE8Z*6A340*A BOLT 3.60 3.60 3.60 1 DS7Z*6584*B GASKET - VALVE ROCKER ARM COVE 5.95 5.95 5.95 5 XO*5W20*BSP OIL - ENGINE 4.29 4.29 21.45 1 BM5Z*2A572*A GASKET - VACUUM PUMP 3.18 3.18 3.18 1 *W717236*S300 RING 0.81 0.81 0.81 1 DS7Z*9229*B KIT - "O" RING 13.84 13.84 13.84 PARTS: 424.00 LABOR: 2432.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 2856.00 64309 DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED FAILED VCT SOLENOIDS AND CAM PHASERS. REPLACED TIMMING BELT AND ROAD TESTED OK **************************************************** B MULTI POINT INSPECTION 99P ADDITIONAL PART NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY SOLUTION 2106 CP 0.00 0.00 1 BE8Z*6268*C BELT - TIMING 83.33 83.33 83.33 1 MU2Z*6731*A KIT - ELEMENT & GASKET - OIL F 8.18 8.18 8.18 00 MISC 2106 ISP (N/C) 1 BM5Z*6312*A PULLEY - CRANKSHAFT (N/C) PARTS: 91.51 LABOR: 0.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE B: 91.51 and on September 20, 2023 engine failure requiring new engine block at 68,000 miles.

Engine and Turbo plus Turbo lines, Hardware and Gasket

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated but then disappeared. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

I purchased this vehicle in July of 2023 and put 3000 miles on it and then found out when parked and sits…when started blue smoke comes out of exhaust. Made an appointment at a Ford dealer, it was there 10 days without being looked at and I needed to return the rental car, which I told the service advisor that it had to be checked out in order for my warranty company to pay my rental fees, kept calling with no answer.. ended up taking it to another dealer which diagnosed it needing an engine due to the cyclinders taking coolant… they than til me they 6 months out due to having 6 escapes just like mine in front, all needing engines.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 50 MPH, the overheating warning light was illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was extremely low and boiling. Upon refilling the reservoir, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle required a coolant flush. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.

COOLANT APPEARS TO BE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK.

Coolant is leaking in to the combustion chamber of my 1.5lt Ecoboost engine. Causing the engine to run very rough and not start sometimes.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed and there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that she replaced the coolant reservoir herself, and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the coolant evaporated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a coolant leak had caused damage to the timing belt, the pin, and the head gasket. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred six months later. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The contact stated that she added coolant to the vehicle and drove to AutoZone, and a significant amount of coolant had poured out onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Car began running rough at initial start after a thunderstorm but subsided within a minute or two and was running normally. Car continued to run normally but check engine light came on. Took to the dealership who said that coolant had intruded into the engine, an engine assembly replacement was needed, and the replacement cost would be close to $12,000. The vehicle had 77,144 miles at the time. Due to being out of warranty, we would incur the total cost of repairs. This issue appears to be related to recall 17S09 but our vehicle has 0 unrepaired recalls.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the short and long blocks. The contact was informed that the engine blocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 77,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had misfired and that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired shortly after that the misfire reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then replaced the ignition coils. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine misfired again. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle the next day for approximately 10 miles at approximately 70 MPH when the vehicle sputtered and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic who diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10213732 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,800.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to shut completely. While exiting the vehicle, the door continuously poked her lower leg. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon exiting the driver's side door, the contact was poked on her leg. The contact sustained injuries to the calf muscle and was cut. The contact was taken to the emergency room, where her leg was stitched up. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Engine cut out in middle of street right after turned on. Engine also overheated on highway. Garage says it's because of a leaked coolant into the engine causing a misfire.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over safely and continued to drive to her residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted.  The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,107.

Vehicle has 45655 miles on it. Vehicle idled rough at start on 9-5-23. Upon driving at highway speeds check engine light illuminated. Vehicle was taken to repair shop the next day and was found to have coolant in the engine block and no coolant in the reservoir. No other engine lights are on no indicator for temp and temp was in the normal range.

Last week, I noticed that my vehicle was not driving the same. It was like jerking a little. I called and made an appointment with Ford service department. They did a diagnostic and said coolant was leaking into the engine. The car has a little over 72,000 miles on it. I looked at saw other Escapes had the same problem. I am writing to add to other complaints concerning the engine. Thank you.

Was driving when engine light came on, then warning that engine was to hot. My car then began to slow down and I pulled over and allowed to cool for a while. Finally able to drive but each time I would drive it happened. Took to a independent contractor and was told my coolant was leaking into engine and it needed to be replaced

I was having issues where my car was getting a code that there was an engine misfire occurring (PO302 code). I took it to multiple shops and nobody could figure out the problem. After extensive testing they finally figured out that there is coolant leaking onto my engine. I now have to repair basically half my engine and I have only had the car for 52,000 miles (5 years).

On the first engine, a check engine light came on the dashboard, took it in, and was told code P300 was coming on but couldn't find where we were losing the coolant. Come to find out, the header was cracked and it was getting into the oil pan. We only had the vehicle for a few months since we purchased it. The second engine is, a replacement of the first and a used engine. Not even 400 miles and we start to get the check engine light on. He checked dtcs and found codes P300 P301 and P1299 stored, block tested the vehicle and the vehicle passed, performed a coolant leak test with the cooling system pressurized to 21psi and found no external leaks, removed cylinder 1 spark plug while leak testing the vehicle and found coolant on top of cylinder 1 piston.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant but was unable to locate the source of the leak. Additionally, he had to add additional anti-freeze approximately every two to three weeks. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, where an appointment was scheduled, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.