2022 Ford Escape Engine Problems

There is fluid accumulation under the engine air filter assembly.

On March 31st, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on a major highway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure without prior warning. The "Check Engine" and "Powertrain Malfunction" (Wrench) lights illuminated, and the vehicle experienced an immediate and total loss of motive power. This created a high-risk safety situation for myself (luckily my daughter was not with me at the time), I was forced navigate through high-speed traffic to the shoulder with no engine propulsion. Technical Confirmation: The vehicle was towed to Dick Smith Ford (Columbia, SC). A diagnostic scan revealed fault code P032F (Combustion Engine Producing Insufficient Torque). The dealership confirmed the failure was internal and required a total Long Block Engine Assembly replacement in accordance with CSP 23NC06 (Reference RO #259050). Failure of Previous Safety Recall: Crucially, this vehicle had already received the "remedy" for Recall 23S27 / NHTSA Campaign 23V440000 (Engine Fire Risk). Despite Ford's claim that the software update and grill shutter modifications mitigated the risk of catastrophic failure and fire, the engine still suffered a major breach and total failure at highway speeds. This demonstrates that the current recall remedy is insufficient to protect occupants from sudden loss of power or potential fire hazards.

Recall has been issued since 7/16/25 and a serious safety risk issue has not been resolve. It is mentally draining and scary that whenever we drive our car there is always a risk of safety like car catching on fire. We have been patiently waiting for a long time now. Consumer safety should always be a priority specially we have 2 kids inside the car.

A Terrifying Ordeal and a Broken Promise: M.A’s Story A Known Danger Ignored In August 2025, M.A, a [XXX] woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, received a letter from Ford Motor Company. It was a recall notice for her 2022 Ford Escape, warning that a defect in the turbo system could cause engine fires. Despite this known danger, the letter contained a chilling instruction: there was "no recommendation to stop operating the vehicle." Trusting the manufacturer, M.A continued to drive her car—her essential link to independence. A Nightmare on the Road Two months later, in October 2025, that trust nearly cost M.A her life. While driving in Windsor, Ontario, she saw smoke, then flames erupt from under the hood. In a horrifying instant, the engine compartment burst into fire. Paralyzed by panic—a "brain freeze" moment where she couldn't even unlock her door—she was trapped. Only with the help of bystanders was she pulled to safety, where she watched helplessly as her car and everything she owned—clothes, jewelry, two laptops, an iPad, and three suitcases—were consumed by flames. Physical and Emotional Devastation The fire was extinguished, and the car was towed away, but the damage to M.A’s life was just beginning. The traumatic event triggered a severe relapse of her Multiple Sclerosis, worsening her physical disability. The profound stress and sadness have been overwhelming. She is now without a vehicle, struggling daily with lost mobility and independence. Abandoned by the Company at Fault When M.A contacted Ford for help, seeking accountability for the defect they had already acknowledged, she was met with indifference. Customer service representatives, both by phone and on Facebook, directed her only to her insurance company, washing their hands of responsibility for the catastrophic failure their recall had warned about INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from behind the dashboard. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The warning light with a wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and then restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact pulled over to a rest stop and contacted Ford Roadside Assistance. The contact's son met her at the rest stop and used a code reader on the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P1061. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the vehicle showed historical codes, but the codes had been cleared. The vehicle was towed to another dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,300.

I am writing to formally demand immediate action regarding my 2022 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX] a 0% financing plan and Ford’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Since purchase, the Escape has suffered serious safety defects, including gasoline fumes inside the cabin, burning odors, and repeated performance failures tied to the fuel system. On [XXX] and again on [XXX], the vehicle flamed up while being driven, requiring emergency intervention to extinguish. In August 2025, Ford issued Safety Recall 25S76, admitting that these vehicles may suffer fuel injector cracking, fuel leaks, and under-hood fires while being driven. Ford further admitted that no permanent repair remedy exists. The interim software update provided does not correct the defect. As a retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and Purple Heart recipient, I live with PTSD triggered by vehicle fires and explosions. The Escape’s condition has placed me in a state of medical crisis, making it impossible for me to safely operate the vehicle. FORD HAS DISCONTINUED THE LINE. I WANT A REPLACEMENT CAR OR I WANT TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE RISK OF LOSS OF LIFE IF I DRIVE THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

See attached document for complaint.

The Incident: While traveling at highway speeds on a public freeway, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and stalled without warning. This caused an immediate loss of propulsion, power steering, and power braking. I was forced to navigate the vehicle across multiple lanes of high-speed traffic with no engine power, nearly resulting in a fatal collision. Background and Safety Risk: This is the second terminal engine failure this vehicle has suffered in under 60,000 miles. The first engine was replaced by a Ford dealer at approximately 30,000 miles due to a similar failure. The replacement engine has now failed at approximately 53,000 miles. This vehicle is also subject to Safety Recall 25S76 (Fuel Injector/Fire Hazard). Current Status: The defect has been confirmed by a Ford dealership which previously performed a full engine replacement. The manufacturer has not provided a permanent remedy for the current failure or the active fire recall. The vehicle remains a substantial and life-threatening safety risk to the driver and the public. No warning lights or symptoms appeared prior to the sudden engine shut-off at freeway speeds.

I am the owner of a 2022 Ford Escape experiencing a serious issues: My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V467 / Ford Recall 25S76, concerning the potential for a cracked fuel injector leading to fuel accumulation on top of the engine—a serious fire hazard. According to NHTSA, there is currently no remedy available. This adds another layer of safety concern, particularly considering the compounding risks and Ford’s delay in delivering a fix a pending recall involving potential engine fires, I am deeply concerned about the safety and reliability of my vehicle. I am asking that my concerns be formally investigated and that Ford take appropriate responsibility for repairs, reimbursement (if applicable), or an expanded VIN inclusion under the CSP.

Problem with fuel injectors. Car has a very rough idle when cold. Also while driving there is a rough idle from the engine.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at Meineke Auto for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was a significant amount of oil in the engine bay and the engine was smoking. Additionally, the contact was informed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V484000(Engine and Engine Cooling, Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 49,025.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The local dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The diagnostic scanner was attached and the received code was P0299. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing within the next several days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,400.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cause of the failure was not yet determined; however, the mechanic determined that the brakes were not responsible for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light continued to flash off and on, and the vehicle had experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact heard two loud explosions, when the contact looked outside the vehicle was in flames, causing the siding of the contact's home siding to melt. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated, but the contact smelled an odor of fuel coming from the vehicle before the explosion. No one was injured and a police report was filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500.

2022 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO CLICKING SOUNDS COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed by his local dealer, an abnormal oil odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact inspected the engine and discovered that oil had leaked around the oil reservoir cap. Upon further inspection, the dipstick showed that the oil level was 3/8 of an inch over the oil limit. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer where he explained to the service manager what he had discovered. Another oil change was performed and once the vehicle was returned, the same failure persisted upon inspection. The contact then performed his own oil change and the defect remained. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,600.