Engine Exhaust System problems of the 2013 Ford Escape

The contact's friend owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the cabin would fill up with exhaust and fuel fumes to the point of having to roll the windows down to clear the cabin odor. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed however, the cause of the odor was not yet determined. The contact was also informed of an open recall for NHTSA campaign number: 20v331000 (latches, locks, linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,125.

I bought my vehicle in June of 19 with 91 thousand miles. In 3mos. My engingine began to vibrate. My hood was vibrating and trans was shifting hard and jumping in and out. Took it to Ford in mesquite TX. I paid 800 + dollars for motor mount. Two days later vibrations return. Took it back. They said that's normal. Didnt do diagnostics. 2mos ago it started rattling from the rear. Vibrations worst. Ford said its transmission mount now. This car has over 10 recalls performed. I cant afford to fix. I took for another license shop. Mechanic said he wouldn't touch it he said the exhaust and mounts go out frequently on these cars. It would kill in on his one warranty. Said mounts can go out again within 3months. I'm stuck with this money taking lemon. 2013 with 101 thousand miles.

Car was running rough and hesitating, took it in and they said it had to do with coolant loss, said they fixed. Car continued to run rough took back and it smelt like something was burning, and now when started white smoke can out of exhaust. Now they say I need a new engine.

While commuting in heavy traffic this morning, with times of heavy idling, an exhaust type smell starting coming into the cabin causing me to become nauseous and dizzy until windows were opened. This has happened on numerous occasions, particularly when the weather goes from cold to mild (not requiring a/c), but some heat. This vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership last March for the same issue, but the problem was not diagnosed. I purchased a battery operated co2 detector to test and it alarmed while driving under these conditions. The vehicle was taken to the same Ford dealer this morning and left running. The service technician did detect some type of odor coming through the vents.

The heat shield on the undercarriage of the car is very cheaply made and is falling apart. It is basically fiberglass insulation covered with shiny aluminum foil. It is very flimsy and exposed to the elements. The shielding has come loose and the more I drive, the more the wind pulls it and tears it from the car. It is now hanging down from the undercarriage and almost touching the ground, laying over the exhaust and directly touching it. This seems to be a very hazardous situation. It seems to be a very poor design to have something that is so delicate and flimsy to be directly exposed just inches from the ground on the undercarriage where any sort of road debris could easily damage it and cause it come into direct contact with a hot exhaust pipe. I'm sure once it catches on something it would be easily ripped free of the vehicle and leave absolutely no heat shielding between the exhaust and the floorboard.