general problems of the 2018 Ford Escape - part 2

Our 2018 Ford Escape has a 1. 5l eco boost engine that currently has coolant intrusion in all 4 cylinders per a diagnosis by a Ford dealership in orlando, FL. All indications point to it being the result of the same known design flaw for which Ford has previously issued a recall. However, our car - built at the same plant and time period as those who were sent recall notices - did not receive a recall notice. This was confirmed by a Ford customer service representative. The faulty part is the engine block that was built at the same plant and time frame as those that were issued a recall notice for this exact reason. For whatever reason, Ford either inadvertently or intentionally failed to include this vehicle with others built at the same place and time.

2018 Ford Escape ecoboost 1. 5l experienced a coolant intrusion issue at 95000 miles. This issue was known back in 2018 when I bought the vehicle new at the frederick motor company in frederick, maryland. No communication about this issue was communicated to me but Ford did fix the problem on later manufactured Escapes. A proper diagnosis was done at sullivan’s in newport, ri on 2/27/2026. Ford was not able to schedule a proper diagnosis until mid March. Coolant loss followed by a flashing check engine light was the first indication of the issue. Car is inoperable and dangerous to start up and drive. I’m asking Ford for a goodwill repair because I’m a loyal Ford customer who has properly maintained the vehicle via extended warranty maintenance warranties purchased with the vehicle back in 2018.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine and the inner coolant system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's mother was an additional occupant in the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat. The contact and the contact's mother exited the vehicle. The contact stated that within seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN had no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

While driving on a highway the rpms in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 mph! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into park & tried to move it into a parking lot the car would not go into gear at all. The car was towed is currently at the Ford dealer & they confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced. The only time the warning sign/light came up on the dashboard was after I tried for the last time to move the car into a safe parking area. Per the Ford service this apparently is a known issue with Ford & the 6f35 transmissions & they are on back order for 4-6 weeks and Ford will not give me a loaner car.

After realizing that my issue is not isolated; I decided to report it. I have a 2018 Ford Escape se with a 1. 5l ecoboost engine. From day one, the car had a "ticking" sound - which we were told was normal. Originally, it was leased. Due to pandemic, there was a shortage of cars. Lease was extended 4 months x 2. Repair facilities not open during most of pandemic/ we were not working/ so the car was driven about 5 miles/ week. Maintenance has always been kept up/ oil checked. Normal use pattern/ at/ less than 10 - 15 miles per day. Repeated problems with the engine light on. Immediate service. Each time, blame placed on a sensor or valve (more than once)/ hundreds of dollars in repairs. 8/2025 in for another engine light. Mileage 34,976. Code po496 showed second failure/ purge valve and replaced again. 11/2025, same engine light issue. Mileage 41121 miles. First time, the oil was found to be a bit low. Vvt selenoid tests/ negative. Codes indicated problem with the engine's variable valve timing, which can be caused by a faulty vvt solenoid or actuator, worn timing chain/ belt or a bad camshaft position sensor. The obd-ii code p0012 indicated that the intake camshaft position was 'overretarded' for bank 1. Alternator drive belt was replaced/ notes showing that this included r&I of engine mount, replacement serpentine and v-belt/ belts. On 2/16/26 noticed the "ticking" sound had become louder. The engine light not on. Self oil check showed no loss/confirmed. Mileage 41851. Mechanic unable to diagnose noise source. 2/19, mechanic decided valve cover should be removed/interior examined. 2/20/26, found "worn out cam bearing cap and worn out cam metal on metal grinding due to oil starvation. Recommend replacing engine. " told that the engine had been faulty all along. Ford motor company will not discuss repair/ engine replacement. (estimate:10k+) after reading that this is a widespread problem for consumers; I felt that a report should be filed.

Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed a technical service bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The engine shudders so bad I cannot drive the car. I have also had to replace the transmission a few years back. It became a safety hazard. I was driving it and it wouldn't get up to speed and it was stalling on the road with traffic. This vehicle has several know issues, the cost to upkeep and constantly replace things to maintain safety is unaffordable for anyone. Children and people ride in these cars. These cars are unsafe to be on the road for those in them and around them. I still owe money on mine and can't even drive it due to its safety hazards with the engine and the coolant intrusion. I do not have a repair invoice as I decided to not drop anymore money into this car. Its unfortunate I am still paying on the loan for it.

I wife was driving the the car it went into limp mode, lights on dashboard says pull over asp. The car would not restart now mechanic is saying it needs a new motor.

My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This is an engine defect Ford has known about since 2010, yet they continued to put this engine into their cars. I had bought this car less then a year ago, it had been in the shop more then I have had it. It is constantly overheating. The most recent time I was driving my son to school my exhaust was smoking really bad and everything seemed to be ruining smoothly the day before when I drove it the auto shop I have been taking it to they had spent 2 weeks researching what was wrong with it they told me I needed my whole engine replaced. Im a single mom amd I need answers. . I look up my VIN in the recalls and its stating 0 results but that cant be possible if I have had been same issue as others my eco start and stop dont work and my passager in the front cant roll window down.

Coolant intrusion. Engine has a known problem and it happened to my car.

While driving to work on February 16, 2026 my car started making a knocking noise and had a hard time going. At one point I was in the middle of the road and the car wouldn’t move. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said it needs a new motor. My car is a 2018, just barely 7 years old.

1. Vehicle information • 2018 Ford Escape ecosystem 1. 5 • 84,000 • VIN [xxx] . Problem description : my 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This is an engine defect Ford has known about since 2010, yet they continued to put this engine into their cars. It is also the subject of at least one class action lawsuit. Common issue: many 2017–2019 1. 5l engines suffer from coolant leaks into the cylinders, necessitating a replacement with a redesigned block. The dealership confirmed a technical service bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. Safety risk: • loss of power while driving • risk of engine stall • overheating risk • highway safety concern information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Took car into local repair shop (harlan auto 650 w main street, canfield, ohio 44406. Phone 330-506-1737. ) for normal maintenance. 02/12/26 odometer 65033. Previous maintenance 10/28/25 odometer 61335. Performed vehicle inspection, oil change and tire rotation. Harlan discovered no antifreeze, coolant in reservoir. I authorized them to perform a pressure test lasting several hours. Test revealed evidence of damage to spark plugs, cylinder walls and cracks in cylinder walls. Revealing major damage to ngine resulting in imminent failure. Harlan says short block replacement is necessary for repair. I authorized them to repair car based on value of the rest of the vehicle which they claimed it to be in very good condition. Totals for repair are as follows: labor $4790. 07, parts $2501. 78, tax $546. 89, non-taxable nonjob supplies $29. 49. Grand total $ 7868. 23. Engine failure could result in fire or being stranded on the road. There were no vehicle warning signs. I would like to be reimbursed for this repair by Ford .

I have owned this car for a year have taken it to multiple mechanics to get the overheating issue fixed. Well the most recent time my car had overheated my whole car had smelt like it was on fire. I've had to fix this issue 5 times in the last year and mechanics are not cheap.

I had three incidents in January of 2026 where the coolant was leaking and then the check engine light would come on. I took it to the Ford dealership to have it checked and they said I need a new engine for $12000! but there are no recalls, I have the 1. 5l engine. The recalls are on the 2l engine so they say I have no recourse! I have only owned this vehicle for 8 months and there was one previous owner before me.

Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to Ford even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to Ford even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/17/17 I request Ford buy back this vehicle at full purchase price. I'm a single widow and don't feel safe driving this vehicle alone. Ford selling vehicles with long known problems to unsuspecting customers is shameful.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the vehicle entered safe mode, lost power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was raised from cold to hot immediately, and the vehicle was turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the coolant level was low. The independent mechanic "burped" the system and added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred approximately 30 days later. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, and the short block was cracked, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,900.

The cel light came on and when it was checked by a Ford dealership, they said there was coolant intrusion and the engine block or entire engine needs to be replaced. Evidently this is a well known problem at Ford but they never let me know, never issued a recall, and now I have to replace an entire engine instead of just some part. The cost of replacement is as much as the car is worth.

Coolant intrusion into cylinder.

Coolant leaking into cylinders: 1. 5l ecoboost engines are known for head gasket failures that allow coolant to enter the engine cylinders, which can cause white smoke from the exhaust, "low coolant" warnings, and cylinder misfires. Engine overheating: a lack of coolant, often with no visible external leaks, causes the car to overheat suddenly, sometimes leading to engine failure.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure was not duplicated. The dealer cleared the check engine warning light. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v011000 (equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test, but the contact declined. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. An independent mechanic was contacted and confirmed that there was a coolant leak and that coolant might have leaked into the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Coolant intrusion. Apparently this is a very well documented and known issue.

Engine failure - available for inspection safety was at risk when the vehicle died multiple times on the highway and I was told that there was no issue by Ford. The dealership understand the problem now that the check engine light is staying on. No inspection other than by Ford's mechanics. Possible insurance inspection. Alerts for engine failure whenever the car died. In November 2025 my car died on the highway. I was driving normally and the engine cut out (service code included engine failure). I was able to turn the vehicle back on and drive to auto zone. They believed the issue was my battery. I had the battery replaced at belle tire, 20 minutes after the battery replacement the car died again so I took it to a Ford dealership and explained the issue. Ford drove the car approximately 40 miles and could not recreate the issue and told me it was fine to continue driving. Over the next month it was driven sparingly but still died a few times. The check engine light never stayed on after it died so mechanics were never able to confirm the engine failure (or other code). In mid January the problem became significantly worse one day. It now idles roughly and shakes - even in park. I brought the car back to the same Ford dealership and the code is now no relative compression in the engine. After this happened I learned about the known issue with Ford vehicles where coolant leaks into the engine. The mechanic at the Ford dealership agreed this is likely what happened.

Coolant intrude. Coolant flow to engine make light on for engine high temperature at start. Can not drive after light on.

2018 Ford Escape sel 1. 5l 4cyl turbo. 43,883 miles. Engine light came on. Checked by mechanic on 1/15/26. (philadelphia PA 19128). Diagnosis: coolant leaking from head gasket into cylinder #3. Recommend remove & replace engine. Cost: $11,551. 13 (total) (which is around what the vehicle is worth). I have since researched this problem and found out it is a longstanding issue with this Ford engine, across different models, but has not been addressed - no recall or maintenance notices that I am aware of. Many other consumers have encountered the same exact issue, with engine replacement recommended for thousands of dollars - including in low milage vehicles like mine. Allegedly the faulty engines are still being manufactured and used. . . So, assuming this is true, if someone opts to replace the engine, couldn't they just be getting one with the very same problem?? it is inexcusable that this issue has not been addressed.

While driving 1,100 miles from topeka, kansas to maryland to spend time with our first grandchild, our trip was interrupted by coolant intrusion in the cylinders of our 2018 Ford Escape se (ecoboost), which had 78,600 miles on it. Both an independent garage and the Ford dealership in maryland said the car needed a new engine. The garage put the cost at $16,000; the Ford dealer, $12,200. I quickly discovered online that the problem of coolant intrusion in Ford Escapes from that year was widespread and caused by a design flaw. After purchasing the vehicle used in 2020, I was never informed of any recalls or service announcements about this problem and after the problem was diagnosed, I was told by Ford that recalls had all expired by now. Instead of spending $12,200 for a new engine from an out-of-state dealership I had no knowledge of or past service history with, I decided to use the money I would have spent in repairs and instead use it toward purchasing a used car that hopefully had a better designed engine. I donated the Ford Escape to a charity to sell for parts. Both my wife and I are retired and essentially live on our social security, so purchasing a vehicle and losing the re-sale value of the Ford Escape is going to wipe out a lot of our savings. I believe Ford should compensate me for the private party re-sale value of the vehicle, roughly $9,000, plus the $2,000 I had to spend to rent a car while on our month-long visit in maryland. Businesses should compensate customers for their business mistakes. I bought that car in 2020 and kept it serviced, and at no time did anyone from Ford or the dealership inform me of potential problems with the car that have since been reported. I have contacted Ford and they have told me there is nothing they can do about it. I hope the NHTSA can do something to make Ford stand by its product. Thank you.

I have a 2018 Ford Escape and I have a coolant intrusion leaking into the cylinders. I can smell coolant inside the vehicle. I did some researched the problem. I noticed other people having the same problem. Some of the while driving the motor stopped running. Ford does have the knowledge of this and have done nothing about it. This is a real dangerous safety hazard. Someone is going to get hurt badly and maybe even death can happen. What is it going to take for a national recall for these vehicles affected to be repaired ? this is a very concerning dilemma. Can someone please get back to me. Thank you.

Car had a weird sound and was misfiring so was taken to a shop who diagnosed with coolant intrusion issues. This has been so much headache this car has so many issues with coolant intrusion and it’s a safety issue since it is coolant in the engine which can cause so many issues. This needs to be fixed.

Overhearting light flashed on and immediately went off 3 hours into a 4 hour road trip. Car ran rough at the end of a 4 hour road trip. Next time car was started overheating light came on immediately, engine temp when immediately to hot, and would not drive over 5 miles an hour. Through an independent service center determined that the head gasket blew from coolant leaking. Only been inspected by this independent service center. After overheating started the overheating light continued to come on whenever started.

I purchased a 2018 Ford Escape from metropolitan Ford dealership in eden prairie, mn on 5/15/2025. The very next day the engine light came on. I called them, made an appointment and brought it in thinking that it was a sensor. They checked it out and tried to charge me $1000 for the fix. I argued with them that I had just bought the car and the should be responsible for fixing it. In end I paid $300 and knew from that point that they would take no responsibility for anything wrong with th car. Fast forward to 12/12/2025 I was driving to work and as soon as I entered the interstate the engine light came on as well as the temperature gage going through the roof. I found that I couldn't accelerate and slowly drove the car off the next exit. I was able to get it to my mechanic right there, where he said I had a slow leak in the coolant and gave me a rough estimate of $1000 possible fix but he couldn't do it then. He advised me to keep the coolant filled and took it out of the "limp" mode so I could drive it. A week later I went out to my car and it was in the "limp" mode again, I had it towed to the nearest service station where they came back with the issue. A coolant intrusion. The engine was no longer functional. I went back to the dealer and they told me it was my problem to deal with and that they had no responsibility to do anything. That's when I found out about the recall that they knew about and ignored and sold me a car that they knew was problematic. I'm hoping to join this class action lawsuit because I'm out $12,000 the largest amount that I ever paid for a car and I don't have a working car. I still owe $5000 on this one. I thought going to a Ford dealership and spending the kind of money I spent would protect me from this exact thing. I'm devastated and really don't know what to do.

December/2025 I noticed a check engine light on my way home went to get the code read and was told I needed new plugs and coils had them replaced on 1/2026 about a week later check engine light again now I’m getting code po302 misfiring had them replaced again on 1/10/2026, only to get the same thing happen again to cylinder 2 as before with constant low coolant in overflow !! so as of 1/16/2026 same reading done same code my cylinder #2 has coolant in there and now I need internal engine work done on my vehicle with know manufacture recall because I brought my car in 7/2024 n now I’m stuck with a vehicle with major issues/problems and no funds to repair. .

My Ford issue had the short block coolant intrusion which has resulted in a blown engine with only 55,000 miles on my car. It is my understanding in 2022, Ford issued a one time no cost repair as they knew they sold cars with a junk engine yet I was never sent the customer satisfaction program letter 21n12 informing me of the potential issue and the one time no cost engine replacement. When I called the Ford customer satisfaction program today, using my VIN they confirmed this as well and mentioned there hasn't been a recall on it to date but possibly sometime in the near future and to save all my maintenance receipts. My engine light had been coming on for quite some time, but my car ran fine so each time I took it to my mechanic no code came up so it was cleared and I drove it. Ford wants me to pay them $12,000. 00 to replace the engine because my 7 year extended warranty ended and they will not assist financially. I realize my car is 8 years old but it has low mileage. Been well maintained and I don't feel I should have to pay for a new engine as the dealership sold me the car with a defective short block in the first place and never informed me of the potential issue.

When starting car, rough idle and engine light turns on. Diagnostic trouble codes show p0300, p0301, and p0304. This engine has a known manufacturing defect by Ford and they have some policies for replacement depending on age and mileage. There is no way to prevent this cracked block issue by consumers as it is a design flaw. Engine coolant seeps through the crack into the cylinders. I'm afraid to continue driving it as it may stall in traffic causing an accident or overheat if coolant gets low causing a fire.

No warning but beginning of the issue with coolant intrusion on the engine: car is currently being looked at for blown head gasket or cracked engine block resulting in $3000+ of repairs. Car only has 75k miles on it. Car is shaking while in park/drive/reverse, making odd bumping noises while going up hill, and not throwing any codes. Upon my research, it states there could be a serious issue with the engine but it is expensive to diagnose and Ford refuses to look at it or diagnose it even though it is a known issue.

Vehicle with 84000 miles has coolant intrusion into cylinders, dealer is saying new engine is needed at $11,000. Vehicle was bought new by owner. This is a known issue from Ford who knew of this issue.