Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

2014 Ford Escape 1. 6l ecoboost – coolant system failure following safety recall 17s09 I own a 2014 Ford Escape equipped with the 1. 6l ecoboost engine. My vehicle is experiencing a significant coolant leak involving a broken coolant outlet flange located near the cylinder head. Before the failure, my vehicle’s cabin heater stopped producing heat for several days. Shortly afterward, the dashboard displayed a high-temperature warning instructing me to stop the vehicle. I pulled over and shut off the engine almost immediately. My mechanic inspected the vehicle and identified a significant coolant leak from the coolant outlet flange. The plastic component was broken, and the attached hose also requires replacement. The estimated repair cost is approximately $1,600. I contacted Ford regarding safety recall 17s09, which concerns the cooling system and the risk of cylinder-head overheating in certain 2014 Ford Escape 1. 6l ecoboost vehicles. Ford corporate verbally confirmed that recall 17s09 was performed at gwinnett place Ford and that a coolant kit was replaced. Ford also provided the following historical information: * June 6, 2017: 17s09 pressure test performed; no concern found. * January 2018: coolant kit and exhaust gas recirculation kit installation recorded by the dealership. Despite multiple calls, Ford has been unable to provide me with written documentation, detailed repair records, or a list of the components installed during the recall repair. The dealership has also been unable to retrieve the original repair order because its database does not go back far enough. I am concerned that the current coolant-system failure may involve a component affected by, or related to, the previous recall repair. I cannot independently establish whether the failed coolant outlet flange was replaced or modified during the recall because Ford has.

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Was told by an automotive repair shop that my car's check engine light codes are p0302/p0316. Current intrusion into the cylinder directly through the head gasket. The technician looked into this issue and found that 2019 Ford Escapes assembled in [xxx] in 2019 have these issues. I was not aware of this manufacturing error, and no recall/repair notices were issued. I'm putting xxx as my date of incident, even though the manufacturing error was done upon creation. I'm also selecting wa where the incident occurred, but my vehicle was assembled in [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The antifreeze is leaking into the engine or into another part of the vehicle. There are no external leaks. This causes a consistent refill issue and possible engine damage if left untreated.

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I am the original owner of a 2014 Ford Escape se equipped with the 1. 6 l ecoboost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 122,000 miles. Within he first three years of ownership, while the vehicle was still under its initial warranty, it suffered from a cracked cylinder block that required repair at the dealership. The vehicle has a severe persistent history of cooling system failures. I am forced to constantly add engine coolant to the reservoir, and the vehicle previously broke down and left me stranded on the freeway due to sudden engine overheating. Most recently, the engine coolant turned into a thick, creamy, milky substance, confirming severe internal coolant intrusion and mixing with the engine oil. This is known, unrepairable structural manufacturing defect in the open-deck block and cylinder head design of the 1. 6 engine, which leads to catastrophic internal block cracking localized overheating. This severe cooling system failure directly present a critical vehicle safety and engine compartment fire hazard, directly matching the safety risks detailed in safety recall 17s09. The original safety recall remediation failed to fix the core manufacturing defect. The vehicle now requires a total long-block engine replacement. Sincerely, margaret aguiar.

My 2017 Ford Escape was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion. Apparently the only way to fix this is replacing the engine block for more than the car is worth (~$10,000). The car only has 70,000 miles on it. It is available for inspection upon request. This problem has been confirmed by a dealer ([xxx] Ford of [xxx]). The check engine light came on and the problem was originally diagnosed as a cylinder fault with the course of action being 4 spark plugs and 1 ignition coil replaced. The check engine light continued to flash and it was then diagnosed with coolant intrusion. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Was sold a 2016 Ford Escape that apparently has a known coolant leak issue that is caused by a bad engine block. When I bought the car in 2021 I had to wait two weeks to get the car so they could fix a cylinder misfire issue. Had several issues with it overheating and was told that it just needed coolant added. In 2026 was told that the head gaskets was blown and to repair would cost $9000 at the same Ford dealership where I bought it. I had another authorized napa garage replace the head gaskets for $5000 and with in a week had misfire on cylinder #4 again while on the freeway doing 55 mph which caused the car to stall on the freeway in traffic! started investigating the issues to find out that it is a well documented issue with 2016 Fords having a bad engine and the only fix is replacement of the engine!.

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During regular operation, the vehicle began running roughly, stalling at intersections, and triggering a 'coolant over-temperature' warning alongside a check engine light. A certified mechanic confirmed internal coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders—a documented defect in this model year. This defect causes unpredictable engine stalling and complete loss of motive power while driving. Operating a vehicle prone to sudden, unprovoked stalling in active traffic poses a severe safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and surrounding drivers. ".

This is in relation to the coolant intrusion problem with all the Ford ecoboost engines. The vehicle has 98,958 miles - all recommended services were done. Mechanic is recommending a full engine replacement to the tune of $19000. That is nearly 2/3 the value of the car when purchased. Ford not standing behind their products has gotten to a point of hilarity.

I purchased a used 2018 Ford Escape se equipped with the 1. 5l ecoboost engine on June 26, 2026. The vehicle currently has approximately 55,088 miles. While driving, I experienced a check-engine warning light after accelerating. The warning light subsequently began flashing while the vehicle was moving and would become solid when stopped or idling. The vehicle also developed noticeable engine shaking and rough operation, particularly when stopped at traffic lights with the transmission in drive. The shaking is significantly reduced when the transmission is shifted into park. The vehicle displayed diagnostic trouble code p0302, indicating a cylinder 2 misfire. I also noticed that acceleration was not as responsive as expected, requiring additional time to gain speed. Upon inspecting the engine compartment, I observed that the coolant level appeared low. These symptoms raise safety concerns because the vehicle may experience reduced engine performance or potentially lose power while driving, particularly during acceleration or when merging into traffic. I stopped operating the vehicle because of concerns about further mechanical damage and driving safety. According to the vehicle’s service history, the engine short block was replaced on August 3, 2021, at approximately 28,170 miles. The service history also indicates subsequent cooling-system maintenance. I am concerned that the current misfire and apparent coolant loss may be related to an internal engine or cooling-system defect, including possible coolant intrusion, although the underlying cause has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle has not yet undergone a complete diagnostic inspection by a Ford dealership or independent repair facility for this incident. An experienced mechanic familiar with these engines expressed concern about possible internal engine failure based on the symptoms described, but no physical testing has confirmed that assessment. The vehicle remains parked and is available for inspection.

We received an "engine failure- service now" error message on our vehicle and our mechanic told us it is a known issue with this year, make,model, engine and to take it to the dealership for repair. The dealer, and Ford motor company said though the recall is for 2017-2019 Ford Escape ecoboost engines and for the exact same issue, our VIN is not on the current VIN list so it's not covered. Even though this issue is due to a faulty design, thus the recall, they will not cover it. They want $10,000 to fix an issue caused by their design which they have a recall out for. Ford needs to step up and cover this issue under the recall that does apply. Help please.

There have been several issues that cause safety concerns with my 2018 Ford Escape 1. 5l ecoboost. The two most concerning are the headlights and engine failure. Since I drove this vehicle off the lot in 2023 I have had to replace the headlights every 4 to 6 months. I recently learned it is do to an electrical issue and the most recent occurrence caused a small fire under the hood of my vehicle. Sometimes both lights would go out at once without warning. This issue has been reported by numerous consumers and Ford has done nothing. Regarding the engine failure, a coolant leak was reported by two mechanics but the source of the leak couldn't be identified. It was only discovered it was internal when my vehicle just stopped while pulling forward in a drive through. Luckily it wasn't on the highway but if it had been it could've caused an accident, at 70 mph, that likely would've resulted in minor injuries for not only me but other drivers. Ford has been made aware of this issue by owners of 2013-2019 Ford Escape ecoboost vehicles but still hasn't issued a recall. Ford refuses to do anything about this and has instructed its customer support team to tell consumers they "can't" (won't) do anything outside of warranty. This issue often occurs outside of warranty. Ford still hasn't issued a recall despite numerous lawsuits for this exact problem. All customers can do is file a complaint. There are thousands of these vehicles on the road and if Ford continues to do nothing this could eventually lead to fatalities due to vehicle collisions. Someone needs to do something if Ford won't. Engine failure 10/20/26; electrical fire September 2026; lighting failure 2023-2026. The fact someone was fine selling this vehicle, despite consumer reports, is appalling.

I suffered catastrophic engine misfires with a sudden loss of power and white smoke coming from the exhaust. This was due to a design flaw in the Ford ecoboost 1. 5l engine which allowed coolant into the #3 cylinder.

1. Engine 2. Fire 3. None 4. Police 5. No light or symptoms.

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E29 light-emission malfunction warning indicator. Large evaporation leak. Dealer notified and repaired 10/16/26 at 54,399 miles and 10/27/26 at 54,835 miles. Items not under warranty.

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The "check engine light" came on. We brought it to the Ford dealership for checking. They told us there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and that the car was unsafe to drive and required a new engine. We had only put approximately 6,000 miles on the car after buying it used 2 years prior. We surrendered the car to the dealership and took a payout of only $1,500, for a car that only had 46,000 miles on it. We were told that the engine could go on fire and it was dangerous to drive. We were also told that "coolant intrusion" is a common thing that happens to these engines.

The coolant system leaked into engine cylinder two. This caused engine block destruction and I was quoted $13,000 to repair the engine. I called Ford and they stated that because the vehicle was at 120,000 miles there was nothing they could do.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking with the messages, " cylinder #1 misfire" and "coolant level low" displayed. The coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #1, replaced the spark plugs, and added coolant; however, the coolant level was low within the week and coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 93,692.

This recall has not been resolved by Ford in a timely manner while newer recalls have been announced and remedies were made available.

Ecoboost engine defect coolant leaks into engine cylinders causing engine failure . I have a Ford Escape 2017 with the above defect and I had to replace the eco booster twice and last time I had to replace the engine because the block cracked. Ford is not helping at all to fix the problem.

2020 Ford Escape is suffering from sudden, uncommanded loss of power, severe engine hesitation and violent stuttering during acceleration and problem is getting worse. Took to our service center to fix and they said the problem is a recall - NHTSA - 25v467 recall 25s76 (engine hesitant acceleration, rough idling, reduced engine power). Called airport Ford in florence, ky. They are saying they can't fix this issue -there is no remedy and that the program has been paused. This condition poses an immediate safety hazard. The unexpected failure of the powertrain to respond during high-demand situations - such as merging onto highways, passing vehicles or making left turns across oncoming traffic - makes me feel very vulnerable to rear-end or side impact crashes. The failure occurs at all speeds but is worse at 10-30 miles per hour. There is a Ford recall on this issue. If the recall is paused - I assume they are no longer trying to find a fix. This is a 2020 car - surely in 6 years the Ford experts should have found a viable fix. In addition to the dealership also talked to Ford consumer hotline and were given the same info as from the dealership. Please help! I love my Fords - I have had Fords all my adult life. Please help us.

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On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the engine icon lit up first. A few days later, I received an engine fault service now message. I went to the auto zone on October 4, 2026 and they ran a diagnostic check. These are the codes that were found: check engine fail replace ignition coil and spark plug #3 p0303 cylinder 3 misfire detected p0339 crankshaft position sensor a circuit intermittent p0300 random misfire detected cylinder 3 on October 5, 2026, I took it to my mechanic and he began checking everything. He found oil on and inside the computer. He also found that there was antifreeze residue on the cylinder and spark plugs. He did some research to find out what could cause this to happen. He found the following: 1,134–1,711 engine complaints depending on dataset. Failures typically occur between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Main engine problems 1. Coolant intrusion (1. 5l ecoboost – most common & severe) coolant leaks past the block/head sealing surface into cylinders. Not a head gasket failure—requires short-block or long-block replacement. Symptoms: misfire codes (p0300–p0304) white exhaust smoke unexplained coolant loss rough idle, stalling, overheating. 2. Cracked engine block often the end result of prolonged coolant intrusion. Leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring full replacement. On Friday, October 9, 2026, I drove my car to work, approximately 2. 5 miles, after the Escape sitting for 3. 5 hours, I started it. I immediately received the high engine temperature stop safely, and the engine shut off. On the 3rd try, the Escape stayed running. I could only drive 11 mph. On my final turn onto a busy street, the Escape began sputtering and would not accelerate at all. I was stuck in the middle of the street, putting myself at risk of being hit. I finally made it to a parking lot but had to be pushed home by my son.

While operating the vehicle, the engine experienced a loss of power accompanied by a strong burning oil odor. Inspection revealed engine oil leaking from the camshaft cover assembly and onto the exhaust system, creating a potential fire hazard. Mechanical diagnosis determined that cylinder #4 had lost compression, resulting in excessive blow-by and crankcase pressurization. Due to the engine's turbocharged (forced-induction) design, the increased crankcase pressure contributed to oil leakage from the camshaft cover assembly. The observed failure mode is consistent with Ford TSB 19-2346.

Vehicle went into limp mode with my teeange daughter driving on the interstate due to the known coolant intrusion issue.

When driving home my usual 5 miles from work, the car gave me a signal that it overheated and I should pull over immediately. This happened one other time during the week. The check engine light came on a few days later. When I brought it into the Ford dealership, they reported that the head gasket had blown, the engine had cracked, and it was leaking coolant into other areas of the car. It also affected several coils. They said it was unsafe to drive and quoted me $10,000 for a new engine and replacement. The car has only 90,000 miles on it, and I bought it used from a reputable dealer only 10 months ago. I have put <5,000 miles on it and kept it in good shape during this time. I was told this is a common issue for this car.

Failed component/system: the engine assembly/engine cooling system. The internal structural failure of the cylinder block (open-deck design defect) allowing engine coolant intrusion into combustion chambers, cylinders 2/3. Safety: the vehicle is experiencing severe engine stalling, immediate loss of motive power on active roadways, dense white smoke from exhaust which blinds trailing traffic. This causes immediate risk for rear-end collision, leaves others with the possibility to be stranded on dangerous traffic situations. The vehicle leaks hot fluids into the combustions system putting everyone at risk for under hood fires. Has the problem been confirmed: yes, my vehicle is currently at the pennyrile Ford dealership, they performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope inspection, and confirmed internal coolant intrusion requiring a total engine replacement. They have even confirmed and acknowledged that this is an on going issue! dealer inspection: yes warning lamps/messages: check engine soon light, raised engine levels, rapidly depleting coolant within days of refill, rough idling, cold start rumblings, sweet chemical smell and thick white smoke coming from tailpipe. Ford has already admitted this is an ongoing issue with these systems, I currently have a 2. 0 engine but the recall is for the 1. 0/1. 5.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature increased, and the vehicle entered limp mode. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The failure mileage was 110,000.

In my 2014 Ford Escape has a coolant intrusion in the first cylinder.

My daughter was driving our 2018 Ford Escape at highway speed when it suddenly began shaking and shuddering violently, with no advance warning. The check engine light came on for the first time as the shaking began. The vehicle lost propulsion, and the shaking impaired her ability to control it, creating an immediate safety emergency in moving highway traffic. She had to maneuver quickly out of traffic onto a narrow shoulder. It was dark, and the limited shoulder space made exiting safely difficult. She feared for her life due to the sudden failure and exposure to passing traffic. She reached the shoulder without a collision. The vehicle required an emergency tow through her insurance company, and she received transportation home. The vehicle had undergone a safety inspection in August before this incident. A Ford dealership confirmed an internal engine leak allowing coolant into a cylinder's combustion chamber. A borescope inspection found liquid on top of the piston, and a cooling-system pressure test confirmed coolant entering the combustion chamber. The spark plugs were severely carbon-fouled, causing a misfire. Replacing them temporarily improved the symptoms, but the misfire quickly returned. The dealership determined that the engine requires a rebuild or replacement. The diagnosis appears to correspond to Ford customer satisfaction program 21n12, dated June 9, 2022. We were not notified of this issue before the incident and found no corresponding safety recall for this vehicle in NHTSA's records. This sudden failure caused loss of propulsion and impaired control at highway speed, forcing an emergency maneuver onto a narrow shoulder after dark. The check engine light provided no advance warning. We request that NHTSA investigate this defect and determine whether a safety recall is warranted to prevent similar incidents and injuries.

For the second time I have a coolant intrusion on my engine. It was fixed by the manufacturer once before.

Dealership service department just called to inform me that my car is showing signs of the coolant intrusion issue that is known by Ford for my 2017 Ford Escape titanium and that I should probably not waste the money to get the maintainance service done that I had taken it in for because the engine will most likely need replacing soon , and after further review online , vehicles with this condition have caught even caught on fire . And Ford even acknowledging the issue is not willing to cover the repair costs .

• I have a p0304 code from coolant intrusion. •coolant intrusion can cause sudden loss of engine power while driving, severe engine overheating, or engine fires.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 60 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking violently and sputtering while driving on the highway. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 19-2346. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #2. The failure mileage was approximately 77,025.

Engine light came on so took vehicle to auto repair shop. They diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine, and told me this is a known problem. Ford has issued technical service bulletin 22-2134, as well as other documentation on the problem. It is both a functional and safety hazard. There is a class action suit (miller vs. Ford) on this matter currently. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer and they said there is no program from Ford to cover this known problem. I have 73,000 miles on my car! yes, it is 8 years old, but that should not degate action from Ford on this. They have never notified Ford customers, and yet this is a safety hazard (can cause enginer to seize and start a fire). I was quoted $15,000 cost to replace the enginer from the dealer. I cannot afford this, but am afraid to drive my car!.

I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding a known factory engineering defect in the 2017 Ford Escape 2. 0l ecoboost engine. A documented design flaw in the open-deck engine block allows engine coolant to slowly intrude into cylinders 3 and 4 [1. 10]. This internal leak causes a rapid, un-warned loss of coolant volume without leaving any visible puddles on the ground [1. 10]. The vehicle suffered a sudden loss of occupant cabin heat, immediately followed by the cylinder head temperature (cht) sensor triggering a critical overheat warning. This instantly forced the vehicle into a protective "fail-safe cooling / limp mode. " safety risk on public roads: this defect poses an immediate safety risk. When the vehicle suddenly forces itself into limp mode due to the rapid loss of coolant, it causes an abrupt and unexpected loss of acceleration/motive power while traveling at high speeds. This sudden drop in speed in fast-moving highway traffic creates a severe hazard for rear-end collisions, endangering myself and other motorists. Furthermore, forcing an engine to run while actively introducing combustible glycol coolant into the hot cylinders presents a distinct vehicle fire hazard. Ford is fully aware of this structural defect across its ecoboost platforms and previously issued limited customer satisfaction programs (such as csp 21n12 and TSB 19-2346) [1. 10]. However, because those programs were strictly capped by mileage and time constraints, consumers like myself are left stranded on public highways with an inherently unsafe vehicle [1. 10]. I request that NHTSA elevate this to a formal safety investigation to mandate a safety recall.

I am reporting a dangerous manufacturing defect regarding internal engine coolant intrusion on my 2019 Ford Escape sel at less than 70,000 miles. Upon starting the vehicle after it sat parked overnight, a massive cloud of heavy white smoke erupted from the exhaust system and both sides of the vehicle, clearing after 1–2 minutes. The vehicle also exhibits a severe structural shudder and a mechanical groaning noise when shifting gears due to engine misfires caused by this leak. A physical inspection confirmed that the engine cooling system is losing fluid (which was just topped off again last night), which is leaking directly into the combustion cylinders overnight. This is a well-documented factory design flaw involving the engine block casting on Ford ecoboost engines (referenced in Ford customer satisfaction program 21n12 and multiple technical service bulletins). Ford corporate and local dealerships have refused to assist with repairs because my specific VIN was excluded from their limited voluntary campaign parameters. This defect presents an immediate, severe safety risk to myself and others, as internal coolant leaks cause sudden cylinder misfires, severe engine shuddering, engine stalling without warning in traffic, and the sudden eruption of heavy white exhaust smoke blinds drivers driving behind my car. . . Not to mention catastrophic engine failure. Ford should be forced to issue a mandatory safety recall for all affected model years regardless of VIN exclusion lists.