Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Coolant intrusion to cylinder #3 deeming the engine bad needing to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

My vehicle has stalled several times in the last couple of months. I go to accelerate and the vehicle suddenly stops out of no where. This has almost caused me to get into an accident. I see there have been several recalls on Ford Escapes and this issue should be looked into for my 2023 Escape.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

Coolant intrusion causing need for engine replacement. Like many others I've read about this is a known engine defect that Ford does not want to fix.

The recall on the fuel issue was released in July 2025. This is now March 2026. Eight months should be enough time to get the parts needed for this repair. What can you do to see about getting this process accelerated? thank you.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

Vehicle: 2018 Ford Escape se, 1. 5l ecoboost, 130,000 miles problem: coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 has caused engine misfires, rough starting, check engine light, and the engine now requires replacement. Circumstances: the failure occurred suddenly. The vehicle was properly maintained and regularly serviced. Safety concern: coolant intrusion can lead to sudden engine stall and loss of power, creating a risk while driving. Additional info: diagnosed by an independent mechanic; engine replacement recommended. This appears consistent with a known defect in this engine type.

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The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

My 2023 Ford Escape acts like it is about to stall out once I hit the gas from a stop. It has happened multiple times. After idling for 10 minutes when I go to take off it will shift so hard that it pushes you forward in your seat. It has not been taken to a dealership yet since no light comes on and it doesn’t happen all the time. It has put my safety at risk since I was turning on the highway and it took 10-15 seconds to get up to speed.

2014 Ford Escape 1. 6l engine with eco boost. Alarm on dash for high engine temperature, stop safely. Pulled vehicle to side of road and fire was under hood. Attempted to extinguish with standard fire extinguisher; called 911 and fire department had to extinguisher. Vehicle was towed to local shop.

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I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1. 5l ecoboost engine involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This appears to be a manufacturing defect associated with this engine design rather than a maintenance issue. I have exercised proper diligence as the vehicle owner and have two prior inspection reports (available upon request) that showed no indication of this issue before the failure occurred. I have a formal written diagnosis from a Ford service center confirming internal engine failure consistent with Ford technical service bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. This defect allows engine coolant to leak into the cylinder bores, which can lead to misfires, overheating, severe internal engine damage, and eventual engine stalling or complete loss of engine power. This condition presents a serious safety hazard because it can cause sudden and unpredictable loss of engine power while the vehicle is in motion, including at highway speeds. A sudden stall in traffic significantly increases the risk of a crash and endangers the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. Ford’s customer satisfaction program 21n12 does not adequately address the severity of this defect. All these vehicles like mine even at only 101,000 miles are at risk with no warnings. Numerous owners have reported the same coolant intrusion failure in vehicles equipped with the 1. 5l ecoboost engine, suggesting a systemic manufacturing issue. There are also ongoing consumer complaints and civil litigation related to this defect. Because this issue has the potential to cause sudden loss of power without warning, I respectfully request your administration investigate this defect and consider a mandatory safety recall to protect the entire public. Thank you.

2017 Ford Escape titanium 2. 0 eco boost, 86,000 miles coolant in engine block [intrusion] = blown motor. = me who still owes $9. 300 on a loan= me angry, not knowing how to fix. Shame on Ford for not building Ford motors to last over 150,000 miles or the duration of a 5-7 year loan. I had ignition coils and plugs replaced twice over $600,00 cost each time. Then an engine block test confirmed I need a new motor coolant in motor. I the disabled-can not afford as Ford dealer wants 10 grand for motor on a vehicle- blue book value less then 10 grand. Why did I buy this Ford? my 2018 Nissan versa motor and transmission started to die at 18,000 original miles and completed death at- 20,000 original miles. Shame on manufacture companies- if you go to dealer I did today: 3-11-2026 and see 2026 brand new cars with only 35,000 mile drive train warranties- 100% confirms manufacture does not wish to make good motors in any brand, make & model.

Check engine light came on last week. Took it into the repair shop and they let me know that there is coolant in the first cylinder. There is not a recall for this but it is a known issue with Ford Escapes designs and that Ford has redesigned the engine block and gasket, and in some cases, they are replacing the entire long block.

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. The dealership confirmed the diagnostic, a technical service bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I am experiencing coolant loss, smoke and excessive shaking. Just paid my car off and got title last week. Only 130,000 miles. Ford will not help pay for repairs. Ford needs to be responsible for this and pay for this fix! it is a know defect!!! . Safety risks • loss of power while driving • risk of engine stall • overheating risk • highway safety concern.

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, they will not diagnose it further and as soon as I get the vehicle back, the same issues and problems happen over and over again. I have had 4 service appointments now with no resolutions. I feel as though this car is a lemon and worry that it will continue to become more unsafe from ongoing engine, powertrain, and mechanical issues that cannot be fixed or diagnosed.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust system, the engine overheated, and the coolant level was extremely low hours after the coolant reservoir was refilled. The check engine warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was shaking. An independent mechanic determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the spark plug was stuck and needed to be replaced. There were no visible leaks found. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car started having issues with skipping limited power. Took it to the mechanic and once again being told we need a new engine because it misfiring and low compression in the same cylinder number 3 and it's an internal issue. The new engine we purchased only had 60,000 miles on it. Ford needs to issue a recall and replace the engines for free and refund what consumers have already paid out for repairs. This issue is dangerous and Ford has done nothing to fix the issue. This year model for the Escape has had nothing but problems and Ford knows it and does nothing.

The engine leaked coolant into the cylinder. Bad cylinder #2 per mechanic. Engine needs replacement. This is a know problem with 2017-2109 Ford 1. 5l eco boost engines.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle shut off with the check engine, transmission, battery and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact and her husband shifted into neutral(n) and pushed the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased, and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed by the mechanic that a timing chain failure had destroyed the engine block resulting in complete engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there were no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

White smoke from vehicle exhaust. Vehicle misfires and jumps when trying to engage gears. Then vehicle goes limp after running for a while.

The engine shut off and immediately turned on.

Our car just turned over 91,000 miles. The check engine light came on so I had spark plugs replaced. The repair shop noticed that our coolant level was way down so they ran a scope into the cylinders. They found fluids leaking into the #4 cylinder. I took car to Ford dealer and they confirmed water leaking into cylinder. They say I need a completely new motor and want to charge full price even though this has been a known "issue" for this motor since 2019 (tech service bulletin 19-2346). They refuse to give any discounts and are telling me it will cost over $9,400 to replace the motor. I'm now being told it will be unsafe to drive the vehicle any long distances.

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.

2017 Ford Escape se 2. 0l critically malfunctioned on my way home from work due to coolant intrusion. The engine started sputtering, a warning came on the dash, and lost all acceleration. This is a known design flaw by Ford that requires a full engine replacement but a recall was never issued and I, like many customers are burdened with the financial responsibility to replace the engine or buy a new car.

Ford did a recall on certain vehicles with the 1. 5l ecvoboost motor, when in fact everyone of these motors are know to have issues, either white smoke out the exhaust, loosing coolant into the engine or in our case the motor now has a cracked head, and cannot be driven. The recalls for motors from the louisville, ky plant. Our vehicle came from that plant. It seems that Ford knows all of their 1. 5l eccoboost motors have the same issues, abd they refuse to address the issues, whike consumers are being screwed over by Ford. We need help with this ASAP. Please help us.

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.

I am reporting an ineffective remedy for recall 22s21. The vehicle was 'inspected' in 2022, but the original defective part (date code 2020) remains and is now leaking oil onto hot engine components, creating the fire risk the recall was intended to prevent. The dealership (Ford [dealer name]) is refusing to honor the recall and is demanding $500 to address a safety defect. This is a violation of 49 u. S. C. § 30120. The vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure symptoms described in safety recall 22s21 (NHTSA 22v-191): active oil leakage in the engine compartment. While the dealership refuses to perform a 'no-charge' forensic teardown, I have documented a 2020-dated oil separator still on the vehicle despite a 2022 'completion' notice in the Ford oasis system. The presence of oil in the turbocharger is a documented consequential result of high crankcase pressure caused by this failed component.

Engine coolant intrusion. During normal operation coolant leaks into the engine cylinders causing power loss and eventual overheating once the coolant system runs out of coolant. This prompts an emergency shutoff of the vehicle into "limp mode".

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

My vehicle has been stalling for several months. I have taken to the dealership multiple times and it is still not fixed. Since the last visit at the service department it has done this 5 times. Twice today. It has done this multiple times crossing the interstate.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

Electrical/motor~ yes, myself, [xxx] daughter and others safety is at risk from stalling in a busy intersection. Yes, its happened multiple times. The dealerships says its not throwing a code and have nothing to go off of. No, the manufacturer hasnt checked it. The rpm went up and down. No other lights on the dash. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At less than a thousand miles after purchasing the vehicle the coolant has begun intruding into the cylinder wall and causing a sweet smelling exhaust from the rear.

The car started misfiring, check engine light came on. Took the car into shop to find out what the problem was. I was told coolant was in the cylinders and the engine was gone.