Ford Escape owners have reported 6,012 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the Escape.
I am reporting a serious engine safety issue involving coolant intrusion into the engine, resulting in misfires, loss of power, and potential engine failure while driving. My vehicle began experiencing rough starts after sitting overnight, including shaking and hesitation. In a few dayna, the issue worsened and is now accompanied by the following: * coolant loss requiring refill approximately every other day * sweet smell of coolant coming from the exhaust * occasional white smoke from the exhaust on startup * gurgling sound behind the dashboard during startup * loss of engine power and hesitation when accelerating * engine warning message: “engine fault – service now” diagnostic trouble codes retrieved: * p0300 – random/multiple cylinder misfire * p0302 – cylinder 2 misfire * p0316 – misfire detected on startup * p0339 – crankshaft position sensor intermittent * p059f – active grille shutter malfunction * p06e9 – engine starter performance issue I brought the vehicle to a repair shop where I was informed that coolant is entering the engine and mixing with the oil. I was also told there is evidence of oil leakage from the turbocharger area. The shop indicated that the engine likely requires replacement due to internal failure, with an estimated repair cost between $10,000 and $15,000. No prior warning of coolant intrusion was given during a recent service visit approximately one week earlier. This issue creates a serious safety risk because the engine may fail unexpectedly while driving. The problem appears to worsen after the vehicle sits, increasing the risk of failure during normal daily use such as commuting or transporting my child. Based on my research, similar issues involving coolant intrusion have been reported in Ford vehicles equipped with the 1. 5l ecoboost engine. This appears to be a known defect that can lead to engine failure without adequate warning. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.
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Subject: request for buyback or trade assistance – 2020 Ford Escape se to whom it may concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1. 5l engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the underlying defect and that additional actions may still be pending. In addition, my vehicle is affected by other safety-related recalls, compounding concerns about reliability and safe operation. Given the nature of these issues—specifically the fire risk and the lack of a complete and permanent repair— as well as a history of over 15 recalls on this vehicle, I am increasingly concerned about the safety, usability, and value of my vehicle. This situation has significantly impacted my confidence in operating the vehicle. Based on these circumstances, I am formally requesting that Ford motor company review my case for: • a manufacturer buyback, or • substantial trade assistance toward a new Ford vehicle, or • appropriate goodwill compensation reflecting the ongoing safety concerns and diminished value I would appreciate prompt review by a case manager and a written response outlining Ford’s proposed resolution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Thank you.
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Coolant intrusion defect. Had to replace engine. Power train fail also.
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all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape
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There is fluid accumulation under the engine air filter assembly.
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all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape
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There is a known issue with coolant intrusion into the engine with this vehicle. The vehicle has less than 40,000 miles. The engine stalled three times over a two mile trip and completely shut off during a left hand turn with oncoming traffic putting my family and other drivers in danger.
2019 Ford Escape titanium 2. 0l ecoboost, VIN [xxx] , ~51,000 miles, built March 2019. Sioux falls Ford performed full TSB 19-2346 / 22-2229 diagnostic on April 23, 2026 and confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 with visible damage on borescope. Check engine light has occurred four times. Ford customer care (case ##cxh-xxx-xxx) denied goodwill. Known design flaw. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
While entering the highway my vehicle started to buck. I took my foot off the gas and then it accelerated really fast in on coming traffic the check engine light came on it immediately over heated and shut of on the highway in traffic.
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all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape
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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant overheated warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after the warning light illuminated and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,700.
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My vehicle has had a fuel injector recall since 07/2025. My car has gradually started to idle and drop rpms. It starts when the vehicle was only in park and now it is happening when I am in drive and foot is on the brake. I am not sure what to do because of the open recall with no repair options in sight almost a year later.
Coolant intrusion in engine, dangerous, can cause fires.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was idling rough, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it ws determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 53,200.
April 2025 our Ford Escape, a 2017 model, had an issue with the car overheating, we brought to a dealer and the diagnosis was coolant leaking into the cylinders of the engine . Repair costs range $8-10,000. 00 , new engine $11,000 plus. Through research on chat rooms we have discovered that this is a known issue with Ford's design, several consumer complaints and open class action lawsuit exists. Our dealer offered no assistance financially, we were told auto is out of warranty and no restitution is available to us. We've taken excellent care for this car and are seniors on fixed income. Like many other consumers facing the same engine issues, we are left with no choice but to absorb costs to repair the auto. Any trade in or resale value is diminished. Thank you for accepting our submission on this critical consumer issue. We are the original owners of this vehicle. Ford is showing no customer loyalty and, no concern for consumer safety as this "coolant intrusion" issue can cause the car to fail, shut down or catch fire.
I have 2018 Ford Escape se 1. 5l engine, approx. 81,500 miles. Date into service 05/26/2018. Diagnosed on 04/18/2026 at Ford dealer (see attached) with coolant intrusion into engine. Ford dealer states that Ford will not assist with repair/replacement of engine because vehicle has been in service more than 7 years.
Engine fault light came on took to mechanic nothing popped up on the codes. Then check engine light came on took to another mechanic it showed it was misfiring along with other codes. Then check engine light went away. Then moved car out of driveway and engine overheating light came on.
Cylinder 4 misfire code caused a check engine light. Brought to mechanic who replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder 4 coil pack. The code came back later that day. I started noticing a low coolant level and one instance of white smoke on startup. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine block. This is a well reported and well known issue for this and other similar vehicles and Ford has not addressed this with a recall. It is a design flaw associated with multiple model years. The cost to repair the issue is more than the cost of the vehicle itself. If the problem persists, it could result in a crack in the engine, which could become a major safety hazard depending on the circumstances. Ford should provide coverage for these repairs affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
There is no incident, yet, just a recall that I have for this vehicle, coming up on a year here soon, for a fuel leak that could cause a fire under the hood while driving, and Ford doesn't seem to think that's urgent enough to get the parts to fix it. What's up with that? safety recall notice, 25s76 NHTSA recall, 25v467.
Coolant in engine block; replacement engine required and not covered by warranty.
This vehicle has 110000 miles. Has coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. Has had an issue since 45000 miles with drivability. Coils and spark plugs were replaced even though coolant intrusion was a known issue at the time.
Coolant intrusion into the cylinders.
Hello, I would like to file a safety complaint regarding my Ford Escape. Vehicle information: VIN: [xxx] make/model: Ford Escape year: 2018 issue description: while driving, my vehicle suddenly overheated. The temperature gauge moved from normal to hot within seconds, and a warning appeared to stop the vehicle immediately. This created a serious safety concern, as the failure was sudden and without warning. After inspection by a certified technician, I was informed that the engine is consuming coolant internally, and the coolant is being burned through the exhaust system. There is no visible external leak. The engine is now running rough and requires full engine replacement. I have learned that this is a known issue with Ford Escape engines, often referred to as “coolant intrusion. ” despite this being a widely reported defect, Ford has declined to provide any financial assistance. I have contacted Ford and opened a case (case number: xxx), but they confirmed this is not a recall and will not cover repairs. This issue creates a significant safety risk due to sudden engine overheating and potential engine failure while driving. I am requesting that this issue be investigated, as it appears to be a widespread defect affecting many Ford Escape vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Mechanic looked at vehicle couldn’t find a coolant leak from anywhere, could be a cracked head.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a coolant leak coming from the engine. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
My 2018 Ford Escape has diagnostic codes p0302 and p0316 cylinder 2 misfire and no compression on cylinder 2 due to coolant intrusion into the engine block. This is a known defect documented in Ford TSB 22-2322 and customer satisfaction program 21n12. My VIN was excluded from this program despite having the identical failure and identical fault codes as covered vehicles. This engine failure occurred at highway speed creating a dangerous safety hazard. Ford has refused goodwill assistance despite this being a known manufacturing defect.
My vehicle has stop working because the engine has a crack and coolant is leaking into cylinder block. My vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and I was directed by my warranty plan. The dealership inspected vehicle and found the issue. . . Ford warranty does not want to pay for the repair or recall. I would like to open and investigation thanks.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant, and the coolant pipes were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. Due to the failure, the contact was informed that the engine needed to repaired or replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Car overheats and stalls or shuts down due to engine issues. No prior warning codes.
Coolant intrusion.
I am writing to formally report regarding a serious issue with my Ford Escape 2018. The engine failed at the mileage of 37,833 miles, which is far earlier than any reasonable expectation for a vehicle of this age and mileage. This type of major mechanical breakdown is not consistent with normal wear and tear and raises concerns about the durability of the engine. Ford dealership did the formal evaluation of my Ford Escape 2018.
Engine failure due to overheating and leaking antifreeze but not a viable leak misfire cylinder 1 and 3 repeatedly white smoke.
I am reporting a serious engine defect with my 2017 Ford Escape ecoboost. Coolant has leaked into cylinder number 4, causing engine damage and failure. The dealership confirmed this diagnosis and stated that a full engine replacement is required, with an estimated cost of $9,000–$10,000. I purchased this vehicle new in 2016 and have been the sole owner. This issue is consistent with known defects affecting ecoboost engines, including internal coolant leaks and engine block failures. I am submitting this report to ensure it is documented and to request investigation of this safety and reliability concern.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and was turning on and off. The thermostat gauge increased to hot. The contact became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the oil light was illuminated even though an oil change had been performed two months prior. The vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that there was an internal coolant leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Coolant intrusion issue causing excessive smoke and coolant leakage. Ford is aware of the issue and provided a service notice but no recall and an extension of coverage but. Y. Vehicle falls beyond that scope due to mileage. The repair solution is a brand new engine on a known engineering flaw costs more than. The worth of the vehicle.
This Ford 2018 Escape has an intrusion that is a major defect on this motor . It is in the shop to be fixed now costing me a total of $6875. 27 . As soon as the check engine light came on we stopped the car as we were home. We had the car towed to a mechanic for diagnosis & repair. It is in the shop now. I called Ford and told them and they said it is a known problem but nit a recall at this time and is my responsibility to get it fixed . There is a class action suit filed against Ford now for this but I also wanted to share to you all it is a safety concern . This could have actually caught on fire and I am glad it did not as I shut it down as soon as the check engine light came on and had a mis fire you could feel it in the engine where the intrusion caused the coolant to go into the cracked block into the cylinders.
Coolant intrusion in the engine. Causes failure if engine and oil leak on engine. Had it diagnosed with a mechanic.
Everytime I drive the car and I don’t get no warming and I bring the car to the dealer and tell them what going on and dealer do and don’t tell me what going on. . I should be able to get another car free because they want me to keep pay thing out my pocket which I don’t have also want to let you know that [xxx] and I will like to explain more on phone [xxx] also the Ford dealership want me to trade in my car for 2,000 which my car is value7,000 because what three thing broken and they want 5600 it not right because I just have tht car right after my mother pass away and it only 2 years now information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems | |
| Car Stall problems | |
| Coolant Leaking problems | |
| Check Engine Light On problems | |
| Engine Stall problems | |
| Engine Shut Off Without Warning problems | |
| Engine Cooling System problems | |
| Vehicle Overheat problems | |
| Water Pump problems | |
| Engine Overheat problems |