Other Fuel System Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Evap purge valve stuck open, coolant pooling in spark plugs, and oil combusting rapidly causing fire and explosion fears. Heavy smell of gasoline to where I didn't feel safe to start or drive.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

There has been an active recall on this vehicle for around a year for fuel injectors leaking on the top of the engine and potentially causing a fire. Since this is a turbocharged engine, that risk of fire is significant if fuel does leak.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

My vehicle I’ve had for 3 months and now it won’t start and it’s from a coolant leak flooding my engine. As they called it a coolant intrusion into my engine and will cost 12k to get this fixed as I need a whole new engine.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

Nhtsa complaint summaryvehicle: 2017 Ford Escape seengine: 1. 5l ecoboostvin: [xxx] defect: engine block design flaw / coolant intrusiontechnical description of the issue:my vehicle is experiencing a well-documented manufacturing defect specific to the 1. 5l ecoboost engine. The engine block was designed with a "v-groove" between the cylinders that is prone to structural failure. This allows engine coolant to leak into the combustion chambers (coolant intrusion) and allows engine oil to contaminate the cooling system. My vehicle currently exhibits "milky," tan-brown sludge in the coolant reservoir, confirming that oil and coolant are cross-contaminating due to internal engine failure. Extreme safety hazards and dangers:this defect creates several critical safety risks for the driver, passengers, and other motorists:sudden loss of power at high speeds: the mixing of oil and coolant destroys the engine’s ability to lubricate internal bearings. This can lead to a catastrophic engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion, causing an immediate loss of power and power steering, which creates a high risk of collisions on highways. Engine fire risk: when coolant enters the combustion chamber, it can cause severe engine misfires and overheating. Overheated oil or pressurized coolant spraying onto a hot exhaust manifold during a mechanical failure presents a significant fire hazard. Hydro-locking: if coolant floods the cylinder while the vehicle is in operation, the engine can hydro-lock, causing the engine to stall instantly and potentially throwing metal debris onto the roadway, endangering other drivers. Visibility hazards: excessive white smoke from the exhaust (caused by burning coolant) can suddenly obscure the driver’s rear-view visibility and the visibility of trailing motorists. Conclusion:Ford motor company was aware of this defect, as evidenced by customer satisfaction program 21n08 and TSB 19-2346. However, because these programs have arbitrary expira information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (.

I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [xxx] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape phev, with active under recall 25sc4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during ev-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) may 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car, including on the dolphin [xxx] near miami int [xxx] 3:30pm Friday rush hour, with our [xxx] child in the vehicle on thr [xxx] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [xxx] et al. V. Ford motor company (case xxx). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford motor company via certified mail under magnuson-moss warranty act simultaneously with this complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

There is fluid accumulation under the engine air filter assembly.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

Due to the two unrepaired recalls my family’s safety is at risk. The recalls could cause a fire or crash and with no remedy available my family is unsafe in this vehicle.

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.

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.

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).

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The failure appears to involve the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and related electrical control systems, including the battery management system and/or body control module. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving and fails to automatically restart, displaying “auto start/stop – manual restart required” and “shift to park. ” the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of power. This creates a dangerous situation where I am unable to accelerate or move with traffic flow, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or involved in a collision. This has occurred on public roads with other vehicles present, putting both myself and others at risk. The issue is intermittent and has not consistently been reproduced on demand. However, it has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions. I am in the process of having the vehicle inspected and documented by a dealership. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer, and a case has been opened with Ford motor company. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no consistent warning lamps prior to the failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed messages including “auto start/stop – manual restart required” and “shift to park. ” these messages appeared simultaneously with the loss of power. The issue has occurred intermittently without advance warning.

Ford manufacturer and local gurley leep Ford dealership failed to provide a remedy to safety recall : manufacturer recall number25s76 NHTSA recall number25v467 in a reasonable timeframe. The local Ford dealership refused to provide a remedy, free of charge, in accordance with the NHTSA guidelines .

This has been an ongoing recall for three years. They fixed my car the first time according to them and now it’s still an issue they are saying they can’t fix. I’ve went through two evap solenoids and my car still is having issues with the fuel vapor intake. I’m to the point I don’t ride in it or drive it with my children bc I’m scared it’s going to catch fire especially being in south florida. I’m very upset with Ford!.

I am the 2nd owner of my 2016 Ford Escape 1. 6l ecoboost, my aunt and uncle were the original owners. Between us we have every maintenance record of every on time and professionally performed requirement the Escape has needed and it ran beautifully. Then, in February 2026 the idle started to get a bit rough and I was preparing to put in the oem sparkplugs when 3/28/26 the engine overheated, I was stranded on the side of a 45 mph street waiting for it to cool so I could move to safety. Between that incident and 4/29/26 I went thru 9 gallons of coolant, replaced the sparkplugs, put the front end up and "burp' the system as there was constantly air bubbles being introduced from a source I could not find. I had the hoses and clamps inspected, replaced the coolant reservoir and the reservoir cap, the vehicle started to shutter upon starting even after it was warmed up and every day needed to be burped and topped off before and after driving in town but often had no coolant loss during freeway driving, finally 4/28/26 I noticed smoke from the exhaust when I started the car in the morning and that smoke was accompanied by a foul, burnt, electric smell. While burping the air and topping the coolant that morning, the engine sputtered and died 2 separate times. I decided that it was time for a cooling system diagnostics as I still could still see no evidence of an external leak. The Ford technician recorded this tech story. "the vehicle ran rough and smoked for a couple seconds after starting. The vehicle ran its self test and had p0316, b0303, p1299, and p0217. These dtcs relate to cylinder misfire on startup and cylinder misfire and cylinder 3 and over temp/protection being active. . . . I suspected a possible coolant intrusion concern into cylinder 3, performed a pressure test on the cooling system and observed a drop in the pressure. I remove the spark plug and found coolant on the cylinder walls and the top of the piston in cylinder 3. " advise to replace long block assembly.

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I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues the car has always been serviced with no problems. I took the car to a mechanic certified mechanic that said there's a problem with the coolant leaking into the engine the same thing that I see other complaints about on this site there has to be something done about this. I've only had this car for a year this month April 2026 make it one year. I bought the car from allan turner Hyundai pensacola florida if Ford keeps getting complaints about the same issue why isn't it recalled in the engines being taken care of, now I am sitting here with the vehicle still trying to pay for it and the vehicle is messed up.

Vehicles coolant emptied out causing vehicle to overheat and smoke from under engine.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to respond to the accelerator. In some cases, the rpm drops unexpectedly, and the vehicle will not move or respond for several seconds. After this delay, the vehicle may jerk or surge forward suddenly. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when entering busy roads or intersections, as it puts me at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. This issue has occurred multiple times and has been brought to the dealership on several occasions. The vehicle has undergone multiple repair attempts, including major engine-related repairs such as cylinder head and cooling system work, as well as a fuel system component replacement. Despite these efforts, the problem persists. On multiple visits, the dealership has stated they were unable to duplicate the issue, even though the condition continues to occur during normal driving. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended number of days due to these ongoing issues. This defect is intermittent but poses a serious safety hazard due to the unpredictable loss of power and delayed acceleration. I am concerned about the risk of an accident or injury if this issue is not properly identified and corrected. I am requesting that this issue be investigated, as it appears to be a recurring defect that may affect other vehicles of the same make and model.

My vehicle was inspected by a mechanic after experiencing sudden loss of power and stalling while merging onto the expressway in active traffic. At the time of the incident, the vehicle became unable to accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump had failed. During inspection prior to replacement, the mechanic identified metal shavings present in the fuel system, which appear to have originated from the fuel pump. These metal fragments contaminated the system and pose a risk of further engine damage. This failure appears to be related to a known issue involving fuel pump defects in Ford vehicles. The design and/or function of the fuel pump may allow internal deterioration that leads to system-wide contamination and potential engine failure. This issue presents a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden stalling and loss of power while driving, particularly during high-speed merging conditions.

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.

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.

I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

There is already a recall on the Ford fusion for this very same issue, they have identical engines, fuel systems etc, but code is p1450 and at times, randomly the sound of a struggling fuel pump happens, and the solution is to have the fuel canister purge valve replaced, this is a known and recalled issue on the Ford fusion but apparently not on the 2016 Ford Escape se that the majority of those vehicles do have both issues and failures with. Ford knows about this since they already have recalled the Ford fusion for the very same thing happening. I have a "forever warranty" through Ford, which they explained 100% of all moving parts having to do with the drive train was covered, however they know about this issue, and yet no recall is happening I told them what the code is they still insist on charging $189 to tell me what my obdii computer already has a few times at this point. Prestige Ford in mt dora, FL is the dealership that I will never deal with again for anything other than to maintain the warranty I was railroaded into that they don't seem to even want to honor making me pay out $189 for a known issue with the engines that are the same engines as in the Ford fusion. The largest issue is the car can stall at any point in time causing a severely dangerous situation for anyone inside the vehicle when it stalls in middle of a intersection or turn. And of course I have learned it can cause the fuel tank to crack as well, and become deformed also causing a dangerous situation for whoever is operating the vehicle and other people on the road driving. My son is [xxx] and just learning to drive, it's the only car we have and we really have no other choice but to try to drive as safely as we can until a recall is also put out on the 2016 Ford Escape se. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 🔎.

When I am stopped at a light or stop sign and go to pull into an intersection, halfway into the intersection the vehicle stalls and does not want to move. It has caused me to almost get into several car accidents and thankfully other vehicles have been able to brake before hitting me. It has been scary as I have had my daughter each time in the back seat and a few times it would have been on her side she sits that would have been hit. Myself or a passenger is going to seriously get injured with the vehicle doing this. I took it to the garage and they can find nothing wrong with it as there are no lights on or codes but as soon as I pulled off the lot it happened again and it does it daily.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

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).

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.

I own a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1. 5l ecoboost engine. The vehicle began experiencing engine misfires and a powertrain malfunction warning. Diagnostic code p0302 appeared for cylinder 2 misfire. The coolant reservoir level began dropping without any visible external leaks. A mechanic performed a pressure test and confirmed there were no external coolant leaks, indicating coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder. This is a known defect affecting 2017 - 2019 Ford Escape 1. 5l ecoboost engines. The issue can cause engine misfires, reduced power, and potential engine failure while driving. This problem poses a safety concern because engine power can be reduced unexpectedly while driving.

Safety recall does not have a remedy for over 8 months.

Phev sometimes fails to "start". That is, vehicle will not enter "ready" mode when brake is depressed and start button is pressed. Instead, 'refuel error', 'stop safely now', 'service advanctrac', 'precollision assist not available', and several other warnings appear. This only occurs on the first 'start' of the day, when the ev battery has been recharged overnight, indoors. Outdoor use/charging does not have this effect. Concerned that something is overheating during indoor charging. Dealer has not been able to fix.

Engines has a severe issue with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders due to a design defect in the engine block. This "coolant intrusion" lead to misfires, engine overheating, and complete engine failure, and is requiring a full engine replacement.

There has been a safety recall for this vehicle for the same issue for far too long. Fords temporary remedy has made my vehicle be even more unsafe to drive causing faults with awd, traction control, hill assist, power steering, alternator producing to high voltage, etc. The vehicle was not legal to drive from ‘at to February do to this issues. Fords temporary remedy issued a new recall 25s76 replacing recall 22s73. Supposedly this was going to fix problems with first recall update but the vehicle still experiencing the same faults. And is not legal or safe to drive in NY. When will Ford have to make right in these issues?.

This was a recall earlier, twice, and it was supposedly fixed but the fuel vacuum line to the gas tank is leaking and giving off gasoline odors in the passenger area. Also another recall that was supposedly taken care of is an oil leak that is occuring often. The oil was changed only a month ago and already the oil has just about all leaked out. Both of these issues are fire hazards and the fuel leakage can can the operator or passengers to succomb to carbon minoxide. These were told to us by a Ford dealer who put the car on a diagnostic but they are saying that the recall is over and it will cost $1,400. For the fix. I bought this car, in June 2025 ;from a used car dealer. I am still paying on it. I never receive a car history of any kind from this dealer. . I had no idea that there were 18 recalls on this vehicle. That is really a lot. If either of these problems were fixed on a recall, could they re-occur again. On this particular fuel re-call, I read that it had to be done again because the first recall fix was not done well. I do not have $1,400. To fix this. I am an [xxx] senior woman and am buying this car for my daughter. It seems to me that one a recall is made that it is a permanent thing until there is an assurance that it is fixed and won't happen again. It also seems to me that a vehicle that has that many recalls should not be allowed to be sold to the public. Can I hold the dealer who sold it to me accountable for not letting me know about the recalls or not letting me know the history of the vehicle? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.