Other Fuel System Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

After a dealership diagnostic visit involving my 2020 Ford Escape, I discovered that a connector in the vehicle's Smart data link/gateway area underneath the dashboard had been left disconnected when the vehicle was returned to me. The vehicle had been at gullo Ford of conroe on September 9–10, 2026 for an intermittent idle/sputtering concern and a rear-suspension concern. The dealership performed electronic diagnostic work and documented no dtcs. After pickup, I inspected the vehicle and photographed the disconnected connector before reconnecting it. I am concerned that releasing a vehicle with a vehicle-network/diagnostic gateway connection disconnected could affect diagnostic communication, stored fault reporting, or other electronic/network functions. I am submitting this report as a potential safety/electrical-network concern. I am not asking NHTSA to adjudicate my billing dispute with the dealership. Photographs showing the condition as discovered and the dealer service invoice are available.

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A coolant intrusion caused the head gasket to fail.

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When im driving sometimes it stalls. I give it gas and car wount go. It only idles.

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This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. Due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.

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Complaint to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has not been corrected. The recall has caused my vehicle to experience severe drivability issues, including engine failure, excessive rough idling, and violent shaking while the vehicle is operating. These conditions create an increased risk of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, reducing my ability to safely operate the vehicle and placing myself, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. Additionally, because of the unresolved recall condition, my vehicle is unable to pass the required state safety inspection. This has left me with a vehicle that I cannot fully utilize or register while I continue waiting for the manufacturer to provide a repair. It is unreasonable for consumers to wait more than a year for a safety recall remedy while continuing to experience hazardous operating conditions. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely remedy, determine whether it is complying with its obligations under federal motor vehicle safety laws, and take appropriate action to ensure affected owners receive a prompt repair or other appropriate relief. I have retained documentation regarding the recall, the symptoms affecting my vehicle, and the impact this unresolved defect has had on my ability to safely operate and maintain the vehicle. I am prepared to provide this information upon request.

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2018 Ford Escape ecoboost coolant leak and engine overheating. If not repaired, will destroy the entire engine.

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The battery keeps dying even though it's been tested and is good. Lights keep shorting out I've had to replace the brake light and wires twice. The coolant is disappearing causing the vehicle to overheat even after driving ahort diatances but no puddle is left to show a cracked tank or something similar.

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The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford technical service bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at shehy Ford, midlothian, va, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure. This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers from engine misfires. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration and vehicle power in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roadways. Furthermore, the constant loss of engine coolant creates a severe risk of sudden engine overheating, cylinder head cracking, and catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle is in motion. The manufacturer is aware of this design defect via the certified class-action lawsuit miller v. Ford motor CO. , but the dealership refused to offer goodwill assistance, quoting an exorbitant $17,000 for repair, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road in an unsafe, hazardous condition.

Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed.

I've taken my car 3 times for the same recalls 1st time was to jack kisse for power train and fuel injector he told me the recall wasn't to my car I argued I can tell something was wrong with my car it keeps stalling and it's going to end up killing me in traffic from the fuel injectors so I take it too jack of norton and broken arrow they tell me after sitting there for 8 hours that the powertrain is not taking it takes 4 hours to do it and they only have 30 minutes left and all of a sudden it takes that's a bunch of crap cuz there was only 30 minutes anyway I leave still notice something then a wrench and engine light come on so I take it again were I was charged 've taken my car three different times to get my powertrain recall and fuel injector recall fixed they have failed to do so. . . And now I have a wrench and engine light showing up on my car I take again cuz my app is still tells me that I have recalls for a powertrain and fueli injector recalls all they did was charge me to get the code when I knew it was for the recalls over $200 the very next day the lights come right back on my powertrain and fuel injector never been fixed my they told me I have an open fuel line and let me drive off with it now I'm concerned that my car is going to catch on fire especially in the heat and what do I do if you just taking it back for them to not do anything to my car and now I have the ranch and the engine light coming on and off a different time one day one minute will be the ranch next will be the engine sometimes it's both and I have records of it I keep trying to report it to you guys and I'm not hearing anything back I don't know what else to do I believe that my car is a lemon and they're not going to be able to fix it since I'm taking it three times already please contact me back to let me what I should know where I should do thank you you reach me at 539-573-27 36 or at my email aliciacook103179@gmail. Com I prefer you contact me through email thank your.

I bought my car 2 years ago I heard about a recall so I had check turns back if you don't inject your powertrain and they can't fix it feel injector because they don't have the part apparently but it goes to the powertrain I've had to check three times the last time the light came on the very next day the wrench and the engine now it's saying something by my Cadillac converter and it open fuel line that won't close due to this problem they made me pay $27 just to take the codes off didn't do anything to my car let me drive this car off the lot the very next day the lights come back on I know these are recalls and they're very dangerous for me to drive I'm a mother and a wife and I am not trying to die driving his vehicle I took it if they're three times there has got to be something done they need to give me a vehicle or I've already filed a report with you guys on June 16th 2026.

I have taken my vehicle to 2 different Ford dealership one tell me that this wasn't for my car and immediately it shows up that I need a fuel injection second one jim norton charges me for the lights on my car to get a diagnostics when the recalls and I should never been charged and then the light comes on the next day for the wrench and the engine I've taken my car three times for the recalls and never had to get fixed my engine sounds like crap now it barely runs and it's because of the recall that are not getting fixed.

I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.

Nthsa recall # 25v467 it has been a year since this recall was issued and still no remedy for fuel injection cracks that can leak fuel onto the engine. How much longer should I have to wait for a remedy?.

A quien corresponda por medio DE la presente me pongo en contacto con ustedes por motivo DE falla mecánica en mi auto móvil Ford Escape 2009 ya que hace aproximadamente dos meses atrás al llenar el tanque DE gasolina me percaté que el interior olía a combustible y al revisarlo noté que se tiraba por debajo del vehículo lo cual me llevó a investigar posible causa encontrando que en ese modelo ES falla del fabricante solicitando sea reparado para evitar posible incendio del mismo ya que según lo que encontré ES muy probable sufrir accidente en este estado del vehículo.

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On Sunday may the 31st, I was driving home from the store, when I smell gas, but was unaware that it was coming from my vehicle, since I was driving behind another vehicle and passed a gas station. I heard a noise and then saw smoke and fire coming from my vehicle in the engine area. I pulled over and exit the vehicle and called 911. The fire destroyed the whole front of the vehicle, including the engine, wheels, windshield, etc. The emergency officials came. After the incident, I contacted my insurance company. Someone then notified me of a recall on my vehicle, that can cause fire (25v467000). I called the Ford motor company. They told me initially to go through my insurance provider, and the insurance provider will deal with them directly. After speaking with my insurance provider again, they told me that, since I only have liability insurance, my vehicle is not covered, and they will not contact Ford. So, I called Ford again, they told me that someone will contact me within 14 days. No one contacted me, so I contacted them today. They told me today that someone will contact me within 15 working days of my reporting the incident. This will be three weeks since the incident and I am greatly inconvenienced (lack of transportation) by this. Now I am forced to wait another week, not knowing if anyone will call, and if I call again, if I would have to wait again. Any assistance would be appreciated. What steps should I take? thank you.

2019 Ford Escape with a documented history of powertrain failures. White smoke on cold start and engine stalling began around 48,000 miles; the dealer noted this engine is known for coolant intrusion. At about 62,000 miles the engine short block was replaced under Ford field service action 21n12 / TSB 22-2322. Smoke, shaking, and stalling continued, and the engine intermittently cuts out when shifting into reverse and must be restarted. At about 87,000 miles the transmission failed and the full transmission assembly was replaced (work order Jan 2026, vehicle returned end of March 2026). The owner repeatedly told the Ford dealer the vehicle felt unsafe. On [xxx] the owner reported renewed exhaust smoke, an illuminated engine light, and a clicking sound at startup and asked to bring it in; instead of inspecting it, the dealer advised taking the vehicle straight to carmax. About 9 days later, on [xxx], while driving in los angeles about 60 miles from home with young children aboard, the transmission would not stay in gear and the engine warning lights began blinking. The owner called the Ford dealership for guidance but no one could advise and the service desk would not answer. After consulting a mechanic, the family agreed it was unsafe to keep driving given the noises and pulled over in anaheim, about 30 miles from home, at a mechanic shop to read the codes. A paid tow (~$600) was required. Loss of gear engagement and stalling in traffic with children aboard is a serious crash and stranding hazard. The scan returned codes p0012 and p0014 (camshaft timing, stored as permanent), p0300 (random/multiple misfire), and p0301, p0302, p0304 (cylinder misfires); the dash showed "auto start/stop not ready - stall alert - restart engine. " the defect has been reproduced and confirmed repeatedly by the Ford dealer, which performed the engine and transmission replacements. A repurchase request was denied. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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There has been a safety recall on my vehicle for over a year for the fuel injectors. There still isn’t a remedy for the fuel injectors and I don’t know if it is affecting my vehicle or not. I’ve been told if I have anything checked I will have to pay for it even though I have issues with my vehicle hesitating. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 and at any given time there has been a recall. This one has taken so long to get parts that I worry about it the safety of the vehicle.

Component failed 1. 6l escoboost engine coolant intrusión into cylinders causing misfire and white exhaust smoke vehicle available for inspection upon request . Safety risk:engine misfire and coolant loss cause sudden of power or ingine fire while driving. Recall 17s09 was issude for this exact defect . Ford ssm 46433 states this requires new engine assemby . Problem confirmed multiple repair shops confirmed cooland in cylindres. I have spent s5000 on repairs including used transmisión trying to fix this defect. Manufacturer inspection called Ford customer service 05/22/2026. Agent refused supervisor and stated we cannot help no case number probided Ford is refusing to honor federal safety recall 17s09. Warning symptoms: check ingine light, ingine misfire , white exhaust smoke , coolant loss. First appeared approximately 6 months ago and has worsened. Requesting NHTSA compel Ford to provide engine replacement per ssm 46433.

Windows and engines.

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.

Vehicle has trouble turning back on after filling with gas. The engine clicks and sometimes will not start back up without a jump. The battery has been replaced. The check engine light is on.

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.

I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes p0303, p04db, p0316, p0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "engine malfunction, service now". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was seen by the manufacturer about two years.

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.

I am reporting the failure of Ford motor company to perform a mandatory safety recall (recall 22s43 / NHTSA id 22v413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (oasis reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed. ' ?furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic inspection of the transmission linkage and adjacent engine compartment. Had this recall been performed, the technician would have identified the progressive corrosion and mechanical stress that subsequently destroyed the high-pressure fuel pump and the transmission control module (tcm). ?the manufacturer meticulously recorded routine maintenance while ignoring a critical federal safety mandate. Their negligence directly caused a cascading mechanical failure, rendering my vehicle an unsafe, non-operational hazard. I am seeking a formal investigation into these falsified service records and the manufacturer's failure to remedy this safety hazard. I attempted to resolve this manner at the lowest levels, before taking this route. Unfortunately, to their detriment; Ford basically told me I was on my own. I have already alerted the attorney general for the state of tennessee, as well. The subsequent loss of the vehicle as a result of the abhorrent behavior of Ford motor company has resulted in time lost with my kids and my mental health appointments with the veterans administration. I can not make it to my therapist or get my medication. I have the carfax and oasis reports as further evidence to back these claims.

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).

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.

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.

Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, rpm fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.

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).