Other Fuel System Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

While driving down the road the vehicle lost all power and left my wife in a dangerous position on the road. The vehicle was just in for service 4 days before and we were told the vehicle had no error codes. The vehicle has lost power on multiple occasions and we have had it at different dealer service departments where Ford trained technicians continue to tell us nothing is wrong with the vehicle. However, I find the vehicle to be unsafe and unfit for the road.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

I am reporting an unresolved safety concern involving my 2020 Ford Escape se, which is subject to Ford safety recall 25s76 (NHTSA campaign 25v-467). The recall was issued in July 2025 because a fuel injector may crack, allowing gasoline to leak into the engine compartment and potentially ignite on hot engine or exhaust components. As of October 9, 2026, approximately 15 months after the recall was issued, NHTSA's VIN-specific recall database continues to list my vehicle's recall as incomplete, with the permanent remedy not yet available. My concern is the prolonged period during which my vehicle remains subject to a known fire-related safety defect without an available permanent repair. I have not reported an actual fuel leak or fire. This complaint concerns the documented safety defect and the continued unavailability of a permanent remedy. I request that NHTSA review the length of Ford's recall remedy delay, determine whether the manufacturer's response satisfies applicable recall requirements, and provide guidance regarding vehicle safety, interim protections, and the expected availability of a permanent repair. I also request that Ford provide affected owners with a clear repair timeline and appropriate assistance while the safety defect remains unresolved.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

**NHTSA vehicle safety complaint** vehicle: 2010 Ford Escape awd VIN: [xxx] I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has experienced serious safety problems involving both the steering system and the fuel system. The steering wheel has become extremely difficult to turn, making it unsafe to drive. In addition, the fuel system is leaking fuel, creating a potential fire hazard. My understanding is that this vehicle previously received recall repairs related to these systems. Despite those repairs, the same dangerous conditions have returned. The vehicle has been undrivable for approximately two weeks because I believe it is unsafe to operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy was effective and whether these failures indicate that additional action is necessary to protect owners of affected vehicles. Because these defects involve steering control and a potential vehicle fire, I believe they present an unreasonable safety risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

Performance issues after eco boost icon stopped appearing on dash, followed by a check engine light that was intermittent for a few days. Vehicle would fail after ignition and would lose pressure and rpms directly after fueling vehicle. Fuel line clear would fix issue, had repair shop check battery and alternator with no issue found. Days following would smell slight gasoline odor from exhaust while on, smell moved to engine bay and became overpowering. Had a technician check and confirmed both the fuel line had ruptured and was actively dripping into engine bay, as well as the evap purge line had become completely broken off of the manifold. No active recalls for this vehicle but reading recent complaints about this exact issue for this exact model and make. Vehicle @ 70,100 miles only two owners previous. Risk of fire hazard and death.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

I am the owner of a u. S. -specification 2020 Ford Escape currently stationed in the netherlands under military orders. I attempted to complete all open safety recalls through an authorized Ford dealership in the netherlands. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and performed the actions available to them, but the recalls remain open. Open recalls include Ford recall 25s76 / NHTSA recall 25v467 involving the fuel injector system and Ford recall 26c11 / NHTSA recall 26v123 involving the sync and rearview camera display system. The dealership advised that not all recall actions could be fully completed overseas due to limitations associated with servicing a u. S. -market vehicle and/or remedy availability. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealer in the netherlands. I am submitting this report to document that I made a good-faith effort to obtain recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the united states, where I intend to complete any remaining recall actions.

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.

Car has act6ive recall from July 16th 2025 with no remedy related to the fuel injection system, car is currently experiencing fuel related mechanical failures , Ford does not have a fix for these issues that can cause the car to catch fire while driving.

A coolant intrusion caused the head gasket to fail.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

At only 43,379 miles — well within the useful life expected of this vehicle — my 2019 Ford Escape developed two significant mechanical failures. (1) fuel injector: the vehicle emits visible black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating at highway speeds; the dealership diagnosed this as a failed fuel injector requiring replacement (est. $1,200). Visible exhaust smoke during highway acceleration is a visibility hazard to following traffic. (2) coolant intrusion into the engine: the dealership's service department diagnosed coolant intrusion requiring replacement of major short block components (est. $8,300), and told me this failure is in its early stages and the engine is likely to fail completely within 6 to 12 months if not repaired. The lead service technician stated this is a common, known issue with this engine, which is being discontinued. Complete engine failure could occur without warning, including while driving on a highway, creating a risk of a stalling-related crash. Rather than repairing the vehicle, the dealership's own service advisor recommended I sell or trade the vehicle to a third party such as carmax while it still retains value and purchase a different vehicle — effectively passing a vehicle with a known, unresolved engine defect on to the next owner. Coolant intrusion and short block failures in this engine family have been widely reported by other Ford Escape owners. I am requesting NHTSA review this complaint alongside others for the same engine/model-year combination to determine whether a pattern exists warranting an investigation or recall.

My vehicle has experienced repeated transmission failures requiring major repairs. During diagnosis, the dealership reported excessive transmission material and missing friction material inside the transmission for second time. This is now the second transmission repair on the vehicle. Before repair, the vehicle would unexpectedly lunge forward and accelerate super-fast. The sudden fast acceleration and loss of vehicle operation created a significant safety concern, especially in traffic, parking lots, and intersections. I was concerned that the vehicle could unexpectedly crash or fail to shift gears as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has persisted despite previous repair attempts, raising extreme life concerns for my safety and the safety of others as well as raising concerns about a potential safety defect affecting the transmission system and vehicle control. I believe this condition presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out and it constantly beeps as if I am going to hit something, the side mirrors sometimes tell me there is something next to me when nothing is around, dash warning lights go off randomly sometimes.

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

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

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.

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

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

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).

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.