Coolant leaking into cylinder of the engine. Recommendation from the dealer is that the engine has internal damage and replacing the main engine to fix it (long block). Cost estimate provided is; $10,000.

- Troy, MI, USA

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious safety defect in the Ford Escape equipped with the Ecoboost engine, which is known to suffer from internal coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. This defect poses significant safety risks, including engine misfire, sudden loss of power while driving, and the potential for engine fires. In my specific case, a Ford dealership has confirmed that my vehicle is experiencing coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, which has led to a cracked cylinder sleeve and engine misfire. Despite this being a well-documented issue linked to a flawed engine design, my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was not included in the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which addresses this exact problem. The symptoms and confirmed diagnosis of my vehicle match the description and root cause identified in Ford's internal documents and the scope of the CSP. However, Ford has not taken responsibility for vehicles outside the limited range of VINs it chose to cover, leaving many owners-?"myself included-?"at risk of catastrophic engine failure and serious safety consequences. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue more comprehensively. The scope of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 is clearly too narrow and excludes many vehicles suffering from the same dangerous condition. This issue warrants a formal safety recall, not a limited service program, due to the substantial risk it presents to vehicle occupants and others on the road. Please take action to compel Ford to take full responsibility for this defect and protect consumers from preventable mechanical failures and fire risks.

- New Market, MD, USA

The engine light came on while driving, and the car immediately started sputtering and producing a lot of smoke. Luckily, I was able to pull over safely and turn off the vehicle. After the car cooled off, I inspected the oil level and noticed it was low. I had my partner bring me new 5W20 oil, and I refilled the oil compartment, but upon restarting the engine, the light did not go away. The vehicle had to be towed to the shop, where it was diagnosed with low pressure on piston #2 caused by coolant intrusion and recommended engine replacement, with a quote of $12,391.83. There were no signs or symptoms before the catastrophic failure. The car is very well taken care of and has had all oil changes done at the recommended frequency. The car is 8 years old and has 92,855 miles, just outside of the limits covered by Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. I feel that there should have been a recall for this known issue that put my life at risk due to Ford's negligence. I still have the car and it is available for inspection, but I don't know what to do since the repair is more expensive than the retail value of the vehicle.

- Concord, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on three occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted on each occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on two occasions when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where a handled diagnostic machine retrieved a code that the VVT valve timing solenoid had an error. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the part was replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred after several days. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on two occasions the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not reared. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 150,000.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

It stopped at a red light with no warning. It would only drive 5 miles per hour. The temp gauge was topped out. Mechanic said that it was leaking fluid in the cylinder and cracked the head. Having to get a new engine. I-??ve read that this is an ongoing problem with Ford. Should not have to pay to replace a defective engine

- Franklin, KY, USA

High engine temperature warning continuously on. Engine temperature gauge always shows highest reading, even after sitting overnight. Coolant was empty. Added coolant. When driven, does not shift out of first gear and is a little shaky when trying to drive. Mechanic says a new engine is needed due to coolant leaking into engine.

- Galena, OH, USA

ford coolant intrusion problem. had to replace motor i. 90,000 miles on escape cost $7950 plus $150 to have it diagnosed.

- Rockwall, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission, and torque converter. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,453.

- Westcliffe, CO, USA

Vehicle suddenly overheaded and stalled to 5 mph. Mechanic states that there is a coolant leak that damaged the engine. Apparently, this is a known issue that Ford refuses to acknowledge. I have researched this a lot and it seems to be a very common problem. This was extremely dangerous as my [XXX] newly licensed son was driving the vehicle at the time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Linwood, NJ, USA

1. On [XXX] the coolant leaked into the engine cylinders causing complete engine failure. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving with my [XXX] son and the engine overheated, nearly burning them both when they tried to release the pressurized coolant reservoir. 3. Yes, an autobody shop confirmed this upon inspection this morning (July 7th, 2025). 4. The only warning came while my son was driving on [XXX] and the engine warning appeared. He pulled over to pop the hood and inspect. On June 12th, 2025 my son had an oil change and inspection done where it was reported that the coolant reservoir was filled to a "safe level". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Tega Cay, SC, USA

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine began exhibiting symptoms of coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber. A certified Ford dealership confirmed the diagnosis after inspection and advised that the engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt due to this issue. This defect is known and widespread in this engine type and can lead to engine failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. Although Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 21N12) for this exact problem, my vehicle was just outside the expiration period, and Ford has denied financial assistance, despite this being a documented and recurring defect. There were no warning lights before the engine began running rough and misfiring. The coolant loss was gradual and internal. This issue has been confirmed and documented by a Ford dealership, and I have a case open with Ford corporate. I am filing this complaint because of the safety risks involved with coolant intrusion, the costly repair burden passed to consumers, and Ford-??s refusal to support a known defect that could lead to sudden engine failure while driving.

- Canton, NC, USA

Coolant leak

- Minneapolis , MN, USA

I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has developed a coolant leak that appears to be internal, which has led to concerns about engine performance and potential long-term damage. After researching this issue, I discovered that coolant intrusion into the cylinders is a known and widespread problem affecting this model and engine type. Many owners have reported similar failures, and I understand that this defect has led to class action lawsuits and service bulletins in the past. Given the safety and reliability concerns involved-?"especially the risk of engine overheating and failure-?"I respectfully request that this issue be addressed under any applicable recall, customer satisfaction program, or warranty extension related to engine coolant leaks. Please advise on the next steps for inspection and repair authorization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Saint Michael, MN, USA

Consistent coolant leakage and milky build-up under engine oil cap. On start-up, intermittent rough idling, as well as check engine light indicating a misfire with cylinder 2. Vehicle is available for inspection. My safety has been put at risk previous as I was driving and received a notification to stop engine now due to high temperatures, and inspected to find the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. Today while getting an oil change, the mechanic noted lots of engine sludge build-up, as well as a swollen gasket due to the sludge build-up.

- Madison, WI, USA

Powertrain suddenly failed with no prior issues displaying red Powertrain failure light- car will not move or shift, has high RPMS and has loud revving/screeching sound

- Taylor, MI, USA

1.5 engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder.

- Cabot, PA, USA

My vehicles check engine light came on. Capital Ford of Raleigh NC picked up the vehicle to check the status. I received a phone call later that day from Capital Ford informing me I need a new engine. Capital Ford admits it is a Ford issue. The coolant is leaking into the engine. I have been told this is a Ford design defect. One day I had a perfectly good vehicle and now I don't. I am now forced to purchase another vehicle which will potentially cost me thousands. Ford is aware of the issue but did not disclose. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Clayton, NC, USA

coolant intrusion... the car is not unsafe and the Ford Dealership said that I need an engine. The care has 130,000 miles. I can't believe it. I have all of my maintenance up to date. They are telling me my car has a manufactory defect. I no longer have transportation. How unfair is this.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, and crack inside the cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN for the failure, and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,582.

- Honey Brook, PA, USA

Check engine light came on. Took car to dealer. Coolant leak inside of the cylinders / chambers of the engine.

- San Francisco, CA, USA