Coolant leak caused head gasket to leak on cylinder which consistently washed the car's spark plug. This caused the cylinder walls to become washed out which has caused significant damage to the car's engine. The consistent washing of the spark plug has caused the car to not be able to accelerate beyond 20mph - 45mph. This is a danger while driving on main roads as well as the highway. The car has also overheated because of the problem, causing the car to not start as well as to stall. The check engine light typically blinks or stays idle before the issue occurs. The vehicle was first inspected by the car dealer that sold me the car, because the check engine light was on, they stated there was nothing wrong with the car. A Tire Plus mechanic did a diagnostic and discovered the spark plug to need replacement. Most recently, the Ford dealership has given the most recent diagnosis, stating the engine needs to be replaced.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

I was driving stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I proceeded my car continuously jerked and would not pick up speed then it would go and start jerking while in the middle of traffic putting me and others at risk for possible pile up multi accidents.Given no warning just out if the blue no lights on dash either.Yes it's is available for inspection took it to shop today was advised to take it to transmission specialist which I plan to.

- Milwaukee , WI, USA

It is a coolant leak into the engine which can cause the car to catch on fire. The car is not drivable without a new engine.

- Vail, AZ, USA

Coolant is leaking into the engine (1.5 liter Ecoboost) in my 2015 Ford Escape (less than 50,000 miles). After the check engine light came on recently (within the last week) the code was read by a local auto repair shop and a Ford dealer. Both confirmed (codes P0302, P0316). I initially went to my local mechanic before going to Ford dealership. He found the coolant was low and the engine was running rough. He topped off the coolant. He mentioned that there was a known problem with some Fords with coolant leaking into the cylinders. I then went to a Ford dealership for service when the light came on a second time becuase I have an extended warranty. The Ford service tech said I need a new engine becuase coolant is leaking into the cylinder. I'm reading about this now when I researched it. I never received a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 letter from the Ford dealership I purchased this from in 2021. My Ford was manufactured in Louisville which seems to be common in Fords with this problem. Someone from the warranty company will inspect the car to confirm within 24 to 48 hours.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks

- University Park, IL, USA

Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 2 after previous recall was done to "correct" the issue, engine block replacement required. The vehicle suddenly without warning or indication started sputtering at freeway speeds then proceeded to stall. The vehicle was previously inspected by Ford Motor Company 5 months prior.

- Livonia, MI, USA

I recently had my engine go on my 2017 Ford escape se due to a coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Ford refused to help me in any way.i have seen online lots of complaints and a few different class action lawsuits claiming that Ford knew about the flawed design on the head gasket. The did a recall on mine in 2018 for a sensor which they never told me what is was for but it was to warn if a problem comes up. anyway I'm out a car and have contacted some lawyers that were filing the lawsuits but was told they couldn't help me because I was not in that state.

- Watertown, NY, USA

While driving in traffic, engine power became sluggish and had high vibration. Had to pull to side of road on busy highway. Took to dealer who diagnosed coolant leaking into cylinder causing mis-fire and high coolant temp reading.

- Kennedale, TX, USA

My engine has been affected by the coolant intrusion issue laid out in 21N12. I am over the 85k mileage, so Ford is unwilling to help. I have 115,026 miles and the engine has bearing failure, I-??m assuming due to the coolant dilution of the oil. There is metal in the oil due to the poor oil quality. Also, coolant level is low.

- Kernersville, NC, USA

As has happened to many others, a coolant intrusion destroyed the engine. The engine was replaced around 60k miles. Now around 84k miles, my transmission needs to be replaced. Ford is telling me that a new engine and new transmission for a 2017 car with 84k miles on it is something they see. The Customer Experience team told me there's nothing they can do. I can't believe a car this new, with that mileage, has had such significant and dangerous failures.

- Santa Clarita, CA, USA

2017 short block was replaced in the engine. Only to find out recalls for engine coolant has been leaking into the engine again. Year models built Sept 17, 2015 to year April 8,2019 at lewyviell Kentucky. Ironically my car was made at this location where the cars have been recalled from March 25, 2017. My car was made and the only thing ford company did was replace the short block not the entire engine. And not with the new engine recalls that started on June 9, 2022. That I already mention was the series of cars made at that plant.

- Waco, TX, USA

No warning lights turned on but antifreeze just started spraying out everywhere without warning and car was not overheating or showing any signs of overheating emptying the entire contents of the radiator and the antifreeze reserve.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

Known issue with 2.0L Ecoboost Ford Escape 2017 motors. Coolant is leaking into cylinder causing misfire, white smoke and rough driving. Also, engine light is on and sometimes flashing when driving is particularly rough. All of this has been checked and diagnosed at a repair shop.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Coolant intrusion into the cylinders

- Havertown, PA, USA

Engine block suffered coolant intrusion into #2 cylinder. Engine died suddenly. Car was losing coolant at alarming rate for weeks/ months ahead of time.

- Benton, KY, USA

Vehicle misfires. I have taken this vehicle to my mechanic for the same issue 3 times. Each time it has be diagnosed as cylinder 3 problem. My mechanic did an investigation and found that this particular engine has been identified as a problem motor with coolant leaks into the motor, causing failure in the cylinders. Ford has not issued a recall but is aware this is a major issue. I have to check the coolant constantly and there are not leaks in the coolant system. Mechanic has stated the only way to fix the issue is to replace the engine.

- Skiatook, OK, USA

Need a new motor at 60,000 miles. Iv never missed an oil change

- Collierville, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal rattling sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light flashed but had not remained illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that there was no engine oil in the engine. The contact added engine oil, but the failure persisted, and no leaks were found. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2100 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Lexington, KY, USA

This is an issue in general. I caught issue early on, but am now out a car. Engine has a known defect by Ford Motor Company that they refuse to recall. They have acknowledged this defect, but only slightly extended the warranty to fix issue. Any cars with this engine design will eventually fail. It is "When" not "If". This defect lead to coolant intrusion into engine's cylinders. If not corrected, car continues to burn more and more antifreeze, which will lead to catastrophic engine failure while driving, potentially in a high speed situation where others cannot react in time to avoid collision, or potentially during a turn where driver would be left in an intersection. Once intrusion begins, the car is basically not drive-able by the owner, but many people, having invested thousands into their new vehicle, cannot afford another $10k repair to fix the issue, nor can they afford a new car. Therefore they will continue to drive it until enough damage is done that the engine fails. Additionally, if this issue is unnoticed by driver or owner, engine could also overheat, leading to catastrophic engine failure or potentially fire within the engine bay.

- Polson, MT, USA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The failure had gotten progressively worse over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA