The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine sputtered and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving abnormally rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission had failed in 2024 and was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

My vehicle started overheating as I was driving on [XXX]. A warning displayed on the dash to pull over immediately. I had the car towed my home and after reviewing issues with overheating I believe and was confirmed by my brother with a scan tool to be the head gasket leaking into the cylinders. This is a known issue that Ford is aware of and they even published TSB 20-2100. Request you investigate why this issue hasn't been resolved by Ford via recall. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Spaulding, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had caused the cylinder and the engine to fail. The failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. An unknown local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to an expired warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,695.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Coolant leaking into engine destroying spark plugs and ignition coils and damaging the engine

- Evensville, TN, USA

Coolant leaked into the cylinder and now my whole engine has to be replaced. It-??s was confirmed by a auto shop. I turned on my car, and it started to gurgle and then a message saying -??engine faulty, service now.-?? I took it straight to the repair shop. I-??ve only had the car for 3 years.

- Saint Augustine, FL, USA

My service engine now light came on while I was traveling from WV to OH. I took it to a mechanic in Ohio that looked over my vehicle. The mechanic concluded that there is coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores of my engine resulting in my engine needing to be replaced and or rebuilt. According to FORD, my VIN number was not part of the recall they issued in June of 2022 for this exact issue with the Ecoboost 1.5L engines on the 2017-2019 Ford Escapes.

- Davin, WV, USA

Date of Incident or Diagnosis: 7/15/2025 I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2018 Ford Focus, which has required a full engine replacement due to a known and widespread defect -?" coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, specifically cylinders 1 and 3. This is a manufacturing defect and not the result of normal wear and tear or improper vehicle maintenance. Coolant intrusion leads to engine misfiring, overheating, stalling, and ultimately complete engine failure -?" posing both safety risks and a significant financial burden to owners. This issue is especially concerning as there is no check engine light or prior warning before the damage becomes irreparable. In my case, the damage was discovered only after experiencing performance issues and having the vehicle professionally diagnosed. This problem has been widely reported by other owners of 2018 Ford Focus and Escape vehicles with similar 1.5L EcoBoost engines. Ford has previously issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) and recalls for similar issues in other model years and engine variants, but this specific year and model have not yet been included -?" despite exhibiting the exact same symptoms and root cause. I strongly believe that this failure is a design and manufacturing defect, not an isolated incident. It is unfair to hold consumers responsible for the cost of an engine replacement due to a flaw that Ford is already aware of in similar vehicles. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further and push for an official safety recall of 2018 Ford Focus vehicles affected by coolant intrusion. Engine failure while driving could pose a serious hazard to the driver and other motorists. Ford should be held accountable and required to cover the cost of repairs for all affected vehicles, not just those included in previous recall campaigns.

- Shirley, NY, USA

I purchased this 2018 Ford Escape in August 2022 from Richmond Ford. Within 2 days to a week I noticed fault indicators stating check engine, failed Auto stop and start malfunctioning. I immediately reported this issue. Richmond Ford put me in a loaner for approximately 2 months to only remedy the problem with a new battery. This has happened for 3 years. I-??ve had 4 batteries replaced even recently after having Extreme high heat engine failure fault while in traffic with my grand children in the car and had to be towed. My engine has faulted several times and always shuts down in the middle of traffic. This issue could have killed me and my grand children and other vehicles. Richmond Ford kept replacing the battery and charging me for other things. The technician and General Manager has claimed it-??s nothing wrong but kept replacing the batteries. 4 times. My life and my grandchildren have been in danger several times while driving on the highway and local streets. Today Richmond Ford says it-??s that I need a new engine because Antifreeze has intruded into the engine blowing head gaskets, mind you it was just there on June 23 of 2025 or so for engine malfunction fault extreme high temp no antifreeze and the only band aid that was offered was yet another new battery. Then today I was advised that it will cost $14,000 plus to replace my engine. There is definitely a problem and should recall this model 2018 Ford Escape SEL because the manufacturer has fixed the notification system and or the Faults to not warn owners of major engine failures which cost thousands to repair and is always covered up by replacing the battery. Please add this make and model to the recent recall. Thank You

- Henrico, VA, USA

On or about 16 June 2025, a misfire prompted me to have the problem investigated. The computer showed a misfire on #1 cylinder; however, the problem cleared within two days. Then, the engine overheated. I filled the antifreeze tank, and the heat was reduced immediately. However, it recurred the next day, prompting me to have it investigated by our local dealer. They found it to be a leaking of coolant into the cylinder. I researched this problem and have learned it to be a common problem with 2015 - 2019 2.0L Ecoboost engines, of which my vehicle is one. Further research revealed that Ford was aware of this problem, had recalled several vehicles to address it, and had even extended the warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. However, I have been informed this is done by "VIN" and only a few are selected. I am upset that my engine is NOT included in this, as it is a 2.0L Ecoboost, just like the others. If Ford knew this problem, regardless of manufacture, why would my engine NOT be included? I cannot afford this cost on top of the $17,300 I owe for the car!

- Heltonville, IN, USA

There is a design flaw with the engine where coolant leaks into the motor. The entire engine needs to be replaced. The issue begins with a piston misfiring and then slowly devolves into total engine failure. Ford knows about the issue and has offered in the past to replace it, but this ended in 2022.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Check engine light came on, I immediately brought to Ford dealership who has done all maintenance, Ford technician ran applicable tests and determined my 2.0L EcoBoost engine has cracked engine plate causing cylinder 2 misfire and coolant leak, which I was advised only fix for is installing new updated engine from Ford. I was informed this is a known issue and the replacement engine fixes the manufacturing defect. They directed me to the problem noted in NHTSB service bulletin 19-2346 from December 2019. The Ford corporate customer care team advised me to report the issue to the NHTSB in order to receive engine coverage. I feel Ford corporation should have informed me of this known issue so I could have taken action to sell the vehicle, as they have left me with a remaining loan balance and major repair needed. Thank you for your attention to this.

- Vernon, VT, USA

The car has 90K miles and it has coolant getting into the combustion chambers.

- Ozark, MO, USA

Purchesde a 2018 Ford Escape, took to river view Ford in illinios and asked for an inspection of what I will need to get and keep the car in tip top shape. Before purchasing I test drove the vehicle and drove perfectly and still does. Purchase date [xxx] went to Ford [xxx]. on 7/1/2025 was informed the car checked out well except of a "coolant intrusion" in cylinder # 1 tsb 22-2229 riverview Ford advisor samuel hennessy and tom gabaec 630 8979800 reported. Now I have a automobile in need of a replacement motor of which I will sak for for a replacement motor as a "known defect". information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Naperville, IL, USA

On [XXX] at [XXX] I called the hot line and a case number was created [XXX] I believe I got real specific on the problem at that time....however...to review.... I started experiencing the symptoms of engine idling rough upon starting the car and have DTC code PO301. My engine is 2.0L Ecoboost. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 that lists the exact same issue for Ford Escapes same year, but with 1.5L Ecoboost Engines. The program offers a no-cost, one-time repair for same issue and with the 1.5L engine. My daughter had the exact same issue on her 2017 Ford Escape and we had to replace engine at a cost of $9000. I took our 2018 Ford Escape to our dealer, Ken Grody Ford and we were told that they could not help, because of the engine size. We fit all other conditions of the 21N12 Satisfaction Program. If this engine fails, we could be at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Oceanside, CA, USA

I am the original owner of a 2018 Ford Escape that has been well maintained and serviced regularly at a Ford dealership. Recently, the check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes were P0012 & P0014 in PCM. After a diagnostic inspection, the dealer removed the spark plugs and scoped the cylinders. They found excessive scoring and confirmed that coolant had entered the engine cylinders-?"a known and widely reported issue in EcoBoost engines. The dealership informed me that the engine would need to be replaced at a cost of $12,000. Although the vehicle is still running at the moment, they indicated it-??s only a matter of time before it fails. This Escape has less than 100,000 miles. Through research and conversations with other owners, I-??ve learned that this is a recurring issue with Ford EcoBoost engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L) from 2013-?"2019. There are numerous complaints of coolant intrusion into the engine, leading to misfires, white smoke, stalling, and eventual engine failure. Ford appears to be aware of this issue and issued TSB 22-2229, which recommends replacing the long block engine under certain conditions. However, they are not offering repairs or cost assistance unless the customer presses the issue-?"and often only after filing complaints or escalating to regional reps. I have personally spoken with at least three other Ford owners who experienced this exact problem. This is a serious defect that could result in unexpected vehicle failure or even fire risk (as some reports have noted) while driving. It poses a safety concern and should be investigated. A recall should be considered.

- Plymouth, WI, USA

Coolant leak into cylinder resulting in a misfiring cylinder and engine overheating. This is a known issue that FoMoCo has a service bulletin for. [XXX] My vehicle falls within the parameters of this, however, there are no active recalls for this problem. Doing some Google searches, it appears this issue is wide-ranging and is affecting a lot of Escape owners whose vehicles fall within the service bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Elkhorn, NE, USA

Coolant is leaking into the engine causing a code of p1299 stating coolant head temperature sensor bad but change out and problem persisted come to find out that coolant goes missing with any apparent leaks outside did an pressure test and coolant is going into engine.

- Miami, FL, USA

Coolant leaking and also p0302 code. Engine is about to go and is a common failure within these cars.

- Wellington, CO, USA

Vehicle has 62,151 miles. I am making this complaint as the original owner of this vehicle. We performed all recommended maintenance on this vehicle at the dealership on schedule including the three recall repairs. On [XXX] I noted a rough idle for a few seconds at start up. Later that day the check engine light came on. Dealer diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders and noted that this is a known issue in 2017-2019 Escapes that were manufactured in Louisville, KY but no recall was ever issued. Instead Ford opted for a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) and did not inform owners of the program proactively. They just let engines fail and owners lose the value of their investment overnight. Had this happened to my car 6 months ago they would have fixed it. We called the Ford Customer Assistance line, and Ford has declined to assist with the repair of their faulty manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Leaking antifreeze into Cylinder 2, causing mis firing the engine, damaging the engine.Also overheating the engine, hesitation when trying to accelerate.

- Louisville, KY, USA