NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
269 reportsClear category filter52,000 miles · Aug 29, 2023
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered water inside the cylinder head, and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Recently while driving at v…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered water inside the cylinder head, and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Recently while driving at various speeds, there was a loud revving sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #11541456
132,000 miles · Aug 15, 2023
Power Train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined coolant intrusion had damaged the engine block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigati…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined coolant intrusion had damaged the engine block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000.
NHTSA ODI #11538736
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2023
EnginePower Train
During my ownership of a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, a series of catastrophic engine failures occurred, jeopardizing my safety and that of others on the road. The specific components that failed this time include the short block, crankshaft, and other critical components within the long block, such as …
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During my ownership of a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, a series of catastrophic engine failures occurred, jeopardizing my safety and that of others on the road. The specific components that failed this time include the short block, crankshaft, and other critical components within the long block, such as the pump and converter. Additionally, the torque converter and flex plate required replacement. These components are available for inspection upon request. The failures posed significant safety risks as the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and acceleration, leading to potential hazards for both myself and adjacent motorists. The problem has been confirmed by the All American Ford dealership in Old Bridge, NJ, where detailed diagnostic testing revealed the flex plate and short block were damaged. The vehicle has been inspected by the All American Ford dealership, and a claim was filed with my warranty company (Olive Warranty), but unjustly denied, despite the recurring nature of these failures. Significantly, no warning lamps or messages alerted to the impending issue prior to the failure, and the initial symptom was a clicking noise upon activating the AC. My local mechanic initially suspected the problem to be related to the air compressor, but further inspection revealed that it was not the cause of the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11535462
60,000 miles · Jul 25, 2023
Power TrainCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated at high speed. The contact was not sure if a warning light was displayed or illuminated. The vehicle drove over the curb striking several shopping carts and coming to a complete stop, causing front-end damages to t…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated at high speed. The contact was not sure if a warning light was displayed or illuminated. The vehicle drove over the curb striking several shopping carts and coming to a complete stop, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The contact suffered a bruise to the chest due to the seat belt but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11534386
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2023
EnginePower Train
I own a 2018 Ford Escape SE. In May, I started my car & it shook, the check engine light started blinking. I took it to Auto Zone for a diagnostic; diagnostic trouble codes Power Train System - P0302/ cylinder 2 misfire detected & Anti-Lock Brake System (No Code) /Service Interval Light. I was told to replace the spark plugs & i…
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I own a 2018 Ford Escape SE. In May, I started my car & it shook, the check engine light started blinking. I took it to Auto Zone for a diagnostic; diagnostic trouble codes Power Train System - P0302/ cylinder 2 misfire detected & Anti-Lock Brake System (No Code) /Service Interval Light. I was told to replace the spark plugs & ignition coil. I took it to an independent mechanic, sparks plugs & coil were replaced. The check engine light off. Notice I was using more gas. 2 weeks later, check engine light came on, car started shaking. I took it to Auto Zone for another diagnostic & was told the same thing, issue with the spark plugs and coil, misfire for cylinder 2. July 14, took it to the dealership for an oil change; I was told the coolant was below level/ low. In my Ford Pass App, I received an alert; I decided to sign in into my FORD ACCOUNT, where I have my cars registered. I saw an alert with the following messages: 1 * Recalls: You're all set! There are no recalls for your vehicle. 2 * CSP (Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 will be in effect until November 30,2022, regardless of mileage. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners. Additionally, if engine damage has occurred due to coolant intrusion, Ford Motor Company is providing a one-time repair of the engine short block. I called Mac Haik Ford Dealership and notify them of the issue. They wanted to charge me $155 just for a diagnostic. I told then that according to Campaign #21N12, I'm not suppose to be charge. I left my vehicle at the dealership for the diagnostic and at 3:54pm, I received a message for the service adviser telling me this "Hello this is [XXX] with Mac Haik Ford. The technician has looked at your vehicle & it is coolant intrusion. We have ordered parts, and we will be going into Monday with your vehicle. I will touch base with you again on Monday, have a great weekend. My car could have overheated & could have been stranded on the freeway or could have been in an accident INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
NHTSA ODI #11533835
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2023
Power Train
Coolant leak, Engine failure, available for inspection. Car could have caught fire, engine no longer able to perform. Confirmed by dealership. Inspected by mechanical garage and Ford dealership. First part of June 2023 check engine light came on, taken to garage for reading noticed coolant low. Garage replaced ignition coil. En…
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Coolant leak, Engine failure, available for inspection. Car could have caught fire, engine no longer able to perform. Confirmed by dealership. Inspected by mechanical garage and Ford dealership. First part of June 2023 check engine light came on, taken to garage for reading noticed coolant low. Garage replaced ignition coil. Engine light again came on took back to garage replaced spark plug. Engine light again came on, I then called Ford dealer and was informed of the problems coming in on 2.0 ecco boost engines. Took vehicle in and was informed of engine failure and new engine was installed.
NHTSA ODI #11531324
32,500 miles · Jun 29, 2023
Power Train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. While continuing to drive the vehicle, the sound dissipated, but the failure reoccurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. While continuing to drive the vehicle, the sound dissipated, but the failure reoccurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined inconclusively that the flexplate and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle is repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 32,500. The contact is requesting reimbursement for repairs made to the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11529585
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2023
Back Over PreventionPower Train
While driving at night at a speed of approximately 45 mph, the car started grinding and there was a smell of metallic material burning and it was difficult to accelerate. Within seconds the automobile came to a complete stop in the middle of a moderately traveled road in the left hand turning lane. There were no messages or wa…
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While driving at night at a speed of approximately 45 mph, the car started grinding and there was a smell of metallic material burning and it was difficult to accelerate. Within seconds the automobile came to a complete stop in the middle of a moderately traveled road in the left hand turning lane. There were no messages or warning lamps that would indicate that there was a problem prior to this complete stoppage. The safety of the driver as well as others is put at risk due to the fact that there were no prior indications or symptoms to this malfunction. Had this happened on a high traffic area while traveling at higher speed, there would have indeed been numerous accidents given the sudden stoppage without any safety lamps or alerts being exhibited on the dashboard that would alert the driver to get to a safer location or pull over. Waiting for a tow at night is dangerous and the safety of a lone driver is at stake. After three days at the dealer, we were advised that the vehicle has complete Transmission Failure. There is a safety recall (22S43) NHTSA 22V413 that deals with a transmission issue. The vehicle now needs a whole new transmission and is only 5 years old. Perhaps this initial recall may eventually lead to complete transmission failure. It was not described as what exactly the failure of the transmission.
NHTSA ODI #11526732
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2023
Power Train
Fly wheel cracks all of a sudden at 85000 miles
NHTSA ODI #11525232
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2023
EnginePower Train
2 weeks after our warranty expired for the power train we experienced failure with a misfire of Cylinder 1. We replaced all of the spark plugs at around 41,000 miles. 1 month into replacement cyclinder 1 misfired again, we replaced the spark plug thinking it was that and also the coil. 2 months after we are having the same issue…
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2 weeks after our warranty expired for the power train we experienced failure with a misfire of Cylinder 1. We replaced all of the spark plugs at around 41,000 miles. 1 month into replacement cyclinder 1 misfired again, we replaced the spark plug thinking it was that and also the coil. 2 months after we are having the same issue, replaced the spark plug again, and the code will not go away, the check Englishwoman light continues to flash. I brought it to the dealership where it has been preliminarily determined I have a coolant intrusion in cylinder 1 and a new king block will be required at the tune of about 9k. There was tsb 19-2346 on my car and nothing was done to prevent this from happening. We suddenly lost all coolant around the same time we replaced the spark plugs as well. There was no visible leak. Ford needs to cover this repair in full, and issue a recall. My 17 year old drives this vehicle and when she was driving yesterday is when the failure began as she was turning left she had a sudden loss in power, almost getting tboned.
NHTSA ODI #11524648
Official recalls
4Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Feb 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
Dec 18, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S44.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗