2018 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto body repair shop, where it was diagnosed with the cylinder #1 misfire. The contact replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred, and the check engine warning light was flashing. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant level was significantly low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white and bluish smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact started that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure the check engine warning light had illuminated; however, the contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

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.

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.

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 $14,000.00 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

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!

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was running very hot, and the coolant level was extremely low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, shortly after, the coolant reservoir was low again. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.