NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,791 reports95,000 miles · Nov 13, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to lose significant motive power, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. No w…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to lose significant motive power, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinder head gasket. The contact was informed that the seal between the engine block and the cylinder head had failed, resulting in damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #11625025
100,000 miles · Nov 13, 2024
Power Train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN) however the contact stated that the remedy completed was not correctly addressed which had a lead coolant leak into the vehicle transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local deale…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN) however the contact stated that the remedy completed was not correctly addressed which had a lead coolant leak into the vehicle transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was advised that they would have to replace the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11625021
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2024
Engine
2018 Ford Escape - The engine made unusual noise and began running rough. We had to quickly exit traffic unexpectedly. Engine light came on after this incident. Local Ford Dealership has diagnosed the problem as coolant leak into the engine cylinder. Dealership recommended long block replacement at cost of just over $10,000.…
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2018 Ford Escape - The engine made unusual noise and began running rough. We had to quickly exit traffic unexpectedly. Engine light came on after this incident. Local Ford Dealership has diagnosed the problem as coolant leak into the engine cylinder. Dealership recommended long block replacement at cost of just over $10,000. They also stated that there were no recalls or other assistance available from Ford Motor Company. I later found out about Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which covers the cost to replace the 1.5 ecoboost engines with the same problem we are having. However, it only covers 7 years or 84,000 miles. Our vehicle was at 6 years and 118,000 miles when the issue occurred. We have never received any communication from Ford Motor Company regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12.
NHTSA ODI #11624749
108,660 miles · Nov 12, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25–30 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jerking and losing motive power. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle shook and stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the short-block engine needed to…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25–30 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jerking and losing motive power. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle shook and stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the short-block engine needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to TSB: 22-2322. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no coverage due to the vehicle not meeting the mileage limitation. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,660.
NHTSA ODI #11624670
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other
I just recently came across the 21N12 letter that was sent out to people awhile back after googling an issue I noticed with my car. It appears my car is losing coolant. Which, after reading the 21N12, it appears is a known issue that ford submitted a letter letting people get this repair done for no charge. Well, I never receive…
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I just recently came across the 21N12 letter that was sent out to people awhile back after googling an issue I noticed with my car. It appears my car is losing coolant. Which, after reading the 21N12, it appears is a known issue that ford submitted a letter letting people get this repair done for no charge. Well, I never received the letter and might be experiencing these issues. I don’t find this to be anywhere near fair at all. What if my car died on me?
NHTSA ODI #11624395
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2024
Engine
Took the vehicle to 3 different mechanics for estimate as my daughter was driving the car and it started to over heat, white smoke coming from tailpipe , coolant level very low or gone. It was determined this is a known issue on this 1.5L eco boost engine. Estimate $9K to replace with new engine! It's technically not a blown he…
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Took the vehicle to 3 different mechanics for estimate as my daughter was driving the car and it started to over heat, white smoke coming from tailpipe , coolant level very low or gone. It was determined this is a known issue on this 1.5L eco boost engine. Estimate $9K to replace with new engine! It's technically not a blown head gasket. It's a design/manufacturing defect in the open-deck design of the block. Google "Ecoboost coolant intrusion" and "Ford Customer Service Program 21N12" for more info.
NHTSA ODI #11624227
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Structure
After Hurricane Milton my car had 2 in of water in it. I contacted my insurance company they looked at the car said it needed to be dried out and I needed to take it to the dealership where I purchased it. Took my vehicle to Kisselback Ford and the diagnosis States looks like the seam sealer under the roof moldings is falling of…
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After Hurricane Milton my car had 2 in of water in it. I contacted my insurance company they looked at the car said it needed to be dried out and I needed to take it to the dealership where I purchased it. Took my vehicle to Kisselback Ford and the diagnosis States looks like the seam sealer under the roof moldings is falling off the body causing water to come into the body panels from the roof has to go to Body Shop we can't do these repairs. Took the vehicle to two collision centers they stated this was a factory defect and they will not touch my car. Contacted Ford corporate I was told to take the vehicle to Greenway Ford upon taking my vehicle to Greenway Ford they are in agreement with the other dealership and stated the roof panel needs to be repaired the headliner needs to be replaced the right and left roof molding needs to be replaced the seam sealer in the roof is damaged causing leakage into the panels. All interior parts have corrosion need a teardown to see how far the water damage is. Ford corporate will not do anything to repair, or replace my vehicle. Stated because I am out of the 3-year lemon law there was nothing they could do. This is not something that happened overnight this is something that has been going on for years and apparently finally separated causing water to intrude into my vehicle every time it rains. This is affecting my backup camera my radio which is telling me the wiring is wet. I only have 54,000 miles on my car Ford has already replaced the engine due to factory defect replaced by headlights again due to factory defect which my headlights are still losing their clear coat. I'm still paying for this car it smells of mildew and the mildew is starting to show up on the interior. On antibiotics for the past 3 months. When I hit the brakes on my car it sounds like a wave of water is rushing forward. It's not right that Ford sold me a defective car that I'm still paying for. No warning, 2 firefighters have said car could catch fire.
NHTSA ODI #11624112
84,313 miles · Nov 7, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking and vibrating violently. The contact released the accelerator pedal, and the shaking and vibration nearly ceased; however, while depressing the accelerator pedal, …
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking and vibrating violently. The contact released the accelerator pedal, and the shaking and vibration nearly ceased; however, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact was able to drive the vehicle under 30 MPH to the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer of TSB: 19-2139 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle was not covered due to the mileage being exceeded. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,313.
NHTSA ODI #11623939
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Engine
My engine failed as I was driving down the road with cars behind and in front of me. Lost power while driving, had to find a place immediately to pull over before being hit by other vehicles. Dash lights came on, car started making beeping noises, dash said it was overheating when thermostat gauge said it was completely cold. No…
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My engine failed as I was driving down the road with cars behind and in front of me. Lost power while driving, had to find a place immediately to pull over before being hit by other vehicles. Dash lights came on, car started making beeping noises, dash said it was overheating when thermostat gauge said it was completely cold. No antifreeze in the overflow tank, all antifreeze went into the engine from a coolant leak. Had to have car towed to garage they called and said it was engine failure due to coolant intrusion, called Ford Customer Care and they would not help me, talked to closest Ford dealership service department and they told me it was within the years but over mileage for the Customer Satisfaction Program and would be $8900 to replace the entire engine. Now I am left without a car that I am still paying on.
NHTSA ODI #11623923
115,572 miles · Nov 6, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. No w…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,572.
NHTSA ODI #11623791
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 ↗