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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,286 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 12 of 33)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #422

Jun 032024

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Coolant leaking into engine. Not dead yet but not drivable since it will cause more damage to the engine. Luckily caught it before engine went out on the highway, overheating occurred, or fire occurred. This was confirmed by a dealership after they did an engine diagnostic, although a month ago when I brought it in for an oil change they noticed my coolant was low and said they would look into it, they didn-??t. Only the ford dealership mechanics have inspected this as of yesterday. An engine warning light came on the day I took it in (yesterday). - was told by my dealership that entire engine needs to be replaced.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #421

May 282024

Escape

  • 100,228 miles
While driving the vehicle a light indicating overheating came on. I slowly and safely made it home and parked the vehicle outside as I was scared it could catch on fire. I contacted a local repair shop, who stated to have it towed to them. The owner of the shop indicated there is coolant leaking/intruding into the cylinder. He stated this is a known issue with Ford's with this particular engine. He stated it is not safe to drive. I contacted two Ford dealerships who stated this is a known issue but there is no coverage to repair it. I contacted Ford Customer Care who advised the customer satisfaction program, 21N12, for this mechanical issue expired in November 2022 which is prior to when I purchased the car. I have been advised by Ford to take it to a Ford dealership for a diagnostic check. I informed them the vehicle is not safe to drive and would need to be towed. I requested they at minimum cover the diagnostic evaluation at the dealership to which they responded the dealers are independently operated and they can't waive it. Ford customer care stated once evaluated at a dealer they would then escalate the issue to a level 2 care executive department and requested I keep all receipts for potential reimbursement. The vehicle is available for NHTSA to inspect.

- Dearborn Heights, MI, USA

problem #420

May 242024

Escape

  • miles
I have kept this vehicle always serviced and took care of it. One day I was starting the car in the morning, the car was shaking when starting, I drove it was ok, I did have little bit of shaking in Idle. the next day, car also started to shake, after driving it for 3 minutes a check engine light came. I called Pepboys where they did recommended the replacement of the Spark plugs and the coils, after doing all job at pep-boys, next day, same shaking problem and same check engine light it was a misfire in Cylinder 3 then it show multiple Cylinder code, get it back to pep boys. They checked their job and did a leaking test for cylinder which showed a 18-20% leak, then they told me they car has issues in the Gaskets or the Pistons, and you should take it to the dealer, I called the Davidson Ford in Clay, they did test the car and said there is nothing wrong with it, Even the tech drove for 30 Miles. they cleared the Engine light and gave me the car. the second day, car started shaking again when start and the check engine light start Flashing and then the sign Engine Needs Maintenance now appeared I turned it off, towed it back to the dealer. Where they did further diagnostic and found out that there's a coolant intrusion in the Cylinders and the car needs a new engine !! car has 93K ish miles on it... never ever had an issue with it....

- Baldwinsville , NY, USA

problem #419

May 232024

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Manufacturing design defect in Ford 2.0L Ford Escape. Number 4 cylinder misfire (P0304) and coolant intrusion into cylinder 4. Common pproblem but Ford has not issued a recall as of 06/01/2024. Conyacted Ford customer relations but no succes. Demanding I pay for the engine replacement. Why - since it is a known defect by Ford? 1.5L ening, same problem and Ford issued recall notice for that engine is same model Escape.

- Victorville, CA, USA

problem #418

May 232024

Escape

  • miles
The engine began to report misfires in cylinder 3. Spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced, white smoke was noticed out of the exhaust, and the engine was still misfiring. A compression test was run, noting that the engine could not build pressure. The repair shop reported that this is a common issue with these engines and that a new engine would be required. This could have failed while driving at interstate speeds, causing an accident, or the lack of coolant could have led to a fire. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, just an independent repair shop. The first dash light that came on was the check engine light, with a code of "misfire in cylinder three" subsequently leading to the belief of a bad spark plug or ignition coil for that cylinder. Three days later, the "service engine now" light came on and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. No other lights were present.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #417

Apr 192024

Escape

  • miles
The engine has a coolant leak and has made my car not properly functional. Have taken it in multiple time for repairs same issue would happen now they won't fix it because of a specific code is not reading but exactly what's going on they won't fix because it's over the milage coverage confidently.

- Smithville , MO, USA

problem #416

May 302024

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Coolant intrusion to engine causing all coolant to drain

- Midlothian , VA, USA

problem #415

May 232024

Escape

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program because the mileage had been exceeded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

- Davenport, IA, USA

problem #414

Apr 262024

Escape

  • miles
I brought my 2018 Ford Escape in for a fuel purge valve issue and the dealership Geweke Ford returned my car to me to put together all the way and with a cylinder misfire. I took the car back to the dealership and they say I now have coolant in my motor. They refuse to take responsibility for the issue which is a common issue with the Eco Boost engines and they know. I replace an engine for my 2015 Ford Edge for the same issue. I contacted Ford Corporate and they tell me to work with the dealership and will not help me out. I still have not got a detail quote from the dealer as Ryan the service coordinator will not work with me and was extremely rude to my wife and the Ford Rep. The service manager Josh will not do anything. I tried to ask if they will trade in and they told me they dont buy Ford Escapes especially that year and will engine issues. With multiple class action lawsuits for the ecoboast engines including Miller VS Ford. Ford should have to do the right thing and take care of these engines they built.

- Yuba City, CA, USA

problem #413

May 212024

Escape

  • miles
My car began running rough upon start a few weeks ago. After pressing the gas pedal, it would smooth out a little. I took it to my normal mechanic to get it looked at and the engine coolant was low. The reason was that coolant had been intruding into the engine block. This is a KNOWN ISSUE to Ford on 2017-2019 Escapes and other models. This issue puts people at risk for breakdowns. The engine can apparently overheat without warning. My mechanic filled the coolant and pressurized the system and the car started and idled the same way, which is to say roughly. It had been starting that way and running rough up hills for a few weeks, but the check engine lamp only came on recently.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #412

May 252024

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I-??m at 87,000 miles and all of a sudden my check engine light comes on it reads misfire. I take it in have new spark plugs Put in next week my check engine light comes on again. We check the oil now I have coolant leaking into my cylinders and oil. It never overheated nor have I had any other issues. It is non-drivable and I owe $24000 on it. I read online that others have had this same situation.

- Thermopolis, WY, USA

problem #411

May 082024

Escape

  • miles
Coolant leaking into motor

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #410

May 242024

Escape

  • miles
Check engine like came on and I took the vehicle to the dealership the next day. I was told there was coolant leak into the cylinders and I need a new engine. Cost $9000

- Hartwell, GA, USA

problem #409

May 222024

Escape

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion which caused a misfire in cylinders #1 and #2 from a crack in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Carleton, MI, USA

problem #408

May 092024

Escape

  • miles
Issue related to Technical Service Bulletin 21-2269 issued on 08 September 2021. My 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion into the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. There are many similar stories of this particular engine failing and many cases of the engine igniting. Ford has not responded appropriately to the claim. My check engine light came on at 101,000 miles. I immediately brought my vehicle to the local mechanic and the mechanic diagnosed code p0301 cylinder 1 misfired and p0316 misfired on startup. The mechanic referred me to the TSB above and explained that the only resolution was to replace the engine. Ford issued a service call for these engines to install a coolant sensor which has shown to be an inactive remedy. Vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engines should be recalled because they are hazardous to regular traffic. After investigating this matter on the web, I've discovered numerous related stories with this issue. This issue puts all operators, passengers, and other motor vehicles at imminent risk. I recall changing my engine oil around 75,000 miles and the oil had a greenish hue to it which I can now confidently assume was engine coolant. I was not made aware by of the known coolant intrusion into the engine issue though Ford claims to have notified all registered vehicle owners. Ford is aware of the design flaw and has not responded appropriately to this defect. Fellow 1.5L Ecoboost owners have referred me to a class-action lawsuit being taken against Ford pertaining to this issue. I have contacted Ford to privately recoup the cost(s) for related financial damages and I am told the customer has sole responsibility once the warranty of 84,000 or 7 years has been reached. Thank you for your prompt investigation into this matter, I look forward to hearing that NHTSA and Ford will issue a total recall to all 2014-2019 1.5L Ecoboost Ford Fusions and 2017-2019 1.5 L Ecoboost Ford Escapes to keep highway traffic safe.

- Oswego, NY, USA

problem #407

Apr 292024

Escape

  • miles
Engine experienced a catastrophic failure of coolant leakage into #3 cylinder over time. Condition got so bad to the point while driving, the engine suddenly lost all power and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs. Fortunately we were on a quiet street. If this would have occurred entering a busy interstate, we could have been struck by speeding cars causing a life threatening accident. Upon research into this condition, this is a known design flaw/defect with the engine block coolant passages on Ford Ecoboost 1.5L engines. We read the condition could possible cause fires or more severe engine failure at moments when the car is operating at high speeds on the interstate. A recall needs to be issued before this known defect causes someone to lose their life.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #406

Apr 242024

Escape

  • 119,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and the oil level appeared normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while the contact-??s son was stopped at an intersection, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that engine oil was present in the coolant and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

- Fox Point, WI, USA

problem #405

Feb 012023

Escape

  • 109,129 miles
Dead in drive way no warning, got it running and had no power at all had it put on trailer and taken to local Ford engine cataropic failure due to coolant intrusion verified by Ford technician instructed replace motor and all associated one time use parts still in back lot open repair order.

- Elko, NV, USA

problem #404

May 012024

Escape

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, with the engine misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. In addition, the contact was informed of the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37, however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #403

May 062024

Escape

  • miles
Coolant has leaked into cylinders 2 and 3 in my engine. The mechanic said this is a -??common problem-?? with this vehicle.

- Davison, MI, USA

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