2018 Ford Escape

I am reporting a severe, dangerous engine design defect in my 2018 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L EcoBoost engine). The vehicle has suffered an internal cylinder head failure, allowing engine coolant to flood directly into the cylinders (coolant intrusion). This defect has rendered the vehicle completely disabled and undrivable. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle experienced severe hesitation, white smoke from the exhaust, and sudden drops in engine power while driving, creating an immediate traffic hazard and risk of a high-speed highway stall. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for this exact issue, acknowledging that the block design allows coolant to pool and bypass the head gasket. Furthermore, a federal court certified a class action lawsuit regarding this exact 2.0L safety hazard on June 22, 2026 (Miller v. Ford Motor Co.). Because this defect causes sudden, unpredictable engine failure and stalls during active operation, it poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. I request that the NHTSA escalate its investigation into Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost engines to force a mandatory safety recall.

Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.

defective engine block coolant intrusion into the cylinders engine shuts off during highway use. check engine light comes on before. i have taken it to ford dealership, it is a know defect, and they will not help with cost

Coolant intrusion I now need a new engine Known problem by Ford who refuses to fix it I now owe on a car that I cannot drive

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver-side vent failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 78,200.

My 2018 Ford Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost has a dealer confirmed coolant intrusion failure. This is what is addressed in the 21N12 program customer satisfaction program. But my vin is not listed. But my engine has the identical engine failure. They told me I needed a new engine. I reached out to Ford and to y'all I have waited almost a year for a response. I need help please.

The suv had a coolant loss. After checking the oil it smelled like antifreeze and the antifreeze container smelled of gas mixed with antifreeze

Vehicle has a coolant intrusion issue which is a well known issue for this model and year. Reference campaign 21N12

Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect ​Vehicle Information ​Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape ​Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost ​VIN: [XXX] ​I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leaks, and an authorized Ford dealership has confirmed that coolant is entering the engine, causing internal damage. ​The dealership noted that this matches the exact defect Ford has acknowledged in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 19-2375, TSB 20-2100, SSM 48106, SSM 48150) and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. However, I am told my specific VIN is excluded from coverage, leaving me financially responsible for a full engine replacement. ​This defect is a severe safety concern. It can cause sudden engine misfires, overheating, and a complete loss of power while driving, placing my family and other motorists at immediate risk. As a single mother rebuilding my life after leaving a domestic violence relationship, I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars to fix an inherent, manufacturer-acknowledged design flaw. ​The high volume of consumer complaints proves this is a widespread manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this further and require Ford to issue a full safety recall or extend coverage to all affected vehicles, regardless of VIN eligibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The transmission has very harsh and delayed up shifts. It has been maintained by Ford since new. The transmission appears to be defective.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle catching on fire. Additionally, the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the spark plugs were replaced. Additionally, coolant was added to the reservoir, but the vehicle was losing coolant. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback, but later declined the offer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

The vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. While driving, the engine began to misfire and run rough, and the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing confirmed a cylinder misfire. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant was leaking internally into one or more cylinders due to engine coolant intrusion. The dealership advised that the manufacturer recommends replacing the engine short block rather than performing a head gasket repair because the underlying engine design is the cause of the failure. This condition creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose power, run unpredictably, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Continued operation also risks catastrophic engine failure. The condition has been confirmed by an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, symptoms included rough engine operation, a check engine light, and a confirmed cylinder misfire. The coolant intrusion was verified during the dealer's inspection. Based on the dealership's findings, this appears to be an internal engine defect rather than normal wear or maintenance-related failure.

Check-engine light related to code P0301 (misfire, cylinder 1). This is a known issue on many Ford engines, including the 2.0L ecoBoost in our Escape (with Titanium trim). Reference: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf

My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This has caused me a great deal of financial stress as I still pay on the vehicle auto loan and was quoted $12,000 for an engine replacement after already paying $2,000 to repair the original misfire. This needs to be recalled NOW!

The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers from engine misfires. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration and vehicle power in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roadways. Furthermore, the constant loss of engine coolant creates a severe risk of sudden engine overheating, cylinder head cracking, and catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle is in motion.The manufacturer is aware of this design defect via the certified class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor Co., but the dealership refused to offer goodwill assistance, quoting an exorbitant $17,000 for repair, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road in an unsafe, hazardous condition.

1. The engine developed a coolant intrusion failure. A Ford repair shop diagnosed coolant leaking into the engine, consistent with the known 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion issue. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection upon request. 2.The engine misfired and requires replacement due to internal coolant intrusion. An engine failure while driving could result in sudden loss of power or stalling, increasing the risk of a crash, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. 3. Yes. The problem was confirmed by a Ford dealer repair shop, which diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. The check engine light illuminated with the cylinder 1 misfire code before the diagnosis. I initially took it to an independent repair shop and got the spark plugs replaced. Then a week and a half later the CEL turned on again with the same code. In response, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership, where the engine was diagnosed with coolant intrusion.

Head cracked and allowed coolant to intrude into the cylinders causing misfiring and white smoke to come out of the exhaust. Barely made it off the highway to a safe location as I was quickly loosing acceleration. Issue confirmed by Sames Ford dealership in Harlingen, TX (codes p0302 and p0303). They informed me that this is a known issue with this 1.5L Ecoboost motor in this vehicle. Vehicle is a total loss and I still owe a significant amount on the lease.

2018 Ford Escape SE with a 1.5l Ecoboost engine is experiencing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This is a well documented flaw in the engine block for which the repairs are more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Service centers have validated the problem and the flaw has been redesigned in newer vehicles. The only problem reported by OBD2 data is cylinder misfire, indicative of a coolant breach of the head gasket and coolant usage under normal conditions.

Contaminated coolant system

Coolant leak from engine block. Crack in engine block. Per Ford its a known issue on the 2018 escape model vehi les. Required full engine replacement by Ford. Paid for out of pocket, no warranty no recall when work completed in 2022.