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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,969 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 31 of 51)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #413

May 212024

Escape

  • miles

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

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

problem #402

Jan 012024

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after the first failure. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the vehicle was restarted, but the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant temperature sensor and short block needed to be replaced. The coolant temperature sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Sebewaing, MI, USA

problem #401

May 022024

Escape

  • 67,340 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,340.

- West Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #400

Apr 122024

Escape

  • miles
Car was running rough immediately upon cranking with intermittent check engine light, roughness would clear up soon after starting to drive. Started needing to add coolant pretty frequently, maybe once a week. Kept driving that way for about a month. Independent service center (Mooneyhan's, West Columbia, SC) diagnosed "coolant intrusion, " needs new engine or re-build. Engine has approximately 70,000 miles on it.

- West Columbia, SC, USA

problem #399

Apr 292024

Escape

  • miles
Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 caused by a design defect. Ford's fix is to replace the engine with a redesigned block. The vehicle is out of warranty but I believe this should be covered as it was a design defect and there are pending class action lawsuits.

- Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #398

Apr 032024

Escape

  • miles
My 2018 Ford Escape started running super rough one morning as I was heading into work. There were no lights and the system check said all systems running normal. However when I checked all the fluids and looked at everything it all looked fine. When I restarted the car I could see the engine shaking. As I was headed down the street to have a mechanic look at it the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. Long story short the car was towed to the dealership and they told me I need a new engine and quoted $11,724, they said there was a coolant leak into the engine. I bought this car brand new and it only has 52,491 miles on it. After some extensive research I have found that this is a issue that is well known with all Escape models between the 2013 and 2019 years. However Ford is not doing anything to fix it and basically is just shrugging it off.

- Caldwell, ID, USA

problem #397

Apr 262024

Escape

  • miles
I took my wife car to Ford in Yuba City for a engine light for P1450 Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum. I had the dealership pick up my car and take to the dealership to replace the purge valve. The quoted me 1 hr and changed me two. On the paperwork they said there was an engine misfire which nobody said anything to me and I didn't ever had that error on this car. They drove my car to my house like this. I looked at paperwork and was surprised so I checked the car out and got a code po302 for cylinder 2 misfire. I popped the hood and saw that the cable was put in there lazy and there was a gap i the air tube to the air filter. I talked to the dealership and brought it in and they told me I have coolant in my motor and will need a short block replacement. I had no issue before the purge valve and with the on going issues with the coolant in motor issues with this type of engine. I feel ford should take car of it. I bought this car with 36 miles on it and it currently is at 96k or so. I know there was a free replacement for 7 year or 84 years of warranty. Is there anything Fork can do since I really don't want to go the legal route but will if I have

- Yuba City, CA, USA

problem #396

Apr 242024

Escape

  • miles
2018 Ford escape titanium. I have kept current on all the maintenance on this car. All of a sudden I get a check engine light also it shook and weakened. I drove straight home and left it parked untouched. I called Ford they came and picked it up because I was too scared to drive it. I haven't even had this car for a year and the dealership called to tell me the engine is gone due to coolant leaking inshaft etc.. a list of problems I don't understand. About $9000. In repair cost. My warranty doesn't want to cover. I need help. I do not know where to turn Ford is well aware of these issues and failed to tell us consumers. This is a complete scam on there part and they need to be held accountable. I am still paying for that car always take care of it which they charge alot for simple maintenance. Please help and let me know what to do. I can not pay $ 9000 for repairs. I'll never feel safe again in that car. Also the blind spot and collision sensors keep going off when nothing is around. I took it in twice and they have not fixed it but I was charged for the repair.

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #395

Mar 282024

Escape

  • miles
I noticed a 'ticking' noise for about a minute when starting the engine after it'd been sitting overnight. In the first minute there'd also be some revving, about 100rpm, before the engine finally settled into normal idle. Other times, when starting the engine it would 'shudder' and I'd have to turn the car off, wait about 10 seconds, and start the engine again. A few weeks later the check engine light came on and I took it to the dealership. I had recorded the noise at startup and played it for the employees. They kept the car overnight to test it in the morning. In the morning, I was notified I'd need a new engine as 'coolant was getting into a cylinder' and it was a "block/head flaw". My antifreeze was empty. I was told this is a manufacturer defect and the dealership has been seeing this issue about once a week. I was told this is a "Ford issue and not anything" I, as an owner/operator, would have done to cause it. I was told "this is not a repair, it is a replace" and could eventually cause engine overheating and engine failure. My vehicle is only 6 years old with 52,000 miles at the time this issue arose.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #394

Apr 012024

Escape

  • miles
known problem with ford eco boost engines. Coolant loss, engine overheating, loss of power and died. now $11000 to replace the engine.

- La Marque, TX, USA

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