2018 Ford Escape: engine failure

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · IN

This is in relation to the coolant intrusion problem with all the Ford Ecoboost engines. The vehicle has 98,958 miles - all recommended services were done. Mechanic is recommending a full engine replacement to the tune of $19000. That is nearly 2/3 the value of the car when purchased. Ford not standing behind their products has gotten to a point of hilarity.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine · PA

The vehicle is experiencing ongoing coolant loss with no visible external leak. The coolant level drops consistently and requires frequent refilling. The issue began around mid‑mileage and has continued to worsen. The engine sometimes emits a coolant smell, and the temperature gauge rises more quickly than normal. Warning messages about high engine temperature have appeared during driving. The dealer inspected the vehicle but could not find an external leak and stated the condition was normal, even though the coolant continues to disappear. No repairs have resolved the issue. Based on known problems with EcoBoost engines, an internal coolant leak or cylinder head defect is suspected, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN. This creates a safety risk because sudden overheating can occur while driving, which may lead to engine failure, loss of power, or stalling in traffic. The issue is ongoing and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine, Lights · MO · fire

There have been several issues that cause safety concerns with my 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost. The two most concerning are the headlights and engine failure. Since I drove this vehicle off the lot in 2023 I have had to replace the headlights every 4 to 6 months. I recently learned it is do to an electrical issue and the most recent occurrence caused a small fire under the hood of my vehicle. Sometimes both lights would go out at once without warning. This issue has been reported by numerous consumers and Ford has done nothing. Regarding the engine failure, a coolant leak was reported by two mechanics but the source of the leak couldn't be identified. It was only discovered it was internal when my vehicle just stopped while pulling forward in a drive through. Luckily it wasn't on the highway but if it had been it could've caused an accident, at 70 mph, that likely would've resulted in minor injuries for not only me but other drivers. Ford has been made aware of this issue by owners of 2013-2019 Ford Escape Ecoboost vehicles but still hasn't issued a recall. Ford refuses to do anything about this and has instructed its customer support team to tell consumers they "can't" (won't) do anything outside of warranty. This issue often occurs outside of warranty. Ford still hasn't issued a recall despite numerous lawsuits for this exact problem. All customers can do is file a complaint. There are thousands of these vehicles on the road and if Ford continues to do nothing this could eventually lead to fatalities due to vehicle collisions. Someone needs to do something if Ford won't. Engine failure 10/20/26; electrical fire September 2026; lighting failure 2023-2026. The fact someone was fine selling this vehicle, despite consumer reports, is appalling.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine · CA

Apparently my 2018 Ford Escape 1.5 liter Ecoboost engine has a known flaw of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. It can be inspected right now as it's at the Ford service center. This problem could have left me on the side of the freeway at night. Ford service has verified the problem and that it needs a new engine. I dont believe the parts have been inspected by anyone other than Ford service and my independent mechanic. There was a check engine light that came on back in April of this year. I brought it into Ford for basic minor service on April 29 and was told to check diagnostics I had to pay $298. I took it elsewhere and they told me it was a code that came up for the smog system. I didn't have any other issues at that time. In July a different light came on that was flashing so I took it to an independent mechanic and he found the misfire code of P0304 in cylinder #4. He proceeded to replace spark plugs and injector #4. Not until September did the sputtering start but no engine light came on. I took it back to my mechanic and he spent 2 weeks trying different things to figure out what was going on. He was unable to so I had to take it to the Ford service center and they verified the coolant intrusion problem. My car is only 8 years old and there was never a recall or service notice to advise me of this problem.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I have a 2018 Escape that died on July 10, 2026, 39312 miles. Paid $300 for a diagnosis at a Ford dealer. A new engine was recommended. The dealer quote is $13,500 for replacement. Called Ford directly and was told, " Too bad you're not covered".

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days later, I received an Engine Fault Service Now message. I went to the Auto Zone on October 4, 2026 and they ran a diagnostic check. These are the codes that were found: Check Engine Fail Replace Ignition Coil and Spark Plug #3 P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent P0300 Random misfire detected Cylinder 3 On October 5, 2026, I took it to my mechanic and he began checking everything. He found oil on and inside the computer. He also found that there was antifreeze residue on the Cylinder and Spark Plugs. He did some research to find out what could cause this to happen. He found the following: 1,134–1,711 engine complaints depending on dataset. Failures typically occur between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Main Engine Problems 1. Coolant Intrusion (1.5L EcoBoost – Most Common & Severe) Coolant leaks past the block/head sealing surface into cylinders. Not a head gasket failure—requires short-block or long-block replacement. Symptoms: Misfire codes (P0300–P0304) White exhaust smoke Unexplained coolant loss Rough idle, stalling, overheating. 2. Cracked Engine Block Often the end result of prolonged coolant intrusion. Leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring full replacement. On Friday, October 9, 2026, I drove my car to work, approximately 2.5 miles, after the Escape sitting for 3.5 hours, I started it. I immediately received the HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY, and the engine shut off. On the 3rd try, the Escape stayed running. I could only drive 11 mph. On my final turn onto a busy street, the Escape began sputtering and would not accelerate at all. I was stuck in the middle of the street, putting myself at risk of being hit. I finally made it to a parking lot but had to be pushed home by my son.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine · MN

Engine light came on so took vehicle to auto repair shop. They diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine, and told me this is a known problem. Ford has issued technical service bulletin 22-2134, as well as other documentation on the problem. It is both a functional and safety hazard. There is a class action suit (Miller vs. Ford) on this matter currently. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer and they said there is no program from Ford to cover this known problem. I have 73,000 miles on my car! Yes, it is 8 years old, but that should not degate action from Ford on this. They have never notified Ford customers, and yet this is a safety hazard (can cause enginer to seize and start a fire). I was quoted $15,000 cost to replace the enginer from the dealer. I cannot afford this, but am afraid to drive my car!

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · NV

VIN:[XXX] Current Mileage: 110,900 I am experiencing coolant intrusion in the engine of my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is losing coolant with no external leak visible. This has led to engine misfires, rough idling, and concerns about potential engine damage or failure. This issue is identical to known coolant intrusion problems documented in other Ford EcoBoost engines of similar model years. Safety Concern: Coolant intrusion can cause sudden engine failure while driving, creating a hazardous situation—especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. This poses a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. Requested Action: I am requesting the federal safety agency review this issue as a potential recurring safety defect affecting the 2018 Ford Escape. Many owners have reported similar coolant intrusion problems, and a recall or investigation may be warranted to prevent engine failure–related accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

Failed Component/System: The engine assembly/engine cooling system. The internal structural failure of the cylinder block (open-deck design defect) allowing engine coolant intrusion into combustion chambers, cylinders 2/3. Safety: The vehicle is experiencing severe engine stalling, immediate loss of motive power on active roadways, dense white smoke from exhaust which blinds trailing traffic. This causes immediate risk for rear-end collision, leaves others with the possibility to be stranded on dangerous traffic situations. The vehicle leaks hot fluids into the combustions system putting everyone at risk for under hood fires. Has the Problem been confirmed: Yes, my vehicle is currently at the Pennyrile Ford Dealership, they performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope inspection, and confirmed internal coolant intrusion requiring a total engine replacement. They have even confirmed and acknowledged that this is an on going issue! Dealer inspection: Yes Warning Lamps/Messages: Check engine soon light, raised engine levels, rapidly depleting coolant within days of refill, rough idling, cold start rumblings, sweet chemical smell and thick white smoke coming from tailpipe. Ford has already admitted this is an ongoing issue with these systems, I currently have a 2.0 engine but the recall is for the 1.0/1.5.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine · TN

Ford issued TSB 22-2229 (and earlier TSB 19-2208) specifically covering 2018 2.0L EcoBoost engines with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The Root Cause: Ford redesigned the engine block around mid-2019 because the original design allowed coolant to pool in small grooves between the cylinder bores, eventually degrading the head gasket or cracking the cylinder wall. Error code * P0316 — misfire detected during startup. Ford dealer estimate $12,700 for the Repair. A new engine block.. Ford customer care says there is no assistance available because the vehicle is out of warranty. It has 60,555 miles.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My vehicle has experienced a recurring cylinder 1 misfire (code P0301) over approximately two years. Ignition coils and spark plugs on cylinder 1 were replaced multiple times by different repair shops, but the misfire repeatedly returned, sometimes within months, sometimes within about a year. Wiring and injector testing was also performed and ruled out as the cause. A mechanic ultimately performed a leak-down/compression test and borescope inspection and found a compression leak located in the cylinder wall between cylinders 1 and 2, indicating internal engine damage. I was advised that this is not economically repairable and would require a full engine replacement. After researching this issue, I found this matches a widely-documented design flaw affecting 1.5L EcoBoost engines in this generation of Ford Escape, where coolant intrusion into the cylinders causes recurring, hard-to-diagnose misfires that are often initially misattributed to ignition coils, ultimately requiring engine block replacement. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be a known, unaddressed defect affecting this engine platform, causing significant repeated repair costs before the true cause was identified

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · IN

Supplemental Information – the federal safety agency Complaint XXX– 2018 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost.Vehicle information: 2018 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Turbocharged EcoBoost VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 65,946 Since my previous communication, Ford instructed me to take the vehicle to a Ford dealership for evaluation and provide the dealership with my Ford case information. I delivered the Escape to Andy Mohr Ford in Plainfield, Indiana on XXX. On XXX, the dealership diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion and determined that a long-block engine replacement is required. The dealership's repair estimate is $13,315.32. I reported the diagnosis to Ford on XXX. Ford opened Case XXX. On XXX, I was advised that the case was being escalated for additional review and that Ford would contact the dealership before making a determination. On XXX, Ford advised me that the case remained pending. As of XXX, the vehicle remains at Andy Mohr Ford and I have not received a determination from Ford Corporate. I am submitting this update because the vehicle's condition is no longer based solely upon my description of the failure. A Ford dealership has now inspected the vehicle and documented coolant intrusion severe enough to require replacement of the long-block engine.I respectfully request that this information be added to Complaint XXX and considered as part of the federal safety agency's record concerning this vehicle and engine. I have retained the dealership repair estimate, my communications with Ford, Ford case numbers, registered-mail delivery documentation, and a detailed chronology of events. I am willing to provide any of these materials or make additional information available if it would assist the federal safety agency's review. I would also appreciate any guidance regarding whether the federal safety agency would like additional documentation concerning the dealership's diagnosis or the vehicle's current condition while it remains at Andy Mohr Ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)