2018 Ford Escape: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I purchased a used 2018 Ford Escape SE equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine on June 26, 2026. The vehicle currently has approximately 55,088 miles. While driving, I experienced a check-engine warning light after accelerating. The warning light subsequently began flashing while the vehicle was moving and would become solid when stopped or idling. The vehicle also developed noticeable engine shaking and rough operation, particularly when stopped at traffic lights with the transmission in Drive. The shaking is significantly reduced when the transmission is shifted into Park. The vehicle displayed diagnostic trouble code P0302, indicating a cylinder 2 misfire. I also noticed that acceleration was not as responsive as expected, requiring additional time to gain speed. Upon inspecting the engine compartment, I observed that the coolant level appeared low. These symptoms raise safety concerns because the vehicle may experience reduced engine performance or potentially lose power while driving, particularly during acceleration or when merging into traffic. I stopped operating the vehicle because of concerns about further mechanical damage and driving safety. According to the vehicle’s service history, the engine short block was replaced on August 3, 2021, at approximately 28,170 miles. The service history also indicates subsequent cooling-system maintenance. I am concerned that the current misfire and apparent coolant loss may be related to an internal engine or cooling-system defect, including possible coolant intrusion, although the underlying cause has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle has not yet undergone a complete diagnostic inspection by a Ford dealership or independent repair facility for this incident. An experienced mechanic familiar with these engines expressed concern about possible internal engine failure based on the symptoms described, but no physical testing has confirmed that assessment. The vehicle remains parked and is available for inspection

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · FL

vehicle experienced a sudden misfire, loss of power, and internal coolant intrusion at Cylinder 2. Vehicle is now inoperable due to manufacturing defect.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · NC

I suffered catastrophic engine misfires with a sudden loss of power and white smoke coming from the exhaust. This was due to a design flaw in the Ford ecoboost 1.5l engine which allowed coolant into the #3 cylinder.

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 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · PA · crash

On September 4, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM, I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) and executing a left-hand turn across an intersection. Mid-turn, the vehicle suddenly lost all power, an "Engine Fault" warning message illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine completely stalled out. Because the vehicle died directly in the path of oncoming traffic, I was forced to steer the coasting vehicle out of harm's way to avoid an imminent side-impact collision. This emergency maneuver caused the vehicle to scrape a curb—damaging the right tire rim—and collide with a utility pole. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. I managed to bring the vehicle to a stop on a side street. Once stopped, the vehicle exhibited a total "no crank, no start" condition and completely refused to turn over or restart. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair facility. Upon professional diagnostic inspection, the technician discovered extensive engine oil intrusion within the main engine wiring harness. Engine oil had dynamically wicked through the harness directly into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), completely compromising and shorting out the primary computer. This electronic failure is what triggered the sudden, catastrophic engine shutdown mid-traffic. This vehicle has a chronic history of severe electrical, powertrain, and "no-start" defects at only 56,000 miles, despite being meticulously maintained with routine synthetic oil changes as required. This is the second time I have experienced a life-threatening loss of engine power while actively driving, and I am fortunate to have narrowly avoided a major, high-speed collision on both occasions. In July 2025, the throttle body failed and initiated a dangerous Limp Mode mid-traffic, forcing a tow for replacement. In July 2026, a starter failure resulted in another total "no crank, no start" condition during the holiday weekend, requiring an emergency mobile mechanic. Following this my car has sat for a month.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · FL

At approximately 64,500 miles, my Ford Escape was diagnosed by a Ford dealership with coolant intrusion into 3 of 4 cylinders. At the time of diagnosis, the vehicle was still driveable, but the diagnosis indicated a serious internal engine problem with the potential to cause sudden engine damage or failure. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed the coolant level repeatedly dropping for over one year without an obvious external leak, no other symptoms, and no check engine light. I first noticed the issue during an oil change, when a mechanic pointed out that my coolant reservoir was nearly empty and refilled and flushed the system. The coolant continued to drop afterward, and I monitored and refilled it as needed. Had I been informed of coolant intrusion and its risks, I would have been much more concerned. About a year later, my car began to shake a little. The very day the check engine light came on, I brought it to a mechanic where I spent over $2,000 on repairs related to engine symptoms, including replacement of the air oil separator/PCV-related components and spark plugs. One week after this repair, the engine light returned, and I brought the vehicle to Ford, where the underlying coolant intrusion issue was identified. I am concerned that coolant intrusion in the 1.5L EcoBoost engine may represent a safety defect because it can result in misfires, loss of power, engine malfunction, and potential engine failure while driving. This issue appears to affect multiple vehicles with this engine, and owners may not receive adequate warning before experiencing significant engine damage. In my case, the vehicle had relatively low mileage, was properly maintained, performed normally, and did not provide adequate warning that such a significant engine defect was developing. Although the vehicle was still operational when diagnosed, the recommended repair was financially impractical, and I ultimately had to sell the vehicle for scrap, resulting in a significant financial loss.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · NY

My 2018 Ford Escape SEL with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine has only 12,770 miles. The vehicle experienced a misfire and coolant-related issue resulting in loss of engine power and a dashboard warning stating, “High Engine Temperature – Stop Safely.” Fortunately, this occurred as I was driving out of my driveway rather than at highway speed. The vehicle would not drive and had to be towed to my independent mechanic, where it remains. On May 22, 2026, the check engine light appeared. I brought the vehicle to my mechanic, but no problem was identified. When the light reappeared, I returned on July 9, 2026. The ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced. On July 27, 2026, the “High Engine Temperature – Stop Safely” warning appeared and the vehicle lost power. My mechanic subsequently identified a misfire and coolant-related issue. Importantly, on February 5, 2020, at only 4,259 miles, Levittown Ford performed Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 on this vehicle.(See attached) CSP 19B37 addressed the potential for coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores of certain vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. I recently learned that Ford subsequently established CSP 21N12, “Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion,” for certain vehicles that previously received 19B37 and later experienced coolant intrusion. This expired in 2022. I am concerned that my vehicle, despite having only 12,770 miles and previously receiving CSP 19B37, is now experiencing a misfire, coolant-related problem, overheating warning, and loss of engine power. Had this occurred at highway speed rather than while leaving my driveway, it could have created a serious safety hazard.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine · NC

My 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L EcoBoost is actively suffering from the manufacturer defect outlined in Ford TSB 19-2375 (coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders). The vehicle shakes violently on startup, emits heavy white smoke from the tailpipe, and displays an 'Engine Fault Service Now' warning. Because it is burning through coolant, this vehicle poses an immediate safety risk of sudden power loss, highway stalling, or catastrophic engine failure while driving. My job requires me to transport vulnerable medical patients, and this severe defect makes the vehicle entirely unsafe to operate on public roads.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · MI

2018 Ford Escape equipped with EcoBoost engine suffering catastrophic engine failure due to the manufacturing defect known as open-deck coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford TSB 22-2322). The vehicle has only 25,233 miles. This defect causes loss of power while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate traffic hazard and risk of a collision. The manufacturing flaw allows coolant to breach the cylinders, creating a stalling safety risk. Engine light is on. Ford dealer assessed and a new engine is recommended.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · IL

Vehicle developed a pattern of misfires (cylinders 1, 2, and random/multiple) beginning within the last month. On 8/7/2026, a dealer inspection confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinders 1 and 2 via overnight pressure test, with block deformation. This is the identical defect addressed by Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Prerequisite service 19B37 (PCM reprogram) was completed 2/8/2020. Misfires and coolant intrusion of this type present a risk of sudden power loss or stalling while driving.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I read the recent article about the recalls for the ford fusion, focus and eco sport. The exact same issue happened to my 2018 escape with about 85000 miles. The oil light and engine light came on and the car lost power. It would only go about 30 miles an hour. This occurred when my son was traveling home from college from [XXX] to [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Transmission · MI

After replacing the engine less than a year, driving on I 96 going back to her home. The car starts losing power and shaking and the engine light come on. She almost get re-ended because the car lost powers so quick. She gets off the freeway and makes it to a friends house and parks the car. Called J and T Towing to tow the vehicle to Dearborn Tire and alignment in Dearborn to be checked. Trans had to be replaced($2,120.00).