Engine failed due to timing chain, a common issue for these motors & part of the reason they discontinued this models engine. The car was running when the engine failed. The vehicle is currently at a mechanic, with diagnosis of engine failure due to timing chain. The car has not been looked at by police, manufacturer, insurance or other. There were NO indications of the problem prior to the engine failing.
2018 Ford Escape engine complaints
Page 36 of 50: complaints 1,031 to 1,060 of 1,458, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Went out to start the car one morning. It started up no problems. About 2 mins after starting it the car completely stopped running. No check engine light came on or anything. I thought it was the battery so I replaced the battery. Upon further digging I found out there was a recall in the engine from 2022 that I was NOT notified of. I took the vehicle to two different dealerships one that is just up the block from my house and the second one is where I bought the car. Both places confirmed that it was Infact the recall problem, where the coolant leaks into the engine and destroys the engine block. The second dealership reached out to ford. Ford has refused to help fix the engine even though I was never sent or made aware of the recall on the engine.. I have also talked to a third ford dealerships who confirmed that there has been several vehicles with this same problem that does will NOT fix either. As a result I have a vehicle I CANNOT drive that I have to continue to pay for and ford is only offering me $5,000 as a trade in value but I owe $20,000. Had I been notified of the recall I would have been able to get it fixed BEFORE anything happened. I would have a in perfect condition car that was still usable. It is now financially hurting me. Ford should be held financially responsible for the gross negligence they are putting me through.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a warning message stated there was "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely". The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with internal engine failure. Additionally, anti-freeze was leaking into the cylinder causing the engine to overheat. The independent mechanic contacted the dealer where it was recommended for the vehicle to be taken to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3, a cylinder compression was low, and it was stated that the long block assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted the findings to the manufacturer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle would not be included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
I received a warning on my dashboard to pullover safely because my engine was overheating even though I just left work from a cold start. I had it towed to my mechanic who told me I had a serious issue and recommended I take it to Ford. Ford just confirmed a short engine block issue and even though I had the required repair done on 7/9/22 that was supposed to prevent this more expensive issue. My particular vehicle was not on the Program 21N12 Coolant Intrusion Recall for possible short engine block issue but that's the exact issues the dealership just told me has happened to my vehicle. Luckily I was able to maneuver it out of the line of traffic safely.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost significant motive power. After which, the contact observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust, prompting her to pull to the side of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed oil covering the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the contact was unable to recall the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Timing belt slipped at 72,000 miles causing total engine failure
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the exhaust began to show signs of smoke, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The Check Engine Warning Light had illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but failed to maintain power and would not drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was Anti-Freeze leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Ford Service center where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
I recently took my car for an oil change and was informed by the technician that a diagnostic was needed due to hearing coolant pooling into the engine. After the diagnostic was performed I was provided with a list of codes that stated it was a recall issue with coolant pooling into the engine. I then took it to a Ford dealership and they stated it was not a recall issue. I submitted a copy of the codes that the independent repair technician emailed me, and that they signified a recall issue. A week later after vehemently denying there was no coolant issue, Ford stated they removed a spark plug and found contaminants in the engine, yet stated it was not a recall issue. My safety was put at risk in that my engine could seize at any moment and cause bodily harm to me or others. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative. There were no warning sign when I initially heard the coolant pooling, however, when I took it for an oil change the check engine light appeared as I was driving to have an oil change.
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the tailpipe, and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,692.
The vehicle started overheating due to an internal coolant leak that sends coolant into the cylinder head. This is apparently a common issue with these vehicles and could easily lead to a fire. There is an active recall for the same exact engine in the Ford Fusion. There needs to be a recall for the Ford Escape engines as well before people sustain unnecessary injury/death.
There is a known issue with the 1.5 liter engine for the 2018 Ford Escape related to coolant leaks in the engine causing cylinder misfires (which can lead to damaged spark plugs, lost coolant, overheating, among other things)--Ford has addressed the issue via a "customer service program" (program [XXX]) in what appears to be an attempt to avoid an active recall. Although the issue is widespread for the 1.5 liter engine, it still occurs in the 2.0 liter engine. I have the 2.0 liter engine and am having the same issue (coolant leak due to the design of the open block, has caused multiple issues). The Ford dealership service center (McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville, AR) confirmed the diagnosis and that I would need an entirely new engine. But because I'm 2,000 miles outside of my power train warranty and the customer service program only applies to 1.5 liter engines, Ford wants me to pay for all or most of the repairs. Ford should expand program [XXX] to cover the 2.0 liter engine or be forced to address the issue via a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine coolant leaking into engine cylinder number two.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who then determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Check engine light came on steady. Took vehicle in for service at 1st possible appt. Was told it was engine block failure due to faulty porous block installed by Ford. Vehicle has 54000 miles on it, 8 months out of the 60,000/5yr powertrain warranty. Have an extended warranty but they refused to pay stating Ford knew about the faulty engine blocks installed on thousands of vehicles. Ford had issued a TSB warning of potential engine failures in these vehicles, but no recall. TSB 22-2322 Huge safety issue due to possibility of catching fire or breaking down on busy interstate. Vehicle currently at Ford dealership with a repair price tag of 10,400.
I bought a used 2018 Ford escape eco-boost SUV from Elder Ford. I recently have been experiencing coolant problems where the coolant is dissipating from the engine. The car has run hot two or three times and now there appears to be coolant and oil mixed together that's over the engine and it appears that there is a cracked head gasket. I have researched on the computer to find this is a known problem from Ford back to 2010 and there are multiple customers that have experience the same thing. Now I believe the engine has to be replaced. Ford needs to be held accountable for this faulty mechanism. There's a coolant intrusion issue which causing gulping of the coolant into the cylinders. Apparently Ford changed the area around the pistons to an open deck which is causing this problem . I noticed that there's a class action lawsuit in California for the same problem.
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was overheating. A message advising to pull to the side of the road was displayed. The contact's wife was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the nearest independent mechanic, where the water pump, the serpentine belt, the water pump gasket, the cylinder head temperature sensor and the coolant temperature sensor were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was hydrocarbon intrusion into the coolant system. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,100.
Coolant intrusion to the cylinder bores.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of a flowing liquid sound underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant leak into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; however, the contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Coolant leaked into causing engine failure. Now having to have engine replaced. Noticed 156 other complaints to the federal safety agency regarding same issues. Why is Ford not doing anything about this. My Ford has 58560 miles on it.
Widely known issue that the engine has coolant leaking into the engine. Ford issued a statement on it. Now the same thing is happening to my car. Safety of myself and others put at risk by vehicle running incorrectly and engine is now misfiring resulting in difficulty maintaining power while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent body shop and is being confirmed but dealer now. Check engine light was on at 97k and now at 106k with same codes.
Our vehicle is a 2018 Ford Escape with 54,843 miles. This vehicle was purchased Used from Ted Britt Ford, Chantilly, Va. and assured there was no issues with the vehicle. On or around February 20, 2024 my daughter notified me the check engine light is on. Dropped it off a local repair shop which identified there was a misfiring and needed a bore scope to see inside. Borescope discovered coolant in the cylinders indicating the head gasket is leaking. Call Ford US Customer Service same day (February 26, 2024), said they need Ford mechanic to look at it. Took to Chantilly who confirmed. Called Ford USA back, said they would talk with Ford Dealer and call me back, never returned a call. I've been calling them every 2-3 days since. Finally today they said 'there is no program to provide financial assistance' which really pisses me off. Reading industry material from reddit indicates this is a consistent problem experienced by many drivers of the Ford Escape. Seeing these reports indicate a bigger problem with the design and manufacturing of the Ford Escape. Consumers are left to pay the bill estimated at $13,000 - $15,000. Ford states there is no program to support this. I see this is a safety issue. What if a driver (in this case an 18yr old girl) has an engine seize stranding the driver. Ford America Customer Service Case # CXH-01638292
Went to start vehicle in morning after it had been sitting overnight. temperature gauge went all the way to red immediately and alert on dash said do not drive vehicle and turn engine off immediately. had it towed to dealer and they advised coolant was leaking which caused blown head gasket. only fix is to replace engine which will cost more than vehicle is worth
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started leaking fluid. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to a cracked fuel line. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed and there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that she replaced the coolant reservoir herself, and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the coolant evaporated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a coolant leak had caused damage to the timing belt, the pin, and the head gasket. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred six months later. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The contact stated that she added coolant to the vehicle and drove to AutoZone, and a significant amount of coolant had poured out onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The day after paying off my wife's 2018 Escape with 102,000 miles on it started telling us to pull over while driving on the highway because the engine was getting hot We pulled over and it went away. The next time we drove it our daughter was driving with our grandson in the car and it would not go more than a mile or two without overheating. We took it to be looked at by a local mechanic and was told that these regularly have head gasket problems, that was the problem with ours and we would have to replace the engine for about $10,000.00. A quick call to the Ford dealer and a perusal of the internet confirmed what the mechanic stated. I see information about the faulty head gaskets on the 1.0 liter engines, when I look on line I see at least as many customer complaints about the 1.5 liter engine in the escapes. These engines both have the same faulty wet sleeve design that is going to fail prematurely. Why isn't Ford being forced to address the dangerous engines in the escapes as well as the ecosport?
See attached document for complaint
Check engine light came on for misfire. Odaniel Ford in New Haven, Indiana confirms coolant intrusion. Short block needs replace for $6800.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the cylinders. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the High Engine Temperature message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle had exceeded the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Ford Escape?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history