I own a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. My vehicle experienced a known coolant intrusion defect in which coolant leaks internally into the engine cylinders. This issue appears consistent with problems reported by many other owners of similar Ford vehicles and engine configurations. The vehicle experienced symptoms including coolant loss without an external leak, engine misfires, rough operation, and diagnostic trouble codes including P0316. The condition progressed to a determination that the engine requires replacement due to coolant entering the combustion chamber. This defect creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly misfire, lose power, hesitate, run roughly, or potentially stall while driving. Sudden loss of power during traffic, highway travel, merging, or intersections creates a risk of collision. Ford has issued service bulletins and customer programs involving coolant intrusion and engine replacement on similar 1.5L EcoBoost vehicles, yet my VIN was reportedly excluded despite suffering the same failure pattern. This appears to be a design-related defect rather than ordinary wear and tear, which ford subsequently completely altered as they recognize the design failure. An internal engine defect causing coolant intrusion and catastrophic engine failure presents a potential safety issue affecting numerous consumers.
2018 Ford Escape engine complaints
Page 7 of 50: complaints 161 to 190 of 1,458, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My engine has coolant intrusion causing the 3rd cylinder to misfire. Ford will not speak to me on the issue other than to say it is not covered under warranty, even though this is a known and reported issue. I see there was a recall on the 2013-2019 Escape (2.0L Engines) - #26S01
The vehicle has coolant intrusion, and engine has been reported knock. Before the incident, I called the Bloomfield office to book an appointment, I was put on call waiting but no response, I booked the appointment online, no confirmation. I then booked another appointment and went to Springfield, Vauxhall Ford plant when I received the Recall paper. The agent that responded to me told me that the parts are not available and I have to wait for the part. I told them that the engine light is coming up and that maybe it is due to recall issue. They told me that I will pay $275 for diagnosis, and if any part or repair is needed, it will be additional charge. I told them to provide me with the temporary solution suggested by Ford on the paper. The agent told me that if they provide that, I will not get the intended part when it is available . I went to a local shop where they help me to change one of the misfired plug, change the oil, and add to the coolant because the level was low, and asked me to come back few days later to do the proper checking/smoke test. I packed the car, and on the appointment date, I tried to start the car, the car did not work again. I call my local mechanic to check for me, find out that the coolant has went down again! He said that the car has coolant intrusion and has affected the engine. I need to replace the engine now!
Hello, My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) is not operational due to coolant intrusion/corrosion. I was informed this issue is not covered by the Customer Satisfaction Program, but this failure matches a known problem affecting this model/year and should be reconsidered. Two months ago I took the car to Bob Allen Ford in Overland Park for a check-engine light. They replaced a coolant-related part, but the coolant intrusion was not discovered. Approximately 2,000 miles after that service the vehicle became undrivable. At the time of that visit I requested a bumper-to-bumper inspection and was told no. I am highly upset that a likely systemic issue was not identified or addressed, and that coverage has been denied despite the circumstances. Please have a supervisor or specialist call me to explain why coverage was refused, review the service and inspection history, and discuss options for goodwill, escalation, or repair assistance. I expect a clear explanation, next steps, and a timeline. Contact phone: [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Thank you, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle was having engine problems, idling rough, loss of acceleration and unable to drive at speeds over 20 mph.. Took it to local Ford dealer July 1, 2025, they diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine block. They said it was a common known problem with the Ford Ecoboost engines. They offered $500 to buy it off of me, saying they would not fix it. - Diagnosed repair requires engine replacement. - Vehicle loses power leading to potential engine seize on roadway at highway speeds creating a risk of collision from another vehicle. - Engine issue was confirmed by an independent auto repair shop. - Check engine light came on, used code checker. Would not reset, so had it towed to Ford dealer for inspection. They then diagnosed it as coolant intrusion into the engine block.
Engine stopped and made me come to a stop on a busy rd. Car warning came on saying it was overheating. After taking to mechanic I find out it was due to a Ford known coolant intrusion issue on the 1.5L eco boost. This happened at 103000 miles. Ford is a worthless company knowing they have screwed many owners of these vehicles. Vehicle is sitting in driveway undriveable needing a $10000 engine replacement.
My 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L ecoboost started shaking when in gear and the engine light went on so I brought it to the dealership immediately. PO302 and PO316 codes showed. Dealership has informed me that the coolant has been leaking into the cylinder and this is a known issue with these engines. I have been quoted $13,500 for a total engine replacement.
Engine coolant intrusion. I was told by the service department at my Ford dealership this is a common and known issue solely due to how it was made and the parts used. This should 100% be recalled and fixed. It literally makes the car unsafe and unusable.
After driving about 300 miles the car started showing red engine light and lost power. When I took for diagnosis at Ford Dealer in [XXX] I was told there is known defect where coolant is getting leaked into the engine causing engine to fail and need engine replacement. there was no support provided from ford for this issue till date and recall is long due INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have a paid in full 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L Eco Boost. I am just over the 150k mile mark and out of the blue I was left stranded on the side of a completely dark highway at 4:30AM after working a shift. The car alerted me out of no where with no indication of an issue arising that the engine was overheating and to pull over immediately. The coolant was completley empty even tho I had an oil change and check up the week prior, while getting this done there was no indication of low coolant. I was able to refill the coolant with the help of a friend and make it home that night. 2 days later on the way to work on the same highway it happened again out of the blue with no warning or indication yet again. I was able to get my boss to bring me coolant so I could refill it and get to work and off the highway, the coolant somehow was dry to the bone again. After this second occurrence I took my car to 2 different trustworthy mechanics close to my house to be diagnosed. Both mechanics were able to diagnose that the issue is coming from coolant is leaking into the engine and causing the car to overheat and engine failure. The only option to fix the car is to get a new engine. Currently my car is not drivable and I have no transportation. Ford is aware of the issues with the engine and I have had many phone calls and case numbers with them to try and get my car fixed by them. However I am out of luck because my VIN is not included in the current recall 26S01 EVEN THOUGH they are fully aware this recall affects many makes and models. I've been given no news or time frame on if or when the 1.5L engine will be added to this recall. Again Ford is fully aware of the issue and that it is affecting many makes and models but claim until my VIN is attached to the recall they can't do a thing. I have been without a car since March 23, 2026.
Coolant intrusion kill the engine at start up. Warning light temp high and prevent start. Ford dealer report as coolant intrusion and cannot provide simple repair i.e change gasket. So changed used engined to repair with mechanical shop
My 2018 Ford Escape with 1.5L EcoBoost engine had repeated overheating and coolant loss over time. The vehicle was repaired multiple times for cooling system issues (hoses, coolant, water pump), but the problem persisted. It has now been diagnosed with internal coolant intrusion requiring engine replacement. This matches known issues reported with this engine.
I had to take my 2018 Ford Escape in the be checked out after it started losing coolant. Come to find out there is some type of defect in the eco boost engine that causes Coolant Intrusion. Basically I’ve been told it requires an entire engine swap to fix the issue.
Issue with the coolant system leaking into the engine causing the head to either crack or warp and needing an entire engine replacement. Had taken it in a few times for a check engine light and they had replaced coolant systems didn't think the problem still had the issue with the engine
There is a coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 that needs to be fixed my car started shaking and starting off very slow since November 2025,I have not driven my car in 3 months because my car was not starting and when it did it was shaking violently. I can not afford a new engine PLEASE PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE
A metallic clinking/rattling noise developed from the engine/transmission area while the vehicle was running. The issue was diagnosed as a failed flexplate. The flexplate is a critical component that connects the engine to the transmission. Continued operation with a failed flexplate can lead to further mechanical failure and could result in loss of propulsion or inability to move the vehicle, creating a potential safety risk, particularly in traffic or when acceleration is needed. The problem was confirmed by a dealership service center. The vehicle was still operable at the time, but the noise was persistent and indicated a failure condition. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the issue. The noise appeared suddenly. The component was replaced during repair. It is unknown if the failed part is available for inspection. There are reports of similar flexplate failures in comparable vehicles, raising concern this may not be an isolated issue.
I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues The car has always been serviced with no problems. I took the car to a mechanic certified mechanic that said there's a problem with the coolant leaking into the engine the same thing that I see other complaints about on this site there has to be something done about this. I've only had this car for a year this month April 2026 make it one year. I bought the car from Allan Turner Hyundai Pensacola Florida if Ford keeps getting complaints about the same issue why isn't it recalled in the engines being taken care of, now I am sitting here with the vehicle still trying to pay for it and the vehicle is messed up.
My engine needs to be replaced at 55,000 miles due to a known coolant leak issue that I had no knowledge of when I purchased the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle shakes when turning on.
Coolant is leaking into the piston heads because of a commonly understood design flaw with the cooling systems between the piston heads. Ford knows about this flaw but refused to replace it.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was idling rough, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it ws determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 53,200.
This Ford 2018 Escape has an Intrusion that is a Major defect on this motor . It is in the shop to be fixed now costing me a total of $6875.27 . As soon as the check engine light came on we stopped the car as we were home. We had the car towed to a mechanic for diagnosis & repair. It is in the shop now. I called Ford and told them and they said it is a known problem but nit a recall at this time and is my responsibility to get it fixed . There is a class action suit filed against Ford now for this but I also wanted to share to you all it is a safety concern . This could have actually caught on fire and I am glad it did not as I shut it down as soon as the check engine light came on and had a mis fire you could feel it in the engine where the intrusion caused the coolant to go into the cracked block into the cylinders.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure was not duplicated. The dealer cleared the check engine warning light. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V011000 (EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test, but the contact declined. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. An independent mechanic was contacted and confirmed that there was a coolant leak and that coolant might have leaked into the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
On 3/15/2026 I was on my way home from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and about 35 minutes into my drive I got an alert stating "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely", so I pulled over immediately and turned the car off. After allowing the engine to cool down, I opened the hood and started the car to see if I could identify any issues, the "Engine Fault Service Now" alert came up. This was the first time this ever happened, this put me, my two dogs who were in the car with me, and possibly others on the road at risk, had the conditions escalated. (i.e. under hood fire). The vehicle was towed to an Authorized Ford Dealership, Mathieu Ford Sales, Inc. who diagnosed the issue on 3/17/2026. The dealership removed the spark plugs to inspect cylinders and found coolant intrusion into cylinders significantly on cylinder 2. Dealership referenced TSB 22-2322, is recommending short block assembly and related parts to remedy concern. Dealership advised it was safe and okay to drive the vehicle slowly to a nearby residence (to store the vehicle/retain possession), noting to pull over if an alert pops up and to have it towed if I received another message like before. The dealership advised it was not safe to drive the vehicle back to Pennsylvania. There weren't any issues driving the vehicle back on 3/17/2026 following the dealership's guidance; the car hasn't been driven since. The car needed to be jumped to start the vehicle on 4/17/2026 for a tow truck to load the vehicle onto its bed. The vehicle is currently back in possession of the dealership who diagnosed the issue. Upon doing research, this appears to be a widespread manufacturing design defect that Ford has failed to properly address/recall. My vehicle met the criteria under their Customer Satisfaction Program in 2022 - the vehicle is an Escape, 2017-2019, assembled in Louisville, that was Built before April 8, 2019, and which exhibited a covered condition, having low coolant. Ford Motor Co is failing to remedy-cure.
While entering the highway my vehicle started to buck.i took my foot off the gas and then it accelerated really fast in on coming traffic the check engine light came on it immediately over heated and shut of on the highway in traffic
Engine Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 2. Hydrolocks on start up. Yes available for inspection. Unknown. Yes dealership inspected and confirmed the issue. Recommendation was engine replacement. No inspection by manufacturer,police, or insurance. Check engine turned on for random misfire. After further investigation, coolant levels kept dropping and noticed misfires on start up. 2018 ford escape awd with approximately 125k miles. Diagnoses was a very common coolant intrusion in Cylinder 2. Over $12000 in repairs needed.
coolant intrusion in engine, dangerous, can cause fires
A check engine light came on then got over heated and the vehicle shut off on highway with no prior warning almost causing an accident and almost hit a guard rail.i was told that my vehicle is known for this ford is aware of the problem but refuses to fix it.the mechanic said it is called coolant intrusion.there is a known defect documented in ford TSB 22-2322. As well as a class action lawsuit
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the warning light for the engine overheating was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Blown Head gasket due to known faulty Engine. Coolant leaking into cylinders. Known design defect.
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the owner was driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode on several occasions. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed after each failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the coolant sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred two days later. The vehicle was difficult to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a scanner to scan the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder #2 misfire. The contact cleared the code; however, the check engine warning light became consistently illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was black due to coolant and oil mixture. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the coolant intrusion in the combustion chamber was a common failure, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,200.
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