What 1,734 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Escape Gas

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the vehicle entered SAFE Mode, lost power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was raised from COLD to HOT immediately, and the vehicle was turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the coolant level was low. The independent mechanic "burped" the system and added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred approximately 30 days later. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, and the short block was cracked, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,900.

NHTSA ODI 11725830

The engine has a coolant intrusion problem with a rough idle and potential for complete failure. This problem is documented as a known problem with this engine and Ford has in the past provided extended warranties including engine replacements. Ford had earlier released TSB 20-2100 and has acknowledged the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11725584

The component that is failing in my vehicle is the engine, specifically the 1.5L EcoBoost engine short block, which is experiencing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This defect causes misfires, rough running, loss of coolant without visible leaks, and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. The car and all its components are available for inspection upon request. My safety, my child's safety, as well as the safety of others on the road, has been put at risk because this engine defect can cause sudden misfires, loss of power, or complete engine failure while driving. I rely on this vehicle to transport my special needs toddler to and from essential care appointments and therapies. I have experienced sudden intermittent powertrain loss that has resulted in the vehicle randomly stopping on highway. A local auto shop diagnosed the issue free of charge. It was explained to me that this is a known defect that Ford has documented, and other owners have reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, demonstrating that it is reproducible in vehicles with this engine type. My vehicle has not been inspected by Ford for repair coverage, nor have police or insurance representatives been involved. Ford has reviewed my VIN internally but refused coverage based on a narrow eligibility range, leaving me responsible for repair costs that are financially burdensome and urgently needed for the safety and care of my child. As of now I experience random misfires, rough running, white thick smoke expelling from the exhaust, random powertrain loss, and unexplained loss of coolant. These symptoms appeared gradually but are consistent with the documented defect in other vehicles with the same engine type, model, and assembly plant, making it clear that my vehicle is affected by the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11724635

At approximately 46,000 miles our 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion in cylinders 2 and 3. The car has the 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine. The car was out of warranty, requiring us to pay for the majority of the nearly 9,000 engine replacement. Additionally, we did not have the use of the car for over three months. We found that this a common problem with these engines throughout the Ford model lineup.

NHTSA ODI 11724648

I have owned this car for a year have taken it to multiple mechanics to get the overheating issue fixed. Well the most recent time my car had overheated my whole car had smelt like it was on fire. I've had to fix this issue 5 times in the last year and mechanics are not cheap

NHTSA ODI 11724307

coolant intrusion. apparently this is a very well documented and known issue

NHTSA ODI 11724379

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the windshield wipers activated independently. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,845.

NHTSA ODI 11724206

Vehicle overheated in middle of traffic and immediately went in limp mode due to antifreeze leaking in the internal engine

NHTSA ODI 11723495

I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This appears to be a manufacturing defect associated with this engine design rather than a maintenance issue. I have exercised proper diligence as the vehicle owner and have two prior inspection reports (available upon request) that showed no indication of this issue before the failure occurred. I have a formal written diagnosis from a Ford Service Center confirming internal engine failure consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. This defect allows engine coolant to leak into the cylinder bores, which can lead to misfires, overheating, severe internal engine damage, and eventual engine stalling or complete loss of engine power. This condition presents a serious safety hazard because it can cause sudden and unpredictable loss of engine power while the vehicle is in motion, including at highway speeds. A sudden stall in traffic significantly increases the risk of a crash and endangers the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 does not adequately address the severity of this defect. All these vehicles like mine even at only 101,000 miles are at risk with no warnings. Numerous owners have reported the same coolant intrusion failure in vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, suggesting a systemic manufacturing issue. There are also ongoing consumer complaints and civil litigation related to this defect. Because this issue has the potential to cause sudden loss of power without warning, I respectfully request your Administration investigate this defect and consider a mandatory safety recall to protect the entire public. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11723420

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 45 MPH. The vehicle continued to accelerate without the accelerator pedal depressed until the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped. On another occasion, while the vehicle was at a stoplight, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11723018

The engine leaked coolant into the cylinder. Bad cylinder #2 per mechanic. Engine needs replacement. This is a know problem with 2017-2109 ford 1.5L eco boost engines.

NHTSA ODI 11723098

Vehicle: 2018 Ford Escape SE, 1.5L EcoBoost, 130,000 miles Problem: Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 has caused engine misfires, rough starting, check engine light, and the engine now requires replacement. Circumstances: The failure occurred suddenly. The vehicle was properly maintained and regularly serviced. Safety concern: Coolant intrusion can lead to sudden engine stall and loss of power, creating a risk while driving. Additional info: Diagnosed by an independent mechanic; engine replacement recommended. This appears consistent with a known defect in this engine type.

NHTSA ODI 11722850

A check engine light came on the vehicle and I decided to get it tested with my device and it said that the was a problem with the crankshaft position sensor and there was a misfire on cylinder 2 and 3. When I did my research it said that it could be many things and I should replace my spark plugs and crankshaft position sensor. I did that and immediately after replacing the spark plugs and the sensor, white smoke started to emerge from the exhaust and a message came on screen that said engine fault service now. I decided to have my car towed to the service shop that I usually take my car to when I’m not doing minor replacements and they said that it was a problem with the engine due to a manufacturer design fault. The said that as a result of the design flaw coolant was getting into the engine. They said that it was coolant intrusion. I did my research and found out that my car falls under this known fault. I have a 2018 Ford Escape. I was not made aware of this problem when I purchased my vehicle in November of 2022. At that time there was a voluntary program that said that owners with this make could have a one time replacement of the engine. I am now out of a car as a result of this known problem. I called the company based on advice from my mechanic and they denied me a goodwill assistance repair. They open a case report and the case number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11722636

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the check engine, transmission, battery and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact and her husband shifted into neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased, and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed by the mechanic that a timing chain failure had destroyed the engine block resulting in complete engine failure. The contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there were no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11721918

My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed the diagnostic, a Technical Service Bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I am experiencing coolant loss, smoke and excessive shaking. Just paid my car off and got title last week. Only 130,000 miles. Ford will not help pay for repairs. Ford needs to be responsible for this and pay for this fix! It is a know defect!!! .Safety Risks • Loss of power while driving • Risk of engine stall • Overheating risk • Highway safety concern

NHTSA ODI 11722024

Check engine light came on last week. Took it into the repair shop and they let me know that there is coolant in the first cylinder. There is not a recall for this but it is a known issue with Ford escapes designs and that Ford has redesigned the engine block and gasket, and in some cases, they are replacing the entire long block.

NHTSA ODI 11722120

While driving on a highway the RPMS in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 MPH! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into park & tried to move it into a parking lot the car would not go into gear at all. The car was towed is currently at the Ford Dealer & they confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced. The only time the warning sign/light came up on the dashboard was AFTER I tried for the last time to move the car into a safe parking area. Per the Ford service this apparently is a known issue with ford & the 6F35 transmissions & they are on back order for 4-6 weeks and Ford will not give me a loaner car.

NHTSA ODI 11721666

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling and starting the vehicle, the warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle restarted after three attempts. The failure reoccurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a stuck cannister purge valve, and the fuel sensor system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,500.

NHTSA ODI 11721364

The CEL light came on and when it was checked by a Ford Dealership, they said there was coolant intrusion and the engine block or entire engine needs to be replaced. Evidently this is a well known problem at Ford but they never let me know, never issued a recall, and now I have to replace an entire engine instead of just some part. The cost of replacement is as much as the car is worth.

NHTSA ODI 11721558

2018 Ford Escape EcoBoost 1.5L experienced a coolant intrusion issue at 95000 miles. This issue was known back in 2018 when I bought the vehicle new at the Frederick Motor Company in Frederick, Maryland. No communication about this issue was communicated to me but Ford did fix the problem on later manufactured Escapes. A proper diagnosis was done at Sullivan’s in Newport, RI on 2/27/2026. Ford was not able to schedule a proper diagnosis until mid March. Coolant loss followed by a flashing check engine light was the first indication of the issue. Car is inoperable and dangerous to start up and drive. I’m asking Ford for a goodwill repair because I’m a loyal Ford customer who has properly maintained the vehicle via extended warranty maintenance warranties purchased with the vehicle back in 2018.

NHTSA ODI 11721214

My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This is an engine defect Ford has known about since 2010, yet they continued to put this engine into their cars. I had bought this car less then a year ago, it had been in the shop more then I have had it. It is constantly overheating. The most recent time I was driving my son to school my exhaust was smoking really bad and everything seemed to be ruining smoothly the day before when I drove it the auto shop I have been taking it to they had spent 2 weeks researching what was wrong with it they told me I needed my whole engine replaced. Im a single mom amd I need answers.. I look up my Vin in the recalls and its stating 0 results but that cant be possible if I have had been same issue as others my eco start and stop dont work and my passager in the front cant roll window down

NHTSA ODI 11720593

Coolant intrusion. Engine has a known problem and it happened to my car.

NHTSA ODI 11720620

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's mother was an additional occupant in the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat. The contact and the contact's mother exited the vehicle. The contact stated that within seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN had no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720444

I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern, since there were no prior signs at all of this happening. The transmission failure was immediate. I purchased the car new, and I'm the only owner. I kept up well with maintenance, even doing the oil changes prior to the oil light coming on. I spoke to several Ford dealers, including the Ford dealer I purchased my car in 2018. He admitted that the transmission in this make and model needs often replacement. The miles on my car is approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720539

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine and the inner coolant system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720232