What 1,725 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Escape Hev

The engine failed because of coolant intrusion and the cylinders are messed up because of it. The engine could have died or locked up while driving,the car could have overheated and caught fire. Yes a ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle. Yes I had a check engine light come on for a misfire in cylinder 2 I also had low coolant and white smoke in my exhaust and rough idling. Ford is refusing to help replace the engine but this is an ongoing issue with the 1.5l ecoboost engines.

NHTSA ODI 11749678

I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding a complete powertrain failure on my 2018 Ford Escape Titanium AWD equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal failure due to a known factory design defect where engine coolant intrudes directly into the cylinder bores.This defect is thoroughly documented by the manufacturer in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 19-2346. The sudden loss of engine compression and immediate coolant burning causes severe engine misfires, a sudden drop in vehicle power, and blinding white exhaust smoke. This creates an immediate traffic hazard, blinding drivers behind the vehicle and risking a high-speed rear-end collision on the highway.Furthermore, the rapid loss of engine coolant puts the vehicle at risk of sudden stalling in live traffic without warning, disabling power steering and power brakes, and introducing a severe risk of under-hood engine fires due to extreme overheating.Ford has re-engineered this engine block casting for production models built after mid-2019 to resolve this exact structural defect, proving that the original factory engine block installed in my vehicle was fundamentally defective from the factory.Because this design defect creates an immediate, dangerous operational failure on public roads, I am requesting that the NHTSA escalate this investigation and force Ford Motor Company to issue a safety recall and provide retroactive financial reimbursement to affected vehicle owners, regardless of current vehicle mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11749735

The check engine light came on. It would not go above 60 mph. The vehicle was blowing hot air and shaking.

NHTSA ODI 11749476

Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.

NHTSA ODI 11749236

I am reporting a severe, dangerous engine design defect in my 2018 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L EcoBoost engine). The vehicle has suffered an internal cylinder head failure, allowing engine coolant to flood directly into the cylinders (coolant intrusion). This defect has rendered the vehicle completely disabled and undrivable. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle experienced severe hesitation, white smoke from the exhaust, and sudden drops in engine power while driving, creating an immediate traffic hazard and risk of a high-speed highway stall. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for this exact issue, acknowledging that the block design allows coolant to pool and bypass the head gasket. Furthermore, a federal court certified a class action lawsuit regarding this exact 2.0L safety hazard on June 22, 2026 (Miller v. Ford Motor Co.). Because this defect causes sudden, unpredictable engine failure and stalls during active operation, it poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. I request that the NHTSA escalate its investigation into Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost engines to force a mandatory safety recall.

NHTSA ODI 11749420

defective engine block coolant intrusion into the cylinders engine shuts off during highway use. check engine light comes on before. i have taken it to ford dealership, it is a know defect, and they will not help with cost

NHTSA ODI 11749165

Coolant intrusion I now need a new engine Known problem by Ford who refuses to fix it I now owe on a car that I cannot drive

NHTSA ODI 11748888

My 2018 Ford Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost has a dealer confirmed coolant intrusion failure. This is what is addressed in the 21N12 program customer satisfaction program. But my vin is not listed. But my engine has the identical engine failure. They told me I needed a new engine. I reached out to Ford and to y'all I have waited almost a year for a response. I need help please.

NHTSA ODI 11748932

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver-side vent failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 78,200.

NHTSA ODI 11748852

The suv had a coolant loss. After checking the oil it smelled like antifreeze and the antifreeze container smelled of gas mixed with antifreeze

NHTSA ODI 11748599

Vehicle has a coolant intrusion issue which is a well known issue for this model and year. Reference campaign 21N12

NHTSA ODI 11748293

Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect ​Vehicle Information ​Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape ​Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost ​VIN: [XXX] ​I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leaks, and an authorized Ford dealership has confirmed that coolant is entering the engine, causing internal damage. ​The dealership noted that this matches the exact defect Ford has acknowledged in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 19-2375, TSB 20-2100, SSM 48106, SSM 48150) and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. However, I am told my specific VIN is excluded from coverage, leaving me financially responsible for a full engine replacement. ​This defect is a severe safety concern. It can cause sudden engine misfires, overheating, and a complete loss of power while driving, placing my family and other motorists at immediate risk. As a single mother rebuilding my life after leaving a domestic violence relationship, I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars to fix an inherent, manufacturer-acknowledged design flaw. ​The high volume of consumer complaints proves this is a widespread manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this further and require Ford to issue a full safety recall or extend coverage to all affected vehicles, regardless of VIN eligibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11748094

The transmission has very harsh and delayed up shifts. It has been maintained by Ford since new. The transmission appears to be defective.

NHTSA ODI 11748221

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle catching on fire. Additionally, the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the spark plugs were replaced. Additionally, coolant was added to the reservoir, but the vehicle was losing coolant. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback, but later declined the offer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747975

The vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. While driving, the engine began to misfire and run rough, and the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing confirmed a cylinder misfire. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant was leaking internally into one or more cylinders due to engine coolant intrusion. The dealership advised that the manufacturer recommends replacing the engine short block rather than performing a head gasket repair because the underlying engine design is the cause of the failure. This condition creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose power, run unpredictably, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Continued operation also risks catastrophic engine failure. The condition has been confirmed by an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, symptoms included rough engine operation, a check engine light, and a confirmed cylinder misfire. The coolant intrusion was verified during the dealer's inspection. Based on the dealership's findings, this appears to be an internal engine defect rather than normal wear or maintenance-related failure.

NHTSA ODI 11747737

Check-engine light related to code P0301 (misfire, cylinder 1). This is a known issue on many Ford engines, including the 2.0L ecoBoost in our Escape (with Titanium trim). Reference: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf

NHTSA ODI 11747363

Head cracked and allowed coolant to intrude into the cylinders causing misfiring and white smoke to come out of the exhaust. Barely made it off the highway to a safe location as I was quickly loosing acceleration. Issue confirmed by Sames Ford dealership in Harlingen, TX (codes p0302 and p0303). They informed me that this is a known issue with this 1.5L Ecoboost motor in this vehicle. Vehicle is a total loss and I still owe a significant amount on the lease.

NHTSA ODI 11747424

2018 Ford Escape SE with a 1.5l Ecoboost engine is experiencing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This is a well documented flaw in the engine block for which the repairs are more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Service centers have validated the problem and the flaw has been redesigned in newer vehicles. The only problem reported by OBD2 data is cylinder misfire, indicative of a coolant breach of the head gasket and coolant usage under normal conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11747428

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 has caused me a great deal of financial stress as I still pay on the vehicle auto loan and was quoted $12,000 for an engine replacement after already paying $2,000 to repair the original misfire. This needs to be recalled NOW!

NHTSA ODI 11747493

Contaminated coolant system

NHTSA ODI 11747497

The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazard. While driving, the vehicle runs exceptionally rough, hesitates, and suffers from engine misfires. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration and vehicle power in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roadways. Furthermore, the constant loss of engine coolant creates a severe risk of sudden engine overheating, cylinder head cracking, and catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle is in motion.The manufacturer is aware of this design defect via the certified class-action lawsuit Miller v. Ford Motor Co., but the dealership refused to offer goodwill assistance, quoting an exorbitant $17,000 for repair, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road in an unsafe, hazardous condition.

NHTSA ODI 11747531

1. The engine developed a coolant intrusion failure. A Ford repair shop diagnosed coolant leaking into the engine, consistent with the known 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion issue. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection upon request. 2.The engine misfired and requires replacement due to internal coolant intrusion. An engine failure while driving could result in sudden loss of power or stalling, increasing the risk of a crash, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. 3. Yes. The problem was confirmed by a Ford dealer repair shop, which diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. The check engine light illuminated with the cylinder 1 misfire code before the diagnosis. I initially took it to an independent repair shop and got the spark plugs replaced. Then a week and a half later the CEL turned on again with the same code. In response, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership, where the engine was diagnosed with coolant intrusion.

NHTSA ODI 11747535

Coolant leak from engine block. Crack in engine block. Per Ford its a known issue on the 2018 escape model vehi les. Required full engine replacement by Ford. Paid for out of pocket, no warranty no recall when work completed in 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11747543

The engine failed due to coolant system leak. Ford is well aware of this issue but refuses to do a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11747290

2018 Ford Escape. I have had the car since 12/2024. Less then 22000 miles in it. In this time I have had 4 alignment done. First one was 2 day after getting car. I pulls to the left. Second was 2 weeks after the first one. Then drove my car with a trailer on it to [XXX]. I made it [XXX] and dropped my load in a storage because I could not control the car. I was so scared. What should have taken maybe 2 days took a week. That was a nightmare trip. Ok so now in [XXX] took it to car max and explained what happened. Alignment always out. Always pulls to left. Carmax had my car 3 days called me and said I need a Alignment and 4 new tires. I was like what I just drove from [XXX]. Gentlemen told me I shouldn't have drove that car with it like that. I said carmax in [XXX] a load me to. Car repair places just think we can drop of our car and say here. I don't have another car to us will that one in the shop. Now the forth was when I got back into [XXX] which was maybe 2 months later. So my car did a lot of sitting in the driveway when I was in nc. With this car u have to have your hands both on the wheel because if u hit a pot hole the car goes crazy. I have been drive for about 40 yrs and I'm from [XXX] where u can drive not legally but able to drive with your knee,eat with the left hand will putting on makeup with the right. I can't do that. I can't even take my eyes off the road because the car will go to the left and I'm not even steering that way. So anyone out there please help. This is my first Ford and it's been a nightmare. Plus less then 40000 I have had a new battery alternator and start put in. My window wipes don't work. Came on it never rains in [XXX] so what the. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11747057