2018 Ford Escape

Coolant intrusion into the engine causing overheating issue that resulted in $4000 of repair costs and is still not fixed. While driving, the warning light came on to pull over immediately. I was at an intersection at a stop sign. Had to get it towed to the service shop.

NHTSA ID

11776538

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

We bought a 2018 Ford Escape new from the dealer in 2028. In August of this year, 2026, The check engine light came on and our vehicle was running very rough. I used a scanner to check the engine code and it indicated that cylinder # 2 was misfiring. I removed the spark plug to check its condition and there was coolant in the cylinder. I read up on the cause and was surprised to see that Ford Ecoboost engines in Escapes and other models have a problem with coolant intrusion into the cylinders caused by a head gasket/ block crack issue. There were many, many vehicles affected by this problem. Ford had offered an engine replacement for cars with this problem, but only if the vehicle was still under the original factory warranty. Ours is not still under warranty and I'm curious as to what my options are to force Ford to admit/assist in my problem.

NHTSA ID

11776496

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11776448

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

Coolant intrusion on my 2018 ford escape 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Mileage is only 42500. Ford has offered no resolution or assistance. Known issue: 19b37 and 21n12 and TBS 22-2134. Technical Bullet 22-2229.

NHTSA ID

11776204

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

The antifreeze is leaking into the engine or into another part of the vehicle. There are no external leaks. This causes a consistent refill issue and possible engine damage if left untreated.

NHTSA ID

11775666

Incident

Nov 3, 2026

Id been getting misfires on cylinder 3 and eventually 2 even after replacing coilpacks, spark plugs, and fuel injectors into my 2018 ford escape sel 1.5L ecoboost engine. We believe it to be a coolant intrusion and have not been able to operate my vehicle. White smoke appears and it stutters a lot on start up.

NHTSA ID

11775320

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11774626

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

This is in relation to the coolant intrusion problem with all the Ford Ecoboost engines. The vehicle has 98,958 miles - all recommended services were done. Mechanic is recommending a full engine replacement to the tune of $19000. That is nearly 2/3 the value of the car when purchased. Ford not standing behind their products has gotten to a point of hilarity.

NHTSA ID

11774250

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.