NHTSA Complaint #11428950 — 2013 FORD ESCAPE

Engine sputtering, took into dealer service week of 7/30/2021 - had wiring harness replaced. Took car back, engine light came back on, returned to dealer service week of 8/6. Car gave Evac code of a solenoid sensor issue. Team suggested solenoid replacement and new spark plugs - work done and picked up Friday 8/6/2021. By Monday 8/9/2021 Check engine light back on. Took back to dealer service. Code given out was #4 Cylinder Misfire and cylinder was "wet" looking. Overnight pressure test was completed and leaking was found from the coolant system into the engine. A boarscope was used and coolant was found on top of #4 piston. Engine is leaking coolant internally. Service Manager at dealership says this is a design flaw not an indication of use/wear/tear. Said there was a tech bulletin put out about the flaw, but that tech sheet has now been wiped from their system. There is a former recall in 2012 about a similar issue affecting the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Fusion. Ford denied our request because of their policy that the date of the warranty (2/13/2013) is more than 7 years old. We believe this is a design flaw of the engine itself and not a wear and tear issue. Our concern is how many of these vehicles are on the road and are having the same issue unknown to the owners. The additional coolant/liquid in the engine can cause the engine to corrode or sieze while driving - creating a hazard condition.