NHTSA Complaint #11472735 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

The engine head gasket failed relating directly to TSB 19-2346. This is a known problem with Ford EcoBoost engines including those in Ford Escape model years 2017-2019. First, we noticed the rough idle and some exhaust smoke. The check engine light came on after a few days and we had that diagnosed as code P0304 . misfire cylinder #4. The vehicle would no longer start and we had to have it towed to one service shop. They stated per the TSB that we needed to replace the engine. We had it towed to another shop for a second opinion and they came up with the same conclusion, we need a total engine replacement. We had this done for a total cost of $8,721.90 for both the initial diagnosis and the engine replacement, parts and labor. The vehicle mileage was 71,840 when the repair was made. Ford apparently is aware of this situation and has not done anything to compensate owners who have this same problem. Before having the work done, we called the service department of a local Ford dealer and they stated they would not do anything for us on this issue. We would have had to pay Ford the full cost of the repair.