NHTSA Complaint #11478797 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

SUV began "shuttering" at idle. Drove for another 10-15 minutes then made an appt to bring to a mechanic to check codes. As I drove vehicle for about 30 seconds the next morning, white smoke began to pour out of the tailpipe and the engine temperature gauge showed it was overheating. Pulled over and opened hood. Saw flames near engine and extinguished with an old t-shirt. Towed to mechanic. Claimed Ford had a new technical bulletin out (TMK 22-2229) that directed mechanics working on vehicles with these symptoms to replace the engine long block. Vehicle only has 67,000 miles on mostly the highway. All occurred while on vacation so I had to buy airline tickets to get back home from the vacation spot. Incident occurred 6/29. Still awaiting word from Ford on whether they will help with engine repairs/replacement. Should be a recall. Pending class action lawsuit. Danger the engine could catch fire and injure.