NHTSA Complaint #11496998 — 2013 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she smelled antifreeze upon entering her vehicle. The contact opened the hood and discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant and resumed normal driving. The contact then stated that while driving at slow speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and saw that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered that the engine coolant bypass valve was defective. The mechanic then informed her that the part was under warranty and referred her to the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and both informed her that the vehicle was not under warranty or recall for the defect. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.