NHTSA Complaint #11531440 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

I own a 2018 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle was purchased new. It experienced catastrophic engine failure in June 2023 with 86,286 miles on the original engine. With very little warning, the car began running rough, the "Check Engine" light came on, it lost power and it began billowing white smoke. The vehicle was transported via flatbed to a Ford dealership. In accordance with TSB 22-2322, the shop performed diagnostic testing and found coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. My vehicle was one of three in their shop with "blown" engines just that day. This dealership is reported to have serviced between 400-500 vehicles with the same type of engine failure. My research into this issue has uncovered an alarming rate of EcoBoost failures and generated serious safety concerns. Specifically: - Coolant intrusion can cause engines to overheat, causing automobiles to catch fire. (potential deadly consequence) - Sudden loss of power/acceleration. Engine failures while in traffic are a hazard to the driver, passengers and adjacent motorists (again, with potentially deadly consequences) The Ford dealership informed me that vehicle owners with less than 84,000 miles are being offered short block replacement under an extended Ford Motor Co warranty. Furthermore, some Ford owners are being offered financial assistance for repair if they are considered "loyal." In my case, I was refused financial assistance. Despite its otherwise good condition, I am undecided on whether I will repair the vehicle. I believe the existence of an extended engine warranty and the fact that multiple TSBs have been issued on these engines constitutes admission on the part of Ford that it is responsible for the extraordinary rate of EcoBoost engine failures. I believe these engines pose an inherent safety risk to drivers, their passengers and the public. I urge NHTSB to order a recall of the affected engines.