NHTSA Complaint #11535462 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

During my ownership of a 2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, a series of catastrophic engine failures occurred, jeopardizing my safety and that of others on the road. The specific components that failed this time include the short block, crankshaft, and other critical components within the long block, such as the pump and converter. Additionally, the torque converter and flex plate required replacement. These components are available for inspection upon request. The failures posed significant safety risks as the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and acceleration, leading to potential hazards for both myself and adjacent motorists. The problem has been confirmed by the All American Ford dealership in Old Bridge, NJ, where detailed diagnostic testing revealed the flex plate and short block were damaged. The vehicle has been inspected by the All American Ford dealership, and a claim was filed with my warranty company (Olive Warranty), but unjustly denied, despite the recurring nature of these failures. Significantly, no warning lamps or messages alerted to the impending issue prior to the failure, and the initial symptom was a clicking noise upon activating the AC. My local mechanic initially suspected the problem to be related to the air compressor, but further inspection revealed that it was not the cause of the issue.