NHTSA Complaint #11535641 — 2017 FORD FUSION

This 2017 Ford Fusion is equipped with the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. This engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. Check engine light comes on and flashes indicating it should not be driven. This was confirmed by factory service at Corwin Ford in Spokane WA. The vehicle has just over 80,000 miles. Dealer says this is a known issue where the engine block is machined so thin between the cylinder wall and the water jacket that the block cracks and coolant leaks into the cylinder. Ford knows about the issue and at one point issued "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12" to address the issue. However the window of coverage is so narrow and notification to owners was not made. Ford knows about this issue and it is a safety concern. The potential for total loss of power while driving can result in an unsafe driving condition. The intrusion of coolant into the cylinder and potentially the oil system can pose a fire hazard. Ford should recall this engine and replace with a redesigned engine block.