NHTSA Complaint #11557033 — 2017 FORD ESCAPE

I have been told by my mechanic and the Ford dealership that my 2.0 Ecoboost engine overheated as a result of coolant leaking into the cylinders and cracking the engine block. I addressed the issue immediately when the check engine light came on and had the #2 cylinder replaced. The car ran for a brief period of time before the engine light came back on along with the information signal which turned red and stopped the car due to overheating. I had not driven the car that day and travelled about 7 blocks. The car was towed to the dealership on 10/31/23. I had an appt for an unrelated recall on 11/1. Otherwise, I would have had to wait until 11/20 for an appt. My car remains at the dealership awaiting delivery of the 30 parts required. I have no estimate when it will be addressed. In the interim I have been told I am not eligible for a loaner car. At the request of the dealership I contacted Ford Customer Service and was given a case number. The rep said my car didn't qualify for any form of compensation from Ford Motor. When I questioned this, I was told very politely that the information was "proprietary". The dealership later said my car was "too old" and approximately 10,000 over the limit of approx. 84,000 miles to qualify for Ford to cover the repair, quoted at just under $8,000. While the dealer has been professional, it is clear they have dealt with this problem multiple times. I have read on-line extensively and on Consumer Reports that this is the result of a redesign to the engine to improve performance and mileage to something called the "open deck" engine. It didn't exist with previous engine designs and subsequent ones when the problem was addressed. The volume of complaints is extensive and well known to Ford and the automotive industry for a very long time. I have always maintained this car exquisitely addressing problems and regular maintenance. Ford's faulty design caused this and they should be held responsible for the entire cost.