NHTSA Complaint #11596253 — 2017 FORD ESCAPE

On [XXX], I needed to add a small amount of coolant to the reservoir. Mileage was approximately 69,000. On [XXX], I added more coolant, and then began adding small amounts every week or so. Mileage was approximately 91,000. Sometime in early 2024, I noticed rough idle at start-up, lasting 5-15 seconds. In mid-April, I noticed some white tailpipe smoke. Also mid-April, check engine light came on. After relaying these symptoms to my grandson, who was a Ford dealer mechanic, I made an appointment for service. On the way to the dealer, the car had poor performance and the cruise control feature would not turn on. On April 22, 2024, I had the car diagnosed at Lenoir City Ford in Tennessee (my new home area). On April 24, I was informed that the engine had coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. DTCS PO304 and PO304 with coolant intrusion on Cylinder 4. Upon investigation of coolant intrusion, I learned that this engine issue is/was a known design flaw. There was no recall, but there was a Customer Satisfaction Program (21N12) to replace the engine at no cost to the customer. Fortunately my car was under the # of years, but unfortunately had more miles (105,000) than stated on the CSP. Also, the CSP expired November 2022. At car check-in, I asked the service manager and he agreed to send car information to Ford Motor to request assistance with the cost of repair. When I picked up the car on [XXX] (4 weeks in the shop), I was told Ford Motor denied my “warranty” claim. I paid $9,972.51 for this repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)