NHTSA Complaint #11600915 — 2020 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a hole in the cylinder #1 piston, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,000.