NHTSA Complaint #11603076 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fluid. The contact stated that the coolant level was very low, and the engine hot message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to identify the source of the leak. A dye was placed in the cooling system, and the contact was informed not to add coolant. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that there was not enough coolant in the coolant reservoir. The driver added coolant. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was damage to the undercarriage and that air pockets needed to be released from the system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact became aware of a fluid leak. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump, timing belt, and cooling lines needed to be flushed; additionally, the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.