NHTSA Complaint #11609435 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

Low COOLANT reservoir condition and COOLANT into the engine with regular driving and maintenance. After 58,000 miles the owner had intermittent check engine lights stating to check or change the ignition coil and/or plug on 2 of 4 cylinders. Owner did this at their own expense, and check engine light continued to go on and off intermittently and refilled COOLANT reservoir. At 60,000 miles the owner experienced some white smoke coming from engine and additional check engine lights with the same codes and one additional code relating to misfire. Owner took the vehicle to an independent mechanic which tested it and found coolant into affected cylinders. Shop advised owner to rebuild or replace the engine, but after further research into this issue identified it as catastrophic ENGINE failure and new engine replacement from Ford would be required. Owner spoke to Ford who instructed him to take it to the nearest Ford Service Center for further diagnosis and repair. After 2 days service department contacted owner back and told them the repair cost for new engine is $6450 and Ford may provide some assistance based on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Vehicle was repaired at owner expense and now awaiting further assistance due to recall needed on this issue due to safety concerns and lack of drivability once service light is encountered. Vehicle did not catch on fire, but fire or mechanical breakdown while driving was another concern from the owner at the time and why the vehicle was towed to Ford Service Center.