NHTSA Complaint #11610979 — 2014 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering and hesitating. The contact stated that the failure also occurred during start-up. The message low coolant level was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket had failed, and there was a fracture in the engine and there was a coolant and exhaust odor. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.