NHTSA Complaint #11638302 — 2019 FORD ESCAPE

The engine in this vehicle has a known design flaw (see Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B37/21N12) that causes the cylinder head gasket to fail at a location that allows coolant to enter the cylinder. Coolant contains chemicals like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. While not easily flammable at room temperature, coolant can catch fire if it reaches its autoignition temperature, which can happen when exposed to the extreme heat and pressure inside an engine cylinder during combustion. The gasket failure also exposes the coolant passages within the cylinder head to these extreme temperatures and allows exhaust gases to enter through the failure location. Additionally, the coolant leak will also cause the engine to run at a higher temperature and the increased heat can further elevate the fire risk. Ford admits to this issue and will replace the engine in affected vehicles through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, however this program conveniently expired in November 2022, before most owners were made aware of the issue. This extremely dangerous defect does not become less dangerous with the passage of time and there should be no time limit on this repair. Either a class action lawsuit or action by the NHTSA will be required to force Ford to make these repairs. My own vehicle has been parked and not driven for well over a year due to this issue. It was replaced with a Chevrolet Traverse and I refuse to sell the defective Ford Escape to an unsuspecting buyer who would unwittingly be putting their family’s lives in danger.