NHTSA Complaint #11660321 — 2017 FORD ESCAPE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The engine's coolant is leaking into the second cylinder, causing unsteady performance and leading to engine failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - In the short term, unpredictable engine performance creates inconsistencies in the how the vehicle is expected to perform; as coolant contaminates the transmission fluid, erratic shifting will make routine maneuvers like accelerating to merge or pass another vehicle unsafe to the driver and those around. This will also lead to an eventual breakdown moment, likely catching the driver and those near to adapt to a sudden dangerous and unexpected action. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - When the vehicle first displayed signs a problem (a rumbling of the engine on start, followed by the check engine light coming on,) the vehicle was taken to the local make dealership. Their service team diagnosed the issue as coolant leakage present in the second cylinder and prescribed an engine replacement to resolve the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - At this time the vehicle has only been inspected by the service team of the manufacturer dealership. We are no longer driving the vehicle for fears of safety concerns and further damage that could be done. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - The first indication of a problem occurred when the vehicle was started and there was approximately 20-30 seconds of a shaking rumble coming from the engine that could be felt from the driver's seat. While there was no engine light at that time, on the next start the light was on.