NHTSA Complaint #11698129 — 2018 FORD ESCAPE

Check Engine Light appeared, and car seemed to sputter and had an odd chemical smell. Brought to mechanic who scanned PCM and found 3 misfire codes (P0300, O0301, P0316). They removed 1 spark plug and inspected cylinder and found it to be wet. Block test was performed, and fluid was found to be coolant. Engine head gasket requires replacement as well as repair or replacement of cylinder. Mechanic suggested seeking support from dealership to have the issue fixed because this is a known issue. A simple internet search confirmed that this make and model (2018 Ford Escape 4 Cyl Ecoboost) has this issue and it is well known and documented. Ford coolant intrusion is a known problem and design flaw. The service manager at the Flood Ford in Narraganset said that since there are no recalls and the warranty on the car has expired there is nothing that they can do as far as monetary support or compensation. They quoted a $9000 repair price. The manager then suggested speaking to Ford Customer Service directly. I spoke to a service rep followed by a supervisor (Reggie) at Ford Customer Service who both told me that there was nothing they could do because there were no active recalls or active customer service programs. The rep at Ford did tell me that CSP 19B37 was done on the vehicle in 2020, prior to my purchase. I was not told of this upon purchase or made aware in any way of a coolant issue. This issue causes major damage to the vehicle and is a safety risk.