Ford Escape cracked engine block issue affecting multiple 2018 models on Ford Escape

Some 2018 Ford Escape owners report experiencing issues related to cracked engine blocks, which appear to stem from a design change in the coolant tubes. While the percentage of complaints is relatively low compared to the over a million engines on the road, affected owners have reported serious problems such as overheating, leaking coolant, and engine hesitations. Many have discovered cracks in the engine block, attributed to a manufacturer defect in the engine short block of the 1.5L engine used in these models. Additionally, some owners have faced coolant leaks that contribute to block cracking, resulting in symptoms like misfiring, white smoke, loss of power, and even sudden engine failures. To address these concerns, Ford has implemented a Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program aimed at resolving coolant issues and facilitating engine block replacements for affected vehicles.