Ford Escape oil shortage and smoking with cracking noise on start-up on Ford Escape

Some Ford Escape owners report experiencing issues related to oil shortages and smoking, accompanied by a cracking noise on start-up. These problems may stem from oil and fuel vapor leaks in the engine compartment, which have led to recalls due to the severe fire risk they pose. Additionally, engine smoking can occur when oil leaks out or burns during combustion, indicating potential oil consumption problems. Some owners have also noted that a cracking noise on start-up could be linked to oil leaks that aren't immediately visible during compression tests, resulting in oil dripping overnight and causing smoke upon start-up. Furthermore, issues like a turbocharger underboost condition may contribute to these symptoms, leading to both smoke and performance concerns. It is crucial for owners to address these oil leaks, monitor oil consumption, and investigate components like the turbocharger to mitigate these serious issues.