Engine began giving white smoke from exhaust at start up. 2 Mechanics have checked it and said it’s a well Known coolant intrusion issue with these ford eco boost engines. High risk of overheating and engine failure (while driving, which is a major safety risk for my family).
2015 ford Escape engine problems
moderate 184 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
184
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The engine failed at 96,000 miles and we had it replaced with a new engine. Then at 131,000 miles the dealer stated that the engine has failed again and needs to be replaced because there is some delaminating happening in the engine. The 1.6L ecoboost engine is known for early failure. The new engine is only 3 months out of warranty and Ford will do nothing to assist in the engine replacement.
lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating. This has caused a possible crack in the cylinder head. Lost power while driving on the freeway. The system is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my minor son was at risk. Warnings came on for overheating, check engine light, and safe mode put on while on the free way so could not accelerate.
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I STOPPED FOR GAS. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER REFUELING. A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTED AND RAN WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE SECOND TIME I WAS ENTERING A COUNTY HIGHWAY AT APP. 35 MPH AND THE CAR STALLED OUT. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT ONTO THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR RESTARTED A FEW MINUTES LATER AND RAN NORMALLY. THE THIRD TIME, APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER, I WAS DRIVING IN THE PAR…
Coolant leak has been checked by mechanic to not be due to problems with any hoses or connections within the coolant system. Inspection is available upon request. The issue has caused the coolant level to drop below the minimum coolant level 4 times within 3 months with no warning or visible leaking occurring. This has been a regular occurrence with this vehicle for several months now.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 184 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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