Owners describe a pattern of severe engine defects in 2022 Ford Escapes. Most alarming are multiple accounts of under-hood fires—some while driving at highway speed, one while parked at low mileage (1,500 miles). A recall (25S76) issued in August 2025 acknowledges cracked fuel injectors and under-hood fire risk but admits no permanent remedy exists; Ford's interim software update did not fix the root cause.
Catastrophic engine failure appears recurring: several owners report sudden total loss of power at highway speeds (60–70 mph) without warning, forcing them to coast through traffic with no steering or brake assist. Notably, one vehicle suffered two complete engine failures within 60,000 miles, the second occurring after Ford's previous recall repair (23S27) supposedly mitigated the risk. Owners required long-block engine replacements, yet no permanent solution has been provided.
Additional problems cluster around fuel injector malfunction (rough cold idle, rough running, acceleration failure), coolant intrusion into cylinders, and excessive oil consumption or leaks. Oil overfill after dealer service and lingering oil-level issues suggest potential PCV or ventilation defects. Abnormal engine noises go undiagnosed even after dealer and independent shop evaluation. Throughout, owners report either no fix offered or interim measures that fail to prevent recurrence.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Fire / Under-Hood Fire
Fuel injector cracking and fuel leaks causing fire hazards under the hood while operating or parked. Recall 25S76 (NHTSA 25V467) acknowledges fuel injector cracking and under-hood fire risk; interim software update does not address the root cause and no permanent remedy exists. Multiple owners report actual fire events.
When: During highway operation and while parked at low mileage (1,500 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke or flames from under hood; Burning odor in cabin or exterior; Fuel odor from vehicle; Two loud explosions while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 25S76 interim software update provided but does not correct defect. No permanent repair remedy available per NHTSA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Safety Recall 25S76 (NHTSA Campaign 25V467) issued in August 2025 for fuel injector cracking and under-hood fire risk. Ford advised continued operation despite known danger. No permanent remedy exists.
Catastrophic Engine Failure / Loss of Power
Complete loss of motive power and total engine shutdown at highway speeds without warning. Multiple owners report sudden total engine failure requiring long block engine replacement. One owner experienced two terminal engine failures within 60,000 miles. Occurs despite previous recall remedy application.
When: At 30,000 miles (first failure), 53,000 miles (second failure in same vehicle), 60 mph to 70 mph highway speeds, one at 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine and Powertrain Malfunction (Wrench) lights illuminate; Immediate total loss of motive power; Loss of power steering and power braking; No warning prior to shutdown at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: P032F (Combustion Engine Producing Insufficient Torque)
Repairs/costs cited: Long Block Engine Assembly replacement required per CSP 23NC06. One vehicle required engine replacement at 30,000 miles; replacement engine failed again at 53,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23S27 / NHTSA Campaign 23V440000 (Engine Fire Risk) included software update and grill shutter modifications claimed to mitigate risk; remedy proved insufficient.
Fuel Injector Defect / Insufficient Torque
Fuel injectors malfunction causing rough idle, acceleration failure, and power loss. Fuel accumulation on top of engine creates fire hazard. Problem includes rough cold idle and rough idle during driving.
When: Cold start and during highway driving at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended; Rough idle when cold; Rough idle during driving; Abnormal popping sound from behind dashboard; Wrench warning light illumination
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Underboost / Low Boost Pressure), P1061 (historical, cleared by dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair found by dealers; codes cleared without diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25S76 acknowledges fuel injector cracking and fuel leaks
Coolant Intrusion / Engine Overheating
Coolant enters engine cylinders causing internal engine damage and power loss. One vehicle had coolant completely absent during operation. Engine smoking observed with oil present in engine bay.
When: At 49,025 miles and 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light flashing on and off; Loss of motive power; Engine smoking; Significant oil accumulation in engine bay; No coolant in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Vehicle not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 22V484000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Structure)
Excessive Oil Consumption / Oil Leaks
Engine burns or leaks excessive oil; oil overfills during service and leaks around oil reservoir cap. Oil level rises to 3/8 inch above limit after dealer oil change, persists after multiple oil changes.
When: At 3,600 miles and 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal oil odor from vehicle; Oil leaking around oil reservoir cap; Oil level elevated above specification; Excessive oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Defect persisted after dealer oil change and owner-performed oil change. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance. Possibly related to NHTSA Campaign 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but VIN not included.
Abnormal Engine Noise / Undefined Mechanical Defect
Abnormal noises from engine compartment and underneath vehicle; clicking sounds during driving. Check Engine light illuminates but cause not determined by dealer or independent mechanic.
When: At 36,000 miles; timing unclear for clicking sounds
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sounds from engine compartment; Abnormal sounds from underneath vehicle; Check Engine warning light; Clicking sounds while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer incorrectly diagnosed as brake issue; independent mechanic found brakes were not responsible and could not determine root cause
Fluid Accumulation Under Engine Air Filter
Unspecified fluid accumulates under the engine air filter assembly, indicating potential coolant leak, oil leak, or other engine bay fluid issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid accumulation under engine air filter assembly
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.