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2013-2019 Ford Escape: EcoBoost coolant intrusion / overheating

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

The 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 EcoBoost engines of this era have documented coolant-loss patterns, the 1.6 had fire-risk recalls, and the 1.5/2.0 can leak coolant into cylinders, leading to misfires and engine failure. The naturally aspirated 2.5 avoids all of it.

Federal record for the 2016 Ford Escape, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
1075 owner complaints on file , most-reported: POWER TRAIN (315) · BACK OVER PREVENTION (150) · UNKNOWN OR OTHER (119).
4 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $1,500-$4,500, head damage or engine replacement in the worst cases. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Verify every recall completed via the check below. Cold engine: check the coolant reservoir level and mark it; recheck after the test drive. White exhaust smoke or unexplained coolant loss = walk.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Escape →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6