2021 Ford Escape: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders

This is specific to Ford's 1.5L three-cylinder EcoBoost as fitted to the Escape and Bronco Sport. A crack can form in the cylinder head between the coolant passage and the combustion chamber. Coolant then enters the cylinder, where it is burned off — which is why the coolant reservoir drops steadily while you can find no puddle under the vehicle and no oil contamination. The general mechanism, and how to tell burning coolant apart from harmless condensation, is covered in white smoke from exhaust; if the temperature gauge is also climbing, read car overheating alongside it.

• Coolant level falling with no visible leak is the earliest and most important sign. Do not just keep topping it up.
• Later symptoms include a rough idle, a misfire code, sweet-smelling white smoke from the exhaust, and a temperature warning light.
• Because the coolant is burned rather than mixed into the oil, the milkshake-under-the-oil-cap test that works on a blown head gasket will often look completely normal here.
• Ford's recall remedy includes engine control software that detects coolant loss and puts the engine into a reduced-power mode to limit damage and fire risk, plus inspection and repair where required.
• A combustion leak test at the coolant reservoir is the definitive shop test — it detects exhaust gases in the coolant.

If you are shopping and the vehicle has the 1.5L, ask for documentation that the recall was performed. If the seller cannot produce it, a Ford dealer will tell you the status from the VIN in a phone call.