Owners Say Coolant Leaks Can Destroy Engines in Popular Ford and Lincoln Models
In recent years, small turbocharged engines have gained considerable popularity, thanks to their impressive fuel efficiency and punchy performance. Ford was one of the early adopters of this trend, rolling out its EcoBoost engines in a wide range of cars and SUVs.
But now, Ford finds itself in hot water, literally. A new lawsuit alleges that some of these EcoBoost engines were built with a serious defect that allows coolant to leak into the cylinders, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure.
The lawsuit covers a wide range of models, including:
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2013–2019 Ford Escape
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2013–2019 Ford Fusion
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2015–2018 Ford Edge
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2016–2019 Lincoln MKC
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2016–2019 Lincoln MKZ
Owners of these vehicles claim that Ford knew about the issue but failed to warn customers or offer a proper fix.
A Coolant Leak That Can Kill Your Engine
Here’s what’s allegedly happening: due to a design flaw in the engine block and head gasket, coolant can slowly seep into the engine’s combustion chambers. Over time, as the coolant level drops, the engine starts to overheat. If left unchecked, this can cause irreversible engine damage, often requiring a complete engine replacement.
One particularly frustrated technician involved in the case shared photos of damaged head gaskets, showing clear signs of failure between the cylinders. The problem, they say, isn’t caused by wear and tear; it’s baked into the design itself.
Ford’s “Band-Aid” Approach
According to the lawsuit, Ford hasn’t been proactive in solving the problem. Instead of redesigning the faulty parts, the company has allegedly resorted to temporary measures like adding coolant-level sensors to warn drivers when the fluid runs low.
“Ford has not satisfactorily or effectively addressed the source of the defect for those consumers, including for those whose vehicles remain in warranty,” the lawsuit states.
In 2020, Ford issued a technical service bulletin recommending that service centers replace the short block and head gasket for certain models showing signs of coolant loss. But plaintiffs argue this doesn’t really solve the problem, since the replacement parts allegedly carry the same flaw.
What It Means for Owners
For owners of affected cars, this lawsuit could be a big deal. A leaking EcoBoost engine isn’t just an inconvenience — it can leave you stranded or force you into an expensive engine replacement. Worse, it can pose a safety risk if the engine overheats at highway speeds or in heavy traffic.
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Ford could be required to cover the cost of repairs or even offer buybacks for some vehicles. But until then, owners are left in limbo, some closely watching their coolant levels, others already facing massive repair bills.
A Bigger Question for the Industry
This case also raises broader questions for the auto industry. As carmakers continue to shrink engine sizes and rely on turbocharging to boost performance, long-term reliability becomes a bigger concern. Ford isn’t the first automaker to face such issues, and likely won’t be the last.
For now, affected owners and prospective buyers alike will be watching this case closely to see how it unfolds and how Ford responds.
