pdworth2

i have also been following the forums and done a bit of research myself. My 2017 Ford Escape starting throwing code PO301 after about 36000 miles (misfire cylinder 1)(PO302, 303, 304 all the same just different cylinders). I swapped my coil packs to rule out a coil pack problem and was planning on doing a tune and replace the spark plugs since I was approaching 40000 miles. I have a Titanium with remote start so on rare occasions I started it manually after sitting overnight and it would start up rough. I only noticed this a couple of times and it did not throw a code when this happened. Prior to being able to set aside the time for the spark plug swap I noticed I had no heat. I checked my coolant level and there was no coolant in the reservoir. I took it in to my dealer that day. The tell all sign is if you are losing coolant. I wish I could be more reassuring but there are a number of class action lawsuits of people that had this failure after their powertrain warranty expired(5YR/60000). It appears Ford will not pay for anything once the warranty expires. If it happens inside of your powertrain warranty Ford will have the dealership do a pressure test on your coolant system and check for antifreeze on the cylinder heads. If after the test they find the antifreeze in the cylinder, Ford will replace your engine with a new Long Block. This is were things get interesting. The whole problem is cause by a channel that is engineered in the top of the block (every engine built up to sometime in 2019 has this channel). There are stories on people getting there engines replaced and then returning for a second engine with the same failure because the replacement engine had the same culprit channel. It does appear that sometime in 2019 Ford started taking the channel out of the blocks (the channel was suppose to help with cooling but antifreeze would pool in the channel and sit against the head gasket and deteriorate it till the antifreeze found it's way through into the cylinder(s)). Well, Ford is replacing my Long Block but It may take a few weeks because they are short a "cylinder head sensor" that is back ordered. The part is suppose to be expedited because of my Warranty approval but so far I am stuck waiting. This I can understand because of Covid...what irks me is Ford will only approve coverage of my rental for 10days which will not even get me to the back ordered date of my missing part. It's possible that they may find the part sooner and the work can start (2-3 days) on the swapping of my engine. It is also possible, as my 10th day approaches and the part still hasn't arrived Ford will agree to extend my rental coverage. I talked to Ford myself today and no go on extending my rental coverage. Most importantly I confirmed that my long block will not have the channel...it appears the cut off date for the engines with channels was sometime in 2019. So, I am hopeful I will have years of no problems with the NO CHANNEL engine (I still might run into problems with the high pressure fuel pump and the myriad of other issues). My advice is check your coolant levels...if they drop in your reservoir take it in IMMEDIATELY before your Powertrain Warranty expires. Have them check your oil for antifreeze and do the pressure test on your cooling system. If your outside of warranty your only option is to join one of the many class action lawsuits and help the lawyers get rich. From what I can tell the Long Block replacement is around $9000 and you will never see the money out of the class actions. If you don't have coolant loss when approaching 60,000 miles I would trade the SUV in on another Escape with the base 2.5L or any other SUV that has a non turbo base engine. I personally would stay away from the super engineered engines (Direct Injections, VCT, Ti VCT etc...). Ford is trying to meet upcoming fuel economy requirements in the US and meet current requirements to sell their vehicles in Europe. They are doing this while trying to provide you some zip as well, problem is I am not sure if they can and they definitely are failing at the moment. I personally believe that if I am lucky my next vehicle will have to be an electric. It does seem the direction things are heading. I miss cast iron blocks, block fuel pumps, Distributors etc...I don't miss Carburetors...GOOD LUCK!!!