Classic coolant leak problem… what should I do?

Technical
1

I’ve got a 2018 Escape SEL with 86.5k miles, and I’m stuck deciding what to do. The coolant leak issue hit me, and the repair quote was $6,900. I’ve negotiated with Ford, and they’re covering 40%, which brings it down to $4,200. I still owe $7k on the car. Here are my options:

  1. Pay for the repair, drive it for as long as I can, and hope for the best.
  2. Try K-Seal. I’ve read mixed reviews, but maybe it’ll hold long enough for me to trade it in.
  3. Buy a cheap Escape at an auction for $1.5k, swap the engine, and sell the leftover parts to recover some costs.

I really don’t want to give Ford more money for this. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What did you end up doing? I’m feeling stuck here.

2

Honestly, just take it to a field and set it on fire. These cars are a nightmare.

3

If you put sealant in it and trade it, you’re just passing the issue to someone else. Are you okay with that?

4

Lake said:
If you put sealant in it and trade it, you’re just passing the issue to someone else. Are you okay with that?

I thought about that, and I don’t want to screw over another person. My thinking is if I trade it at a Ford dealer, they’ll catch it and fix it before selling it. Isn’t that what they’re supposed to do?

5

@Keir
Dealers often don’t check thoroughly. If there aren’t obvious signs, they’ll just resell it as-is.

6

@Keir
Please don’t do this. I bought an Escape like that, and it cost me $3k to fix. It’s not fair to pass the problem on.

7

Rowan said:
@Keir
Please don’t do this. I bought an Escape like that, and it cost me $3k to fix. It’s not fair to pass the problem on.

I hear you, and I really don’t want to do that. I just feel like Ford should be stepping up more to help.

8

@Keir
Ford didn’t help me either. I tried everything and got nowhere with them.

9

@Keir
Keep in mind Ford probably has a record of your issue now since you’ve taken it to the dealer. Most dealers will just resell it without fixing it, leaving the next buyer with the same mess.

10

I feel your pain. I’m dealing with the same issue on my 2017 Escape Titanium. I’ve already spent so much on repairs, including a new transmission last year. I still owe $7k too, but I’ve decided to trade it in. I’m done putting money into it—it’s a total money pit.

11

@Jordan
How many miles do you have on it? Is it the 1.5 or the 2.0 engine?

12

Neve said:
@Jordan
How many miles do you have on it? Is it the 1.5 or the 2.0 engine?

167,927 miles, and it’s the 1.5L. I had a ton of issues before this—transmission, belts, alternator, and now the coolant leak. I traded it in. Enough was enough.

13

@Jordan
That’s the right move. Unless you plan to drive it another 10 years, it’s not worth it.

14

@Jordan
I’m fighting with Ford about mine right now. It’s a 2018, and I still owe $5,800. They’re tearing down the engine to see if warranty will cover it, but this whole thing is ridiculous.

15

How are you negotiating with Ford? What’s the process?

16

Cade said:
How are you negotiating with Ford? What’s the process?

I started by taking it to the dealer, and they opened a case with Ford. Then I called Ford myself with the case number to push for more help. Customer service said the dealer needs to negotiate, but the dealer said I might have better luck dealing directly with Ford. I’m waiting to hear back and will update.

17

Cade said:
How are you negotiating with Ford? What’s the process?

Ford denied me since I missed the 7-year warranty by a few months. I have a third-party warranty, but I’m worried they won’t cover everything.

18

@Clay
If you’ve got a warranty, why are you so concerned?

19

Sky said:
@Clay
If you’ve got a warranty, why are you so concerned?

The dealership wants $5k just to tear the engine down. I’m afraid some costs will get passed to me. Ford should step up and cover the overages.

20

@Clay
What’s the name of the third-party warranty company?