Trouble codes › Known problems › Ford 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost coolant loss, overheating and misfires
Ford 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost coolant loss, overheating and misfires
On the 1.6L EcoBoost (2013-2015 Escape, Fusion and others), overheating from coolant loss led to several recalls for engine fire risk; on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines, coolant leaking into a cylinder can also cause misfires, especially at cold start.
If the temperature gauge rises or you see a low coolant warning, pull over and shut the engine off: these engines were recalled because overheating can lead to a fire. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which vehicles
- Ford Escape (1.6L and 1.5L EcoBoost) 2013-2019
- Ford Fusion (1.6L and 1.5L EcoBoost) 2013-2019
- Ford Fiesta ST and Transit Connect (1.6L) 2013-2015
Why it happens
On the 1.6L, low coolant can let the cylinder head overheat and crack, leaking oil onto hot exhaust parts; Ford recalled 2013-2014 Escape and Fusion (and in 2017, certain 2014 Escape, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST and 2013-2015 Transit Connect) for fire risk, with remedies including software that watches coolant temperature.
Coolant can also leak into a cylinder on some 1.5L and 1.6L engines (a cracked head or block), which causes white smoke and a misfire at cold start and a slowly dropping coolant level.
Symptoms
- Coolant level dropping with no visible leak
- Misfire or rough running right after a cold start, white smoke
- Temperature gauge rising, low coolant warning, or overheating
How to confirm it
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for open recalls first.
- Check the coolant level (engine cold) every week or two.
- A cooling system pressure test and a combustion-gas (block) test show whether coolant is getting into a cylinder.
- Pull the spark plugs: a clean, steam-washed plug on one cylinder points to coolant intrusion.
The repair
- Do any open recall work.
- Coolant intrusion usually means a replacement cylinder head or engine (short or long block). Ask the dealer about coverage first.
Recalls, bulletins and warranty programs
- Ford 1.6L EcoBoost overheating and fire recalls (2013-2014, 2017)
- Several recalls covering 2013-2014 Escape and Fusion 1.6L (overheating, coolant leaks onto hot parts) and a 2017 recall for certain 2014 Escape, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST and 2013-2015 Transit Connect where the head can overheat, crack and leak oil.
Programs can expire or depend on your VIN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer to run your VIN for open recalls, bulletins and extended coverage.
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Researched October 2026 from service bulletins, recall records and repair-industry reporting. Your vehicle may differ; confirm with your service information and a dealer before paying for major repairs.