THINK TWICE

The 1.6L EcoBoost's defining failure is a cracked cylinder head from localized overheating. Per Ford's own recalls, if the engine runs with an insufficient level of coolant the cylinder head can overheat, crack, and leak oil, and oil reaching a hot engine or exhaust surface can start an engine-compartment fire. Recall 17V209000 covers the 1.6L GTDI 2014 Escape and 2013-2014 Fusion (remedy: a coolant level sensor plus supporting hardware and software); recall 13V583000 covers the 2013 Escape (remedy: modified engine shielding, cooling and control systems). ENGINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING complaints echo it -- overheating, cracked heads, and fires.

Check — VIN-check that both recalls are closed (17V209000 coolant-level sensor installed; 13V583000 completed). Look for an overheating history, coolant loss with no obvious external leak, white exhaust smoke, or a prior head / short-block replacement. Walk away from any 1.6L with an open overheat/fire recall.