2019 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost smoking on startup. Dealer claims it's normal. Is the turbo failing?

[prestigious-iceberg77]

I've got a 2019 Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost and noticed it's been puffing out smoke on startup. It doesnt do it every time and of course it behaves perfectly when I take it to the dealer. Typical. But I've got proof from a few mornings where it clearly shows the issue.

I'm leaning toward the turbo being on its way out, though the dealer insists it's "normal" and nothing to worry about. Honestly, I'm not buying that. It doesnt seem normal to me. This family car's been dealer-maintained from the start, so I'm wondering if there's something they're overlooking or brushing off.

For context, this isnt the first hiccup. The car spent a couple of months at the dealer trying to sort out a check engine light that wouldn't go away. They replaced all kinds of sensors, but it always felt like they were throwing parts at the problem instead of digging deeper to figure out the root cause. Starting to wonder if there's been an underlying issue from day one.

Anyone else run into this with their Escape? Or maybe youve got thoughts on whether the turbos really the problem? I'm all for simple, practical fixes, but I'm not convinced the dealer's got it right this time.

 

[StealthNomad42]

I've got a 2019 Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost and noticed it's been puffing out smoke on startup. It doesnt do it every time and of course it behaves perfectly when I take it to the dealer. Typical. But I've got proof from a few mornings where it clearly shows the issue.

I'm leaning toward the turbo being on its way out, though the dealer insists it's "normal" and nothing to worry about. Honestly, I'm not buying that. It doesnt seem normal to me. This family car's been dealer-maintained from the start, so I'm wondering if there's something they're overlooking or brushing off.

For context, this isnt the first hiccup. The car spent a couple of months at the dealer trying to sort out a check engine light that wouldn't go away. They replaced all kinds of sensors, but it always felt like they were throwing parts at the problem instead of digging deeper to figure out the root cause. Starting to wonder if there's been an underlying issue from day one.

Anyone else run into this with their Escape? Or maybe youve got thoughts on whether the turbos really the problem? I'm all for simple, practical fixes, but I'm not convinced the dealer's got it right this time.

I had a similar issue with my 2018 Escape. smoke on startup is not normal. my turbo ended up being the problem. dealer kept saying it was fine too. i got it checked by a local mechanic who found a small leak in the turbo. fixed it and no more smoke. mqybe try a second opinion from someone outside the dealer.

 

[saturdaynight1]

Smoking on start up? that is definitely not normal. And that's scary! same advice from me, have you tried getting this checked by another dealer? do update us how it goes.

 

[WrongGuy]

@prestigious-iceberg77 yup, not normal bro. if I were you, I would get a second opinion, maybe go to another dealer. puffing out smoke usually bcs a blown head gasket, burning oil or other things. it's important to fix it

 

[prestigious-iceberg77]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and advice, everyone! Getting a second opinion from a local mechanic sounds like a smart move, primarily if there's a chance it's a turbo leak or something more serious, like a blown head gasket.

 

[Lockwood]

I've got a 2019 Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost and noticed it's been puffing out smoke on startup. It doesnt do it every time and of course it behaves perfectly when I take it to the dealer. Typical. But I've got proof from a few mornings where it clearly shows the issue.

I'm leaning toward the turbo being on its way out, though the dealer insists it's "normal" and nothing to worry about. Honestly, I'm not buying that. It doesnt seem normal to me. This family car's been dealer-maintained from the start, so I'm wondering if there's something they're overlooking or brushing off.

For context, this isnt the first hiccup. The car spent a couple of months at the dealer trying to sort out a check engine light that wouldn't go away. They replaced all kinds of sensors, but it always felt like they were throwing parts at the problem instead of digging deeper to figure out the root cause. Starting to wonder if there's been an underlying issue from day one.

Anyone else run into this with their Escape? Or maybe youve got thoughts on whether the turbos really the problem? I'm all for simple, practical fixes, but I'm not convinced the dealer's got it right this time.

It looks like you already got advice here. Did you manage to get it checked for a second opinion? Anyway just make sure along the way you record videos and log everything so you can have warranty leverage.

 

[prestigious-iceberg77]

Yeah, I hear you @Lockwood gotta cover my bases. But I went ahead and got a 2nd opinion from another mechanic and thankfully, the news wasn't as bad as I thought. It turns out it's not the turbo going out. The smoke on startup was likely due to a small oil leak around the valve cover gasket, which can cause some burning when the engine heats up. They also noticed a slight issue with the PCV valve (might've been contributing to the problem).

I had the gasket replaced and the PCV valve cleaned and so far, there is no more smoke on startup. Shoutout to everyone who suggested getting a second opinion before replacing the turbo, saved me a ton of time and cash!