Creating searchable PDF files from a Canon MFP scan

(MacBook Pro OS 11.6.3) I have a Canon MFP imageCLASS MF267dw that stopped producing searchable PDF scanned files 6 months after purchase.  There is no precipitating event, such as a software update.  I have been on the phone with Canon support three times for over 6 hours total and they still have no explanation why and no fix.  Supposedly the problem has gone to the "engineers" and Canon Support are awaiting a response.  There is no toggle or check box to make the PDF scan searchable on the MF Scan Utility for a Apple computers.  It is there for the PC.  Why?  They say the OCR program is default in the printer utility for Apple computers. They have no explanation.  Trust me . . . I have done every work around including (several) clean uninstalls/reinstalls of the latest version of the utility and driver software, installed the latest printer firmware update, tried 3 different Apple computers, used TimeMachine to open earlier versions of the MF Scan Utility, even an earlier clone of my MacBook Pro when the scanner produced searchable PDF files.  Unfortunately any scan under any condition from the imageClass yields a non-searchable PDF file.  I attempted 5 third-party applications, including Adobe Acrobat who created the PDF format, and none were able to search the files.  I downloaded the Canon mobile print/scan app for this imageClass - same results.  I'm essentially hearing they don't know why the scanner stopped producing searching file, how to fix it and they advised me to buy a third-party scanning utilitiy.  Adobe Acrobat offers one for $15 a month.  I shouldn't have to - it's an advertised feature of this printer and described in the user manual.  I finally asked them to replace the printer - they refused. They suggested (as they always do when the don't know the solution) it's an Apple software problem. It is not. I need this feature for my business and I'm loosing business while they're figuring it out.  If anyone has a clue as to what's going on or how to fix it, I'd be thrilled.