Defect in engine block causing coolant intrusion.
2019 Ford Escape
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
227 reports with mileage · 358 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 307 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 125 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
11 reportsThe accident occurred while I was driving south on Highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of…
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The accident occurred while I was driving south on Highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of the other vehicle. The impact caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle, particularly on the driver-side/front corner. Despite the severity of the collision and damage, my airbags did not deploy. The other vehicle’s airbags did deploy during the crash. I am concerned that the airbag system, crash sensors, or related safety components may have failed to activate properly during the collision. Due to the speed of travel and force of impact, I believe the lack of airbag deployment placed my safety at risk and could have resulted in serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. At this time, I am requesting an investigation into why the airbags did not deploy during the crash.
I was in an accident that envolved a rock wall and not 1 airbag deployed. Damage was severe enough for at least 2 should have deployed.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH through a yellow light on an off-ramp, another vehicle crossed the intersection at high speeds and crashed into the entire front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact however the other vehicle’s air bags did dep…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH through a yellow light on an off-ramp, another vehicle crossed the intersection at high speeds and crashed into the entire front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact however the other vehicle’s air bags did deploy. It was mentioned that the contact's husband was exempt from wearing a seat belt. The contact’s husband was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for pain in his neck, his head impact, and back as well as soreness throughout his entire body. The contact's daughter was taken to the hospital by a fellow motorist since her service dog was not permitted on the ambulance and was treated for bruising to her right arm and hip. The other driver suffered no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; they referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
I was stopped in traffic on a local freeway at rush hour. The vehicle behind me was slowing to a stop. An SUV did not slow down and hit the vehicle behind me at approximately 60 mph. That vehicle was flipped when the SUV collided with it. The SUV collided with me, pushing my vehicle into a van in front of me and then sending my …
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I was stopped in traffic on a local freeway at rush hour. The vehicle behind me was slowing to a stop. An SUV did not slow down and hit the vehicle behind me at approximately 60 mph. That vehicle was flipped when the SUV collided with it. The SUV collided with me, pushing my vehicle into a van in front of me and then sending my vehicle across 3 lanes of the highway. In the initial impact, my seat back was bent backwards and twisted from the initial impact. With the second impact, I was then thrown forward and my face hit the steering column and my right side and arm hit the center console. I was wearing my seatbelt. The cabin briefly filled with smoke which may have been from the engine failure. None of the airbag deployed.
A car cut me off and I rear ended them going under 20 miles per hour. And my air bags went off and they exploded and I recieved chemical burns
I was in a hit and run, hit on the driver's side rear panel. 2019 Ford Escape. All side and curtain airbags deployed. The side bag in the drivers seat on the driver's has a large tear in it as well as a burn hole around 2 inches in diameter. I'm under the impression airbags are not supposed to rip or burn a large hole. As a resu…
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I was in a hit and run, hit on the driver's side rear panel. 2019 Ford Escape. All side and curtain airbags deployed. The side bag in the drivers seat on the driver's has a large tear in it as well as a burn hole around 2 inches in diameter. I'm under the impression airbags are not supposed to rip or burn a large hole. As a result, I was burned on my arm and side. Also, the front driver's side curtain airbag detached immediatly after impact. No recalls for airbags on this year however you do have recalls on the 2018 and 2020 models.
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 mph and intersecting into the highway, a service van crashed into the front driver-side tire/bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained bruises on her chest due to the seat belt and her husband had deep tissue injuries from…
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The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 mph and intersecting into the highway, a service van crashed into the front driver-side tire/bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained bruises on her chest due to the seat belt and her husband had deep tissue injuries from his neck to his waist. The contact and her husband sought medical attention the following Monday from their medical physician. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed towing lot. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
MY WIFE WAS SIDE SWIPED IN OUR 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG CAUGHT THE LEFT SLEEVE ON FIRE. SHE WAS SITTING STILL AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT WHEN SHE WAS SIDE SWIPED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO ENGAGE, CAUSING HER TO IMPACT THE DASHBOARD/RADIO WITH HER HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE LOST CONSCIENCES AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS A TINGLING SENSATION IN BOTH LEGS AND HAS LOST SENSATION IN BOTH ARMS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RAMP MOTORS (4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776, (631) 473-1550) AND HAS LEFT A VOICEMAIL OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,623.
Official recalls
326V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater
Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
21V155000 · Tires
Mar 10, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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