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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.

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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.

24 crash reports3 fire reports20 injury reports

Steering complaints

16 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2026
Electrical SystemSteering

Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in Kenai Burrow, Alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford escape was prone to having issues…

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Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in Kenai Burrow, Alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford escape was prone to having issues with the power steering unit. The vehicle is in the shop at this time. The warning lamp came on stating that there was a problem with the power steering unit that however, happened while we were driving down the highway. This was a life-threatening incident that it could’ve caused my wife and I and any oncoming traffic to parish in a car accident. The roads were snow covered and icy

NHTSA ODI #11714103

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2025
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

My battery light has been on for about a week it will come off and on thos morning as I was pulling into work I notice the power steering wasn't working right!

NHTSA ODI #11694579

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2025
EngineSteering

After turning the car on, the car started to shake for a couple minutes, the engine light came on after a few minutes of the car doing that. Took it to get it scanned and the code given was P0302 and P0304. Took the car to a ford dealership and after almost a week it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and ne…

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After turning the car on, the car started to shake for a couple minutes, the engine light came on after a few minutes of the car doing that. Took it to get it scanned and the code given was P0302 and P0304. Took the car to a ford dealership and after almost a week it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and needed it a new engine. Since the coolant was leaking it also damaged the power steering system due to rust and an electronic power steering gear was also needed since it was giving intermittent failure and was very hard to turn the car. Ford is not owning anything and it is clearly an engine poor design by ford. It is happening to thousands of owner that have that engine.

NHTSA ODI #11674800

43,334 miles · May 5, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power when the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power when the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 43,334.

NHTSA ODI #11659068

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2025
Electrical SystemLane DepartureSteering

Electric power steering failing at 35000 miles

NHTSA ODI #11656174

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Steering

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11637901

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2025
Steering

Dashboard message "power steering assist failure - service required" appeared when vehicle was started. It worked fine the day before. We drove it to a local car repair place which advised they did not know what caused the problem and recommended we take it to Ford dealer. We drove it about 30 miles to the Ford dealer, with diff…

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Dashboard message "power steering assist failure - service required" appeared when vehicle was started. It worked fine the day before. We drove it to a local car repair place which advised they did not know what caused the problem and recommended we take it to Ford dealer. We drove it about 30 miles to the Ford dealer, with difficulty since there was no power steering. The dealer says it needs new steering gear (rack and pinion). The cost is about $3000.

NHTSA ODI #11633739

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2024
Steering

After the steering wheel became SIGNIGICANTLY stiff and a warning light come on when trying to pull out of a parking space, I called a tow truck. The driver was able to turn on the Escape and we had no problems with steering. After I had a mechanic examine the vehicle, he said the issue is the electronic rack with the steering…

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After the steering wheel became SIGNIGICANTLY stiff and a warning light come on when trying to pull out of a parking space, I called a tow truck. The driver was able to turn on the Escape and we had no problems with steering. After I had a mechanic examine the vehicle, he said the issue is the electronic rack with the steering system. I did some research and Ford has been sued in the past for similar issues on this model, but not year. The estimated cost for repair is over $2000. I am told that with this particular steering system, a full replacement is required. I am also told that while it is drivable, the problem is unpredictable. It might be as simple as letting it sit (as it was in the parking lot) and restarting to as hard as the system giving out while driving and the wheel becoming so stiff to turn that it can put the driver and others at risk. From what I've read, others have experienced similar issues.

NHTSA ODI #11579259

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2023
EngineService BrakesSteering

WHEN GOT THE ESCAPE I WAS IN TENNESSEE ORDERED IT FROM TEXAS. FORD SALES MAN BROUGHT IT TO ME, BUT I DIDNT GET TO TEST DRIVE. GOT THERE AT NIGHT SIGN PAPERS THEN THE NEXT MORNING(FIRST TIME DRIVING) WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, THEN ACCELERATED IT STARTED SHAKING THEN IT STOPPED. STILL DOES TILL THIS DAY EITH…

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WHEN GOT THE ESCAPE I WAS IN TENNESSEE ORDERED IT FROM TEXAS. FORD SALES MAN BROUGHT IT TO ME, BUT I DIDNT GET TO TEST DRIVE. GOT THERE AT NIGHT SIGN PAPERS THEN THE NEXT MORNING(FIRST TIME DRIVING) WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, THEN ACCELERATED IT STARTED SHAKING THEN IT STOPPED. STILL DOES TILL THIS DAY EITHER WHEN ITS A FULL STOP OR GOING LIKE 30 ,70. THEY DIDNT TELL ME IT WAS A REAR ENDED COLLISION CAR. AFTER A MONTH I SIGNED IN TO CARFAX FOUND OUT IT NEEDED A RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING.CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEYLL CALL ME BACK ONCE THEY RECIEVED THE PART.NEVER CALLED ME BACK ,CALLED AGAIN AND SAID THEY STILL WAITING. MOVED TO TEXAS ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO WENT HERE IN TEXAS.GOT IT REPLACED THOUGHT THAT WAS THE REASON IT SHAKES BUT APPERANTLY NOT. I WAS TOLD I HAVE GOLD CERTEFIED USED VEHICLE. WENT TO FOR ONE DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT ONLY THE BOLD PARTS NOTHING THAT WEARS OFF. WASNT REALLY HELPFUL. CAN YOU GUYS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. ITS BEEN A YEAR SINCE I GOT IT AND HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE AS IS MY NEW CAR,BUT SHAKES MOST OF THE TIME.WHEN I TURN I HEAR A POP SOMETHING AROUND LEFT TIRE. AND ARE BREAKS ON ME. I BELIEVE ITS THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE WHEN I PUT IN PARK OR SOMETHING ITS A HARSH CHANGE AND WHILE DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE IT STRUGGLES TO CHANGE GEAR. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11541772

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the p…

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Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the process.

NHTSA ODI #11536729

Official recalls

3

26V011000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems