← New search

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 →

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

What owners actually said

585 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion Ford put these vehicles out knowing this was an issue.

NHTSA ODI #11611650

90,000 miles · Aug 28, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shudder and vibrate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the loc…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shudder and vibrate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11611320

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2024
Engine

Noticed vehicle was admitting black and grey smoke on cold start. Took vehicle to local automotive service center. They conducted a Level 1 Test - leak down testing. They found that coolant was infiltrating the engine. The cylinders are showing scoring. The repair would consist of replacing the engine at a cost of $13,000. …

Read full complaint

Noticed vehicle was admitting black and grey smoke on cold start. Took vehicle to local automotive service center. They conducted a Level 1 Test - leak down testing. They found that coolant was infiltrating the engine. The cylinders are showing scoring. The repair would consist of replacing the engine at a cost of $13,000. This is apparently a known defect for this engine.

NHTSA ODI #11610816

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2024
Seat Belts

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11610481

57,000 miles · Aug 20, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was cold started, the engine was idling rough but then started running normally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there wa…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was cold started, the engine was idling rough but then started running normally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the check engine warning light being illuminated, the contact had been adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every several weeks. The contact had not observed any coolant leaks on the driveway. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ODI #11609630

84,000 miles · Aug 12, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle an…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, causing a misfire in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11608012

74,051 miles · Aug 8, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, causing a misfire. The independent mechanic attempted to repair the vehicle; however, while attempting to repair the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic made the contact aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle could not be repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program, because the vehicle was leaking oil instead of coolant. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,051.

NHTSA ODI #11607383

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
Engine

COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO THE CYLINDER BORES CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FIRE. THIS ISSUE IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA CURRENTLY. MANY EMPLOYEES I SPOKE WITH IN THE FORD SERVICE DEPT AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY ARE ONLY FIXING THIS ISSUE ON VEHICL…

Read full complaint

COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO THE CYLINDER BORES CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FIRE. THIS ISSUE IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA CURRENTLY. MANY EMPLOYEES I SPOKE WITH IN THE FORD SERVICE DEPT AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY ARE ONLY FIXING THIS ISSUE ON VEHICLES THROUGH 84K MILES. I WAS SOLD THIS CAR IN JULY 2022, THE LAWSUIT FILED IN 2021. THE DEALERSHIP WENT SO FAR AS TO CONCEAL THE ISSUE FURTHER HAVING THEN SOLD ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT ALSO DID NOT COVER THE REPAIR BASED ON MILEAGE. THE ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED BY COGGIN FORD SERVICE DEPT ON 7/22/24. ARLINGTON TOYOTA WHOM I PURCHASED THE CAR WOULD NOT MAKE ANY EFFORT TO ASSIST IN REACHING OUT TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION THROUGH FORD IN ANY WAY. THE ISSUE PRESENTED WITH WATER SOUNDS BEHIND THE DASH AND PUFFS OF SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE WHEN CAR WAS TURNED ON, MECHANICS WERE NOT ABLE TO LOCATE ANY ISSUES. THE DAY I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR THIS ISSUE WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WAS PUTTERING AND DID NOT WANT TO PICK UP SPEED AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT BARELY MADE IT TO THE MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI #11606214

87,945 miles · Aug 2, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure persisted, with a sputtering sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who immediately re…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure persisted, with a sputtering sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who immediately referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed coolant intrusion into engine cylinder #3. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,945.

NHTSA ODI #11606134

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2024
Power Train

TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN APPLYING GAS. SHIFTING UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT I THINK IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DISENGAGE. YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE VEHICLE BRAKES EXTREMELY HARD TO AND MAINTAIN THE PRESSURE TO STOP T…

Read full complaint

TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN APPLYING GAS. SHIFTING UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT I THINK IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DISENGAGE. YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE VEHICLE BRAKES EXTREMELY HARD TO AND MAINTAIN THE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT IS LUCKY THAT I JUST CHANGE THE ROTORS AND BRAKES TWO WEEKS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #11605830

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