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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

What owners actually said

585 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2023
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instea…

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When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instead..also looked up code my self and understand that it is a emissions safety issue being that it is evap purge valve..and have scheduled a appointment with dealer to have it fixed..due to the fact I have a extended service warranty on it..

NHTSA ODI #11558036

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2023
Engine

The vehicle went from normal operating temperature to max temperature on the gauge in a matter of seconds and triggered a vehicle overheat warning message. The vehicle was consuming coolant and has the issue described in TSB 20-2100. Coolant was leaking into the cylinders and hot exhaust gas was leaking into the coolant, which…

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The vehicle went from normal operating temperature to max temperature on the gauge in a matter of seconds and triggered a vehicle overheat warning message. The vehicle was consuming coolant and has the issue described in TSB 20-2100. Coolant was leaking into the cylinders and hot exhaust gas was leaking into the coolant, which quickly caused the engine to rapidly overheat to an extreme temperature. The extreme engine temperature could have caused a fire.

NHTSA ODI #11556483

75,000 miles · Nov 22, 2023
EngineVehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. While driving, the vehicle was slow to respond. Additionally, the contact’s son, who is a mechanic, informed her that there was water entering the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the l…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. While driving, the vehicle was slow to respond. Additionally, the contact’s son, who is a mechanic, informed her that there was water entering the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was built with the wrong engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine was a long-block engine and should be a short-block engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11556418

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Power Train

My transmission failed at 64,000 miles and the car is currently in the dealer awaiting repair. I was traveling down a long hill on the interstate 86 in NYS. The adaptive cruise control was on.and set to 60mph. The engine suddenly accelerated to 7500 rpm but this did not change the speed of the car. I was startled by this high re…

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My transmission failed at 64,000 miles and the car is currently in the dealer awaiting repair. I was traveling down a long hill on the interstate 86 in NYS. The adaptive cruise control was on.and set to 60mph. The engine suddenly accelerated to 7500 rpm but this did not change the speed of the car. I was startled by this high revving engine situation and tapped the brake, disengaging the adaptive cruise control and causing the engine to stop the highspeed revving. I put the car in neutral and rolled to a stop on the roadside. There were no warning lights before or after the incident. I had the car towed to the Ford dealership where I purchased the car. They confirmed that the car needed a new transmission but the transmissions were back ordered with no available date when it would be available. The transmission would have to be rebuilt a a cost of $9000. I figured this close to the warranty mile expiration date and still within the warranty time expiration, Ford would do something to help with partial or full coverage for the transmission. I opened a case with Ford customer support and and they refused any funds to help with this repair. This is not the first issue with this car. In April of 2022, I had a check engine light come on. The car which had 40,000 miles on it was running fine but I brought it to the dealer to check it out. To my surprise the car needed a complete engine replacement. This was called a "long block" replacement. I brought this previous repair to Fords attention as a possible reason the transmission died way before it's normal lifespan but received no sympathy. So I am stuck with a $10,000 expense on a four year old car.

NHTSA ODI #11556087

69,619 miles · Nov 20, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had been filling the coolant reservoir constantly prior to the engine stalling due to the en…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had been filling the coolant reservoir constantly prior to the engine stalling due to the engine overheating. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove it to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the short block under Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2139 - Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,619.

NHTSA ODI #11555970

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2023
Engine

Cylinder 1 misfire due to coolant seeping down cylinder wall. Found a TSB 19-2346 pertaining to this condition. To resolve issue engine replacement is recommended. Ford service center issued assessment and recommended service: Replace engine long block assembly, has coolant in #1 cylinder causing misfire and check engine light …

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Cylinder 1 misfire due to coolant seeping down cylinder wall. Found a TSB 19-2346 pertaining to this condition. To resolve issue engine replacement is recommended. Ford service center issued assessment and recommended service: Replace engine long block assembly, has coolant in #1 cylinder causing misfire and check engine light as described in TSB22-2229. Cost for service $7,207.23 plus tax & labor. Opened case with Ford customer care; advisor has stated on 10/18/2023 that there are no financial assistance programs available to assist with repair. Ford customer care advisor is still trying to find assistance, case has remained open.

NHTSA ODI #11551020

84,000 miles · Oct 19, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the oil was changed. The contact's…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the oil was changed. The contact's son noticed that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The contact's neighbor informed her that there was white smoke coming from the tail pipe. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side CV joint was leaking, and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving the “Transmission Service Now” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the torque converter valve needed to be replaced or the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated there was an unknown substance in the line. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550783

60,000 miles · Oct 18, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were informed of the failure, but no a…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were informed of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550552

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2023
Service BrakesStructureWheelsCrash

Car was parked in residential parking lot overnight. This morning I noticed my vehicle had rolled forward and hit a pole and the curb, cause front left damage to the fender, wheel and wheel hub assembly, and the brakes. Call is currently under recall due to a problem with the transmission slipping out of gear

NHTSA ODI #11549404

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
EnginePower Train

The check engine light would come on at high RPMs and the car would begin to shake violently. I would generally pull over and turn off the engine in order to stop if from misfiring. This occurred after an engine replacement in the vehicle. The engine now has a crack in it and the short block needs replacing. This is the second t…

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The check engine light would come on at high RPMs and the car would begin to shake violently. I would generally pull over and turn off the engine in order to stop if from misfiring. This occurred after an engine replacement in the vehicle. The engine now has a crack in it and the short block needs replacing. This is the second time I am in need of an engine replacement in 90k miles on the vehicle. The cylinders continue to intermitently misfire and the engine leaks oil. The first time is needed replacing the engine overheated and told me to pull over when I was driving. The next day the engine would not start.

NHTSA ODI #11549018

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.

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