2019 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 588 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 24 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 28 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresMar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V155000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2026
Dash board has been flashing images and turning black and white like something is malfunctioning the automatic stop start has been inconsistently working I have issues with the lights getting dimmer while I’m driving at night and sometimes I have to manually hold the brights forward for the lights to work there seems to be something distracting me in the control paneling of the vehicle making me nervous and tired sometimes distracting my eyes.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2026
I am reporting the failure of Ford Motor Company to perform a mandatory safety recall (Recall 22S43 / NHTSA ID 22V413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (OASIS reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed.' Furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic inspection of the transmission linkage and adjacent engine compartment. Had this recall been performed, the technician would have identified the progressive corrosion and mechanical stress that subsequently destroyed the high-pressure fuel pump and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The manufacturer meticulously recorded routine maintenance while ignoring a critical federal safety mandate. Their negligence directly caused a cascading mechanical failure, rendering my vehicle an unsafe, non-operational hazard. I am seeking a formal investigation into these falsified service records and the manufacturer's failure to remedy this safety hazard. I attempted to resolve this manner at the lowest levels, before taking this route. Unfortunately, to their detriment; Ford basically told me I was on my own. I have already alerted the Attorney General for the State of Tennessee, as well. The subsequent loss of the vehicle as a result of the abhorrent behavior of Ford Motor company has resulted in time lost with my kids and my mental health appointments with the Veterans Administration. I can not make it to my therapist or get my medication. I have the Carfax and Oasis reports as further evidence to back these claims.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, May 7, 2026, crash
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 22, 2026
I initially replaced the entire Y coolant hose to the coolant system. Six months later I had to replace a secondary coolant hose separate from the initial one. Initially, it cost me about $600 and then $300 for the second incident. Now March 22 I have to replace a coolant bypass valve because it has been failing and my car is overheating again. The HVAC system is not working properly and the car is overheating.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2026
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 16, 2025, crash
he freeway I notified future ford of concord and I was told I would receive a call back but as I recall I didn’t receive a call back. The car started acting as if nothing was wrong about a week or so later then two days ago December 13,2025 first my head lights went out and a message saying there’s a bulb outage or electrical issue appeared and also the hill assist unavailable warning light appeared , following the 911 calling assistance is unavailable as well, and I also noticed my radio is no longer producing sound so I believe the engine ( block , head gasket etc) component also electrical system, sync 3 system has also failed or malfunctioned. During the second occurrence I was driving as I was before which led to The safety of my children, my husband and myself put at risk being it was night time and I could no longer see the road the car acted as if it was turning off and slowing down.. yes there was warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem during the failures, and they first appeared at the exact time of the failures . Also below are photos captured from the ford vehicle app alerting me about issues for the car
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 20, 2025
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!
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 11, 2025
Our BCM stopped working the first sign was both of our head lights randomly would not turn on. This was confirmed by two other mechanics and the ford service center had to replace the entire thing. The second part the fail was part of the engine. Something happened where we were told coolant was in our cylinder number 3 and they want to replace the entire engine with no symptoms other then low coolant levels because they stated it is a risk of fire.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 18, 2025
Stop /Start button would kill the car would need a jump. Coolant leak in engine blew a gasket. Need a new engine. 54,000 moles on a 2019 Fors Escape
Electrical system, Back over prevention, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black, almost causing the vehicle to strike a pedestrian. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the speedometer and fuel gauge readings were inaccurate, and the hatch had failed to open intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where unknown repairs were performed; however, the failures persisted. The contact also stated that the Auto START/STOP system was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 22, 2025
Electric power steering failing at 35000 miles
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2025
After the vehicle has been running and stopped at a traffic light or an intersection, whether the auto-start is on or off, as you pull out into traffic the engine shuts off. No error code to the computer that Ford could find, it just stops. This is a life and death situation as oncoming traffic are approaching. In order to get it started again, you have to put the vehicle in park and push the stop/start button.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2024
Vehicle started to idle oddly on startup. Then a few days later it started to vibrate or cavitate. Check engine light came on. Scheduled for service. Service as of today 05/31/2024, coolant has leaked into engine, engine needs replaced according to service provider. Brought this issue up in 2022 to service after seeing the NHTSA customer service bulletin. My mfr date was out of the listed date range so nothing was done or checked.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact opened the hood and noticed that the coolant level was extremely low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Electrical system, May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle idled rough when started; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle would drive smoothly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coil pack failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
Liftgate fails to open and/or close completely. Rarely, Randomly it works. Safety issue should there be a child or animal back there. No manual lift opening options!
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was discovered that an electrical spike had burned out several electrical sensors. The dealer replaced the alternator to correct the failure; however, the failure returned nearly a week after the repair. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where a short in the electrical wiring harness was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 59,512.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2023
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..
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 27, 2023, crash
On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer. I placed car back in park, then shifted back to Drive and it moved forward as expected. Later in day while my wife was driving, she experienced difficulty in disengaging cruise control and when she tapped brakes, vehicle began spinning 360 degrees, slid sideways off interstate, and auto was totaled. Upon impact the right, rear passenger door was unlocked and somehow opened on its own ejecting passenger. Vehicle is currently in salvage yard at IAA Odgen, 1800 S 1100 West, Ogden, UT 84401. I don't know if the faulty transmission had anything to do with accident, but it seems like today we drive computers and not a mechanical motor vehicle.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2023
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.
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2023
While driving in traffic, the car suddenly lost power. Could not shift into neutral or park... Raised hood, put on hazard lights. Called AAA. About 20 minutes later, the car did start and was able to drive it to mechanic... The engine sputtered, the dashboard lights flashed on and off. Had it towed to Ford Dealership. Two weeks later, they could not diagnose or fix the problem. PS, the recall had been addressed when I had to replace the transmission when it suddenly quit in traffic.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
I have 11376 miles on my 3019 Ford escape and the alternator asy had to be replaced
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2023
1. The transmission "zooms" and revs higher as I'm breaking. I'm afraid that the gear will slip and I won't be able to stop - especially if it's icy on the road. 2. When the car is turned off completely, there's a mechanical sound that persists for 10min. It's not the water/cooling pump or the engine cooling down. It sounds like an ATM machine that's trying to dispense cash, but can't. I suspect this is draining the battery. 3. On my way to work yesterday, the key (and the spare key) were not recognized and I couldn't start the car. Lights came on, so I didn't think it was the battery. This morning, battery is dead. I really think it's a result of whatever is causing the sounds mentioned in #2 above. While #1 is a safety issue to myself and other motorists, the issues reported in #2 and #3 are personal safety concerns. I am a woman who commutes from gig to gig, traveling through sketchy neighborhoods, and parking in dimly lit public parking garages. If I cannot start the car or it goes dead, I could get mugged or physically hurt.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 30, 2022
Vehicle has 32K miles on it and both low beam headlight bulbs failed at the exact same time. My daughter had just left her house and as soon as she got away from street lights she realized this. The odd part is that the in-dash indicators showed everything working normally with NO FAULTS, so we assumed it was an electrical issue. We got it to a Ford dealer (she has an extended warranty), and they "fixed a connection that had corroded, causing both bulbs to fail." NOT covered under warranty, $250 to replace two bulbs and clean sockets. There are numerous Ford forums with the same complaints. Just felt that you folks should be made aware...
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2021
THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK ITSELF AS IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AS IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ITSELF, IT BRIEFLY ACTIVATES THE HAZARD LIGHTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE IS KEYLESS IGNITION, AND THE KEY FOB IS PLACED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA WITH NOTHING CONTACTING IT. WHEN IT OCCURS, IT IS QUITE FREQUENT, AND SEEMS TO NOT BE AFFECTED BY MOISTURE, SPEED OR TEMPERATURE, NOR BY CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING.