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: engine
384 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 4, 2024
AT 78,000 MILES THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND TURBO BLEW LODGING PARTS IN CYLINDER 2. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. CAR SHUT DOWN AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROADWAY. HAD TO BE TOWED.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2024
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.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2024
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2024
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.
Engine, Aug 8, 2024
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.
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2024
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.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
Problem was first detected when engine service light came on while engine was idle. Coolant reservoir was empty and filled several times prior to inspection by the same dealership where the car was purchased. Inspection happened 11 days later, car was driven about 100 miles between first noticing the empty coolant tank and the date of service. During inspection and diagnostic, coolant was found leaking into cylinder along with a broken head gasket and a cracked engine block. Since getting service at the dealer, car has been observed to be lurching when accelerating at either highway speeds or high RPM (unsure of precise onset of symptom), creating worries that diagnosing the problem has accelerated the engine deterioration.
Engine, Jul 24, 2024
I have a coolant intrusion. CEL came on a couple weeks ago. The code it gave was a cylinder 3 misfire. I took it to Perry County Tire in Hazard KY and they said it needed a new ignition coil and 4 new spark plugs. They replaced the coil and all spark plugs. The CEL came back on a few days later, giving the same cylinder 3 misfire code. I then took it back and they replace the ignition coil again. The CEL came back on about 4 days later and I took it back, now seeing a puff of white smoke when I start the car and put it into reverse. They said my coolant was low and I have an intrusion and then referred me to another service center because they did not do engine or gasket repairs.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the failure might be related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2024
On [XXX] while attempting to make a left hand turn in a super busy intersection my dash light stating Engine Coolant over-temperature came on and car went into limp mode, was stuck in a busy intersection making a left hand turn. Car had to be towed to local ford dealership (Friendly Ford in Monroe, MI). Car was at dealership for 7 days and they were unable to duplicate the code and at that time the mileage on the car was 50853. On [XXX] while backing out of my driveway the car did same thing, dash light with Engine Coolant over-temperature came on and went into limp mode. Had car towed (at my expense) to Friendly Ford dealership again at this time the mileage is 60242. On 7/23/24 I was advised that coolant intrigant into the engine which means a need new engine. Was advised by dealership that this would be covered under powertrain warranty but because the mileage NOW is 60242 that the warranty is not valid and will cost ruffly around $8,000 and could take 2 months to repair and they have no loaners at this time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 21, 2024
Warning light comes on the dash and Ford App that car is overheating and to service. Car will not move but stays running and the cooling fan comes on. This happened when car was started first thing in morning so it hadn't been running for at least 12 hours. Had the same issue back in Nov of 2023 took into Friendly Ford in Monroe, MI and they had it for a couple of weeks and couldn't duplicate the code, they were able to remove the code off and said if it happened again to bring it back in but basically they couldn't find anything wrong. It happened again on [XXX] and after having it towed again to the dealership which now my mileage is 60,242 its putting me over my powertrain warranty, however, when it was in the first time I was only at 50,853 miles. I am currently waiting for the dealership to look at my car and let me know what they find out. They also told me that there mechanic is 3 months behind and they have no loaner car to give me. They also told me that I couldn't take it to another dealership because they are independently owned and since they never fixed anything on it if I took it some place else it would be on my dime. Obviously there is something wrong with the car if I have gotten this warning 2 times within 8months.The first time (Nov 2023) I was lucky enough to coast into a gas station to get out of traffic and this time I only got to the end of my driveway, but unfortunately I had to have the car towed both times and this time was on my dime because of the miles on the car. My car is a 2019 Ford Escape with only 50,242 miles on it, doesn't seem like I should have this problem with it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,080.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact raised the hood to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the coolant reservoir was extremely low. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled to be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2024
Fluid leaking from engine into coil resulting in engine being ruined and needed to be replaced.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
I recently purchased a 2019 Escape with 65,000 miles. Within a few days, the CEL activated and OBS code was P0301 and the engine started missing and showing white smoke from exhaust. My personal scanner shows the code had displayed twice before. At this point it is at the Ford dealer and Ford financial assistance is trying to evaluate what they may cover.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the cylinders of the engine
Engine, Jul 7, 2024
Leaking coolant to the inside of the motor. Currently at 64000 miles. Motor was repaired once before for same issue at 33000 miles with previous owner. I purchased this from a ford dealer as a certified pre owned. I was unaware of the issue with this motor. As I can find online here this year make and model with this motor has this issue as an ongoing problem with ford.
Engine, Jul 6, 2024
- engine severely lost power - if I didn’t get off the road in time could’ve possibly created a big car accident -took my car to 2 independent car shops and one have confirmed the problem - no the car has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. If have to it will be done -the only warning was the check engine light which isn’t much of a warning if the problem is already present Anti-Freeze coolant leaks into a cylinder randomly. Caused the engine to stall out immediately on the freeway.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the transmission was previously replaced by the same local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2024
2019 Ford Escape Titanium Eco Boost 2.0 w/ 86,442 miles. Regularly maintained, no accidents, no previous owners. DTC for misfire cylinder #1. Performed coolant pressure test, found system losing pressure and cylinder intrusion, with matching symptoms, recommend further diagnostics. Check engine light diagnostic testing resulted in P0496. Removed and replaced EVAP purge control solenoid. After a few days new check engine light diagnostic testing resulting in P0302 cylinders misfire. Mechanic's diagnostics found coolant leak within engine. Dealership stated we would need a new engine for $9,100. Continued operation will result in overheating.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate as intended. The driver was able to reach her destination, where the vehicle stalled, after which the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the engine was noticed jerking and misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion into the engine, and it needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure with the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21n12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine, Jun 27, 2024
The vehicle very briefly showed a high temp warning (as in, the indicator came on, and went off just as fast, the temp gauge on the instrument panel went to high, and immediately back to normal). Later, the vehicle showed a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and a runs rough condition. Diagnostics by a local repair shop as well as the dealership verified that this was due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder, and as a result, I now need to pay $7,100 for a new engine with no help or relief from Ford.