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, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine started rattling under the hood. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was diagnosed as an engine coil misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred soon afterwards. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and diagnosed with an engine coil misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
Coolant entered the engine cylinders and the engine failed at 65000 miles. The vehicle is 5 years old. I am now underwater on the vehicle and I see forums where many people have experienced this.
Engine, Mar 31, 2024
My car overheated out of the blue. It was diagnosed as a head gasket leak. Apparently this is a known issue with the 1.5 liter turbo eco boast 2019 but the recall does not start until 2020. This needs to be re evaluated as this is not ok and needs to be recalled!
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the instrument panel displayed an "Engine System Fault" message, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant level was below the minimal level, with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The coolant level was topped off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
While driving on the highway, the engine suddenly started sputtering, and it could no longer maintain speed (up to about 25-30 mph). This was very unsafe on a highway no safe place to bring the car to a stop. The Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as coolant leaking into the cylinders in the engine because of cracked channels. They shared with me this is a known issue (Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12), however, my car is 3 thousand miles over the maximum limit of this program, so they will not fix the problem for free. The dealership suggested a full engine replacement, for which they estimated about $9,800 for the repair. This issue comes after a previous issue a few months ago where my wife was driving and the engine overheated, went into "safe mode," and she was unable to accelerate beyond about 10-15 mph. She was on a busy road and called me in tears after managing to bring the car to a stop on the side of a road without a large shoulder. At the time, the mechanic said it was only a thermostat that was stuck wide open, and I spent $1,200 on this repair. I continued to notice low coolant levels and would refill the coolant regularly. This issue persisted and led to the above failure. Ford knows this is an issue with their vehicles, and they have created two dangerous safety instances for my family in the past few months. There are 27, now 28 complaints related to this issue on 2019 Ford Escapes alone. I also learned there is a class action lawsuit related to this issue. Those complaints are Complaints # 11568017, 11561318, 11556483, 11551020, 11550783, 11542737, 11537997, 11534353, 11528142, 11520853, 11516926, 11498957, 11492059, 11489799, 11482570, 11482636, 11463646, 11453678, 11440977, 11437303, 11427846, 11385495, 11353322, 11330042, 11323757, 11311097, 11307636. This is a serious safety issue that Ford needs to be held responsible for.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated significantly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact stated that a big white puff of smoke was came from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating, with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the EVAP failure message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the high-pressure fuel pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 88,375.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power with the check engine warning light displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside cylinder #2. The contact was advised that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to drive rough and was hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed a misfire in the cylinder #2 and that the number two spark plug was fractured. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who discovered that coolant was present inside cylinder #2 and informed that the engine short block was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 74,800.
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.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2024
Coolant intrusion into the engine Ford says known issue with 2019 escape but they are not going to do anything about it till they are made to
Engine, Dec 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The RPM then rose to an elevated level. There was an abnormal knocking and rattling sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bearings were worn and recommended that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 61,194.
Engine, Dec 21, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,250.
Engine, Nov 22, 2023
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 22, 2023
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2023
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.
Engine, Oct 20, 2023
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Engine, Oct 19, 2023
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.
Power train, Engine, Oct 9, 2023
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.
Engine, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to shift into reverse (R); however, the transmission failed to shift as desired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle started to shake and then shut off, and inadvertently manually restarted. The check engine warning light and the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. A message displayed on the instrument panel “Please Pull Over”. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had received an oil change and the coolant reservoir was topped off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 86,235.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 30, 2023
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