2019 Ford Escape

What owners report most often

1. Engine309
2. Power train125
3. Engine and engine cooling94
4. Other or unspecified42
5. Electrical system37
6. Steering16
7. Fuel/propulsion system15
8. Exterior lighting13

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

1. Engine, Jul 1, 2026

   Took my car into the dealership with a check engine light at 50k miles. The dealership told me that because it’s a poorly designed engine in the car I would need a full engine block replacement and quoted me $12k. The root cause of this problem is the known coolant intrusion issue referenced in Ford’s customer satisfaction program 21N12. I called ford customer service and the agent told me “bad luck, ford is offering no assistance to you.” To answer the questions specifically: The engine failed. It can’t be safe to drive a car anywhere that has an engine which can fail so suddenly. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The manufacturer has confirmed the problem. The only warning was a check engine light about 50 miles before the engine failed.

2. Engine, Jun 26, 2026

   Coolant intrusion complete engine failure

3. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2026

   The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the right side of the road, exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and became aware that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was low. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the fuel system and into one of the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

4. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 24, 2026

   The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who determined that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the coolant leak into the cylinders and advised the contact that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission 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 122,000.

5. Engine, Jun 24, 2026

   My car was overheating, come to find out there is a known problem with ford escapes where the coolant leaks into the cylinder. But because I’m 14,000 miles over my warranty ford will not fix it. I would’ve never bought this car had I known this issue was a possibility.

6. Engine, Jun 24, 2026

   Engine failure. Smoke coming from tailpipe. 90,000 miles on car

7. Engine, Jun 23, 2026

   My check engine came on my vehicle and had it checked out and I was informed that coolant is getting into the third cylinder and I was informed this is an ongoing issue with these escapes and Ford is aware of the flaw but never did a recall for it. This is a very costly expense and so crazy Ford has never done anything to repair or help customers with the costly expense but they will give their employees bonus checks is so crazy while us people are out here trying to figure out a $6-8 thousand dollar expense.

8. Power train, Engine, Jun 17, 2026

   Within the first year of purchase, I was going to the Toronto Airport on the 401 and the vehicles' engine power quickly reduced to about 5mi/hr. I had to pull off the freeway in fear of being rear ended. I slowly made it to a gas station, the vehicle running at reduced power for about 15min. I turned the vehicle off and waited for About 30min. The car started up with full power when increasing the pressure on the gas peddle I took it to the dealer when I returned home. They found nothing. This happened again 3yrs later with the same outcome from a repair shop. I am told to use mid grade gas...although I fear another shutdown that could cause me to be part of an accident that could be detrimental to my health due to the quick loss of power and being rear ended. What is happening? How can you help?

9. Engine, Jun 15, 2026

   I received a check engine light, code P0303, misfire Cylinder 3. There is evidence my engine was overheating as the spark plug associated with cylinder 3 was melted and unable to be removed. I took my vehicle to Ford to diagnose the issue and was advised there was coolant intrusion into my engine. Upon researching the issue there is a trove of information relating to my vehicle and other Ford vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. My Vehicle is a 2019 Ford Escape Vin [XXX]. My vehicle fits all the specifications of Ford Customer Satisfaction program 21N12, which acknowledges coolant leaking into the engine and what symptoms a vehicle exbits when coolant leaked is present. From my understanding there is a risk of engine fire related to this issue. I can no longer safely drive the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10. Engine, Jun 15, 2026

    Engine failure Smoking engine Engine almost caught fire

11. Power train, Engine, Jun 12, 2026

    This updates a prior complaint (NHTSA tracking XXX). The 2019 Escape 1.5L EcoBoost has the known coolant-intrusion engine defect (white exhaust smoke, overheating, misfires; codes P0300/P0301-P0304). Ford replaced the engine short block under program 21N12 on 3/6/2024 at 62,201 miles. The defect has recurred and the engine has now completely failed a second time. The dealer (Tuttle-Click Ford) confirmed excessive exhaust smoke and a loud rod knock; the vehicle is undrivable and likely needs another engine. While driving on the highway the engine began shutting down. The vehicle was shaking and making loud knocking noises, and we had to exit immediately at the next off-ramp; my children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) were in the car. The vehicle is unsafe. Ford denied repurchase twice (cases XXX and XXX). I am reporting this safety defect for the record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12. Engine, Jun 10, 2026

    Driving on highway when we approached a traffic jam. Car started mis-firing (jerking) especially at low speed. Got off roadway as soon as it was safe to do so. Went to O'Reilly Auto Parts to get a diagnosis. Stated issue with coil in 2 so replaced and still having issue. Replaced 2 spark plug but did not fix the problem. Following day replaced all coils and spark plugs and still did not fix the problem. Brought it to the nearest Ford Dealer and was told there was coolant intrusion to the engine and it would have to be replaced. Two days later after engine arrived discovered transmission fluid leak into the main engine harness, another $1,600. Total cost is going to be $12,755.00. Car only has 50,000 miles on it and always did maintenance on time.

13. 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.

14. Engine, Jun 6, 2026

    My 2019 Ford Escape overheated, had the vehicle towed. The repair shop said it was coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, first was to replace the head gasket, upon disassembly the mechanic notice gouges in cylinder head. Endurance would not cover the replacement of head gasket or cylinder head. car displayed overheated pull over safely. Not sure if this will be a reoccurring problem.the mechanic said I have the updated design of the engine block . took a month to get the repairs done

15. Power train, Engine, Jun 2, 2026

    Engine Overheat, white smoke from exhaust, and coolant leaking. Empty coolant reservoir.

16. Engine, Jun 1, 2026

    My car currently has 66300 miles. And already requiring engine block repair that costs almost 8800 by Ford Tasca. July last year, Tasca Ford repaired spark plug issues and it didn’t even last a year. For that mileage, a car should not need dealing with an engine issue like this. There’s obviously a problem with the car to begin with. Its causing strain in my life financially and in general, knowing car is a necessity. I called Ford customer service and told me they couldn’t give me assistance with this.

17. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2026

    2019 Ford Escape with a documented history of powertrain failures. White smoke on cold start and engine stalling began around 48,000 miles; the dealer noted this engine is known for coolant intrusion. At about 62,000 miles the engine short block was replaced under Ford Field Service Action 21N12 / TSB 22-2322. Smoke, shaking, and stalling continued, and the engine intermittently cuts out when shifting into reverse and must be restarted. At about 87,000 miles the transmission failed and the full transmission assembly was replaced (work order Jan 2026, vehicle returned end of March 2026). The owner repeatedly told the Ford dealer the vehicle felt unsafe. On [XXX] the owner reported renewed exhaust smoke, an illuminated engine light, and a clicking sound at startup and asked to bring it in; instead of inspecting it, the dealer advised taking the vehicle straight to CarMax. About 9 days later, on [XXX], while driving in Los Angeles about 60 miles from home with young children aboard, the transmission would not stay in gear and the engine warning lights began blinking. The owner called the Ford dealership for guidance but no one could advise and the service desk would not answer. After consulting a mechanic, the family agreed it was unsafe to keep driving given the noises and pulled over in Anaheim, about 30 miles from home, at a mechanic shop to read the codes. A paid tow (~$600) was required. Loss of gear engagement and stalling in traffic with children aboard is a serious crash and stranding hazard. The scan returned codes P0012 and P0014 (camshaft timing, stored as permanent), P0300 (random/multiple misfire), and P0301, P0302, P0304 (cylinder misfires); the dash showed "Auto Start/Stop not ready - Stall Alert - Restart Engine." The defect has been reproduced and confirmed repeatedly by the Ford dealer, which performed the engine and transmission replacements. A repurchase request was denied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

18. Engine, May 29, 2026

    Coolant intrusion on the cylinders due to a manufacturing issue with the Ford Ecoboost 1.5L engine manufactured between 2017-2019. This issue warrants a total engine replacement and the vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership. This can cause total engine failure while driving or even vehicle fires. This issue was acknowledged by Ford in TSB 19-2139 which was published in November of 2019. The symptoms we experienced were hard shuddering, white smoke from exhaust, check engine light, a "service engine now" message on the dashboard.

19. Engine, May 27, 2026

    Ford dealership in Ferndale,MI told me I needed a new engine February 2025 which was covered under warranty. they told me they had to replace my engine. I serviced car at same dealership for numerous oils changes engine light was in but they told me that it was codes for something else that they reported on my papers. My Vehicle started running hard in January 2026 asked them about why it was running hard when driving was not able to get any answers according to them they were unsure of the reason then February 2026 my engine went out while driving again and they told me I needed another new engine recent search says there is a class action suit with Capstone Law APC, along with co-counsel, is litigating a consolidated class action lawsuit The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Ford Motor Company: failed to disclose that these vehicles have a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and failed to disclose these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the leaks causes overheating and can result in the cylinder head cracking, total engine failure, and/or engine fires. My engine is completely out and now they are telling me that I have to pay out of pocket for a new engine when this was a safety issue while driving on the road with a engine that was said to have been replaced

20. Engine, May 23, 2026

    Coolant leaking into go engine. Causing erosion. Only 40,000 miles and been without car for 3 months now. Upon research this is a known issue. Confused why it wasn’t recalled with the number of people who appear to have been impacted.

21. Engine, May 21, 2026

    2019 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost, VIN [XXX] , built July 2019, 59,300 miles. Experiencing coolant intrusion into cylinder bores — identical defect addressed by Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 and TSBs 22-2134 and 22-2322. Symptoms: white exhaust smoke at startup, low coolant level with no external leak, no check engine light. Two independent mechanics (Tune Craft Auto Center and Thomas Bros Auto Care, San Diego CA) independently diagnosed coolant intrusion into cylinders and recommend long block replacement per CSP 21N12 procedure. Vehicle build date of July 2019 falls three months after Ford's CSP 21N12 cutoff of April 8, 2019. Ford redesigned this engine block in late 2019 due to the same defect, confirming the defective architecture was still in production through at least July 2019. Ford has denied goodwill coverage citing the build date cutoff. This is the same known manufacturing defect Ford has accepted responsibility for in thousands of other vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

22. Engine, May 20, 2026

    My 1.5L EcoBoost engine in my 2019 Ford Escape exhibits a low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, and runs rough condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator light with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0302 and P0316. Ford admits to having this issue as described in a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 but is not agreeing to service my vehicle as they state it does not have this issue despite exhibiting all of this symptoms listed in the Satisfaction Program.

23. Engine, May 20, 2026

    Misfire in 4th cylinder. Replaced spark plugs and emission coils. Recurrent misfire. Diagnostics demonstrated coolant intrusion. Only option for repair is to replace entire engine block and this did not make sense for 7 year old ford escape with 65K miles.

24. Engine, May 15, 2026

    The engine needs to be replaced due to engine leaking coolant into the cylinder. This falls under Fords TSB 22-2229. This is a known issue and manufacturing defect. While driving the check engine light started flashing and the car started overheating.

25. Engine, May 12, 2026

    The vehicle experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders related to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The issue has been diagnosed as an internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. Symptoms included coolant loss, engine misfires, rough operation, white exhaust smoke, check engine warnings, and intermittent no-start conditions. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experienced rough engine operation, loss of power, shaking, intermittent starting issues, and engine fault warnings while being driven on public roads. The engine misfires and loss of performance created concern about the vehicle potentially stalling unexpectedly in traffic or during highway driving, which could have increased the risk of an accident. The coolant intrusion also created concerns about sudden engine failure while the vehicle was in operation. Yes. The problem was initially diagnosed by a trusted independent mechanic and later confirmed by a Ford dealership. Both identified coolant intrusion consistent with the known issues associated with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine and Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent mechanic and a Ford dealership service department. Ford corporate customer service has also been contacted regarding the issue and an active case has been denied coverage. Yes. Prior to the confirmed failure, the vehicle experienced rough idle, shaking when placed into drive, engine misfires, coolant loss, and intermittent starting issues. The check engine light and “Engine Fault – Service Now” warning message also appeared. Symptoms first became noticeable shortly before diagnosis and progressively worsened over time.