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: fuel/propulsion system
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2026
Ford only showed one code P0403 tuneup with a written statement I asked for wanting 15k for a new engine and verbal;y stating I need a whole new engine. The 2019 Ford escape began to smoke heavily while driving. I put over had the car towed to Ford dealer in sandy springs. As Ford is stating that this car needs a new engine the old recall existed from years ago has expired on the VIN number 2022. Just because I made a purchase from 2024 doesn't mean the the issues have been resolved and you should be aware and know about the mechanical issues and list them remained as a recall. The 2020 model also shows major concerns in fact from 2012 to 2020 models Ford escape complaints are listed on your website repetitive recall mechanical issues unfixed or part not available should be all listed as a recalls safety of drivers. Some referred to as problematics when driving but other diagnostics showed engine transmission, now showing on Ford website is Block heater element replacement, Powertrain control module reprograming and Transmission shifter cable bushing
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.
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)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2026
My vehicle I’ve had for 3 months and now it won’t start and it’s from a coolant leak flooding my engine. As they called it a coolant intrusion into my engine and will cost 12k to get this fixed as I need a whole new engine.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2026
I own a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle began experiencing engine misfires and a powertrain malfunction warning. Diagnostic code P0302 appeared for cylinder 2 misfire. The coolant reservoir level began dropping without any visible external leaks. A mechanic performed a pressure test and confirmed there were no external coolant leaks, indicating coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder. This is a known defect affecting 2017 - 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost engines. The issue can cause engine misfires, reduced power, and potential engine failure while driving. This problem poses a safety concern because engine power can be reduced unexpectedly while driving.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2026
my 2019 ford escape engine has recently taken a big decline due to coolant leaking into the cylinders of the car. i was told this is a common occurrence with 2019 Escapes, so why has it not been situated? it is unsafe and over all inconvenient for the ones who are with out a car now. my car decided in the middle of traveling that it was no longer going to move no matter how hard the gas was pushed, unsafe. the engine is now loud, shaky, and over heats, while idling and driving. i have had this car for a year and a half and every time the check engine light came on and i took it to be diagnosed i was met with another issue that i paid to fix, and still no place fixed the engine. it was not until the car is no longer drivable that i finally got an answer on what has happened to my engine. this car was regularly maintained. my vehicle was inspected by a Ford specialist who said this problem caused my car to now be valued at $500. if this is a known problem with this car why are they still being sold on the market?
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2025
Car has been experiencing the misfire in cylinder four. This is a known cause in the 1.5 L escapes. This is a 2.0 but it has the same issues not fair that they fixed 1.5 L and not the 2.0 causes a misfire due to coolant leaking into the cylinder burning coolant and then causing the motor to overheat. When that happens, you can be going on the highway and have an abrupt warning that causes the vehicle to drop to 20 mph without notice causing extreme safety concerns for just not the driver but anyone around especially on highways.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2025
Can inside motor caused damage to high pressure fuel pump on top of the motor. This caused metal to get into my motor and now requires a motor replacment
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2025
I drove this car off the lot with only 16k miles...by 28k miles...it required a new engine due to the known defect of coolant being leaked into the engine from the ceramic cylinders. 2 months later the car needed an alternator. I've been back and forth to the dealership and the costs are mounting. Just recently they wanted $1,500 for another repair. The car is unreliable and I still have over $16k left to pay on it. There are countless of other consumers online complaining about the same issues I am experiencing as well as a Class Action Law Suit against Ford in California for these ecoboost engines that I don't qualify for because I'm in Illinois. I just really need help with this matter because it's not getting better.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 3, 2025
Vehicle is my wife’s car. Vehicle lost acceleration during rapid acceleration attempts (freeway on-ramps, etc.). Threw engine light with P0087 code (Low fuel rail pressure). Brought to local dealer to diagnose and was told the diverter valve failed, which caused the water pump to leak and then caused transmission to overheat. The total quote for repairs was over $8,900. None of this made sense. Did a static pressure test for over 45 minutes on coolant system and never lost pressure. That told me the water pump wasn’t leaking. Decided to replace high pressure fuel pump and upon replacing found that the spring on the pump had wore down and punched a hole in the tappet that goes to the camshaft. Replaced high pressure pump, tappet, and fuel manifold from the pump. Pump ($245), fuel manifold ($20), tappet ($10). When purchasing the tappet from the local ford dealer parts store, the employee stated that “they have people come in all the time for these tappets”. After replacing the components, the car runs fine with no issues. I returned to dealer with components and they failed to acknowledge the mid diagnoses of the vehicle and asked that I bring it back in to verify the problem was fixed before refunding the diagnostic fee ($195). Initially I agreed, but after careful consideration I decided not to due to concerns from the initial diagnoses. See attached pictures. Pictures are of new components and old components.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2024, crash
A car cut me off and I rear ended them going under 20 miles per hour. And my air bags went off and they exploded and I recieved chemical burns
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..
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2022
In February 2020 after only having the car about an year and half (I bought it brand new from a ford dealership) my vehicle occurred a EVAP leak. This was confirmed by a ford Dealership but Ford own warranty does not cover emissions issues.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2022
My vehicle is 2 yrs old and began having purge valve issues. Upon trying to fix the problem, I found that the part is on back order with no parts available anywhere in my region. Also while trying to locate the purge valve, part number: Gv6z9d289e, I found that several other people were also trying to locate the part indicating this is an issue in several vehicles. The vehicle vapor locks upon fueling possibly resulting in future engine damage.