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: other or unspecified
42 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2026
The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent
Power train, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2026
Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2026
The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2026
For a few days before the transmission went out, it was kinda spitting and shuddering, then the 4th day the transmission would not shift into gear and go. It would rev the engine all the way up and bark the tires even with my foot not on the gas or brake. It started jerking and just would not go. It would not accelerate at all.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2026
The backup camera in my vehicle has failed repeatedly since I first purchased my vehicle in February 2020. I have had 2 very near miss car accidents because the backup camera went blank while driving and following directions. The backup camera also retains the backup image on the camera after shifting gears from reverse to drive. This defect has been well documented with Murphy Ford dealership in Chester, PA where I purchased the vehicle and also Chapman Ford dealership where I have had the vehicle serviced multiple times. Both dealerships told me the problem was a software problem that was not covered under warranty and the fix was over $600. One of the times I went to Murphy Ford, they said they could not replicate the problem, so the time I was almost in an accident, I took the vehicle directly to their dealership when the screen was blank and had pictures taken and insisted the service mechanic witnessed the blank screen. Again, they refused to fix the problem, stating it was not covered. There is now an active recall for Ford Escape vehicles for 2020 and newer vehicles for the same exact problems. I called Ford Customer Care and they refused to fix my vehicle or include 2019 vehicles in the recall. Their only suggestions was for me to retain any receipts for having the repair completed in case Ford issued a recall at a later date for 2019 models, then I could be reimbursed. I simply do not have the money to have this fixed at this time, as my husband is out of work and on disability and he has very high medical expenses.
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.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 24, 2026
1. The sensor on the backup camera doesn't often detect someone behind the vehicle. This has occured for the last couple of years. 2. The hatch has also started to short out, popping open when the car is off, refusing to unlock etc. I heard my hatch make the latch sound and then got down the road a bit and it was open about a foot. I could have hurt someone. I can't get into my trunk about 50%og the time now. I have to do a series of locking and unlocking before I press the hatch button. I'm concerned it's not truly latching and then unlatching when I turn off my vehicle. There is the potential that items could fall out of the back causing injury to others. It is very concerning and I know this has been reported in other models of the Ford Escape. I've been dealing with this for about a month now. It should be covered by a recall.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
My backup camera stops working sporadically. I saw a report that certain Ford vehicles were recalled but my vehicle is not included.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2025
Backup camera will stay on for a short time after switching from R to D. It will switch while driving down the road. Also the lighting continues to switch light to dark while driving during the day.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2025
Transmission issue, transmission failure
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2025
What component has failed and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine is failing due to coolant intrusion. This is a known issue that can lead to engine fires and failure whilst driving. This problem is reproduce able. The dealership has inspected the issue however it is intermittent and did not occur while they checked. CEL does come on for the issue and first appeared in early 2025.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
Engine has failed and in need of full replacement at 123k miles. Vehicle was manf’d in 2019. While driving the vehicle, it can experience a complete loss of power and extremely poor acceleration resulting in a major safety issue on higher speed roads, causing the driver to be unable to avoid potential safety risks that may present. The dealer and manufacturer are both aware of the defect, but failed to issue a recall. The issue is a known design flaw with the engine, which allows coolant intrusion into the 2bd cylinder.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 22, 2025
Coolant leaked into motor and my car overheated and my motor cracked. Looks like this is an ongoing issue with EcoBoost engines and Ford has yet to do anything about it.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2025, fire
My truck burst into flames in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. Started under the hood. We have cameras and luckily it woke me up bc it almost caught my house on fire.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 12, 2025
Coolant leakage into cylinders and a broken timing belt upon attempting to start and drive the vehicle 10 feet, resulting in the entire engine being considered broken, needing replacement.
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2025
I purchased the vehicle from the dealership when it had just 5 miles on it. Soon after, I started hearing a popping noise every time the car shifted, as well as when making turns. After taking it back to the dealership, they discovered that there were missing spot welds in the center frame on the passenger side, specifically in the area between the front door and the back door.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
The 2019 Ford Escape (purchased new in December 2018) was taken to the Nick Mayer Ford (Mayfield Heights, Ohio where it was purchased) service department in August/September 2024 for a computer diagnostic analysis for a previous warranty recall/repair problems regarding short block replacement for coolant intrusion that was not performed/corrected several years prior in 2021 when only the turbocharger was replaced. The problem was excessive smoke being emitted at engine start back in 2021 when the only turbocharger was replaced and the problem reappeared in August 2024. Nick Mayer Ford had the vehicle for two weeks in August/September 2024 and provided neither a computer diagnostic analysis report nor repair of the previous recall/repair issues (2021) including no explanation/resolution of the problem. Currently, due to the previous undiagnosed/unresolved problems, the engine failed at 70,000 miles in December 2024 and the long engine block has to be replaced. The engine warning lamp was on at the time of engine failure. We are still paying on a car loan for the vehicle. References: 1. Ford Help Desk Assistance Claim Case# [XXX] on 12/5/2024 filed with Tanya E. for short block replacement for coolant intrusion. 2. Ohio Attorney General Matter Number [XXX] on 12/6/2024 filed with Ross. 3. Ohio Attorney General Consumer Complaint# [XXX] filed online on 1/3/2025.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2024
I haven't had an issue YET but my mother has the same exact vehicle and Ford's well known issue with the coolant leaking and destroying the engine has happened to her. She is now out $8500 for an issue that they KNOW about and should be recalling and fixing. I am submitting a complaint because I am sure I am next.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2024
Transmission failed at 59000 miles had it replaced and it’s failing again a year later
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 9, 2024
Coolant is going into the engine. Ford will not replace since it is a known issue and not a recall. I've had to replace cylinder 3 and spark plug since car started jolting down the road and wouldn't go past 30 mph. Constantly adding coolant. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety is a big issue since I have 2 kids that are with me in that vehicle. If the engine fails while I'm driving it puts everyone on the road at risk. Local Ford dealership confirmed with me this issue was coolant intrusion. This issue has been ongoing since June 2024 until present Nov 2024. Messages for engine failure have popped up. Overheating has came about. Misfiring popped up.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2024
Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion Ford put these vehicles out knowing this was an issue.
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)
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2024
I owned this Ford Escape it only had 58,000 miles on it. I bought it at Delacy Ford all work during ownership was done there. My vehicle suffered a coolant leak into the motor which required replacement for $7000.00. The defect of the 1.5 motor is common and Ford refuses to acknowledge it. Luckily when it happens to me I was not on the freeway or I would have been stranded. Currently there is a court case against Ford because others had safety issues as a result. The case is Miller vs Ford case# 2:20CV01796DADCKD. I feel Ford need to take responsibility for this unsafe 1.5 motor that is defective