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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
Liftgate fails to open and/or close completely. Rarely, Randomly it works. Safety issue should there be a child or animal back there. No manual lift opening options!
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2024
The COWL on my 2019 Ford Escape needs to be replaced all of a sudden, I researched and found an investigation by NHTSA was being done on 2019 Ford Explorers. I would like to complain about this issue and get back the results of the Explorer investigation I have the repair invoice but was unable to upload on this complaint
Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2023
I purchased my car 2019 FORD ESCAPE in September 2023, last week it cut off. It will not crank. I changed the key forb batteries, then the engine stated "ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW". The car did start but after running about 40 mins, I noticed the heat was not working, only cold air coming out. All of a sudden, the ENGINE ran HOT. I pulled over cut it off. Looked under hood, coolant reservoir was empty. Finally got coolant in the car. After driving another week, added more coolant. I am now on my 4th container of antifreeze in a little over 2 weeks. no visible leak on the ground under the hood. This morning , my car would not start again. And a smell was inside the car like exhaust fumes, a sweet smell, plastic burning smell. the smell was inside however when I got out of the car you ccould smell the smell away also like 10 feet. I checked my oil and the stick was covered with black thick oil; however when i checked the dipstick MY CAR WAS EMPTY OF OIL.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2022
While driving at 70 mph on the expressway, the car began jerking forward and having trouble increasing/decreasing speed. It was like the car was skipping. I immediately exited the expressway because my 3 year old daughter was in the car. I drove it to the nearest Ford dealership that I could get the vehicle to safely. I bought the vehicle two weeks ago at Brighton Ford (240 W Grand River Rd, Brighton, MI 48114) on Saturday, July 23, 2022. I have only had the car about two weeks. When I bought the car they sold it to me with a nail in the tire AND an open recall. (The tire has already been replaced) This is absolutely unacceptable. They were in such a rush to make a deal, that nothing was discussed with me that day outside of the transaction including mentioning that there is an open recall (Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable: 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!!). The recall affects MILLIONS of vehicles, so there's no way they weren't aware the vehicle they sold me fell into this category of unsafe. I suspect who ever turned it in, did so, specifically because of the recall. Then the dealership turned around and sold it without fixing it, putting my daughter and I in danger. I am now without a vehicle until they can get it fixed. This does not need to happen to anyone else, and we are grateful we did not get into a fatal accident.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2022
I was driving my car and then all of a sudden it's starts to jerk and make this clanking sound and stops in the middle of traffic...a indicator check engine light pops in and the service transmission soon..thank God there was no accident due to quick thinking. I try to restart the car and take to the dealer where I bought it and was told they could do nothing and they were backed for 3 months and they just cleared out the message. I start driving it again because I don't have a car and I have to get back and forth to work. Maybe 2 days later it's does the same thing and the car shut down and wouldn't change any gears. I had to get towed which cost money out of my pocket. The car would not move. I only had this car 2 months and I feel as if this was known before the car was sold. Know I have no car and being expected of paying a car note. I contacted Ford and they have nothing to say about it. This is unjust and creeping it's way into a civil lawsuit due to the many complaints. I just want my car fixed as it should because who pays for a car they can't drive.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2022, crash
parked the car it jumped into reverse dragged owner down hit 2 parked cars owner was pinned between cars he suffered broken right hip,pelvis,and 7 bones in his foot spent 2 wks in hospital and 2 weeks in rehab center
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
My car was in P, turned off, and my son and I exited the vehicle after returning home. I watered some plants and opened the door to get my phone and purse out of the car. The car car engaged, knocked me down, and rolled over me, badly injuring my leg.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2021
I was stopped and when I stepped on the gas pedal to make my turn my car's engine accelerated at full force, stepping on the brake It wouldn't stop the car. I put the car in neutral and was able to pull over break and put it in park. It was as if the car was possessed and took me for a wild ride. I called the dealership they checked it out no dash lights came on no nothing so they were unable to detect any problem. I had my car for almost 3 years I'm an experienced driver and nothing ever happened to me like this before. The dealership tried to tell me my mat must have been stuck under my gas pedal which I know is not true due to I look down at my gas pedal while trying to break and if it was stuck under my gas pedal like they're saying my car wouldn't accelerate I would have trouble pushing the gas and making it go so nothing makes sense.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2021
Twice in a 90 day period, the plastic shielding plates on the underside of the car, skid plates, have come loose, and started dragging on the road. I was able to do a temporary repair with duct tape and bungee cords until I could get to the local Ford dealer for repair. The Ford dealer's Service Dept. stated the plastic pins that hold the plates become worn, and fail. They said even in the oil changing process, they frequently have to replace the pins. This problem should be fairly easy to remedy by inserting metal female screw threaded receptacles into the areas the plastic pins fit into, and metal male threaded bolts to screw into them.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2021
The inside door panel clips have broken and now the door is unopenable
Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE RAMP FROM THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WENT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGED PROPERLY AS ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT TRIED TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT WHERE A MEDIAN WAS PRESENT WENT OVER THE MEDIAN HOWEVER AN ONCOMING VEHICLE WAS COMING AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACTS WIFE HAD SUSTAINED A BROKEN REST ON HER LEFT ARM, CHEST, AND RIMS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED AND HAD TAKEN THE CONTACT WIFE TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THE CONTACT WIFE STAY UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE SHE WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANY TO A COLLISION LOT WHERE THE ADJUSTER DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. STAMFORD FORD 212 MAGEE AVE, STAMFORD, CT 06902 (203) 357-0357 WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RECALL WAS UNDER THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,300.*DT
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2020
THE REAR HATCH DOES NOT FULLY LATCH WHEN USING THE REMOTE OR THE BUTTON ON THE HATCH
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 1, 2020
SINCE BUYING MY ESCAPE BRAND NEW WITH 1 MILE ON IT, IT HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH ISSUES, ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CAN BE GOING 30 MPH OR 70 MPH, WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 BAD SMELL FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER SEEPS IN THROUGH VENTS. PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WALL BLEW WHILE TURNING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. LICENSE PLATE LIGHT OUT AND UNABLE TO REMOVE TO CHANGE. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD CAR SEVERAL TIMES CLAIMING NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. RADIO KEEPS SAYING "UPDATE" DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT'S MY PHONE (MY PHONE HAS NO UPDATES DUE) BRAKES MAKE TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN REVERSE BREAKING. A LITTLE OVER 11,000 MILES AND TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING BUT DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG, ALSO CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START HALF THE TIME. USB FOR PHONE CORD IN FRONT DOES NOT WANT TO STAY CONNECTED, AND BACK PORT FOR CAR CHARGER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED MY DAUGHTER BURNS ON HER HAND. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT AND IT STRANDED HER ON SIDE OF ROAD AND WOULDN'T START, HAD TO SHUT OFF ,TAKE OUT KEY AND LET SIT TO RESTART BUT DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG. OVERALL THE DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE 2019 ESCAPE IS HIGH. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE FURTHER TO INVESTIGATE THESE CLAIMS OF ENGINE SHUTTING OFF AND OTHER ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2020, fire
2019 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2020
NO CRANK TO START VEHICLE
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2019
WHILE TURNING RIGHT SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY TOWARD A PARKING PLACE, WITH MY FOOT OFF OF THE THROTTLE AND COASTING, THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKES AND BARELY AVOIDED A CRASH INTO THE OTHER CAR AT THE CURB. VERY UNSETTLING!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 24, 2019
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED THAT ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING, GAUGES, AND DISPLAY SCREENS WENT OUT. THE GAUGE NEEDLES RETURNED TO THEIR 'HOME' POSITIONS. THERE WAS AN ERROR MESSAGE ON THE MAIN TOUCH SCREEN THAT SAID: NETWORK COMMUNICATION FAILURE. WORRIED, I TOOK THE NEXT AVAILABLE EXIT AND FOUND A PARKING LOT TO INVESTIGATE. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, FIGURING THAT IF I COMPLETELY SHUT THE CAR DOWN THE SYSTEM WOULD SOMEHOW CORRECT ITSELF AFTER A 'REBOOT' OF THE THE PCM AND BCM. I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT I WAS IN TROUBLE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 'SMART KEYLESS START SYSTEM' BUT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I WOULD TRY PUSHING THE BUTTON. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR OPERATED PROPERLY AFTER THE SYMPTOMS COMMENCED I FIND IT DOUBTFUL THAT ALL OF THE CAR'S SAFETY FEATURES WOULD HAVE OPERATED AS DESIGNED, IF NEEDED. IF I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO IN ACCIDENT AT THE TIME THE CAR WAS EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS WOULD THE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WORK PROPERLY AND DEPLOY THE APPLICABLE AIR BAGS??? WOULD THE 'AUTO FUEL PUMP SHUTDOWN' DO ITS JOB IF NEEDED??? ALSO, WHAT IF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AT THIS TIME AND I COULD NOT SHUT OFF THE CAR??? NOT SAFE!!!