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
588 reports, newest first.
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.
Engine, May 6, 2022
On March 29, 2022 my 2019 Ford Escape suddenly started shaking with no lights coming on to tell me there was an issue. When taken to the shop and after one week was towed to ford due to not being about to fix this problem. Once it arrived at ford the issue was found to be a leaking coolant which ruined the engine. This is a known ford problem. They will not fix the vehicle and for over a month we have been fighting with ford they have made no progress. This is known to cause engine failure, or verb eating engines, and even engine fires.
Tires, Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Conti Pro Contact, Tire Size: 235/55/R17, DOT Number: A37A73B0219. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side rear tire had a separated tread belt. The dealer informed the contact that her VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V155000 (Tires). The passenger’s side rear tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
At 61,000 miles (1,000 miles outside Ford Factory warranty) my vehicle 2019 Ford Escape has a blown head gasket. The Check engine illuminated with a code of an engine misfire. Upon taking it to a ford dealership it was confirmed to have a blown head gasket.
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 and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2022
2019 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE BLOCK TO CRACK. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE.
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2022
2019 Ford Escape SEL. Left and right front headlamps simultaneously stopped working during nighttime freeway driving. Dangerous safety issue. Dashboard headlamp green symbol continued to display headlamps were functioning properly. There was no warning symbol. Vehicle electrical issue was repaired at dealership at no charge. I am aware of an identical problem occurring on a similar 2019 Ford Escape SEL. My belief is the headlamp failure is not a random issue and is a serious safety defect that has not been addressed by Ford Motor Company.
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2022
2019 Ford Escape SEL. Left and right front headlamps simultaneously stopped working during nighttime driving. Dangerous safety issue. Dashboard headlamp green symbol continued to display headlamps were functioning properly. There was no warning symbol. Vehicle electrical issue was repaired at dealership at no charge. I am aware of an identical problem occurring on a similar 2019 Ford Escape SEL. My belief is the headlamp failure is not a random issue and is a serious safety defect that has not been addressed by Ford Motor Company.
Engine, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the spark plugs and ignition coil to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light turned off but then illuminated again. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the spark plugs and ignition coil to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer; Garber Ford (3380 US-17, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043: (904) 264-2442) where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with Ford service bulletin # 21-2269, however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Consumer contacted Ford Customer Care and was told they could not help or reimburse for any costs. The warranty is only good for 60,000 miles. Ford knows it is a defective engine. Consumer has 83,000 with no recall on the VIN number.
Tires, Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 235/45/19, DOT Number: 436E647LB3818. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front-end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver’s and passenger’s side tires had experienced tread separation. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,600.
Engine, Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who replaced the spark plugs and indicated that coolant was present inside the combustion chamber of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to exhibit failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. An appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. The failure mileage was 75,000.
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.
Tires, Feb 5, 2022
Continental ContiproContact 235/45R19 95H on 2019 Ford Escape Titanium. Tires were factory original with approximately 35,000 miles. Approximately 4/32” tread remaining. DOT A3E6 47LB 0119 Was just turning onto the interstate on-ramp (from MD-543 SB onto I-95 NB) traveling about 15-20 mph and heard a large pop noise and the car begin to pull hard to the right. Pulled onto the shoulder. Upon checking, front passenger tire was completely flat. Replaced with spare and returned home. Further inspection of the tire revealed a 2” rupture in the sidewall. Tire pressures had been checked and verified (tires at cold pressure) approximately three hours prior to event. No TPMS warnings prior to event. Outdoor temperatures were around 35°F. No indication of other abnormal wear or damage.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2022
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf My coolant is leaking into my cylinder. Making my car misfire and have P0301 code. Cylinder and spark plugs have been replaced. But error is still coming and coolant get lower every day. This needs to be recalled as many people are having this issue. Its not our fault and shouldn't have to pay to replace the short block and engine for a car's manufacturing issues. The car doesn't run right and its very pricey to fix.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact drove to the gas station and while refueling, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. After restarting and driving the vehicle back to the residence, the fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle was extremely strong, causing the contact to have a headache. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected and diagnosed the failure as the emission evap valve was not properly separating the fuel inside the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired because the local dealer did not have the parts needed to perform the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Steering, Jan 13, 2022
It was power steering failure while in operation. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic, who cleared the error code, but the problem persists. It is an internal failure in the power steering. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS EING DRIVEN.. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING 5 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY.
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.
Engine, Nov 18, 2021
Bought new March 2019; May 2020, with 32,000 miles, had a coolant leak and had to replace engine; about 6 weeks later needed anew flywheel and about 2 months after that needed some of the oxygen sensors replaced.
Engine, Oct 19, 2021
Our check engine light came on in our 2019 Ford Escape, which has 80,000 miles. It overheated with no warning. We took it to the dealership who informed us the coolant leaked and caused a crack in the engine between the 2nd and 3rd cylinders and said the engine needs to be completely replaced.
Seats, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to remove a safety seat located on the rear driver's side seat, the contact pulled the lever to move the seat but the seat collapsed on the contact's hand. Medical attention was received for the contact's fractured wrist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,900
Engine, Sep 15, 2021
At 44,000 miles Engine began to idle badly on startup and misfire. Engine light came on during drive home after work. Stopped vehicle and had it towed to the nearest Ford Dealer. Dealer Service Technician checked codes and reported P0304 cylinder 4 miss fire. Dealer Technician replaced and replaced all four sparks plugs and used 446676 cleaner to clean throttle body, intake, fuel injectors and valve. Few days later engine light returned, took vehicle back to Ford Dealer. Ford Technician checked and road tested vehicle and stated 446676 cleaner may not have finished cleaning systems and that was the cause of the engine light. A few days later engine began to idle badly on startup and misfire again. Then saw white smoke came from the exhaust on startup. Two weeks earlier just had vehicle service maintenance completed by the Ford Dealer. Invoice #233228 and #782806.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 10, 2021
I was driving along in a Eagle Grove. Iowa when my Escape's collision assist was shut off, then the traction control light started to come on and off. i tried to shut it off with a button but it wouldn't listen. Also my engine acted like it was dying I could only go about 5 miles per hour. I found a parking lot, pulled in and shut the car off hoping the computer would reset. I waited a bit, tried the Escape and everything was fine. I drove off. This Escape was in a car crash in Feb.2021 the brakes failed and my son was driving we hit another SUV. Now I wonder if someone shut off our brakes. I am scared now, I think someone is trying to harm me.
Engine, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that in November of 2020 the engine was replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that after attempting and restarting the vehicle several times, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was under a recall. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that approximately 8 months later the failure recurred while driving approximately 35 mph. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure recurred while driving 55 mph. The vehicle was returned a third time to the dealer however, a repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. Consumer stated case number [XXX] was opened by Ford corporate. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”