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.
Air bags, Apr 22, 2026, crash
I was in an accident that envolved a rock wall and not 1 airbag deployed. Damage was severe enough for at least 2 should have deployed.
Engine, Apr 21, 2026
on March 26, 2026 my engine light turned on and I’m getting in misfire on my car, and all of a sudden I can’t run more 40 mph or my car start shaking. I went to AutoZone to get it checked and the the result is, they are needing to replace the cylinder 3 coil pack or spark plugs. I went to Ford on March 31, 2026 trying to have my spark plug replaced and was told that my engine has coolant intrusion and that the long block needs to be replaced and the head gasket is blown they recommended me to have the engine replaced, and it will cost me more than 8 grand. That they was so unexpected for me because I’m not planning to get a new vehicle and my car is only more than six years old with 78,000 miles on it. I called Ford and asked them if I could get help with the situation and I was told that the certain VIN number of my car was not affected by the recalls that they have for the same model and the same year. If anyone is reading this don’t buy ford at all cost.
Engine, Apr 19, 2026
My vehicle has stop working because the engine has a crack and coolant is leaking into cylinder block. My vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and I was directed by my warranty plan. The dealership inspected vehicle and found the issue... Ford warranty does not want to pay for the repair or recall. I would like to open and investigation Thanks
Power train, Engine, Apr 17, 2026
Cylinder 4 misfire code caused a check engine light. Brought to mechanic who replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder 4 coil pack. The code came back later that day. I started noticing a low coolant level and one instance of white smoke on startup. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine block. This is a well reported and well known issue for this and other similar vehicles and Ford has not addressed this with a recall. It is a design flaw associated with multiple model years. The cost to repair the issue is more than the cost of the vehicle itself. If the problem persists, it could result in a crack in the engine, which could become a major safety hazard depending on the circumstances. Ford should provide coverage for these repairs affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
Power train, Engine, Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on a local roadway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P1299, P0300, P0303; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and DTC: P0303 was confirmed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2026
Engine failure due to overheating and leaking antifreeze but not a viable leak Misfire cylinder 1 and 3 repeatedly White smoke
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start-up after refueling the vehicle. The accelerator pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle would start-up. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate after starting the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated several weeks after the initial failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the canister solenoid was inoperable. The canister solenoid was repair; however, the failure returned immediately after refueling the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and a DTC was retrieved. The failure was related to an inoperable Oxygen sensor which was connected to the purge valve. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer and it was confirmed that the canister purge valve was inoperable. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but never received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Apr 1, 2026
Coolant leak via head gasket failure on cylinder number 3. Trouble light (check engine) reported on the dashboard.
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, Mar 26, 2026
I have a 2019 Escape with only 33k miles. The check engine light came on for P0304cyl 4 misfire and on/off again rough idle. Ford service had technician pulled plug on cylinder four and used a borescope and found coolant leaking into engine. Ford has a known TSB for coolant intrusion on this particular model and vin and manufacturing date. Ford refuses to help me with cost to replace the long block of the engine at a cost of $14000. The blue book is 10k. This appears to be a very common issue and needs a recall immediately. This is completely wrong of Ford to do this to customer fully knowing there is a problem but won't pay to fix it.
Engine, Mar 24, 2026
Ford at Jim Ellis dealership in [XXX] [XXX] look at my car last Thursday and gave me only one code P0304 which means tune up but texted me that my car need $8000 of labor and $6k of a new engine, without an explanation. Prior too the vin they pulled up showed Cust satisfaction 21N12 said yes a recall when the rep saw it. However, even expired 2022 another paragraph states If exceed mileage 84000 and 7 yrs ..that THIS IS NO COST. Yet ford still stating not related to Cust sat...engine fire, exhaust low coolant smoke rides rough which is what my car did last Saturday 3/14/26. To text me 15k pay or not with a conversation as to why but invoiced only one code about a tune up yet told the Tow guy my coolant going into the engine but didn't advise me of that same information is highly unprofessional this is a risk and unsafe I have seen 3 other complaints 2025 2022 same issues and on kbb. The rep said that depends on manuf well it showed [XXX] same manuf as Cust satisfaction. This should be listed as a new recall many more complaints on kbb.....I will notify FTC as I am also a govt worker its unruly unsafe and for Ford to act unworthy with no integrity is an outrage. I called there corp and complained as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 24, 2026
We just bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago, paid sales tax and first car payment. The check engine light came on for P0304cyl 4 misfire, notice white smoke blowing from exhaust and low coolant level. Had technician pull plug four and used a boriscope and found coolant leaking into engine. Ford has a known TSB for coolant intrusion on this particular model and vin and manufacturing date. Ford refuses to help me with cost to replace the long block of the engine at a cost of $7000, out of my pocket. I have not even put a thousand miles on this car. This is completely wrong of Ford to do this to customer fully knowing there is a problem but won't pay to fix it.
Engine, Mar 22, 2026
In June 2025 vehicle had no coolant in tank, refilled and monitored, July 2025 check engine light appeared and code for cylinder 3 misfire, Aug 2025 vehicle went to local certified automotive repair company who began running diagnostics, replaced spark plug and coil #3. After replacement was asked to drive, less than 10 miles check engine came back on with same code. Mechanic kept working on vehicle until December/January 2026 when it was determined and confirmed that there is a coolant leak, running a check engine with malfunction of cylinder 3 inevitably leading to full engine failure. Was quoted February 2026 by another local certified automotive repair company over $8,000 for the removal and install of a new engine.
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.
Power train, Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be replaced, and that additional transmission parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,823.
Seat belts, Mar 15, 2026
Rear right passenger seatbelt came apart at the webbing. When my granddaughter tried to buckle her seatbelt it came apart in her hands. This has been confirmed by the dealer, it appears to have been severed but there has been no accidents.
Seat belts, Mar 12, 2026
Right side rear passenger seat belt malfunction as it won't retract and when pulling it around your body there is no resistance as it just hangs loose.
Power train, Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 79,545.
Engine, Mar 7, 2026
I am experience coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 causing the check engine light to come on, when.checked on obd2 system shows a misfire on cylinder 3, multiple checks by service centers all diagnose the coolant intrusion defect on the 2.0 ecoboost engine requiring a long block replacement
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,500.
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 19, 2026
On 2/12/2026 I was driving in Gordon County, GA. I was going about 25 MPH when I hit a pothole on the right hand side of the road. It resulted in a split wheel/rim on the right front side of my vehicle. It also damaged the wheel/rim on the right hand back side, as well as breaking the shock absorber on the right back side.
Power train, Feb 12, 2026
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly lunged forward while shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
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?
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2026
Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in Kenai Burrow, Alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford escape was prone to having issues with the power steering unit. The vehicle is in the shop at this time. The warning lamp came on stating that there was a problem with the power steering unit that however, happened while we were driving down the highway. This was a life-threatening incident that it could’ve caused my wife and I and any oncoming traffic to parish in a car accident. The roads were snow covered and icy
Engine, Jan 25, 2026
Waterpump pulley/ waterpump, yes it's available for inspection. I lost power and a message came up on the screen to shut off the vehicle there was a engine failure , overheating. No, I have not had it confirmed by a dealer yet. No it has not been inspected by any person. I started hearing a noise about a month ago and I was going to make an appointment the same week it happened to break down on me. I have a disabled daughter and I'm thankful I just took her home because of the extreme cold weather. I was outside for over an hour waiting to get suv towed.