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2019 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

227 reports with mileage · 358 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 307 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 125 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports3 fire reports20 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

37 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2023
Electrical System

While driving in traffic, the car suddenly lost power. Could not shift into neutral or park... Raised hood, put on hazard lights. Called AAA. About 20 minutes later, the car did start and was able to drive it to mechanic... The engine sputtered, the dashboard lights flashed on and off. Had it towed to Ford Dealership. Two weeks…

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While driving in traffic, the car suddenly lost power. Could not shift into neutral or park... Raised hood, put on hazard lights. Called AAA. About 20 minutes later, the car did start and was able to drive it to mechanic... The engine sputtered, the dashboard lights flashed on and off. Had it towed to Ford Dealership. Two weeks later, they could not diagnose or fix the problem. PS, the recall had been addressed when I had to replace the transmission when it suddenly quit in traffic.

NHTSA ODI #11533819

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2023
Electrical System

I have 11376 miles on my 3019 Ford escape and the alternator asy had to be replaced

NHTSA ODI #11527181

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Electrical System

1. The transmission "zooms" and revs higher as I'm breaking. I'm afraid that the gear will slip and I won't be able to stop - especially if it's icy on the road. 2. When the car is turned off completely, there's a mechanical sound that persists for 10min. It's not the water/cooling pump or the engine cooling down. It sounds li…

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1. The transmission "zooms" and revs higher as I'm breaking. I'm afraid that the gear will slip and I won't be able to stop - especially if it's icy on the road. 2. When the car is turned off completely, there's a mechanical sound that persists for 10min. It's not the water/cooling pump or the engine cooling down. It sounds like an ATM machine that's trying to dispense cash, but can't. I suspect this is draining the battery. 3. On my way to work yesterday, the key (and the spare key) were not recognized and I couldn't start the car. Lights came on, so I didn't think it was the battery. This morning, battery is dead. I really think it's a result of whatever is causing the sounds mentioned in #2 above. While #1 is a safety issue to myself and other motorists, the issues reported in #2 and #3 are personal safety concerns. I am a woman who commutes from gig to gig, traveling through sketchy neighborhoods, and parking in dimly lit public parking garages. If I cannot start the car or it goes dead, I could get mugged or physically hurt.

NHTSA ODI #11510573

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

Vehicle has 32K miles on it and both low beam headlight bulbs failed at the exact same time. My daughter had just left her house and as soon as she got away from street lights she realized this. The odd part is that the in-dash indicators showed everything working normally with NO FAULTS, so we assumed it was an electrical issue…

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Vehicle has 32K miles on it and both low beam headlight bulbs failed at the exact same time. My daughter had just left her house and as soon as she got away from street lights she realized this. The odd part is that the in-dash indicators showed everything working normally with NO FAULTS, so we assumed it was an electrical issue. We got it to a Ford dealer (she has an extended warranty), and they "fixed a connection that had corroded, causing both bulbs to fail." NOT covered under warranty, $250 to replace two bulbs and clean sockets. There are numerous Ford forums with the same complaints. Just felt that you folks should be made aware...

NHTSA ODI #11495542

18,029 miles · Feb 26, 2021
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK ITSELF AS IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AS IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ITSELF, IT BRIEFLY ACTIVATES THE HAZARD LIGHTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE IS KEYLESS IGNITION, AND THE KEY FOB IS PLACED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA WITH NOTHING CONTACTING IT. WHEN IT OCCURS, IT IS QUITE FREQUENT, AND SEEMS TO NOT BE AF…

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THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK ITSELF AS IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AS IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ITSELF, IT BRIEFLY ACTIVATES THE HAZARD LIGHTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE IS KEYLESS IGNITION, AND THE KEY FOB IS PLACED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA WITH NOTHING CONTACTING IT. WHEN IT OCCURS, IT IS QUITE FREQUENT, AND SEEMS TO NOT BE AFFECTED BY MOISTURE, SPEED OR TEMPERATURE, NOR BY CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11398067

3,400 miles · Jan 22, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineWheels

I PURCHASED MY 2019 FORD ESCAPE BRAND NEW IN EARLY SPRING OF 2019. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY ESCAPE I DID NOTICE SOME SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I PLANNED ON GOING BACK TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD CHECK IT OUT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I BECAME ILL, AND THEREFORE IT SLIPPED MY MIND. I WAS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE NEXT SE…

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I PURCHASED MY 2019 FORD ESCAPE BRAND NEW IN EARLY SPRING OF 2019. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY ESCAPE I DID NOTICE SOME SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I PLANNED ON GOING BACK TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD CHECK IT OUT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I BECAME ILL, AND THEREFORE IT SLIPPED MY MIND. I WAS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT AS SOON AS I FELT WELL ENOUGH I COULD NOT WAIT TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR AGAIN. MY FIRST TRIP WAS ACTUALLY TO MY ONCOLOGIST OFFICE, BUT I WAS EXCITED JUST TO BE DRIVING. ON MY WAY THERE, HOWEVER, MY CAR JERKED ME TO THE LEFT CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. I WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE, SO I PARKED AND WENT ABOUT MY BUSINESS. WHEN I MY APPOINTMENT WAS OVER, AND I CAME BACK OUT I NOTICED I HAD A FLAT TIRE. IT REALLY SURPRISED ME, BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I DID HAVE THE WEIRD INCIDENT I MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD CAUSE MY TIRE TO BLOW OUT. SO, I HAD THE TIRE REPLACED, AND LIFE WENT ON. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME 11/19/19, MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER 1/20/21 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I ADMIT, I DO NOT DRIVE MY CAR MUCH THESE DAYS, BUT I DO MAKE AN EFFORT TO START IT ALMOST EVERYDAY, AND LET RUN FOR 20 MINUTES. WHEN I PURCHASED THE ESCAPE, I WAS EXPECTING TO HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE MEDICAL ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH. I AM SURE EVERYONE IS DRIVING LESS BECAUSE OF THE CORONA VIRUS. I REALLY FEEL NERVOUS GOING OUT BECAUSE OF MY VEHICLE AND CORONA. I HAVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE MORE SINCE I BOUGHT THE 2019 ESCAPE, THAN MY OWN MOTHER. ONE LAST THING. I DID MENTION THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, IT DROVE FINE, BUT I RECORDED THE MILEAGE WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP, AND THE MILEAGE WAS THE SAME AS IT WAS WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11389410

8,623 miles · May 13, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO ENGAGE, CAUSING HER TO IMPACT THE DASHBOARD/RADIO WITH HER HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE LOST CONSCIENCES AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS A TINGLING SENSATION IN BOTH LEGS AND HAS LOST SENSATION IN BOTH ARMS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RAMP MOTORS (4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776, (631) 473-1550) AND HAS LEFT A VOICEMAIL OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,623.

NHTSA ODI #11324414

14,100 miles · Mar 23, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

DRIVING 70+MPH ON FREEWAY AND THE ACC WENT OUT WITH AN ALERT. CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE LANEKEEP ASSIST HAD AN ERROR AND CEASED WORKING, FOLLOWED BY AN ERROR FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE. SHORTLY AFTER THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER WENT TO 0 AND SEVERAL OTHER ERRORS FOR ABS, ESC, AND OTHERS WENT OFF. THIS FELT LIKE THE SCENE FROM A…

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DRIVING 70+MPH ON FREEWAY AND THE ACC WENT OUT WITH AN ALERT. CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE LANEKEEP ASSIST HAD AN ERROR AND CEASED WORKING, FOLLOWED BY AN ERROR FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE. SHORTLY AFTER THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER WENT TO 0 AND SEVERAL OTHER ERRORS FOR ABS, ESC, AND OTHERS WENT OFF. THIS FELT LIKE THE SCENE FROM APOLLO 13 WHERE EVERYTHING WAS GOING WRONG AT ONCE. I NOTICED THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING AND IT WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL AS I PULLED INTO THE FORD DEALER. THERE WAS STEAM/SMOKE COMING FROM MY FRONT GRILL.

NHTSA ODI #11319033

1,500 miles · Feb 2, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

WE WERE DRIVING ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. SUDDENLY, THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD - NO LIGHTS OR POWER. CARS DRIVING AT BETWEEN 40-50 MPH WERE COMING UP BEHIND US, BUT COULD NOT SEE US BECAUSE WE COULD NOT EVEN GET HAZARD LIGHTS ON. WE WERE LOCKED IN - THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN!! AFTER SEVERAL NEAR …

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WE WERE DRIVING ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. SUDDENLY, THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD - NO LIGHTS OR POWER. CARS DRIVING AT BETWEEN 40-50 MPH WERE COMING UP BEHIND US, BUT COULD NOT SEE US BECAUSE WE COULD NOT EVEN GET HAZARD LIGHTS ON. WE WERE LOCKED IN - THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN!! AFTER SEVERAL NEAR MISSES, WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A STRANGER STOP AND HE WAS ABLE TO ALERT ONCOMING CARS SO WE WOULD NOT GET HIT. ENDS UP THAT THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL OF THE BATTERY WAS VERY LOOSE AS WELL AS THE SURROUNDING FASTENERS OF THE BATTERY. WE PURCHASED THE CAR 5 WEEKS EARLIER, BRAND NEW WITH 11 MILES ON IT. AFTER GETTING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT WAS AN EASY FIX, BUT MY SAFETY CONCERN WAS THE FACT THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN!!! IF THERE WAS A FIRE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED, AND WE COULD NOT GET OUT IN CASE WE WERE HIT BY THE VEHICLES COMING UP BEHIND US, WHICH CAME CLOSE A FEW TIMES!

NHTSA ODI #11306570

7,800 miles · Oct 21, 2019
Electrical System

MY CAR BEGAN SENDING MY HUSBAND ALERTS MY CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AS THE ALERT READ THE FRONT CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING, THEN MY ABS AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS WENT OFF AND MY SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING. MY CAR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SHUT IT OFF. EVENTUALLY I COULD SHUT IT OFF. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS …

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MY CAR BEGAN SENDING MY HUSBAND ALERTS MY CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AS THE ALERT READ THE FRONT CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING, THEN MY ABS AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS WENT OFF AND MY SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING. MY CAR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SHUT IT OFF. EVENTUALLY I COULD SHUT IT OFF. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS IN A ROW AND IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP. WHEN I FINALLY SHUT IT OFF IT RE SET. DANGER: NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. ALERTS ALSO READ COLLISION WARNING NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11270016

Official recalls

3

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

21V155000 · Tires

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems