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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

Power Train complaints

125 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Power Train

My transmission failed at 64,000 miles and the car is currently in the dealer awaiting repair. I was traveling down a long hill on the interstate 86 in NYS. The adaptive cruise control was on.and set to 60mph. The engine suddenly accelerated to 7500 rpm but this did not change the speed of the car. I was startled by this high re…

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My transmission failed at 64,000 miles and the car is currently in the dealer awaiting repair. I was traveling down a long hill on the interstate 86 in NYS. The adaptive cruise control was on.and set to 60mph. The engine suddenly accelerated to 7500 rpm but this did not change the speed of the car. I was startled by this high revving engine situation and tapped the brake, disengaging the adaptive cruise control and causing the engine to stop the highspeed revving. I put the car in neutral and rolled to a stop on the roadside. There were no warning lights before or after the incident. I had the car towed to the Ford dealership where I purchased the car. They confirmed that the car needed a new transmission but the transmissions were back ordered with no available date when it would be available. The transmission would have to be rebuilt a a cost of $9000. I figured this close to the warranty mile expiration date and still within the warranty time expiration, Ford would do something to help with partial or full coverage for the transmission. I opened a case with Ford customer support and and they refused any funds to help with this repair. This is not the first issue with this car. In April of 2022, I had a check engine light come on. The car which had 40,000 miles on it was running fine but I brought it to the dealer to check it out. To my surprise the car needed a complete engine replacement. This was called a "long block" replacement. I brought this previous repair to Fords attention as a possible reason the transmission died way before it's normal lifespan but received no sympathy. So I am stuck with a $10,000 expense on a four year old car.

NHTSA ODI #11556087

84,000 miles · Oct 19, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the oil was changed. The contact's…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the oil was changed. The contact's son noticed that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The contact's neighbor informed her that there was white smoke coming from the tail pipe. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side CV joint was leaking, and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving the “Transmission Service Now” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the torque converter valve needed to be replaced or the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated there was an unknown substance in the line. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550783

60,000 miles · Oct 18, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were informed of the failure, but no a…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were informed of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550552

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
EnginePower Train

The check engine light would come on at high RPMs and the car would begin to shake violently. I would generally pull over and turn off the engine in order to stop if from misfiring. This occurred after an engine replacement in the vehicle. The engine now has a crack in it and the short block needs replacing. This is the second t…

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The check engine light would come on at high RPMs and the car would begin to shake violently. I would generally pull over and turn off the engine in order to stop if from misfiring. This occurred after an engine replacement in the vehicle. The engine now has a crack in it and the short block needs replacing. This is the second time I am in need of an engine replacement in 90k miles on the vehicle. The cylinders continue to intermitently misfire and the engine leaks oil. The first time is needed replacing the engine overheated and told me to pull over when I was driving. The next day the engine would not start.

NHTSA ODI #11549018

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer. I placed car back in park, then shifted back to Drive and it moved forward as expected. Later in day while my wife was driving, she experienced dif…

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On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer. I placed car back in park, then shifted back to Drive and it moved forward as expected. Later in day while my wife was driving, she experienced difficulty in disengaging cruise control and when she tapped brakes, vehicle began spinning 360 degrees, slid sideways off interstate, and auto was totaled. Upon impact the right, rear passenger door was unlocked and somehow opened on its own ejecting passenger. Vehicle is currently in salvage yard at IAA Odgen, 1800 S 1100 West, Ogden, UT 84401. I don't know if the faulty transmission had anything to do with accident, but it seems like today we drive computers and not a mechanical motor vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11546899

115,000 miles · Sep 18, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed …

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11545122

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2023
EnginePower Train

My engine has randomly shut off in the middle of driving. I have taken it to the dealership to be serviced two times. The first time they thought they fixed the issue. But it didn’t work. The second time they couldn’t find anything wrong. Our safety is 100% at risk as it happens in the middle of driving. I have a one and two y…

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My engine has randomly shut off in the middle of driving. I have taken it to the dealership to be serviced two times. The first time they thought they fixed the issue. But it didn’t work. The second time they couldn’t find anything wrong. Our safety is 100% at risk as it happens in the middle of driving. I have a one and two year old who have been in the car every time it has happened. We have luckily been able to get off the highway each time, but I drive across a 25 minute bridge twice a day to work and back home with my children..across water! My service light has only come on the time they were able to fix something, which again did not fix the problem. But I do get the same message each time on my dashboard that says auto start stop needs to be restarted manually.

NHTSA ODI #11539626

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the p…

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Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the process.

NHTSA ODI #11536729

48,000 miles · Jun 1, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk with a delay while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating above 30 MPH, the vehicle operated properly and drove as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and …

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk with a delay while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating above 30 MPH, the vehicle operated properly and drove as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and agreed to cover a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was 48,000.

NHTSA ODI #11524926

70,000 miles · May 18, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire repair facility where the transmission fluid was checked, and the contact was informed that the transmission ne…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire repair facility where the transmission fluid was checked, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline to submit a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11522669

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.

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