Most common 2019 Ford Escape problems
Share of the 596 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Escape complaints by model year
Best Escape years: 2025, 2012, 2023. Years to avoid: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →
2019 Ford Escape recalls (3)
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tires
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.
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.
What 2019 Ford Escape owners say
Engine & cooling all 391 →
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 owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated; however, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumpstarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel "Engine overheated - Pull Over". The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle to allow the engine to cool down. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the crank shaft sensor light illuminated and turned off. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 128 →
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train); once the parts were available, the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. Recently, the contact's wife had placed the vehicle into the reverse(R) position, and the vehicle surged forward and crashed into the corner of his home's garage. Both the vehicle and the garage sustained damage due to the failure. The air bags did not deploy and none of the vehicle's occupants sustained any injuries. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but neither offered any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle was parked on a flat surface; however, it inadvertently rolled down the street backward into two different fences. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and diagnosed as deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 20,000
Electrical system all 37 →
he freeway I notified future ford of concord and I was told I would receive a call back but as I recall I didn't receive a call back. The car started acting as if nothing was wrong about a week or so later then two days ago December 13,2025 first my head lights went out and a message saying there's a bulb outage or electrical issue appeared and also the hill assist unavailable warning light appeared , following the 911 calling assistance is unavailable as well, and I also noticed my radio is no longer producing sound so I believe the engine ( block , head gasket etc) component also electrical system, sync 3 system has also failed or malfunctioned. …
The accident occurred while I was driving south on Highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of the other vehicle. The impact caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle, particularly on the driver-side/front corner. Despite the severity of the collision and damage, my airbags did not deploy. The other vehicle's airbags did deploy during the crash. I am concerned that the airbag system, crash sensors, or related safety components may have failed to activate properly during the collision. Due to the speed of travel and force of impact, I believe the lack of airbag deployment placed my safety at risk and could have resulted in serious injury. …
2019 Ford Escape engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Ford Escape a good car?
Based on 596 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Escape rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Escape at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Ford Escape?
The engine & cooling — 391 complaints, 66% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system › pump. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (128) and electrical system (37).
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape, the most recent from January 15, 2026 (engine block heater). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Escape?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Ford Escape years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Ford Escape problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 34% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.