VehicleVerdict

2019 Ford Escape problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Ford Escape sits mid-pack among Escape years: 708 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 1,264, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 41 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 53% of all reports (376 of 708), far ahead of transmission at 118. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

708

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

37

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

41

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Escape years?

Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted3,670 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 1,389 complaints2002: 1,397 complaints2003: 736 complaints2004: 715 complaints2005: 2,030 complaints2006: 627 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 2,404 complaints2009: 2,348 complaints2010: 3,182 complaints2011: 1,871 complaints2012: 792 complaints2013: 3,670 complaints2014: 2,650 complaints2015: 1,285 complaints2016: 1,258 complaints2017: 3,207 complaints2018: 2,097 complaints2019: 708 complaints2020: 2,025 complaints2021: 428 complaints2022: 298 complaints2023: 149 complaints2024: 136 complaints2025: 32 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Ford Escape problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine37653%
Transmission11817%
Other375%
Electrical System375%
Fuel System243%
Tires & Wheels233%
Steering162%
Lighting132%
Brakes112%
Airbags101%
Body & Structure101%
Driver Assistance91%
Speed Control81%
Seat Belts71%
Suspension30%
Visibility & Wipers30%
Seats20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2019 Ford Escape have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V011000Electrical SystemJanuary 15, 2026 · 116,672 units

Defect

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

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.

22V413000TransmissionJune 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 units

Defect

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.

21V155000Tires & WheelsMarch 10, 2021 · 15,769 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I have Engine coolant intrusion into the the cylinder heads. White smoke during start up and loss of engine coolant. Also is stuttering during start up with check engine lights.. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2025 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 21, 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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 5, 2021 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 14, 2023 · crash

“A car cut me off and I rear ended them going under 20 miles per hour. And my air bags went off and they exploded and I recieved chemical burns”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 15, 2023 · crash

2019 Ford Escape — common questions

Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 708 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Escape year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2019 Escape problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (376 complaints), transmission (118 complaints), other (37 complaints).

Does the 2019 Ford Escape have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2010, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2005, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Escape years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2019 Ford Escape?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Ford Escape earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.