2019 Ford Escape

588 complaints on file, page 1 of 30.

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Aug 19, 202653,967 milesVero Beach, FLEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated and was idling rough. During initial start-up there was a backfire coming from the engine with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and DTC: P0302 was retrieved. The cylinder was replaced. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: P0302 (Cylinder #2 misfire); was retrieved. The manufacturer was informed of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,967.

   NHTSA complaint 11766619
2. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Jun 14, 202643,800 milesThompsontown, PAEngine, Engine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that at cold starts, the vehicle vibrated significantly with heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine light was intermittently illuminated, accompanied by a noticeable coolant odor. A diagnostic test by the dealer confirmed that there was coolant leaking between cylinders #1 and #2, leading to total engine failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The dealer submitted a goodwill request to the manufacturer for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 43,800.

   NHTSA complaint 11765764
3. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Easton, PAEngine

   Vehicle has coolant intrusion into cylinders verified by Ford dealer

   NHTSA complaint 11765000
4. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Kearney, MOPower train

   My 2019 Ford Escape has the Ford 6F35 transmission and I was just informed that mine is going out and needs to be replaced by a Ford dealership service department. Since 12/2025, I have had my car in the shop 3 times. I have researched and there are thousands of issues and complaints about this transmission that is going out and Ford has not done a recall. This is an immediate high risk hazard. If driving and the transmission has mechanical failure at 65+ mph it will drop into newtral and lose all gear engagement. with the vehicle drop in speed without brake lights a high speed rear end collision could occur which could then lead to a major pile up.

   NHTSA complaint 11764367
5. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Jul 14, 202685,818 milesCharlotte, NCEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The check engine warning light remained illuminated with the message "Engine Overheating - Pull Over Immediately" displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,818.

   NHTSA complaint 11764201
6. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Austin, TXEngine

   We purchased a 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L new from the dealer. We've put only 25,000 miles on it, but are now facing a well known issue (coolant intrusion) that they failed to inform us about. This is despite our vehicle meeting literally every requirement to be included in their Customer Service Program, they told us it is not tied to our VIN and are out of luck. Our car is now worthless. If we had been notified we would have taken the necessary precautions. Again, this is a known issue, with a current Class Action lawsuit in place, that Ford failed to notify us of. We are now out tens of thousands of dollars in replacing a car we have barely driven.

   NHTSA complaint 11764175
7. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2025San Tan Valley, AZEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

   The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

   NHTSA complaint 11763277
8. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Aurora, OHEngine

   Slow coolant leak that is a known issue with engine. This caused the water pump to go bad and engine to risk overheating. Has been looked at by 3 independent mechanics all confirmed this is a known issue causing major concerns. No warning! Just suddenly lost all coolant! No engine needs replaced!

   NHTSA complaint 11762707
9. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Pittsville, MDLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

   Was told the lugnuts were swollen when I tried to have tires rotated. The repair shop is mainly and oil repair shop. I took it to the dealership I purchased the car from and was told this is a major issue they deal with everyday and Ford has not issued a recall. I have to replace with my own money and labor costs. I have to have it done but think Ford should address this issue as if I had a flat tire somewhere in a remote area I could not get tire off with wrench provided with spare tire.

   NHTSA complaint 11761514
10. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Columbus, OHPower train, Body, Unknown or other

    Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.

    NHTSA complaint 11761195
11. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Tulsa, OKEngine

    I recently bought a 2019 Ford Escape from Superior Mazda in Bentonville, Arkansas for my daughter going off to college. Soon after purchasing the vehicle a giant puff of smoke started coming out the exhaust when starting. We took it to a Ford dealership and they said the coolant is leaking into the engine block and apparently this is a known issue with 2017-2019 ford escapes. Superior Mazda said it's not their problem. The cost to fix is $12,700. We've only had this car for 38 days. Ford has issued 2 statements about this defect in these cars: Ford issued TSB 19-2375 for 2017–2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost. It specifically says coolant can intrude into the cylinders and calls for short-block and head-gasket replacement when the condition is confirmed. There is also Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, titled “Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion.” Why is this not a recall? I have since read/heard that this is an issue all over. I spoke to a mechanic in my town and they stated they currently have a 2017 escape that they are working on with this exact problem. An investigation needs to made into Ford regarding 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. Since this is a known defect and Ford is well aware of this engine flaw in this model car they need to do the right thing and issue a recall. My daughter could have been stranded on the highway heading to college.

    NHTSA complaint 11760039
12. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026Blythewood, SCEngine, Unknown or other

    The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.

    NHTSA complaint 11759309
13. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Nov 10, 202564,000 milesTraverse City, MIEngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0301 displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to proceed with the repair and wait for approval of the VIN to be added to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11759221
14. Filed Aug 22, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Harlem, GAPower train

    My Ford Escape powertrain went out when I was driving in town, it went from driving fine to not getting out of 1st gear. No warning prior got it towed to my mechanic and he did a diagnostic and it is indeed the transmission. This was extremely dangerous since I was close to being rearended because of the sudden failure. I still didnt get the transmission failure message on the screen until we went to load it up on the wrecker. This is a widely known transmission failure that has plagued this vehicle for years yet it was still sold to me. Ford knows about it and does nothing and it not recalled, unbelievable. Now my only vehicle is down, I cannot get to work and cannot afford thousands for a new transmission and labor. I am still paying on this car.

    NHTSA complaint 11758731
15. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Girard, OHEngine

    Vehicle was losing coolant, running rough and check engine light was on. We took it to a Ford dealer who told us: Stored Codes P1299 and P0302 for the cylinder 2 misfire due to the coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The fix is to replace the entire engine at a cost of $15,735.95!! This is a 2019 Ford Escape. We've owned it for six years. We had planned on keeping it another six years, at least. A car should not need an engine replacement within six years. We're retired, living on social security and a very small pension. We can't afford a $15,000 repair. On top of a diagnostic fee of $435 and close to $500 to rent a car (so far.) We contacted Ford and they said there was nothing they could do for us.

    NHTSA complaint 11758288
16. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 19, 2026Ridgefield, WAEngine

    Vehicle began losing engine coolant. No external leaks visible. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and diagnostics. They found coolant intrusion in cylinders 1 and 2. They say that TSB 22-2322 applies to this issue. Vehicle has 86,896 miles and warranty started on February 16, 2019.

    NHTSA complaint 11758213
17. Filed Aug 17, 2026Failure Aug 13, 2026Kingsport, TNUnknown or other

    For a few days before the transmission went out, it was kinda spitting and shuddering, then the 4th day the transmission would not shift into gear and go. It would rev the engine all the way up and bark the tires even with my foot not on the gas or brake. It started jerking and just would not go. It would not accelerate at all.

    NHTSA complaint 11757357
18. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Peru, INEngine

    We bought the 2019 Ford escape sel in 2023 with 29918. We had the oil changed at 33000 and then we took it to Ford because it was slow starting. Their was coolant in the cylinders requiring us to pay 12000 dollars for a new engine when this only had 36000 miles on it. Ford refused goodwill case and now we acquired an attorney. This is a known engine problem with this Ford. Class action lawsuit Miller vs Ford motor company. Never heard of an engine failure with only 36000 miles.

    NHTSA complaint 11756269
19. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Jul 20, 2026Stone Ridge, NYEngine and engine cooling

    When I originally attempted to start the car, white smoke was pouring from the exhaust pipe. We came to the conclusion that my head gasket on the car blew. We came to this conclusion because it was misfiring and when you try to open the coolant lid there’s suction.

    NHTSA complaint 11755101
20. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Downers Grove, ILEngine

    Ford Coolant Leak & Engine Overheating Engine overheating caused by an internal engine coolant leak in Ford Ecoboost engines Coolant leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This caused total engine failure and to require replacement of the engine block.

    NHTSA complaint 11755000