Car Yearsto Avoid

2019 Ford Escape Problems

What owners have reported about the 2019 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2019 Ford Escape a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Escape. Owners have filed 595 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

595 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 13th worst of 18 Escape years

Top 2019 Ford Escape problems

1

Engine problems

391 complaints (66%) name the engine, most often the pump and turbo / supercharger.

Complaints 391 · Usually at 50,000–91,000 miles

2

Transmission problems

127 complaints (21%) name the transmission, most often the torque converter and automatic transmission.

Complaints 127 · Usually at 26,000–96,000 miles · Recall 22V413000

3

Electrical problems

37 complaints (6%) name the electrical system, most often the coil.

Complaints 37 · Usually at 1,000–18,000 miles

4

Fuel system problems

26 complaints (4%) name the fuel system, most often the canister and tank assembly.

Complaints 26 · Usually at 49,000–79,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 66%
Unknown or Other 7%
Electrical 6%
Fuel System 4%
Steering 3%
Lights 2%
Body 2%
Airbags 2%
Tires 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (230 of 595). The amber line is the middle value, about 64,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2019 Ford Escape recalls

Block heater can crack and short circuit

Fire risk

The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.

Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.

Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026

Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.

Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022

Over-cured tires can lose air or tread

Crash risk

Some tires may have been cured (baked) too long during manufacturing, which can cause a sidewall break or belt separation. This can cause sudden air loss or tread loss and a loss of vehicle control, raising the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the tires and replace any that need it, free of charge.

Recall 21V155000 · Mar 2021
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2019 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Escape years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2019 Ford Escape problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2019 Ford Escape a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Escape. Owners have filed 595 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

What are the most common 2019 Ford Escape problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and fuel system. 391 complaints (66%) name the engine, most often the pump and turbo / supercharger.

At what mileage do 2019 Ford Escape engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–91,000 miles, with a middle value near 71,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?

3. Block heater can crack and short circuit (26V011000); Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod (22V413000); Over-cured tires can lose air or tread (21V155000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2019 Ford Escape?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.