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2019 Ford Escape problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 Ford Escape has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 596owner complaints
- 24crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
596 complaints, against an average of 1,081 for the other 14 Ford Escape model years.
Every Ford Escape model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 Ford Escape?
The components named most often in the 596 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 Ford Escape owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 596 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2019 Ford Escape?161 owners · 27%
- Why does my 2019 Ford Escape overheat?124 owners · 20.8% · Recall 26V011000
- Has the 2019 Ford Escape had engine failures?116 owners · 19.5%
- Why does my 2019 Ford Escape idle rough, misfire or hesitate?107 owners · 18%
- Why does my 2019 Ford Escape stall, lose power or shut off while driving?57 owners · 9.6%
- Why does my 2019 Ford Escape smell of burning or smoke?36 owners · 6%
- Has the 2019 Ford Escape had transmission failures?24 owners · 4% · Recall 22V413000
- Why does my 2019 Ford Escape transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?21 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2019 Ford Escape been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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. 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2019 Ford Escape recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA25C79 Kuga - Powertrain Control Module Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 25C79 may not have been delivered properly and the Powertrain Control Module software may deliver lower power output than intended.
Fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.
UK DVSATransit Courier: Diesel DV-Neo Engine Coolant Pump Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been repaired using a coolant pump with a potential issue. This issue may lead to incorrect engine timing resulting in an engine failure causing a sudden loss of power without prior warning. The engine cannot be restarted.
Fix: Check and replace the water pump and timing belt if necessary.
UK DVSAMulti Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.
Fix: Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.
UK DVSA25SC4 Kuga - Do not charge high voltage battery to levels above 80%
Risk: On affected vehicles the high voltage battery may have some cells that could potentially develop a short circuit leading to a Stop Safely Now message and possible loss of motive power or battery thermal venting.
Fix: Update the vehicle's Battery Energy Control Module software.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSA25S21 Kuga - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles the remedy software for a previous recall which was needed to mitigate a potential fire risk may not have been installed correctly.
Fix: Update the Power Control Module software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the software has been installed correctly.
UK DVSAX-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.
UK DVSA23S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue
Risk: Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block
Fix: Software update
UK DVSAIn the event of a fuel injector failing this will potentially cause a fuel leak.
Risk: In the event of a fuel injector failing this will potentially cause a fuel leak.
Fix: A drain tube will need to be installed to allow safe passage of the fuel away from hot surfaces in the event of a leak occurring. Also the dealer will perform a PCM software update that will reduce the engine power if a drop in fuel pressure is detected and a warning light will be illuminated to make the user aware.
UK DVSALower seatbelt bolt may not be tightened to specification
Risk: The lower front seatbelt bolt may not be correctly tightened to specification.
Fix: Inspect and re-torque the front lower seatbelt bolts to specification
UK DVSAVehicles may have an issue with the current software that contols the funtionality of the ecall system
Risk: Vehicles may have an issue with the current software that controls the functionality of the eCall system.
Fix: Carry out a software update.
UK DVSAThe fuel operated heater could start inadvertently
Risk: The Fuel Operated Heater could start inadvertently
Fix: New SYNC system software must be applied.
UK DVSAThe hv battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas
Risk: The HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas which can ignite vehicle components or in extreme cases the entire vehicle.
Fix: To prevent a vehicle fire the vehicles should not be charged using the external charging cable and the vehicles should only be driven using the default Auto EV mode only.
UK DVSAThe high voltage battery control charger module connector may be damaged
Risk: The High Voltage Battery Control Charger Module (BCCM) connector may be damaged
Fix: An inspection of the BCCM is required to confirm an undamaged connector. If a failed inspection occurs the vehicle must be reworked with a replacement BCCM and charge cable.
EU Safety GateThe diesel particulate filter (DPF) may be cracked on 2.0 l EcoBlue Diesel and 1.5 l EcoBlue vehicles.This could cause the vehicles to fail the legally required roadworthiness test, as exhaust emissions of soot may be above the authorised limit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAn internal short circuit may occur in the cells of the high-voltage battery which can lead to a fire.In addition, a loss of propulsion power may occur, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing defect, the internal battery separator can become damaged over time by repeated charging and discharging cycles of…Due to a manufacturing defect, the internal battery separator can become damaged over time by repeated charging and discharging cycles of the cells. This can cause the high voltage battery cells to develop an internal short circuit. This creates a risk of the vehicle catching fire. Moreover, the short circuit can cause a loss of propulsion power, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe cooling airflow is insufficient, causing the oil channel to be blocked.This leads the connecting rod bearing to seize and the connecting rod to tear off. This can deteriorate the combustion engine, resulting in a rupture in the engine oil tank or engine block, creating an oil tank leak. This increases the risk of fire under the bonnet.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA piston rod may rupture the engine block and cause an oil leakage.The leaking oil can stay trapped in the lower engine guard and cause a fire due to its proximity to the catalytic converter of the exhaust system.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateOil can leak onto or under the engine, increasing the risk of skidding for other road users, and/or fire in the engine compartment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 17/06/2022
EU Safety GateDue to improper fitting, the seat belt retention function may not be effective, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA problem may occur with the current Telematic control unit (TCU) software, which could affect the functionality of the eCall system.As a result, emergency service may not be contacted in case of need.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe Fuel Operated Heater (FOH), could switch itself on when not programmed to do so by the driver.If this happens in a closed space, such as a garage, it could result in personal injury or death.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateInternal or charging fault could cause the High Voltage (HV) battery pack to vent hot gas.As such gases have not been routed away from other components, they will cause them to exceed their designed working temperatures. Overheating of components such as the fuel tank and fuel lines will increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 21/08/2020
EU Safety GatePhysical damage to the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module A (SOBDM) and/or the SOBDM connector could allow water ingress to the…Physical damage to the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module A (SOBDM) and/or the SOBDM connector could allow water ingress to the module which may cause an electrical short. A short in the SOBDM can potentially cause one or more battery cells to overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 02/07/2020
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, propulsion may be lost.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2019 Ford Escape fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 Ford Escape owners report?
12 of the 596 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Transmission failed, Car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation Known issue with Ford and the 6F35 transmission
At only 43,379 miles — well within the useful life expected of this vehicle — my 2019 Ford Escape developed two significant mechanical failures. (1) Fuel injector: the vehicle emits visible black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating at highway speeds; the dealership diagnosed this as a failed fuel injector requiring replacement (est. $1,200). Visible exhaust smoke during highway acceleration is a visibility hazard to following traffic. (2) Coolant intrusion into the engine: the dealership's service department diagnosed coolant intrusion requiring replacement of major short block components…
My vehicle has to have a new motor. It only has 127,154 miles on it. I have sent Ford a letter to respond with in 30 days and they have not done that. Please advise the next steps.
My 2019 Ford Escape Se was smoking during start up. Dealer says it needs a whole new engine due to coolant intrusion. I have been seeing there are many issues with this.
I am reporting a dangerous manufacturing defect regarding internal engine coolant intrusion on my 2019 Ford Escape SEL at less than 70,000 miles. Upon starting the vehicle after it sat parked overnight, a massive cloud of heavy white smoke erupted from the exhaust system and both sides of the vehicle, clearing after 1–2 minutes. The vehicle also exhibits a severe structural shudder and a mechanical groaning noise when shifting gears due to engine misfires caused by this leak. A physical inspection confirmed that the engine cooling system is losing fluid (which was just topped off again last…
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…
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.
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…
Dash board has been flashing images and turning black and white like something is malfunctioning the automatic stop start has been inconsistently working I have issues with the lights getting dimmer while I’m driving at night and sometimes I have to manually hold the brights forward for the lights to work there seems to be something distracting me in the control paneling of the vehicle making me nervous and tired sometimes distracting my eyes.
I am reporting the failure of Ford Motor Company to perform a mandatory safety recall (Recall 22S43 / NHTSA ID 22V413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (OASIS reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed.' Furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic inspection of the transmission linkage and adjacent engine compartment. Had this recall been performed, the technician would have identified the progressive corrosion and mechanical stress that…
Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in Kenai Burrow, Alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford escape was prone to having issues with the power steering unit. The vehicle is in the shop at this time. The warning lamp came on stating that there was a problem with the power steering unit that however, happened while we were driving down the highway. This was a life-threatening incident that it…
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a design defect affecting serviceability and safety on my 2019 Ford Escape. On this vehicle, replacement of a standard headlight bulb requires removal of the fender assembly in order to access the headlight housing. This design transforms a routine, safety-critical maintenance item into an excessively complex and costly repair. I have had to replace a headlight twice within the past two years. The most recent replacement cost approximately $800, with the majority of the cost attributable to labor required solely because of the…
2019 Ford Escape: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 596 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Escape; the most common categories were engine (316, 53%), power train (128, 21.5%), engine and engine cooling (94, 15.8%). There are 3 safety recalls. 24 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 28 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?
Across 596 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (53% of complaints), power train (21.5% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (15.8% of complaints), electrical system (6.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (2.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape; the most recent (campaign 26V011000, 2026-01-15) concerns Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2019 Ford Escape?
161 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (27%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The check engine light has repeatedly came on and been brought to the mechanics numerous times throughout the year. It was determined that the cause of issue is due to engine coolant leaking into the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11768729, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Ford Escape overheat?
124 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (20.8%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. A related recall exists: campaign 26V011000 (equipment: electrical: engine block heater). The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. One owner wrote: "The check engine light has repeatedly came on and been brought to the mechanics numerous times throughout the year. It was determined that the cause of issue is due to engine coolant leaking into the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11768729, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2019 Ford Escape had engine failures?
116 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (19.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "My 2019 Ford Escape Se was smoking during start up. Dealer says it needs a whole new engine due to coolant intrusion. I have been seeing there are many issues with this." (NHTSA complaint 11769079, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Ford Escape idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
107 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (18%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11755101, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Ford Escape stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
57 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (9.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Waterpump pulley/ waterpump, yes it's available for inspection. I lost power and a message came up on the screen to shut off the vehicle there was a engine failure , overheating. No, I have not had it confirmed by a dealer yet." (NHTSA complaint 11713249, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Ford Escape smell of burning or smoke?
36 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (6%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Coolant intrusion on the cylinders due to a manufacturing issue with the Ford Ecoboost 1.5L engine manufactured between 2017-2019. This issue warrants a total engine replacement and the vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership." (NHTSA complaint 11740871, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2019 Ford Escape had transmission failures?
24 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (4%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 22V413000 (power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)). The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Transmission failed, Car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation Known issue with Ford and the 6F35 transmission" (NHTSA complaint 11771486, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2019 Ford Escape transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
21 of the 596 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Ford Escape (3.5%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "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, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Escape
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only.