2019 Ford Escape Problems And Complaints

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Rating6.1

Ranked #13 in 

Compact SUV
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$24,105 - $34,120
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2019 Ford Escape

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Disliked by Users

  • ZW

    Zach W

    11/09/2023

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... all-wheel drive since March of 2022. I originally bought it with 54,000, mi. I loved how it drove and I like the space. My problems with the car started in July of 2022 with my flex plate at 70,000 mi shearing off the transmission. Thankfully I had an extended warranty and I did not have to pay out of pocket. Fast forward to September of 2023. I amRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • A

    Andrea

    16/08/2023

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... turbo needed to be replaced/fixed. A week later it starts doing it again, it turns out it's issues with the head gasket. That was fixed and here I am a year later, no warranty, and white smoke coming out again. The nonstop mechanical issues are awful. Also, the back seats are awkward and it's near impossible to fit a car seatRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • S

    Swede

    28/03/2023

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... material as eating the wiring can cause a fire. This has become a nuisance as well as VERY EXPENSIVE and TIME CONSUMING!!! I’m sure the design engineers can find another material to use on vehicles that won’t encourage animals to do so much damage. Something needs to be done on manufacturing vehicles!!!!!Read More

    Source: edmunds

2019 Ford Escape SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

490

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

Many dealerships and websites suggest the 2019 Ford Escape but address very less or no issues about the SUV. The vehicle, though has ample space of cargo room and comfort, is still plagued with pestering reliability problems. Coolant leaks were the most common problem out of all the complaints, however, buyers have also reported issues with the transmission unit, airbag system, and so on. In the current iteration as well, the SUV has 1 recall and 84 complaints. Kia Sportage, the Honda HR-V, and the Lincoln MKC are the competitors. So, many good options from the competitors, but what is the reason for Ford's Escape to be different? Let's find out what the issues are and see if it is actually worth your time to purchase a Ford Escape.

User Complaints and Problems for the 2019 Ford Escape

Mechanical Problems

  • Engine coolant leaks and spark plug problems -.Lots of complaints regarding the engine about the coolant leaking and causing cracks in the engine, Purge value errors, and few spark plug replacements needed. 5 users had issues with the water pump and 1 user stated that water pump failure caused the engine block to crack. No recall was done regarding so.
  • Brake failure-. In a couple of cases, buyers have reported the failure of the brake pedals to engage. To be specific, the brake pedal when compressed by the user did not come into action as required.
  • Steering problems - Noticeable in the Titanium trim, complainants had the problem where the steering would vibrate and shake a lot. Additionally, one user also stated that the steering had frozen. This can cause great disturbance and fear to the person driving as it feels like the vehicle is out of their control.
  • Issues with the powertrain - The user had almost experienced serious injury, problem incurred when the gear was shifted to reverse and when made a right turn after, abnormal sound occurred, the SUV began to accelerate on its leading to crashing into a pole, no airbags were deployed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was informed about the failure. The same issue was reported by other users, who had similar accidents, this report mostly occurred from the mileage range of 300 to 1000.

Electrical Problems

  • Electrical malfunction - Serious injury occurred to one user; upon further investigation, the SUV had activated hill assist mode independently without being on a hill, the user applied brakes causing the SUV to hesitate, the steering wheel was seized, causing the user to have no control over the vehicle and crashing into a guard rail, Airbags and seatbelt failed to engage causing user serious injury to the head and rushed to hospital. a police report was filed.

Safety Problems

  • Airbags do not deploy - Most of the problems that occurred, almost all users had faced an issue with the airbag not deploying. Buyers have reported the airbags would not even deploy in crashes and accidents and have caused injuries to many.

Exterior Problems

  • Tire failure - This is a serious safety problem and most users noticed the tires develop a break in the sidewall and cause sudden deflation leading to a sudden stop or near to crash experience. To deal with the issue, Ford Introduced a recall with NHTSA campion number: 21V155000

Recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape SUV

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional remarks.

Remedy

1

10th March 2020

21V155000

Sudden air loss due to tire failure.

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.

The manufacturer will notify owners and inspect the tires, and replace them, if necessary, with no charge.

Should you buy the 2019 Ford Escape?

No, according to most of the complaints and the problem that occurred to users. The problem is that Ford only managed to recall one problem and that was for the tire. However, there were other problems that led one user to an accident the manufacturer was notified but no recalls or replacements were offered. Clearly, Ford has very little concern for user safety. Still, even if you don’t consider the complaints and the problems, the only thing kind of good about the SUV is the 2.0L engine, which still is only offered for the Titanium trim. The interior lacks design and quality and the SUV is a complete mess, unreliable, and has below-average fuel economy. Consequently, we do not recommend the 2019 Ford Escape. Instead, recommended vehicles include the Lincoln MKC and the Kia Sportage as both these vehicles offer better driving experience and quality for equal or cheaper options.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

January 29, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11714103

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11714103

Incident Date:
January 29, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9G95KU

Consumer Location:
KENAI, AK

Summary
Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steeri...

January 25, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11713249

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11713249

Incident Date:
January 25, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9HD4KU

Consumer Location:
ABINGDON, IL

Summary
Waterpump pulley/ waterpump, yes it's available for inspection. I lost power and a message came up on the...

January 15, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11711177

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11711177

Incident Date:
January 15, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU0HD3KU

Consumer Location:
CELEBRATION, FL

Summary
I have a coolant intrusion in my 2019 Ford Escape. It idles roughly, there's thick sweet smelling white s...

January 14, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11710879

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11710879

Incident Date:
January 14, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9GD7KU

Consumer Location:
WEST CHESTER, PA

Summary
I am submitting this complaint to formally document a known engine defect affecting my 2019 Ford Escape p...

January 13, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11710706

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11710706

Incident Date:
January 13, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU0GD9KU

Consumer Location:
CAMDEN, AR

Summary
My first incident with my 2019 Ford Escape happened when I had my [XXX] in the vehicle with me at a stop ...

86/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

78/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

75/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

78/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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