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Ford Escape

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2019 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2019 Ford Escape has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

""Engine kept losing antifreeze and ran rough, Ford dealer replaced short block as part of Ford's CSP in so doing also bent a transmission fluid line, tore CV axle boot, ruined wheel well trim, failed to rehome wipers, cracked a spark plug, and had to replace crank seal resulting in total oil loss, immediately after replacing short block.""

Anonymous, IN (2019 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Check engine light came on. Ford technician said the engine had been recalled and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, IL (2019 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

""Water leaked into the engine oil cylinder due to a default in the engine design, and the engine had to be""

Anonymous, OH (2019 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Coolant in number 2 cylinder"

Anonymous, (2019 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other major engine problem

"Took it to get washed made it less than a mile down the road and was at a red light. When I hit the gas white smoke filled the air and the car was hesitating while trying to go back home. Luckily made it in the driveway and stayed there till AAA towed it to the dealership the same day"

Anonymous, PA (2019 Ford Escape SE Unsure)

"when going up a hill and the transmission down shifted a pinging sound could be heard and a lot of exhaust was seen. the fault had t do with the emission system and was repaired quickly at the Ford dealer."

Anonymous, KS (2019 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"The screen is recessed into the dash and rather difficult to see"

Anonymous, MN (2019 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)
CD player

"I am a short person,not Tom, Is not easy for me to reach under the driver seat to change the position of the seat About the CD player , it is so nice to have it"

Anonymous, MN (2019 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)
Display screen goes blank

"The screen just went black. According to the dealer, it needed a software update."

Anonymous, IA (2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

""Water leaking into the spare tire well. Water coming in from under the luggage rack. I sealed with silicone and 80% of the leak is gone; work in progress, I will seal it again.""

Anonymous A., FL (2019 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"It has been doing it almost from the beginning. It has not been resolved."

Anonymous, VA (2019 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Battery needed replacement"

Anonymous, MI (2019 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other electrical system problem

""Replaced a dead battery, but the car would not start; it appeared that electricity was not reaching the starter. The interior part of the ignition switch was replaced, problemb solved.""

Anonymous A., FL (2019 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Rough shifting all the time. Also when you reverse you wait several seconds for transmission to engage"

Anonymous, NL (2019 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Rough shifting due to seal leaks"

Anonymous A., MT (2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

""Flex-plate/flywheel replaced three times, then the transmission failed and had to be replaced.""

Anonymous, IN (2019 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"The passenger side drive shaft assembly began leaking at about 9000 miles in 2024. My Ford dealership replaced the drive shaft assembly under the 5 year drivetrain warranty at no charge. They told me that it was a known problem with the car."

Anonymous, NE (2019 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"Rear brakes worn out every 18000 kilometres"

Anonymous, NL (2019 Ford Escape SEL 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Wheel bearings

"Wheel bearing problm caused by fixing transmission seal problem."

Anonymous A., MT (2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Started at 60000 miles every time vehicle was fueled up. Vapor recovery solenoid failed"

Anonymous, FL (2019 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"Bearings"

Anonymous, MI (2019 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Took it for an oil change and was shown in the dealership mechanic video overview that oil was leaking. Ended up being the oil switch that needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, PA (2019 Ford Escape SE Unsure)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Original unit failed. Replaced"

Anonymous, NY (2019 Ford Escape Titanium 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Auto stop/start malfunction

"FMC has advised the Ecoboost feature does not work as the vehicle is not driven at least 20-30 miles a day."

Anonymous, SC (2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

2019 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT
Jan 15, 2026
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V011000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 116672
POWER TRAIN
Jun 10, 2022
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V413000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2925968
TIRES
Mar 10, 2021
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V155000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 15769
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