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ProblemsByVinFile / 2019-FORD-ESCAPENHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2019 Ford Escape problems
The 2019 Ford Escape has 566 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns.
The 2019 Ford Escape has 566 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 305 complaints, typically surfacing around 74,604 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2019 Escape?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Powertrain: 114 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 27,900–98,000 mi
Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 3,000–59,512 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Ford Escape SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Ford Escape? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 305 owner reports
· tends to show around 74,604 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 114 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,528 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 28 owner reports
· tends to show around 24,997 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 16 owner reports
· tends to show around 38,178 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 66,528 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2019 Escape· engine
Bought this car as certified pre owned from a Ford dealer with 28k miles. Approx. 4 weeks after purchase the engine starts running rough and check engine light came on with an error code p0303 misfire. Took it to dealer and they diagnosed coolant in cylinder 3 with the fix being…
I went to get my spark plugs changed as maintenance on my vehicle. The plugs on both the second and third cylinder were very tight and breaking with residue all over the plugs. The shop I took my car to had to send it to another shop in order to get the plugs put back into the…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The RPM then rose to an elevated level. There was an abnormal knocking and rattling sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was…
For the past few months I have been noticing a hot coolant smell from outside the vehicle. After investigating, I noticed the coolant level was low and there was residue on the valve cover. Afterwards, I refilled the coolant reservoir and continued driving for another week to…
Had a problem with your 2019 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2
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.
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
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires
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.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 566 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Ford Escape has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2019 Ford Escape?
The 2019 Ford Escape is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 114 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 27,900–98,000 mi; Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 3,000–59,512 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Ford Escape?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 305 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,604 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Ford Escape a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 566 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 74,604 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 305 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,604 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 74,604 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Escape has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Ford Escape?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 566 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Ford/Escape.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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