For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Ford Escape engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Ford Escape have filed 304 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 74,636 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
304
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Escape | 188 |
| 2016 Escape | 170 |
| 2017 Escape | 1,671 |
| 2018 Escape | 1,207 |
| 2019 Escape (this page) | 304 |
| 2020 Escape | 57 |
| 2021 Escape | 24 |
| 2022 Escape | 21 |
| 2023 Escape | 18 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 304 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 54% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 304 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2014-2020 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may be equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine that uses a 50-tooth variable camshaft timing (VCT) intake and exhaust unit from the assembly plant or if a service long block was installed. VCT locking tool 303-1097 is not compatible with this system. If VCT system service is required, replace both the intake VCT (service part DS7Z-6256-F) and exhaust VCT (service part DS7Z-6256-G) as a pair. An interim loaner tool program has been established to enable these repairs. Contact 1-800-403-4844 (Monday-Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm EST; Saturday 8:00am to 3:00pm EST) to obtain this tool. A VCT locking tool compatible with the 50-tooth system is under dev
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the short block and head gasket.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the long block engine assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming. Some of the affected vehicles may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. Customer symptoms include coolant loss, excessive tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights (MIL) due to engine misfire. Over time, this condition may damage the engine, requiring replacement of the engine short block.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Ford Escapes describe a pattern of coolant leaking into engine cylinders, causing rough starts, misfires, loss of power, and eventual engine failure. The problem typically starts with a check engine light for cylinder misfires (P0300, P0302, P0304 codes), white smoke from the exhaust, and constant need to refill coolant. Owners report sweet-smelling coolant odor from the exhaust and gurgling sounds at startup. Many initially replace spark plugs or ignition coils based on early diagnostic codes, only to discover the real issue: coolant is mixing with oil inside the engine.
Mechanics and dealerships confirm this involves cracked cylinder heads, warped cylinders, or blown head gaskets. The fix is full engine replacement—parts and labor totaling $7,800 to $15,000. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 to cover this defect, but the program expired in November 2022 and excludes vehicles outside narrow mileage and build-date windows. Owners with vehicles built in May 2019 (just days after the April cutoff) or those slightly over warranty are denied coverage. Some owners report being told Ford knows the issue is endemic but won't expand the recall because roughly half of the 241,000 Escapes built that year would need repairs. Owners cite multiple class-action lawsuits and Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 19-2172, TSB 22-2229, TSB 22-2239) documenting the defect. A few vehicles suffered repeat failures even after engine replacement.
Same Ford Escape engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
Coolant leaks into one or more engine cylinders, mixing with oil and fuel, causing misfires, rough running, loss of power, and potential engine failure. The root cause appears to be a cracked cylinder head, warped cylinder, or faulty head gasket. Owners report sweet-smelling coolant odor from the exhaust, white smoke on startup, and gurgling sounds during engine start.
When: Generally occurs between 44,000 and 115,000 miles, with some failures as early as 7,891 miles post-service
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and hard starting; Engine shaking and hesitation on acceleration; Check engine light (P0300, P0302, P0304, P0316 misfire codes); Sweet-smelling coolant odor from exhaust; White smoke from exhaust on startup; Gurgling sound behind dashboard during startup; Loss of engine power and inability to accelerate; Low coolant levels requiring frequent refills (every 1-2 weeks); Engine overheating with high temperature warning lights; Rough running and hesitation when driving
Codes mentioned: P0300 - Random/multiple cylinder misfire, P0302 - Cylinder 2 misfire, P0304 - Cylinder 4 misfire, P0316 - Misfire detected on startup, P0339 - Crankshaft position sensor intermittent, P059F - Active grille shutter malfunction, P06E9 - Engine starter performance issue, P0217 - Engine Overheating, P1026 - Fuel Injection System Malfunction, P04BD - Unknown code
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required, estimated cost $7,800–$15,000. Some owners report full long-block replacement at $8,644.38. Dealerships cite TSB 19-2172, TSB 19-2346, TSB 21-2269, TSB 22-2229, and TSB 22-2239. Owners occasionally misdiagnosed with spark plug or ignition coil failure initially.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 (PCM reprogramming), followed by eligibility for Program 21N12 (engine replacement). Program 21N12 expired November 2022 and has mileage/time limits (60,000 miles/5 years, or 84,000 miles/7 years depending on manufacture date). Vehicles built after April 2019 or slightly out of warranty often denied coverage. Ford acknowledges the issue internally but denies coverage for many affected vehicles outside program window. No active NHTSA recall in place. Class action lawsuits mentioned in California and other states.
Oil and Fuel Contamination
Coolant mixing with engine oil fouls the oil, and fuel injectors become clogged with debris from coolant intrusion. Some owners report metal particles in oil filter indicating internal engine damage.
When: Occurs concurrently with coolant intrusion, sometimes discovered during routine oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant in the engine oil; Clogged fuel injectors; Metal particles in oil filter; Poor engine performance after oil change
Codes mentioned: P0217 - Engine Overheating, P06E9 - Fuel Injector Control Performance, P1026 - Fuel Injection System Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injectors must be replaced along with engine rebuild or replacement. Engine oil and filter changes may temporarily mask the problem but do not resolve the underlying coolant intrusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under same CSP 21N12 if vehicle qualifies. No additional service bulletins specific to fuel injector replacement mentioned.
Engine Block and Cylinder Head Cracks
Internal engine damage from coolant intrusion causes cracks in the cylinder head or engine block. Owners report cracked pistons, warped cylinders, and blown head gaskets. One owner reported metal particles in oil filter and timing chain damage.
When: Develops during engine operation once coolant begins leaking; discovered at mileage ranging from 44,000 to 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or clapping sound from engine; Metal shavings or particles in oil; Engine knock and abnormal engine noise; Loss of compression
Repairs/costs cited: Cracked cylinder heads or blocks require full engine replacement. One owner reported replacement engine cost of $14,000, with Ford eventually paying 50% after extended negotiation. Timing chain damage noted in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under CSP 21N12 if within program window. One owner reported Ford offered 50% cost-sharing after months of back-and-forth negotiation.
Post-Repair Transmission and Drivetrain Issues
After engine replacement, some vehicles exhibit new transmission problems, including torque converter valve failure and transmission slipping. One owner reported white smoke from exhaust, low coolant after replacement, and turbo replacement needed.
When: Occurs shortly after engine replacement (within weeks to months)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping; Transmission Service Now warning message; White smoke from exhaust post-repair; Low coolant levels after replacement engine installed; Turbo malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement, torque converter valve replacement, or full transmission replacement required. Costs not specified. One owner reported unknown substance in transmission line. Some dealerships initially misdiagnosed as CV joint leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance provided in cases cited. Owners forced to pay out-of-pocket for post-repair transmission repairs despite vehicles being under new engine warranty.
Repeated Engine Failure After Rebuild
Engines that were rebuilt (not replaced with new long-blocks) or replaced with used/refurbished engines develop the same coolant intrusion issue again. One owner reported multiple engine rebuilds with problem never resolved.
When: Within weeks to months of initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Identical misfire codes and symptoms reappear; Rough running returns; Check engine light reappears
Codes mentioned: P0300 - Random/multiple cylinder misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners report having to undergo multiple engine rebuilds. One owner waited 2 months for parts and reported problem persisting on every startup thereafter. Another owner had replacement engine fail 8 months after initial repair with recurring stall issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford referred one owner to use a used engine for repair after original engine production was discontinued. No extended warranty or goodwill assistance offered for repeat failures.
Synthesized from 304 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
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 a new short block engine replacement. It was still under warranty but very frustrating this happened to a car with low…
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 engine. Since then it sounds like a blown muffler whenever I start my car and I have a check engine light with a third…
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 taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bearings were worn and recommended that the engine…
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 make sure the coolant was leaking. Afterwards, I inspected the vehicle further to check for any external leaks and could…
The engine recall was warrenteed up to 80,000 miles. l bought the vehicle with 75,000 miles. Sure enough l had the defective engine and it blew out at 113,000 miles. l ended up getting a personal loan as the engine was $10,000. I'm upset because Ford can set what ever mileage they want to establish a warranty expiration period. Hope you can help
engine misfire, white smoke, loss of power while driving. Due to Coolant intrusion which could lead to dangerous situations, such as an unexpected stall in traffic or an engine compartment fire. Ford had offered a campaign thro' CSP 21N12 program but for a short time in 2022 which excluded many vehicles for people whose did have issues at that time.
The contact's son owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the message “Engine Overheating” displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a cracked…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 304 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 115 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 56,000 and 95,800 miles, with the median around 74,636. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 95,800. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.