Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Ford Escape powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Ford Escape have filed 113 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
113
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Escape | 272 |
| 2016 Escape | 314 |
| 2017 Escape | 369 |
| 2018 Escape | 253 |
| 2019 Escape (this page) | 113 |
| 2020 Escape | 219 |
| 2021 Escape | 35 |
| 2022 Escape | 27 |
| 2023 Escape | 18 |
6crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 113 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 113 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and on certain vehicles install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and on certain vehicles install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a bump or clunk from the rear drive unit (RDU) when turning at low speeds and parking lot maneuvers. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2019 Ford Escape powertrain failures cluster into five major patterns. First, transmission failure at relatively low mileage (25,000–155,000 miles) presents the largest group. Owners report sudden loss of acceleration, inability to shift, metal shavings in fluid, and transmission seizure. Repair costs run $3,500–$10,000; many fall outside warranty coverage despite Ford's NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 recall remaining incomplete due to parts shortages. Second, coolant intrusion into the engine affects 1.5L EcoBoost motors, causing cylinder misfires, white smoke on startup, and catastrophic engine failure. Ford recall #19S22 and TSB 22-2322 addressed this issue, yet failures recur post-repair. Third, unintended vehicle motion—vehicles rolling backward while parked or in gear—has caused injuries and property damage. Fourth, engine stalling and shutdown during driving, sometimes linked to auto start-stop malfunction or PCM issues, creates collision hazards. Fifth, torque converter and transmission control problems cause hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and loss of power. Owners report dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose root causes, invoking warranty limits even for recalled components. Parts backlogs have delayed repairs for months. Multiple owners reference the class action lawsuit regarding transmission defects and note Ford service personnel deny knowledge of widespread issues despite numerous complaints.
Same Ford Escape powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure—sudden loss of drive
Transmission fails to engage, slips, or seizes while driving or at stop. Engine revs without vehicle acceleration. Metal shavings found in transmission fluid indicating internal wear.
When: 25,000–155,000 miles; failures reported from early ownership to later model years
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration when depressing pedal; Engine revs without vehicle movement; Vehicle unable to shift or stuck in gear; Transmission seized or grinding noise; Jerking and clanking sounds; Check engine light; transmission warning light; powertrain malfunction notification
Codes mentioned: P0420, Transmission failure diagnosis per dealer scan
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement $3,500–$10,000 depending on labor and new vs. rebuilt; torque converter replacement also reported as recurring repair. Metal shavings found during fluid changes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train) recall issued; parts availability delays cited in multiple complaints; many owners report recall incomplete or parts on backorder for months; warranty denial based on mileage or out-of-warranty status; class action lawsuit referenced by owners regarding premature transmission failures
Coolant intrusion—engine failure
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders, causing misfires, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure. Occurs even after recall repair. No external leaks visible; detected by pressure testing and engine disassembly.
When: 40,000–70,000 miles; recurrence after recall repair at 54,000–56,000 miles on second failure
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from exhaust on startup; Engine misfiring; cylinder-specific misfires; Check engine light; cylinder misfire codes; Engine overheating; Loss of power while driving; Engine stalling; rough running; Coolant reservoir level dropping without visible external leak
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0302, Coolant intrusion diagnosis per Ford dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Short-block engine replacement cost $5,300–$8,500 depending on dealer; full long-block replacement also required in some cases. Owners cite repair costs exceeding vehicle value.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #19S22 issued; Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2322 issued for 1.5L EcoBoost; Ford dealerships initially declined to cover post-recall failures citing out-of-warranty status; partial coverage offered ($3,976–$5,301) leaving $8,000+ out-of-pocket; one owner report states dealer 'showed the whole process of coolant corruption' and called model 'the Problem Child of Ford Motor Company'
Unintended vehicle motion—rolling backward
Vehicle rolls backward while parked, in neutral, or with brake applied. Occurs on level surfaces and driveways. Two complaints document injury from vehicle rolling over owner's feet.
When: 8,000–53,000 miles; multiple occurrences in same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward at 2 MPH while in park or neutral; Vehicle rolls backward at fuel pump; Parking brake applied but vehicle moves; Vehicle rolls away while parked and unattended in lot
Repairs/costs cited: Injuries reported: bruised feet and ribs; foot injury requiring emergency room treatment and physical therapy; property damage to home garage and curb damage reported. Vehicle not always repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train) recall notification sent; one owner received recall letter; dealer confirmed parts unavailable for repair; manufacturer investigation resulted in case closure without medical coverage or repair; one owner refused to take possession after recall attempt; police reports filed
Engine stalling and shutdown during driving
Engine shuts off completely while driving or idling, often without warning. Start-stop system malfunction and PCM reboot events documented.
When: 5,000–98,000 miles; early in vehicle ownership (February–April 2019) and throughout service life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at traffic light or while accelerating; Stalling on highway at 45–65 MPH; Difficulty restarting; multiple restart attempts required; Instrument cluster and infotainment system shut down; Powertrain malfunction error displayed; check engine light; Auto start-stop engages then vehicle cuts off when brake released; No warning before failure; check engine light comes on at time of incident
Codes mentioned: P164C, General powertrain fault detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic tests performed (12650D EEC SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS, PIN POINT TESTS, IDS TEST P164C) but issue not reproducible in shop. Extended mileage testing with Sky Tracker requested. No repairs completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer requested extended testing; PCM firmware verified to be latest version; KAM reset performed; no root cause identified by Ford; issue occurs intermittently (~every 30 days)
Transmission hesitation, jerking, and torque converter failure
Transmission hesitates or jerks during acceleration or shifting. Torque converter fails causing shuddering and loss of power. Delayed acceleration despite firm pedal input. Vehicle may not shift into intended gear or shift involuntarily.
When: 25,000–98,000 miles; recurring issue in same vehicles after prior transmission repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates during acceleration; Shuddering and jerking during shifts; Abnormal whining noise from transmission; Vehicle fails to shift gear as needed; Delayed acceleration response; Transmission warning light; check engine light; Transmission fault message displayed; Gears shift inadvertently or incorrectly
Codes mentioned: Transmission failure diagnosis per dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement (third replacement in one vehicle); transmission pump, flywheel, sealant, and torque converter replacement cited; cable bushing failure documented; repairs on backorder; estimated cost ~$8,700 for torque converter and related components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to NHTSA Hotline; warranty denial based on mileage; one owner with prior transmission repair experienced recurring failure and repair not covered due to exceeding 1-year/12,000-mile third-party warranty; manufacturer advised contact if warning light illuminates
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input or accelerates involuntarily during shifting or braking. Vehicle continues at high RPM even when brake applied or engine off.
When: 700–45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates from 25 to 75 MPH without foot on accelerator; Vehicle accelerates when shifting from park or reverse to drive; Vehicle continues at 4,500–5,000 RPM after brake applied; Engine revs and vehicle surges forward while in reverse; Acceleration during right turn causing collision with pole; Brakes overheat from controlling excess acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle collision into wall and utility pole; air bags did not deploy. Vehicle towed but not yet diagnosed or repaired in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; unknown diagnosis status in reported cases; Campaign 22V413000 referenced but unclear if applicable
Engine cylinder misfire—coil pack and timing chain failure
Engine misfires on one or more cylinders. Spark plug and coil pack replacement does not resolve issue; timing chain failure identified as root cause in one case.
When: 54,000–56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Engine running rough and stuttering; Engine shaking and ticking/knocking on startup; Cylinder-specific misfire codes detected
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0302, Cylinder 1, 2, 3, or 4 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement; coil pack replacement twice in same vehicle did not resolve issue; timing chain replacement required ($2,200 repair bill documented); short-block replacement required after timing chain failure. Owner vehicle out of service for one month.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer coverage noted; owner filed Ford case number CXH-04637344; timing chain identified as root cause after multiple failed repair attempts
Synthesized from 113 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Coolant intrusion into Cylinders 2 and 3.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The local dealer was notified of the recall notification and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed to wait on the second notice on when parts would be available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle…
I was driving on my way home then all of a sudden my car wasn’t moving when I was pressing on the gas pedal. At first I thought maybe the energy brake was on but after checking that wasn’t the problem. My car just wasn’t moving when I hit the gas. I was stranded in traffic for a bit until I decided to turn off the engine and turn it back on. I was able to park it somewhere but the problem hasn’t…
The vehicle started running rough and missing at 75 MPH with about 5000 miles on it. Check engine light came on, cruise control shut off. I took it to the dealership and they said I had 3 trouble codes but I don't know what the were. They reprogrammed something a gave me the car back a week later. Two weeks after that I started getting another check engine light with the code p0420. The local…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 113 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 48 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 27,900 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,900; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.