2019 Ford Escape

▲ Better than typical
2019 Ford Escape
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escape Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2019 highlighted. 2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 996 complaints 2002: 1027 complaints 2003: 558 complaints 2004: 499 complaints 2004 2005: 1394 complaints 2006: 464 complaints 2007: 254 complaints 2008: 1973 complaints 2008 2009: 1692 complaints 2010: 2068 complaints 2011: 1316 complaints 2012: 598 complaints 2012 2013: 2744 complaints 2014: 2077 complaints 2015: 1073 complaints 2016: 1092 complaints 2016 2017: 2664 complaints 2018: 1774 complaints 2019: 578 complaints 2019 2020: 1586 complaints 2020 2021: 335 complaints 2022: 228 complaints 2023: 95 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2024 2025: 21 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2019: 578 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001996
20021027
2003558
2004499
20051394
2006464
2007254
20081973
20091692
20102068
20111316
2012598
20132744
20142077
20151073
20161092
20172664
20181774
2019578
20201586
2021335
2022228
202395
202476
202521
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 53%

53% of complaints: engine — 304 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Defect in engine block causing coolant intrusion.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260722

Also filed under AIR BAGS

Flywheel cracked. There is a service bulletin on how to fix when there is an issue which to me indicates a known issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260710

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260708

POWER TRAIN 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 122 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing torque converter and automatic transmission.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230927

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Was driving and a loud pop happened when pulling onto the hwy and lost power. Immediately pulled into parking lot and tried to restart but would not start.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260726

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 91 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turbo/supercharger and pump.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil.

CRASH INJURY
STEERING 3%

3% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210427 — tires

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V155000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221027 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — equipment

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.

Campaign 26V011000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (304 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (122 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (91 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V011000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V155000 (tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2017 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Ford Escape is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.