2019 Ford Escape problems

ENGINE

We purchased a 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L new from the dealer. We've put only 25,000 miles on it, but are now facing a well known issue (coolant intrusion) that they failed to inform us about. This is despite our vehicle meeting literally every requirement to be included in their Customer Service Program, they told us it is not tied to our VIN and are out of luck. Our car is now worthless. If we had been notified we would have taken the necessary precautions. Again, this is a known issue, with a current Class Action lawsuit in place, that Ford failed to notify us of. We are now out tens of thousands of dollars in replacing a car we have barely driven.

NHTSA complaint #11764175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

NHTSA complaint #11763277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

NHTSA complaint #11763277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

NHTSA complaint #11763277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Slow coolant leak that is a known issue with engine. This caused the water pump to go bad and engine to risk overheating. Has been looked at by 3 independent mechanics all confirmed this is a known issue causing major concerns. No warning! Just suddenly lost all coolant! No engine needs replaced!

NHTSA complaint #11762707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Was told the lugnuts were swollen when I tried to have tires rotated. The repair shop is mainly and oil repair shop. I took it to the dealership I purchased the car from and was told this is a major issue they deal with everyday and Ford has not issued a recall. I have to replace with my own money and labor costs. I have to have it done but think Ford should address this issue as if I had a flat tire somewhere in a remote area I could not get tire off with wrench provided with spare tire.

NHTSA complaint #11761514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.

NHTSA complaint #11761195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.

NHTSA complaint #11761195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.

NHTSA complaint #11761195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I recently bought a 2019 Ford Escape from Superior Mazda in Bentonville, Arkansas for my daughter going off to college. Soon after purchasing the vehicle a giant puff of smoke started coming out the exhaust when starting. We took it to a Ford dealership and they said the coolant is leaking into the engine block and apparently this is a known issue with 2017-2019 ford escapes. Superior Mazda said it's not their problem. The cost to fix is $12,700. We've only had this car for 38 days. Ford has issued 2 statements about this defect in these cars: Ford issued TSB 19-2375 for 2017–2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost. It specifically says coolant can intrude into the cylinders and calls for short-block and head-gasket replacement when the condition is confirmed. There is also Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, titled “Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion.” Why is this not a recall? I have since read/heard that this is an issue all over. I spoke to a mechanic in my town and they stated they currently have a 2017 escape that they are working on with this exact problem. An investigation needs to made into Ford regarding 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. Since this is a known defect and Ford is well aware of this engine flaw in this model car they need to do the right thing and issue a recall. My daughter could have been stranded on the highway heading to college.

NHTSA complaint #11760039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11759309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11759309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0301 displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to proceed with the repair and wait for approval of the VIN to be added to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Ford Escape powertrain went out when I was driving in town, it went from driving fine to not getting out of 1st gear. No warning prior got it towed to my mechanic and he did a diagnostic and it is indeed the transmission. This was extremely dangerous since I was close to being rearended because of the sudden failure. I still didnt get the transmission failure message on the screen until we went to load it up on the wrecker. This is a widely known transmission failure that has plagued this vehicle for years yet it was still sold to me. Ford knows about it and does nothing and it not recalled, unbelievable. Now my only vehicle is down, I cannot get to work and cannot afford thousands for a new transmission and labor. I am still paying on this car.

NHTSA complaint #11758731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle began losing engine coolant. No external leaks visible. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and diagnostics. They found coolant intrusion in cylinders 1 and 2. They say that TSB 22-2322 applies to this issue. Vehicle has 86,896 miles and warranty started on February 16, 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11758213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle was losing coolant, running rough and check engine light was on. We took it to a Ford dealer who told us: Stored Codes P1299 and P0302 for the cylinder 2 misfire due to the coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The fix is to replace the entire engine at a cost of $15,735.95!! This is a 2019 Ford Escape. We've owned it for six years. We had planned on keeping it another six years, at least. A car should not need an engine replacement within six years. We're retired, living on social security and a very small pension. We can't afford a $15,000 repair. On top of a diagnostic fee of $435 and close to $500 to rent a car (so far.) We contacted Ford and they said there was nothing they could do for us.

NHTSA complaint #11758288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

For a few days before the transmission went out, it was kinda spitting and shuddering, then the 4th day the transmission would not shift into gear and go. It would rev the engine all the way up and bark the tires even with my foot not on the gas or brake. It started jerking and just would not go. It would not accelerate at all.

NHTSA complaint #11757357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We bought the 2019 Ford escape sel in 2023 with 29918. We had the oil changed at 33000 and then we took it to Ford because it was slow starting. Their was coolant in the cylinders requiring us to pay 12000 dollars for a new engine when this only had 36000 miles on it. Ford refused goodwill case and now we acquired an attorney. This is a known engine problem with this Ford. Class action lawsuit Miller vs Ford motor company. Never heard of an engine failure with only 36000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11756269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

When I originally attempted to start the car, white smoke was pouring from the exhaust pipe. We came to the conclusion that my head gasket on the car blew. We came to this conclusion because it was misfiring and when you try to open the coolant lid there’s suction.

NHTSA complaint #11755101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Ford Coolant Leak & Engine Overheating Engine overheating caused by an internal engine coolant leak in Ford Ecoboost engines Coolant leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This caused total engine failure and to require replacement of the engine block.

NHTSA complaint #11755000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. Upon inspection, the contact's husband became aware that the coolant level was abnormally low. Additionally, a diagnostic scan retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P0302; indicating a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. Upon inspection, the contact's husband became aware that the coolant level was abnormally low. Additionally, a diagnostic scan retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P0302; indicating a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bad engine reports on 2019 Escape. Engine light problems beginning at 56k. I understand Ford has had many complaints about this engine. New water pump at 56k, new purge valve at 58k.

NHTSA complaint #11754841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Our 2019 Ford Escape began shaking upon starting the vehicle. We took it in for diagnostics to the Ford Dealership. This car has less than 40k miles on it after 7 years of ownership. We were told we would need to completely replace the engine due to a coolant leak. Upon further research, a recall for our exact make and model was identified that described the exact same issue that was identified by Ford. For some reason, our VIN was NOT eligible for the OASIS program that was offered to other FORD owners with the EXACT same problem. The dealership has not been helpful at all in putting me in contact with a Ford Representative that can tell me WHY my particular vehicle did not qualify for the assistance program. After contacting Ford corporate (or tried several times to get someone on the phone instead of a automatic prompt system) I was told that they would send my complaint to the Auto Safety Office BUT they could NOT guarantee I would receive a call back. NOW, the Ford dealership is saying that we have been DENIED assistance and that our case is with the Auto Safety Office and they will not be able to provide an update about our complaint. During this time, the dealership provided us with a loaner vehicle while trying to address the issue. They are now demanding that we return the loaner vehicle. This is also the dealership that services the 2019 Ford Escape in question. It was recalled previously for improper bushings which we complied with the recall and had it repaired accordingly. For an American made vehicle with less than 40k miles this is incredibly disappointing that Ford is unwilling to assist in the complete and total engine replacement that is being offered to others with the EXACT SAME issues that FORD identified. I have purchased 3 Ford vehicles from 2017-2019 and this will be the last. Customer service has been piss poor even when I was able to get someone on the phone. I do not feel safe driving the car after the issue was identified.

NHTSA complaint #11753708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. My son came over that evening and towed back to my house and the discovered the oil pan was cracked along with block and piston shattered. There are parts inside the oil pan. This has not been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warning or check engine lights came on indicating a problem. My build date is June of 2019 and the tsb is for May of 2019, indicating that this engine still had a coolant problem as there was no coolant left and had all came out in the pan with the oil. I am asking for assistance in getting this covered . Please let me know what steps can be taken. Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11752893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.