39 of the 734 complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape are about the other systems — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 6,350 miles.
39
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The backup camera in my vehicle has failed repeatedly since I first purchased my vehicle in February 2020. I have had 2 very near miss car accidents because the backup camera went blank while driving and following directions. The backup camera also retains the backup image on the camera after shifting gears from reverse to drive. This defect has been well documented with Murphy Ford dealership in Chester, PA where I purchased the vehicle and also Chapman Ford dealership where I have had the vehicle serviced multiple times. Both dealerships told me the problem was a software problem that was not covered under warranty and the fix was over $600. One of the times I went to Murphy Ford, they said they could not replicate the problem, so the time I was almost in an accident, I took the vehicle directly to their dealership when the screen was blank and had pictures taken and insisted the service mechanic witnessed the blank screen. Again, they refused to fix the problem, stating it was not covered. There is now an active recall for Ford Escape vehicles for 2020 and newer vehicles for the same exact problems. I called Ford Customer Care and they refused to fix my vehicle or include 2019 vehicles in the recall. Their only suggestions was for me to retain any receipts for having the repair completed in case Ford issued a recall at a later date for 2019 models, then I could be reimbursed. I simply do not have the money to have this fixed at this time, as my husband is out of work and on disability and he has very high medical expenses.
NHTSA complaint #11750543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dash board has been flashing images and turning black and white like something is malfunctioning the automatic stop start has been inconsistently working I have issues with the lights getting dimmer while I’m driving at night and sometimes I have to manually hold the brights forward for the lights to work there seems to be something distracting me in the control paneling of the vehicle making me nervous and tired sometimes distracting my eyes.
NHTSA complaint #11744278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. The sensor on the backup camera doesn't often detect someone behind the vehicle. This has occured for the last couple of years. 2. The hatch has also started to short out, popping open when the car is off, refusing to unlock etc. I heard my hatch make the latch sound and then got down the road a bit and it was open about a foot. I could have hurt someone. I can't get into my trunk about 50%og the time now. I have to do a series of locking and unlocking before I press the hatch button. I'm concerned it's not truly latching and then unlatching when I turn off my vehicle. There is the potential that items could fall out of the back causing injury to others. It is very concerning and I know this has been reported in other models of the Ford Escape. I've been dealing with this for about a month now. It should be covered by a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11739839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I initially replaced the entire Y coolant hose to the coolant system. Six months later I had to replace a secondary coolant hose separate from the initial one. Initially, it cost me about $600 and then $300 for the second incident. Now March 22 I have to replace a coolant bypass valve because it has been failing and my car is overheating again. The HVAC system is not working properly and the car is overheating.
NHTSA complaint #11726212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My backup camera stops working sporadically. I saw a report that certain Ford vehicles were recalled but my vehicle is not included.
NHTSA complaint #11686078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Backup camera will stay on for a short time after switching from R to D. It will switch while driving down the road. Also the lighting continues to switch light to dark while driving during the day.
NHTSA complaint #11670984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission issue, transmission failure
NHTSA complaint #11667962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component has failed and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine is failing due to coolant intrusion. This is a known issue that can lead to engine fires and failure whilst driving. This problem is reproduce able. The dealership has inspected the issue however it is intermittent and did not occur while they checked. CEL does come on for the issue and first appeared in early 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11660623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine has failed and in need of full replacement at 123k miles. Vehicle was manf’d in 2019. While driving the vehicle, it can experience a complete loss of power and extremely poor acceleration resulting in a major safety issue on higher speed roads, causing the driver to be unable to avoid potential safety risks that may present. The dealer and manufacturer are both aware of the defect, but failed to issue a recall. The issue is a known design flaw with the engine, which allows coolant intrusion into the 2bd cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11658057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant leaked into motor and my car overheated and my motor cracked. Looks like this is an ongoing issue with EcoBoost engines and Ford has yet to do anything about it.
NHTSA complaint #11656099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My truck burst into flames in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. Started under the hood. We have cameras and luckily it woke me up bc it almost caught my house on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11644372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant leakage into cylinders and a broken timing belt upon attempting to start and drive the vehicle 10 feet, resulting in the entire engine being considered broken, needing replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11642305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased the vehicle from the dealership when it had just 5 miles on it. Soon after, I started hearing a popping noise every time the car shifted, as well as when making turns. After taking it back to the dealership, they discovered that there were missing spot welds in the center frame on the passenger side, specifically in the area between the front door and the back door.
NHTSA complaint #11638443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 2019 Ford Escape (purchased new in December 2018) was taken to the Nick Mayer Ford (Mayfield Heights, Ohio where it was purchased) service department in August/September 2024 for a computer diagnostic analysis for a previous warranty recall/repair problems regarding short block replacement for coolant intrusion that was not performed/corrected several years prior in 2021 when only the turbocharger was replaced. The problem was excessive smoke being emitted at engine start back in 2021 when the only turbocharger was replaced and the problem reappeared in August 2024. Nick Mayer Ford had the vehicle for two weeks in August/September 2024 and provided neither a computer diagnostic analysis report nor repair of the previous recall/repair issues (2021) including no explanation/resolution of the problem. Currently, due to the previous undiagnosed/unresolved problems, the engine failed at 70,000 miles in December 2024 and the long engine block has to be replaced. The engine warning lamp was on at the time of engine failure. We are still paying on a car loan for the vehicle. References: 1. Ford Help Desk Assistance Claim Case# [XXX] on 12/5/2024 filed with Tanya E. for short block replacement for coolant intrusion. 2. Ohio Attorney General Matter Number [XXX] on 12/6/2024 filed with Ross. 3. Ohio Attorney General Consumer Complaint# [XXX] filed online on 1/3/2025.
NHTSA complaint #11638025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I haven't had an issue YET but my mother has the same exact vehicle and Ford's well known issue with the coolant leaking and destroying the engine has happened to her. She is now out $8500 for an issue that they KNOW about and should be recalling and fixing. I am submitting a complaint because I am sure I am next.
NHTSA complaint #11632779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission failed at 59000 miles had it replaced and it’s failing again a year later
NHTSA complaint #11626252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant is going into the engine. Ford will not replace since it is a known issue and not a recall. I've had to replace cylinder 3 and spark plug since car started jolting down the road and wouldn't go past 30 mph. Constantly adding coolant. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety is a big issue since I have 2 kids that are with me in that vehicle. If the engine fails while I'm driving it puts everyone on the road at risk. Local Ford dealership confirmed with me this issue was coolant intrusion. This issue has been ongoing since June 2024 until present Nov 2024. Messages for engine failure have popped up. Overheating has came about. Misfiring popped up.
NHTSA complaint #11624383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion Ford put these vehicles out knowing this was an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11611650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Warning light comes on the dash and Ford App that car is overheating and to service. Car will not move but stays running and the cooling fan comes on. This happened when car was started first thing in morning so it hadn't been running for at least 12 hours. Had the same issue back in Nov of 2023 took into Friendly Ford in Monroe, MI and they had it for a couple of weeks and couldn't duplicate the code, they were able to remove the code off and said if it happened again to bring it back in but basically they couldn't find anything wrong. It happened again on [XXX] and after having it towed again to the dealership which now my mileage is 60,242 its putting me over my powertrain warranty, however, when it was in the first time I was only at 50,853 miles. I am currently waiting for the dealership to look at my car and let me know what they find out. They also told me that there mechanic is 3 months behind and they have no loaner car to give me. They also told me that I couldn't take it to another dealership because they are independently owned and since they never fixed anything on it if I took it some place else it would be on my dime. Obviously there is something wrong with the car if I have gotten this warning 2 times within 8months.The first time (Nov 2023) I was lucky enough to coast into a gas station to get out of traffic and this time I only got to the end of my driveway, but unfortunately I had to have the car towed both times and this time was on my dime because of the miles on the car. My car is a 2019 Ford Escape with only 50,242 miles on it, doesn't seem like I should have this problem with it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11603640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle started to idle oddly on startup. Then a few days later it started to vibrate or cavitate. Check engine light came on. Scheduled for service. Service as of today 05/31/2024, coolant has leaked into engine, engine needs replaced according to service provider. Brought this issue up in 2022 to service after seeing the NHTSA customer service bulletin. My mfr date was out of the listed date range so nothing was done or checked.
NHTSA complaint #11591828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I owned this Ford Escape it only had 58,000 miles on it. I bought it at Delacy Ford all work during ownership was done there. My vehicle suffered a coolant leak into the motor which required replacement for $7000.00. The defect of the 1.5 motor is common and Ford refuses to acknowledge it. Luckily when it happens to me I was not on the freeway or I would have been stranded. Currently there is a court case against Ford because others had safety issues as a result. The case is Miller vs Ford case# 2:20CV01796DADCKD. I feel Ford need to take responsibility for this unsafe 1.5 motor that is defective
NHTSA complaint #11585006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Liftgate fails to open and/or close completely. Rarely, Randomly it works. Safety issue should there be a child or animal back there. No manual lift opening options!
NHTSA complaint #11574236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The COWL on my 2019 Ford Escape needs to be replaced all of a sudden, I researched and found an investigation by NHTSA was being done on 2019 Ford Explorers. I would like to complain about this issue and get back the results of the Explorer investigation I have the repair invoice but was unable to upload on this complaint
NHTSA complaint #11564364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my car 2019 FORD ESCAPE in September 2023, last week it cut off. It will not crank. I changed the key forb batteries, then the engine stated "ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW". The car did start but after running about 40 mins, I noticed the heat was not working, only cold air coming out. All of a sudden, the ENGINE ran HOT. I pulled over cut it off. Looked under hood, coolant reservoir was empty. Finally got coolant in the car. After driving another week, added more coolant. I am now on my 4th container of antifreeze in a little over 2 weeks. no visible leak on the ground under the hood. This morning , my car would not start again. And a smell was inside the car like exhaust fumes, a sweet smell, plastic burning smell. the smell was inside however when I got out of the car you ccould smell the smell away also like 10 feet. I checked my oil and the stick was covered with black thick oil; however when i checked the dipstick MY CAR WAS EMPTY OF OIL.
NHTSA complaint #11560154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving at 70 mph on the expressway, the car began jerking forward and having trouble increasing/decreasing speed. It was like the car was skipping. I immediately exited the expressway because my 3 year old daughter was in the car. I drove it to the nearest Ford dealership that I could get the vehicle to safely. I bought the vehicle two weeks ago at Brighton Ford (240 W Grand River Rd, Brighton, MI 48114) on Saturday, July 23, 2022. I have only had the car about two weeks. When I bought the car they sold it to me with a nail in the tire AND an open recall. (The tire has already been replaced) This is absolutely unacceptable. They were in such a rush to make a deal, that nothing was discussed with me that day outside of the transaction including mentioning that there is an open recall (Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable: 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!!). The recall affects MILLIONS of vehicles, so there's no way they weren't aware the vehicle they sold me fell into this category of unsafe. I suspect who ever turned it in, did so, specifically because of the recall. Then the dealership turned around and sold it without fixing it, putting my daughter and I in danger. I am now without a vehicle until they can get it fixed. This does not need to happen to anyone else, and we are grateful we did not get into a fatal accident.
NHTSA complaint #11478267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my car and then all of a sudden it's starts to jerk and make this clanking sound and stops in the middle of traffic...a indicator check engine light pops in and the service transmission soon..thank God there was no accident due to quick thinking. I try to restart the car and take to the dealer where I bought it and was told they could do nothing and they were backed for 3 months and they just cleared out the message. I start driving it again because I don't have a car and I have to get back and forth to work. Maybe 2 days later it's does the same thing and the car shut down and wouldn't change any gears. I had to get towed which cost money out of my pocket. The car would not move. I only had this car 2 months and I feel as if this was known before the car was sold. Know I have no car and being expected of paying a car note. I contacted Ford and they have nothing to say about it. This is unjust and creeping it's way into a civil lawsuit due to the many complaints. I just want my car fixed as it should because who pays for a car they can't drive.
NHTSA complaint #11475659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
parked the car it jumped into reverse dragged owner down hit 2 parked cars owner was pinned between cars he suffered broken right hip,pelvis,and 7 bones in his foot spent 2 wks in hospital and 2 weeks in rehab center
NHTSA complaint #11470951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was in P, turned off, and my son and I exited the vehicle after returning home. I watered some plants and opened the door to get my phone and purse out of the car. The car car engaged, knocked me down, and rolled over me, badly injuring my leg.
NHTSA complaint #11469515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was stopped and when I stepped on the gas pedal to make my turn my car's engine accelerated at full force, stepping on the brake It wouldn't stop the car. I put the car in neutral and was able to pull over break and put it in park. It was as if the car was possessed and took me for a wild ride. I called the dealership they checked it out no dash lights came on no nothing so they were unable to detect any problem. I had my car for almost 3 years I'm an experienced driver and nothing ever happened to me like this before. The dealership tried to tell me my mat must have been stuck under my gas pedal which I know is not true due to I look down at my gas pedal while trying to break and if it was stuck under my gas pedal like they're saying my car wouldn't accelerate I would have trouble pushing the gas and making it go so nothing makes sense.
NHTSA complaint #11440978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.