2019 Ford Escape recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape and 596 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (316), power train (128), engine and engine cooling (94). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–25 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2019 ranks #6 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Ford Escape. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Tires
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Transmission failed, Car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation Known issue with Ford and the 6F35 transmission
At only 43,379 miles — well within the useful life expected of this vehicle — my 2019 Ford Escape developed two significant mechanical failures. (1) Fuel injector: the vehicle emits visible black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating at highway speeds; the dealership diagnosed this as a failed fuel injector requiring replacement (est. $1,200). Visible exhaust smoke during hi…
My vehicle has to have a new motor. It only has 127,154 miles on it. I have sent Ford a letter to respond with in 30 days and they have not done that. Please advise the next steps.
Safety ratings
2019 Ford Escape SUV AWD
2019 Ford Escape SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Ford Escape.
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Escape FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape, most recently for equipment · electrical · engine block heater (01/15/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?
Based on 596 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (316), power train (128), engine and engine cooling (94).
Is the 2019 Ford Escape safe?
The 2019 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Ford Escape?
The 2019 ranks #6 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 Ford Escape range from 23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2019 Ford Escape in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ESCAPE, Escape.