2019 Ford Escape: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Ford Escape? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 517 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Ford Escape Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2019 Ford Escape trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Ford Escape SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Ford Escape has 517 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Escape
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 517
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Ford Escape Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Ford Escape?
The 2019 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Ford Escape
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Ford Escape, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2019 Ford Escape are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of reports. Transmission and drivetrain issues also appear frequently, while other components like electrical faults and steering defects are less common. The data suggests potential powertrain concerns, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems dominate complaints for the 2019 model year.
- Transmission and drivetrain issues are the second most reported component.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively few compared to total complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2019 Ford Escape Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Ford Escape. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 346 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 111 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 34 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 9 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Coolant intrusion issue causing excessive smoke and coolant leakage. Ford is aware of the issue and provided a service notice but no recall and an extension of coverage but. Y. Vehicle falls beyond that scope due to mileage. The repair solution is a brand new engine on a known …
Coolant intrusion into cylinder
2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost, VIN [XXX] , ~51,000 miles, built March 2019. Sioux Falls Ford performed full TSB 19-2346 / 22-2229 diagnostic on April 23, 2026 and confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 with visible damage on borescope. Check engine light has occur…
I was in an accident that envolved a rock wall and not 1 airbag deployed. Damage was severe enough for at least 2 should have deployed.
I purchased the vehicle on February 10, 2026, at which time it had approximately 31,000 miles. Within one week, the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to a repair shop, where diagnostic testing identified a fault related to spark plug #2. Further inspection re…
on March 26, 2026 my engine light turned on and I’m getting in misfire on my car, and all of a sudden I can’t run more 40 mph or my car start shaking. I went to AutoZone to get it checked and the the result is, they are needing to replace the cylinder 3 coil pack or spark plugs. …
My vehicle has stop working because the engine has a crack and coolant is leaking into cylinder block. My vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and I was directed by my warranty plan. The dealership inspected vehicle and found the issue... Ford warranty does not want to …
Cylinder 4 misfire code caused a check engine light. Brought to mechanic who replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder 4 coil pack. The code came back later that day. I started noticing a low coolant level and one instance of white smoke on startup. I brought the vehicle to the d…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on a local roadway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and…
Engine failure due to overheating and leaking antifreeze but not a viable leak Misfire cylinder 1 and 3 repeatedly White smoke
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start-up after refueling the vehicle. The accelerator pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle would start-up. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly acce…
Coolant leak via head gasket failure on cylinder number 3. Trouble light (check engine) reported on the dashboard.
I own a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle began experiencing engine misfires and a powertrain malfunction warning. Diagnostic code P0302 appeared for cylinder 2 misfire. The coolant reservoir level began dropping without any visible external leaks. A mecha…
I have a 2019 Escape with only 33k miles. The check engine light came on for P0304cyl 4 misfire and on/off again rough idle. Ford service had technician pulled plug on cylinder four and used a borescope and found coolant leaking into engine. Ford has a known TSB for coolant intru…
We just bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago, paid sales tax and first car payment. The check engine light came on for P0304cyl 4 misfire, notice white smoke blowing from exhaust and low coolant level. Had technician pull plug four and used a boriscope and found coolant leaking into e…
Ford at Jim Ellis dealership in [XXX] [XXX] look at my car last Thursday and gave me only one code P0304 which means tune up but texted me that my car need $8000 of labor and $6k of a new engine, without an explanation. Prior too the vin they pulled up showed Cust satisfaction …
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 …
In June 2025 vehicle had no coolant in tank, refilled and monitored, July 2025 check engine light appeared and code for cylinder 3 misfire, Aug 2025 vehicle went to local certified automotive repair company who began running diagnostics, replaced spark plug and coil #3. After re…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diag…
Rear right passenger seatbelt came apart at the webbing. When my granddaughter tried to buckle her seatbelt it came apart in her hands. This has been confirmed by the dealer, it appears to have been severed but there has been no accidents.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Ford Escape.
2019 Ford Escape Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Ford Escape. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Ford Escape Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 517 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?▾
#1: Engine Problems (346 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (111 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Ford Escape?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Ford Escape?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Ford Escape, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 517 total complaints. 28 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Ford Escape. A major recall area is TIRES. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Ford Escape?▾
The 2019 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Ford Escape based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.