Verdict
2019 Ford Escape: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2019 Ford Escape — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 559 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 92% of 2019 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (40%). 3 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2019 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
559
Reports to NHTSA, 2019
Safety recalls
3
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
24
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 92% of 2019 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2019 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (40% of 559 reports), followed by power train (20%).
+ 14 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 559 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11697814, ODI 11749787, ODI 11749187, ODI 11747618, ODI 11746613.
Recalls(3)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainOct 2022 · 22V413000Details +Close −
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.
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. 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.
TiresOct 2021 · 21V155000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Equipment · 26V011000Details +Close −
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.
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. 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2019 Ford Escape SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2019 Ford Escape SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 29 | 25 |
| Escape FWD FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Escape AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 27 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2019 Ford Escape: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2019 Ford Escape?
Owners filed 559 NHTSA complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape — more complaints than 92% of comparable 2019 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2019 Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (40% of complaints) and power train (20%).
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2019 Ford Escape, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Escape get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Ford Escape between 23 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.