2019 Ford Escape recalls and problems

3 recalls and 597 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Ford Escape.

3
recalls
597
owner complaints
24
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2019 Ford Escape recalls

Equipment: electrical, engine block heater

NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · reported January 15, 2026 · Ford Motor Company · 116,672 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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: shift linkage/cable/rod · Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · reported June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company · 2,925,968 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 21V155000 · reported March 10, 2021 · Ford Motor Company · 15,769 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 25, 2026 · Engine

The coolant system leaked into engine cylinder two. This caused engine block destruction and I was quoted $13,000 to repair the engine. I called Ford and they stated that because the vehicle was at 120,000 miles there was nothing they could do.

Oct 15, 2026 · Power train

Transmission failed, Car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation Known issue with Ford and the 6F35 transmission

Oct 11, 2026 · Engine

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…

Oct 7, 2026 · Engine

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.

Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 60,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Stop Vehicle” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Escape model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2016 41,1703910
2017 42,7023915
2018 41,822266
2019 3597243
2020 231,618204
2021 1935299
2022 1923674

Across all years, the 2013 Escape has the most complaints (2,753). All Ford Escape years →

Questions

Does the 2019 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape, the most recent reported on January 15, 2026 (Equipment: electrical, engine block heater). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?
Owners have filed 597 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (317 complaints), followed by power train (128).
How many 2019 Ford Escape complaints mention a crash or fire?
24 of 597 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 28 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.