What 563 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Escape Gas

Ford only showed one code P0403 tuneup with a written statement I asked for wanting 15k for a new engine and verbal;y stating I need a whole new engine. The 2019 Ford escape began to smoke heavily while driving. I put over had the car towed to Ford dealer in sandy springs. As Ford is stating that this car needs a new engine the old recall existed from years ago has expired on the VIN number 2022. Just because I made a purchase from 2024 doesn't mean the the issues have been resolved and you should be aware and know about the mechanical issues and list them remained as a recall. The 2020 model also shows major concerns in fact from 2012 to 2020 models Ford escape complaints are listed on your website repetitive recall mechanical issues unfixed or part not available should be all listed as a recalls safety of drivers. Some referred to as problematics when driving but other diagnostics showed engine transmission, now showing on Ford website is Block heater element replacement, Powertrain control module reprograming and Transmission shifter cable bushing

NHTSA ODI 11750774

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 ODI 11750543

I was driving my Escape, and the vehicle quit acceleratoring. I had to have vehicle towed to a shop. I was informed that I need a new engine. The Escape only has 78,000 miles on it. I am being quoted $8,000.00. This was an unsafe situation for both myself, and my 20 year old autistic so who was with me.

NHTSA ODI 11750424

2019 FORD ESCAPE //// Mileage 103,457//6F35 transmission First towed on May 24, 2026 - Vehicle is still at Empire Ford Service in Huntington, NY First Ford replaced Shifter Cable Bushing Rollaway (2013-2019 Models) as per the recall. They said all is fixed no charge since it was the recall. I had the SUV for only one day from the recall repair and it broke down on the highway and would not stay running when put into gear. Now after keeping my car for about a week the service person said they were finally able to replicate the issue and pull up a fault code that points the issue to the valve body inside the transmission. He said at a minimum it will cost $2,800 plus tax unless they find more damage when they open up the transmission. The cost can/will possibly be more. I explained I am Disabled and on a fixed income and can't afford a large bill as I don't have that kind of money available to me. I asked about a payment plan and was sent to an online company called Sunlit to fill out the approval paperwork. I was approved for $4,200 dollars for repairs with $1,260 due at checkout and a 18 month $197.53 payment. At 24.99% APR, $615.52 Interest which puts the repayment amount at $4,815,52 (Screenshot available). All this without even knowing what the cost of the repair is yet. I continue to read that Ford knew that the 6F35 transmission has known issues but they did not inform the consumers. They charged me $2,988.11 for the valve body repair which I paid when I picked up the escape on June 18, 2026. I drove the escape 8 miles from Empire Ford Service and it broke down again. I got in touch with Joshua Gorman in service whom I have been working with directly. After explaining to him I called Ford towing from my Ford App and I was towed back to Ford service and was informed on June 26, 2026 that they were able to look into the vehicle and it now needs a new transmission which will cost me $8,500. It would put the repair cost at $11,488.11. I really could use some help

NHTSA ODI 11750022

car suddenly overheated leaving myself and two children stranded on the interstate. it's a confirmed cylinder 3 coolant intrusion that is a well known documented issue. diagnosed and confirmed by the dealership. I was unaware of this issue, I thought buying a certified pre owned car meant it was in perfect shape, not a ticking time bomb.

NHTSA ODI 11749787

Flywheel cracked. There is a service bulletin on how to fix when there is an issue which to me indicates a known issue.

NHTSA ODI 11749606

The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores. This defect was officially reproduced, tested, and confirmed by factory-certified technicians at AutoNation Ford Katy in Katy, Texas. The vehicle is currently parked at my residence and is fully available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a glowing Check Engine Light on the dashboard, low coolant levels, and rough engine idling upon startup, which first appeared immediately prior to the formal dealership diagnosis at 81,085 miles. Coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers causes sudden engine misfires, severe overheating, and white smoke emission. This defect risks a sudden, unpredictable loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds, creating a severe, immediate collision hazard for myself and other motorists on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11749187

Rear drivers side door latch suddenly will not latch. No damage noted. Simply closed the door after leaving the house, then tried to close it 8 minutes later and it wont latch.

NHTSA ODI 11748803

Took my car into the dealership with a check engine light at 50k miles. The dealership told me that because it’s a poorly designed engine in the car I would need a full engine block replacement and quoted me $12k. The root cause of this problem is the known coolant intrusion issue referenced in Ford’s customer satisfaction program 21N12. I called ford customer service and the agent told me “bad luck, ford is offering no assistance to you.” To answer the questions specifically: The engine failed. It can’t be safe to drive a car anywhere that has an engine which can fail so suddenly. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The manufacturer has confirmed the problem. The only warning was a check engine light about 50 miles before the engine failed.

NHTSA ODI 11747618

Coolant intrusion complete engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11746613

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was unable to shift into a lower gear, and the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with shifter bushing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746644

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the right side of the road, exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and became aware that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was low. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the fuel system and into one of the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746447

Engine failure. Smoke coming from tailpipe. 90,000 miles on car

NHTSA ODI 11746135

My car was overheating, come to find out there is a known problem with ford escapes where the coolant leaks into the cylinder. But because I’m 14,000 miles over my warranty ford will not fix it. I would’ve never bought this car had I known this issue was a possibility.

NHTSA ODI 11746215

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who determined that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the coolant leak into the cylinders and advised the contact that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746239

My check engine came on my vehicle and had it checked out and I was informed that coolant is getting into the third cylinder and I was informed this is an ongoing issue with these escapes and Ford is aware of the flaw but never did a recall for it. This is a very costly expense and so crazy Ford has never done anything to repair or help customers with the costly expense but they will give their employees bonus checks is so crazy while us people are out here trying to figure out a $6-8 thousand dollar expense.

NHTSA ODI 11745843

Tire size 235/45R-19 95H Vehicle began shaking and vibrating at highway speed. Upon inspection both front tires had the outer and inner edge tread separating from the tire. Ford dealership advised all tires be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11745000

Tire size 235/45R-19 95H Vehicle began to shake and vibrate. Upon inspection both the inner and outer tread had separated from the tire. Ford dealership recommended immediate replacement of tires.

NHTSA ODI 11745008

Within the first year of purchase, I was going to the Toronto Airport on the 401 and the vehicles' engine power quickly reduced to about 5mi/hr. I had to pull off the freeway in fear of being rear ended. I slowly made it to a gas station, the vehicle running at reduced power for about 15min. I turned the vehicle off and waited for About 30min. The car started up with full power when increasing the pressure on the gas peddle I took it to the dealer when I returned home. They found nothing. This happened again 3yrs later with the same outcome from a repair shop. I am told to use mid grade gas...although I fear another shutdown that could cause me to be part of an accident that could be detrimental to my health due to the quick loss of power and being rear ended. What is happening? How can you help?

NHTSA ODI 11744870

Engine failure Smoking engine Engine almost caught fire

NHTSA ODI 11744200

I received a check engine light, code P0303, misfire Cylinder 3. There is evidence my engine was overheating as the spark plug associated with cylinder 3 was melted and unable to be removed. I took my vehicle to Ford to diagnose the issue and was advised there was coolant intrusion into my engine. Upon researching the issue there is a trove of information relating to my vehicle and other Ford vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. My Vehicle is a 2019 Ford Escape Vin [XXX]. My vehicle fits all the specifications of Ford Customer Satisfaction program 21N12, which acknowledges coolant leaking into the engine and what symptoms a vehicle exbits when coolant leaked is present. From my understanding there is a risk of engine fire related to this issue. I can no longer safely drive the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11744205

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 ODI 11744278

This updates a prior complaint (NHTSA tracking XXX). The 2019 Escape 1.5L EcoBoost has the known coolant-intrusion engine defect (white exhaust smoke, overheating, misfires; codes P0300/P0301-P0304). Ford replaced the engine short block under program 21N12 on 3/6/2024 at 62,201 miles. The defect has recurred and the engine has now completely failed a second time. The dealer (Tuttle-Click Ford) confirmed excessive exhaust smoke and a loud rod knock; the vehicle is undrivable and likely needs another engine. While driving on the highway the engine began shutting down. The vehicle was shaking and making loud knocking noises, and we had to exit immediately at the next off-ramp; my children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) were in the car. The vehicle is unsafe. Ford denied repurchase twice (cases XXX and XXX). I am reporting this safety defect for the record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11743807

Driving on highway when we approached a traffic jam. Car started mis-firing (jerking) especially at low speed. Got off roadway as soon as it was safe to do so. Went to O'Reilly Auto Parts to get a diagnosis. Stated issue with coil in 2 so replaced and still having issue. Replaced 2 spark plug but did not fix the problem. Following day replaced all coils and spark plugs and still did not fix the problem. Brought it to the nearest Ford Dealer and was told there was coolant intrusion to the engine and it would have to be replaced. Two days later after engine arrived discovered transmission fluid leak into the main engine harness, another $1,600. Total cost is going to be $12,755.00. Car only has 50,000 miles on it and always did maintenance on time.

NHTSA ODI 11743235

I am reporting the failure of Ford Motor Company to perform a mandatory safety recall (Recall 22S43 / NHTSA ID 22V413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (OASIS reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed.' ​Furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic inspection of the transmission linkage and adjacent engine compartment. Had this recall been performed, the technician would have identified the progressive corrosion and mechanical stress that subsequently destroyed the high-pressure fuel pump and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). ​The manufacturer meticulously recorded routine maintenance while ignoring a critical federal safety mandate. Their negligence directly caused a cascading mechanical failure, rendering my vehicle an unsafe, non-operational hazard. I am seeking a formal investigation into these falsified service records and the manufacturer's failure to remedy this safety hazard. I attempted to resolve this manner at the lowest levels, before taking this route. Unfortunately, to their detriment; Ford basically told me I was on my own. I have already alerted the Attorney General for the State of Tennessee, as well. The subsequent loss of the vehicle as a result of the abhorrent behavior of Ford Motor company has resulted in time lost with my kids and my mental health appointments with the Veterans Administration. I can not make it to my therapist or get my medication. I have the Carfax and Oasis reports as further evidence to back these claims.

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