What 563 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Escape Gas

The engine continually misfires, forcing me to continually get it fixed. Now, with only 68,000 miles I have to replace the head gasket ($4000), which my mechanic states is an extremely common problem with this make, model, and year. I also continually get notices to my Ford app about “fault detected—service engine soon” (for the misfire) and “a power train or AWD fault has been detected”.

NHTSA ODI 11687440

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and then accelerated. The contact stated that the engine was hesitating and chugging to maintain power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11685222

Transmission has been replaced 4 times

NHTSA ODI 11684392

Clunking/wobble from Rear differential unit, also roaring like a bad wheel bearing loss of acceleration intermittently/power intermittently

NHTSA ODI 11684394

Driveshaft carrier bearing trashed

NHTSA ODI 11684396

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and shudder, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter and transmission. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683961

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the contact received a power train malfunction notification through the Mobile App. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start but was started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to Loganville Ford (3460 US-78, Loganville, GA 30052); where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam seals, the crankshaft sensor and harness, and the timing components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced in 2021, and the fuel pump was replaced in 2023 due to the stalling failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,117.

NHTSA ODI 11683742

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and parked, the vehicle started rolling across the parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several employees in the parking lot noticed the vehicle rolling away and were able to enter the vehicle and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11672155

Transmission failed. Since the transmission failed, I was stuck at an intersection and could not move forward for several moments. The transmission was inspected and repaired by Aamco transmission services. There were no warnings. The car had been driven only 38,633 miles. Ford will not reimburse for the repairs, but is aware the repairs were completed.

NHTSA ODI 11672081

I am reporting a serious transmission failure in my 2019 Ford Escape SEL with only 86,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting signs of transmission malfunction, including whining noises and delayed acceleration. Upon inspection, the mechanic found metal shavings in the transmission fluid and reported that the front pump had completely failed. This issue aligns with the widespread problems detailed in the [XXX] et al. v. Ford Motor Company class action lawsuit concerning premature transmission failures in Ford vehicles. The estimated cost to repair my vehicle is nearly $8,700, which is unreasonable for a vehicle with such relatively low mileage. I am concerned about the safety implications of this failure, especially if the vehicle had lost power while driving. I believe this issue is part of a broader, known defect and should be investigated further. I have documentation to support my case and am happy to provide repair estimates or service records upon request. I reside in Virginia and would like this complaint to be recorded as part of your investigation into transmission-related issues on 2019 Ford Escapes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11671564

The engine on my 2019 Ford Escape failed due to coolant intrusion — the same issue previously addressed by Ford recall #19S22. The recall repair was completed by a certified Ford dealership in 2022. Within days of making the final payment on the vehicle, the engine failed completely and became inoperable. It had to be towed to a Ford dealership for inspection. Before the failure, the same symptom I experienced prior to the original recall occurred again: white smoke coming from the exhaust, indicating coolant was leaking into the engine. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages. When my car did not turn on, I thought it was possibly the battery so I bought a new one and changed it. When that did not work I went ahead and had it towed to get a full diagnostic. The diagnosing Ford dealership confirmed the engine suffered catastrophic failure due to coolant intrusion — the exact defect previously addressed under the recall. Ford acknowledged the diagnosis but declined to fully cover the cost of repair, stating the recall work was “out of warranty.” They initially offered $3,976.18, and when I didn’t accept, this was increased to $5,301.58 — still leaving me with nearly $8,000 in out-of-pocket costs before tax for a full engine replacement. The affected component (engine) was inspected and confirmed by the Ford dealership and is still available for inspection. This failure occurred in the first week of April, and I have been without a working vehicle since. The recurrence of this issue — even after the recall repair was completed — raises serious concerns about long-term safety, durability, and accountability associated with this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11668219

Similar to most Escape drivers, I experienced a sudden transmission issue while I was driving. The car would not accelerate even when firmly pressing on the gas, then would jump in a delayed reaction causing a movement in my car I could not control. No check engine light, no indication of trouble in a well maintained vehicle with less than 85,000 miles. Did have a recall for previous powertrain issue, likely will be told by Ford that it’s unrelated. Ford service advisor also acted like this was the first time he’d heard of any kind of issue. Yeah right, look at the number of people complaining of the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11667584

Was driving out of town when the car started to slow down on its own, and when stepping on the gas kept slowing down and jerking and we had to pull over and shut it off. Did that a few times and then would go gaining speed a little at a time, except when going up a hill. Then would start to slow down and almost stall on the busy highway. Traffic was backing up behind us unable to pass and we continually had to keep pulling over on the highway as the car would start to stall. Then the check engine light came on, and a couple times it flashed. We pulled into our hometown garage (Heisler Auto, Mohall ND) and they checked it out and said it was a cylinder 1 misfire. We purchased spark plugs and did that ourselves. The problem continued immediately after we put them in and the check engine light came on again. We took back to Heisler Auto and 2 weeks later they changed out the coil packs to see if that was the issue. The issue continued when they took it out for a drive and upon further inspection found it to be the timing chain. It will be another 2 weeks before they get the part and do the work. So it’s been a whole month with no vehicle to drive. There was no warning signs of this. Car has driven great and has had great gas mileage until Bam, that day it just quit running. I will upload the $2200 repair bill after they get it done. I wanted to send this off now so I don’t forget. I called Ford and I have a case number for this: CXH-04637344 and they told me to file the complaint with you.

NHTSA ODI 11666305

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659359

Transmission been stalling now says it has engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11658509

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission flex plate was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Extended Warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656689

I purchased my 2019 escape October 2019 brand new from the dealership we paid for the extended warranty of 100,000 miles I’m at 103,541 and now have transmission issues. I called ford and they said the can’t do anything. It cases me to not be able to accelerate, and then the transmission figure light came on luckily I was in town and not on the interstate when this problem happens. Doing some research this is a common problem with the 2019 ford escape transmission’s this could be a major safety problem if it was to happen on a interstate or major highway

NHTSA ODI 11655594

The transmission has a rattle and the dealer states that the transmission likely has a damaged flex plate. but the car is not covered as there is no recall or customer campaign. The car barely has over 22,000 miles on it. Ford should be responsible instead of telling me it's a $4-6000 repair. Tranny problems at 22,000 miles is a design issue.

NHTSA ODI 11655131

Powertrain failure for 2019 Ford Escape. Car was not accelerating correctly in main highway traffic. The car was diagnosed by Holman Ford in Sicklerville, NJ. Torque converter clutch broke down and transferred the metallic material into the transmission causing damage leading to failure. No warning signs/messages/ or symptoms. This has been confirmed to be a re-occurring issue for Ford Escape owners.

NHTSA ODI 11649471

My 2019 Ford Escape Eco Boost Titanium vehicle is currently loosing antifreeze at an alarming rate. I had the error codes read and I have four. The first, P0303, states cylinder #3 is misfiring. The second, P0141, says the heater in 02 sensor is taking too long to warm up. The third, P0016, states the camshaft position A correlates to bank 1 and finally, P04DB, says the crankcase ventilation system in the vehicle is disconnected. From what I have read online the system that is failing is that there is an engine coolant leak. I am fine providing the car for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my family is at risk because should I not keep the coolant filled and full Ford states that the vehicle engine may overheat, catch fire, damage the pistons, and possible misfires while driving. I reported the issue to Ford via their social media link X (twitter) on March 16, 2025 but I will also be calling the Ford contact phone number tomorrow, March 17. I hope to have the vehicle or component inspected by the manufacturer soon but based on the complaints online I am one of many having this failure on my vehicle. My engine warning light came on about 2 months ago but when I had it read for error codes at that time it only stated the code, P0141, the heater in 02 sensor is taking too long to warm up. At that time I called Ford service to see how I could get it repaired and was told that even though I had previously had the error codes read they would start by charging me $250 to read the error codes.

NHTSA ODI 11648592

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently started reversing. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11647694

Was driving car is 2019 and has 84802 miles and no issues and all of a sudden power train issue came on and car would barely drive. The dealer was rude and zero help and so was ford number. There are 96 complaints of the same thing that should fall under the campaign 22v413000. I had on my ford app that I was part of the csp but the dealer said I was not and would do nothing for me and now look I have the exact issue and now no one wants to take care of it and it is not a cheap repair. FORD should have to refund me this money ASAP!!!! Or do something because how do I know I won’t have more issues after I get this fixed. I bought this car brand new and also took it to dealer to get all oil changes and etc to make sure things were handled and they were not. Will not ever go back to that dealer. And not sure I will ever buy a ford again because of how I have been treated so far.

NHTSA ODI 11647358

The transmission is damaged beyond repair at 90 thousand miles. This vehicle is always serviced at Ford truck city in Buda Texas. We are very very disappointed with the quality and service from FORD. This vehicle is at the same dealership been serviced in Buda Texas at the cost of $ $8,400 dollars. We have no choice but to get a loan to paid for. I am helping my granddaughter paid for, si she can go to college and work. This is very very difficult for us. HELP !!

NHTSA ODI 11645519

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift gear as needed. The vehicle was taken for maintenance to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle failed to shift gear. The check engine warning light illuminated with a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and diagnosed with gearbox failure. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,167.

NHTSA ODI 11644556

Cracked Flex plate/flywheel repaired under warranty less than two years ago. Flex plate/flywheel again loose and/or cracked requiring hours of labor to replace and out of pocket expenses.

NHTSA ODI 11644565