Home · 2019 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

What 563 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Escape Gas

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (563)Crash / fire / injury (31)Engine (294)Transmission & drivetrain (120)Engine & cooling (88)Electrical system (37)Fuel system (23)Steering (16)Lights (13)Body & structure (11)Tires (11)Airbags (10)

31 of 563 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 1 of 2

May 7, 2026Electrical systemAirbagsBody & structureCrash

The accident occurred while I was driving south on Highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of the other vehicle. The impact caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle, particularly on the driver-side/front corner. Despite the severity of the collision and damage, my airbags did not deploy. The other vehicle’s airbags did deploy during the crash. I am concerned that the airbag system, crash sensors, or related safety components may have failed to activate properly during the collision. Due to the speed of travel and force of impact, I believe the lack of airbag deployment placed my safety at risk and could have resulted in serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. At this time, I am requesting an investigation into why the airbags did not deploy during the crash.

NHTSA ODI 11736443

Apr 22, 2026AirbagsCrash1 injury

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.

NHTSA ODI 11733069

Dec 16, 2025Electrical systemLightsEngineCrash

he freeway I notified future ford of concord and I was told I would receive a call back but as I recall I didn’t receive a call back. The car started acting as if nothing was wrong about a week or so later then two days ago December 13,2025 first my head lights went out and a message saying there’s a bulb outage or electrical issue appeared and also the hill assist unavailable warning light appeared , following the 911 calling assistance is unavailable as well, and I also noticed my radio is no longer producing sound so I believe the engine ( block , head gasket etc) component also electrical system, sync 3 system has also failed or malfunctioned. During the second occurrence I was driving as I was before which led to The safety of my children, my husband and myself put at risk being it was night time and I could no longer see the road the car acted as if it was turning off and slowing down.. yes there was warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem during the failures, and they first appeared at the exact time of the failures . Also below are photos captured from the ford vehicle app alerting me about issues for the car

NHTSA ODI 11705433

Nov 6, 2025EngineCrash

I have Engine coolant intrusion into the the cylinder heads. White smoke during start up and loss of engine coolant. Also is stuttering during start up with check engine lights..

NHTSA ODI 11697814

Feb 23, 2025Body & structureFire

My truck burst into flames in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. Started under the hood. We have cameras and luckily it woke me up bc it almost caught my house on fire.

NHTSA ODI 11644372

Jan 27, 2025AirbagsCrash2 injuries

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH through a yellow light on an off-ramp, another vehicle crossed the intersection at high speeds and crashed into the entire front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact however the other vehicle’s air bags did deploy. It was mentioned that the contact's husband was exempt from wearing a seat belt. The contact’s husband was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for pain in his neck, his head impact, and back as well as soreness throughout his entire body. The contact's daughter was taken to the hospital by a fellow motorist since her service dog was not permitted on the ambulance and was treated for bruising to her right arm and hip. The other driver suffered no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; they referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638783

Oct 22, 2024AirbagsCrash3 injuries

I was stopped in traffic on a local freeway at rush hour. The vehicle behind me was slowing to a stop. An SUV did not slow down and hit the vehicle behind me at approximately 60 mph. That vehicle was flipped when the SUV collided with it. The SUV collided with me, pushing my vehicle into a van in front of me and then sending my vehicle across 3 lanes of the highway. In the initial impact, my seat back was bent backwards and twisted from the initial impact. With the second impact, I was then thrown forward and my face hit the steering column and my right side and arm hit the center console. I was wearing my seatbelt. The cabin briefly filled with smoke which may have been from the engine failure. None of the airbag deployed.

NHTSA ODI 11621227

May 10, 2024Fuel systemFire1 injury

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the rear driver's side and there was a burning odor. The vehicle was parked and the contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's rear side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The fire was extinguished by the Fire department but the cause of the fire was undetermined. There was damage to the contacts home as a result of the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact's son required oxygen as a result of the fire but it was unknown if medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed by the insurance agency to investigate the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11588174

Feb 16, 2024AirbagsFuel systemCrash1 injury

A car cut me off and I rear ended them going under 20 miles per hour. And my air bags went off and they exploded and I recieved chemical burns

NHTSA ODI 11572441

Oct 11, 2023Body & structureWheelsBrakesCrash

Car was parked in residential parking lot overnight. This morning I noticed my vehicle had rolled forward and hit a pole and the curb, cause front left damage to the fender, wheel and wheel hub assembly, and the brakes. Call is currently under recall due to a problem with the transmission slipping out of gear

NHTSA ODI 11549404

Sep 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemSpeed controlCrash2 injuries

On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer. I placed car back in park, then shifted back to Drive and it moved forward as expected. Later in day while my wife was driving, she experienced difficulty in disengaging cruise control and when she tapped brakes, vehicle began spinning 360 degrees, slid sideways off interstate, and auto was totaled. Upon impact the right, rear passenger door was unlocked and somehow opened on its own ejecting passenger. Vehicle is currently in salvage yard at IAA Odgen, 1800 S 1100 West, Ogden, UT 84401. I don't know if the faulty transmission had anything to do with accident, but it seems like today we drive computers and not a mechanical motor vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11546899

May 10, 2023AirbagsCrash1 injury

I was in a hit and run, hit on the driver's side rear panel. 2019 Ford Escape. All side and curtain airbags deployed. The side bag in the drivers seat on the driver's has a large tear in it as well as a burn hole around 2 inches in diameter. I'm under the impression airbags are not supposed to rip or burn a large hole. As a result, I was burned on my arm and side. Also, the front driver's side curtain airbag detached immediatly after impact. No recalls for airbags on this year however you do have recalls on the 2018 and 2020 models.

NHTSA ODI 11521431

May 1, 2023Transmission & drivetrainCrash

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train); once the parts were available, the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. Recently, the contact's wife had placed the vehicle into the reverse(R) position, and the vehicle surged forward and crashed into the corner of his home's garage. Both the vehicle and the garage sustained damage due to the failure. The air bags did not deploy and none of the vehicle's occupants sustained any injuries. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but neither offered any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11519866

Feb 7, 2023Transmission & drivetrain1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated she had front-end parked her vehicle in her garage, as she had placed the vehicle into park (P) and was exiting the vehicle, the vehicle rolled backward at approximately 2 MPH. The contact stated that the driver's side front tire ran over both her feet. The contact stated that the driver's vehicle door hit the right side of her body. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled down her driveway and stopped in her neighbor's front yard. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and wrote a report. The contact was transported by ambulance to the Emergency Room where she was treated for severe bruising on both feet and bruising on her ribs on her right side. The contact stated that there were no broken bones. The vehicle had been moved back into the contact's garage and placed in park (P). The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was about 33,644.

NHTSA ODI 11506001

Jan 19, 2023AirbagsCrash2 injuries

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 mph and intersecting into the highway, a service van crashed into the front driver-side tire/bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained bruises on her chest due to the seat belt and her husband had deep tissue injuries from his neck to his waist. The contact and her husband sought medical attention the following Monday from their medical physician. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed towing lot. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11502572

Sep 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at a fuel pump, the vehicle began rolling backward on its own. The contact attempted to enter the vehicle to stop the momentum; however, the vehicle rolled over her left foot. The vehicle continued to roll backward and hit a curb which stopped the vehicle. A couple and the gas attendant came to the contact aide while another person parked her vehicle. The couple informed the contact that there may have been a recall placed on the vehicle for the failure. The contact stated the Akron Police Dept. said a police report could not be filed because the incident happened on private property.. The contact was taken by her brother to the emergency room where she was treated for injuries to her left foot and right shoulder. The contact sought further treatment for her foot and was placed in physical therapy. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was able to return to the fuel station and drove the vehicle home. The dealer was notified of the failure and towed the vehicle to their location and gave the contact a loaner vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that her vehicle was under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train). The dealer notified the manufacturer about the failure and the dealer informed her that a case had been filed. The contact eventually received a letter for the recall on her vehicle. The contact also received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that since the investigators could not replicate the failure with the vehicle; they would not cover any medical bills and that her case was closed. The contact was informed that the recall was performed on the vehicle; however, she refused to take back possession of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11484396

Jul 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle was parked on a flat surface; however, it inadvertently rolled down the street backward into two different fences. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and diagnosed as deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 20,000

NHTSA ODI 11473945

Jul 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash

The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her son attempted to shift into drive, the gear was in park; however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated into the wall. The contact also stated there was an unknown clicking sound, and the gears were shifting inadvertently consistently. There was an unknown sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer which diagnosed an unknown failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11473601

Jun 25, 2022Crash1 injury

parked the car it jumped into reverse dragged owner down hit 2 parked cars owner was pinned between cars he suffered broken right hip,pelvis,and 7 bones in his foot spent 2 wks in hospital and 2 weeks in rehab center

NHTSA ODI 11470951

Jun 16, 20221 injury

My car was in P, turned off, and my son and I exited the vehicle after returning home. I watered some plants and opened the door to get my phone and purse out of the car. The car car engaged, knocked me down, and rolled over me, badly injuring my leg.

NHTSA ODI 11469515

Sep 27, 2021Seats1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to remove a safety seat located on the rear driver's side seat, the contact pulled the lever to move the seat but the seat collapsed on the contact's hand. Medical attention was received for the contact's fractured wrist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,900

NHTSA ODI 11434584

Mar 30, 2021Crash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE RAMP FROM THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WENT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGED PROPERLY AS ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT TRIED TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT WHERE A MEDIAN WAS PRESENT WENT OVER THE MEDIAN HOWEVER AN ONCOMING VEHICLE WAS COMING AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACTS WIFE HAD SUSTAINED A BROKEN REST ON HER LEFT ARM, CHEST, AND RIMS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED AND HAD TAKEN THE CONTACT WIFE TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THE CONTACT WIFE STAY UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE SHE WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANY TO A COLLISION LOT WHERE THE ADJUSTER DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. STAMFORD FORD 212 MAGEE AVE, STAMFORD, CT 06902 (203) 357-0357 WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RECALL WAS UNDER THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,300.*DT

NHTSA ODI 11405524

Jan 13, 2021AirbagsCrash

MY WIFE WAS SIDE SWIPED IN OUR 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG CAUGHT THE LEFT SLEEVE ON FIRE. SHE WAS SITTING STILL AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT WHEN SHE WAS SIDE SWIPED.

NHTSA ODI 11387833

May 13, 2020Electrical systemAirbagsSeat beltsCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO ENGAGE, CAUSING HER TO IMPACT THE DASHBOARD/RADIO WITH HER HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE LOST CONSCIENCES AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS A TINGLING SENSATION IN BOTH LEGS AND HAS LOST SENSATION IN BOTH ARMS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RAMP MOTORS (4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776, (631) 473-1550) AND HAS LEFT A VOICEMAIL OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,623.

NHTSA ODI 11324414

Mar 18, 2020Speed controlEngineCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FRIENDLY FORD (2800 N. TELEGRAPH RD, MONROE MI.) THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11318594

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Working with the data? Download all 563 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Ford Escape Gas verdict →