What 563 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Escape Gas

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

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 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 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

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

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

Engine Overheat, white smoke from exhaust, and coolant leaking. Empty coolant reservoir.

NHTSA ODI 11741479

Transmission issues, Hard Shifting & Slipping

NHTSA ODI 11741224

2019 Ford Escape with a documented history of powertrain failures. White smoke on cold start and engine stalling began around 48,000 miles; the dealer noted this engine is known for coolant intrusion. At about 62,000 miles the engine short block was replaced under Ford Field Service Action 21N12 / TSB 22-2322. Smoke, shaking, and stalling continued, and the engine intermittently cuts out when shifting into reverse and must be restarted. At about 87,000 miles the transmission failed and the full transmission assembly was replaced (work order Jan 2026, vehicle returned end of March 2026). The owner repeatedly told the Ford dealer the vehicle felt unsafe. On [XXX] the owner reported renewed exhaust smoke, an illuminated engine light, and a clicking sound at startup and asked to bring it in; instead of inspecting it, the dealer advised taking the vehicle straight to CarMax. About 9 days later, on [XXX], while driving in Los Angeles about 60 miles from home with young children aboard, the transmission would not stay in gear and the engine warning lights began blinking. The owner called the Ford dealership for guidance but no one could advise and the service desk would not answer. After consulting a mechanic, the family agreed it was unsafe to keep driving given the noises and pulled over in Anaheim, about 30 miles from home, at a mechanic shop to read the codes. A paid tow (~$600) was required. Loss of gear engagement and stalling in traffic with children aboard is a serious crash and stranding hazard. The scan returned codes P0012 and P0014 (camshaft timing, stored as permanent), P0300 (random/multiple misfire), and P0301, P0302, P0304 (cylinder misfires); the dash showed "Auto Start/Stop not ready - Stall Alert - Restart Engine." The defect has been reproduced and confirmed repeatedly by the Ford dealer, which performed the engine and transmission replacements. A repurchase request was denied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11740983

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost, VIN [XXX] , ~51,000 miles, built March 2019. Sioux Falls Ford performed full TSB 19-2346 / 22-2229 diagnostic on April 23, 2026 and confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 with visible damage on borescope. Check engine light has occurred four times. Ford Customer Care (case ##CXH-XXX-XXX) denied goodwill. Known design flaw. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11733452

Cylinder 4 misfire code caused a check engine light. Brought to mechanic who replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder 4 coil pack. The code came back later that day. I started noticing a low coolant level and one instance of white smoke on startup. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine block. This is a well reported and well known issue for this and other similar vehicles and Ford has not addressed this with a recall. It is a design flaw associated with multiple model years. The cost to repair the issue is more than the cost of the vehicle itself. If the problem persists, it could result in a crack in the engine, which could become a major safety hazard depending on the circumstances. Ford should provide coverage for these repairs affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11731912

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on a local roadway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P1299, P0300, P0303; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and DTC: P0303 was confirmed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731183

I own a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle began experiencing engine misfires and a powertrain malfunction warning. Diagnostic code P0302 appeared for cylinder 2 misfire. The coolant reservoir level began dropping without any visible external leaks. A mechanic performed a pressure test and confirmed there were no external coolant leaks, indicating coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder. This is a known defect affecting 2017 - 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost engines. The issue can cause engine misfires, reduced power, and potential engine failure while driving. This problem poses a safety concern because engine power can be reduced unexpectedly while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11727587

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be replaced, and that additional transmission parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,823.

NHTSA ODI 11725566

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 79,545.

NHTSA ODI 11723388

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly lunged forward while shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11717580

My first incident with my 2019 Ford Escape happened when I had my [XXX] in the vehicle with me at a stop sign In November of 2024. As I proceeded to enter the intersection, the vehicle would not accelerate. I was able to reverse enough to get out of the intersection, but was still on the roadway, which is a safety hazard. While I waited for help, I was having to direct traffic around my vehicle, another safety hazard. The vehicle would not drive at all. The milage at the time of failure was approx. 112,000 miles. I was later informed the vehicle's transmission needed to be replaced and that they had found metal shavings in the transmission fluid. The Ford dealership stated my vehicle was financed used and there was no warranty on it. The dealership also informed me there was no recalls on my vehicle. I spent approx. $4,600 to have this repaired by a local mechanic shop. Now, a year later, I had pulled over to let a funeral procession pass and once I began to accelerate, my vehicle began to stall. I was able to drive it to a gas station that was nearby where I was unable to drive it any further. My 3 children were in the vehicle with me. I took it to the same mechanic shop that had initially repaired it to inquire about a warranty on the transmission. I was informed the warranty was through a third party and they would not fix it, claiming I had gone 500 miles past what warranty covered ( 1 year or 12,000 miles). They diagnosed it and confirmed the transmission had to be replaced. I have been told it would cost me approximately $3,500 (plus labor) to repair again with another year/12,000 mile warranty. I took the Escape to the Ford dealership to have them diagnose it and was informed the the transmission needed to be replaced, and they would do it for $8,500. I have read about plenty of 2019 Ford Escape Recalls on the transmission and this is definitely a safety issue. I'm over being stranded on the roadway with my kids... thankfully I wasn't on the interstate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11710706

The transmission in the vehicle needs replaced. There have been recalls on 2019 ford escapes for the same issue that this vehicle is having.

NHTSA ODI 11708491

Coolant intrusion into Cylinders 2 and 3.

NHTSA ODI 11707065

Ford has an issue where the coolant leaks into the cylinder blocks ruining the engine. Also, cause for low coolant which could catch the engine on fire.

NHTSA ODI 11701940

Car operated fine until it suddenly started running rough, then lost power/accelleration while driving down a busy state highway. Ford Dealership found what the service manager called "catastropic engine failure, caused by coolant instrusion." He showed us the whole process of coolant corruption of our Ford Escape's engine -- and the engineering flaw that caused the intrusion. Service manager explained that our 2019 Ford Escape model was "the Problem Child of Ford Motor Company." The loss put our daughter, alone, stranded on the side of a 55 mph 2-lane highway in a car with only 57,000 miles. It put other highway drivers at risk as well. We had no warning that something was wrong with the car. The check engine light came on AT the time of the incident. That is, when the car started feeling rough and wouldn't accellerate, the check engine light came on Car and mechanics who repaired it are all available upon request. Also please see attached repair invoice from Richardson Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11701328

Engine failure due to coolant leaking into engine block. Known issue from design flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11701345

Took my 2019 Ford Escape in for oil change and tune up. Couple days after tune up check engine light came on (cylinder 3 misfire) and vehicle overheated. Got vehicle back to local repair shop and discovered coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Overheating of engine left me stranded in traffic, as there was no shoulder, only a guard rail on side of the road. Could have easily been rear ended. Luckily about to minutes later, the police arrived behind me and waited with lights on until tow truck arrived. Engine code P0303. Ford has issued a TSB (22-2322), so they are aware of the problems with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. My Escapehas all the symptoms listed on the TSB and build date is within the manufacture dates shown on the TSB

NHTSA ODI 11692546

The vehicle all of a sudden started saying there was a misfire on cylinder 1. So the ca was taken in for a tune up. Coil packs and spark plugs were changed. The vehicle was then losing coolant with no sign of a coolant leak externally. The coolant began leaking into the engine through a weakened gasket caused by the misfire. That should not of happened. The car had been marked as having various repairs prior to purchase at ford dealerships on such parts.

NHTSA ODI 11689843

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11689624