This page covers 3 recalls, 526 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Ford Escape.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2019 Ford Escape complaints centers on the 1.5L turbocharged engine, which draws the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners consistently describe coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, an internal failure that typically shows up as coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, rough running, a flashing check engine light, and in some cases a no-start condition. The problem is frequently diagnosed as requiring full engine replacement, with owners reporting failures at a range of mileages. Powertrain complaints follow as the second-most-reported category, though those reports overlap substantially with the engine cooling and cylinder issues. The coolant intrusion pattern is the clearest recurring thread: owners across multiple reports describe the same sequence of overheating symptoms, misfire behavior, and ultimately a shop confirming internal engine damage.
526
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
20
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Ford Escape has 3 recalls, the most serious being a shifter cable bushing that can degrade or fall off, leaving the transmission unable to shift into the intended gear and potentially causing the vehicle to roll in an unexpected direction.
On the tire side, certain vehicles equipped with Continental tires may have tires that were over-cured during production, which can cause the sidewall to crack and fail, leading to sudden air loss or tread separation. Vehicles with a 2.0L engine and an engine block heater also have a recall: the heater can crack and leak coolant, which creates a short circuit when the block heater is plugged in and raises the risk of a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, creating an electrical short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater or install a threaded plug and remove the electrical cord.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires on these vehicles may have been cured too long during manufacturing, which can affect tire integrity.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tires and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
