Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Ford Escape Reliability Report
The 2019 Ford Escape scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 506 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
506
Complaint Rate
21per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$600
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (190)
- POWER TRAIN (102)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the last model year of the Third generation (2013).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2017).
- 3rd generation Escape (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2013: Third generation (2013) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is the last model year of the Third generation (2013).
Should You Buy the 2019 Ford Escape?
At 69/100, the 2019 Ford Escape lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is the last model year of the Third generation (2013).
Owners log 506 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (190). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Ford Escape, which scored 17 points lower. See also the 2018 Ford Escape for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Moderate recall count
- −ENGINE issues reported (190 complaints)
Compare 2019 Ford Escape With

2019 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 69/100

2019 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 66/100

2019 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 68/100

2019 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 73/100

2019 Mazda CX-5
Reliability: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (190)
- POWER TRAIN (102)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford Escape. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
21
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
22
Crashes
3
Fires
27
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Ford Escape Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Escape. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
TIRES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.
Buying a used 2019 Ford Escape? Check its history first
Every 2019 Ford Escape has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Ford Escape NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Ford EscapeRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$600
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–26 MPG
Running cost: $2,900–$3,200/yr
Fuel + repair
21–23 city / 27–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Escape FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Escape AWD 1.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Escape FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Escape FWD FFV 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Ford Escape.
Inspect engine for coolant leaks and check for white smoke from exhaust
Test transmission for slipping or delayed acceleration
Check power steering for stiffness or failure warnings
Verify tire condition for sidewall damage and premature wear
Ensure all recall repairs have been completed
2019 Ford Escape Common Problems by Component
506 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
190 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report coolant leaks into the engine cylinders, often leading to overheating, engine misfires, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Symptoms commonly described include illuminated check engine lights, rough idling, white smoke from the exhaust, and sudden loss of power. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 33,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one complaint involving a crash and others describing sudden stalling or loss of control in traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware of these prevalent engine issues, especially concerning the coolant intrusion problem.
POWER TRAIN
102 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report transmission and engine issues, with many describing multiple transmission replacements, flex plate failures, and slipping or stalling transmissions. Complaints often mention symptoms such as clunking noises, loss of acceleration, and unexpected deceleration or acceleration, typically occurring between 10,000 and 126,000 miles. Engine problems are also noted, particularly coolant intrusion into the cylinders leading to engine misfires and overheating, with some owners reporting engine failure. Safety implications include incidents of stalling in traffic and six complaints involving crashes, with four injuries reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential transmission and engine reliability issues in this model year.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
78 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ford Escape's engine, primarily due to coolant intrusion into the engine or cylinders, which often results in engine failure and the need for engine replacement. Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine warning light, engine misfires, overheating, and abnormal noises. These problems are typically noted at mileages ranging from approximately 52,000 to 133,000 miles. No reports indicate crashes, fires, or loss of vehicle control directly related to these engine issues. Buyers considering a used 2019 Ford Escape should be aware of these potential engine problems and the associated costs of repair, especially at higher mileages.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 Ford Escape, with common symptoms including complete loss of power, malfunctioning headlights, and erratic behavior of the vehicle's locking system. Multiple complaints highlight incidents where the vehicle stalls or loses power while driving, often accompanied by various warning lights and error messages. These issues are frequently observed at mileage ranges from approximately 8,000 to 78,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two reported crashes, one resulting in injury, linked to sudden loss of control and power. Buyers should note the potential for costly repairs related to electrical failures, especially concerning the battery, alternator, and engine components.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report significant engine issues, particularly involving coolant intrusion leading to engine failure. Symptoms commonly described include overheating, loss of power, and poor acceleration, often occurring around or beyond 50,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of backup camera malfunctions and unintended vehicle movement, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, especially concerning engine failure while driving and unintended vehicle movement. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's condition and history.
STEERING (16 complaints)
STEERING
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the electric power steering system of the 2019 Ford Escape. Complaints often describe the steering becoming significantly stiff or failing completely, sometimes accompanied by a dashboard warning light indicating a "power steering assist failure." This issue typically occurs around 27,000 to 83,000 miles. Some reports mention a loss of steering while driving, which poses a potential safety risk, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, several owners indicate that the steering gear or module requires replacement, with repair costs reaching several thousand dollars.
STRUCTURE (8 complaints)
STRUCTURE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report issues with the vehicle's door panels and liftgate. Multiple complaints describe rear door panels separating or becoming difficult to open, often requiring excessive force, with some cases noted around 50,000 miles. Additionally, the liftgate is reported to often fail to latch when using the button or remote, requiring manual intervention. Safety implications are significant, with two complaints involving crashes—one due to the vehicle rolling forward while parked, and another involving severe injuries from a rear-end collision. A fire incident is also reported, originating under the hood while the vehicle was parked. These patterns suggest potential structural and safety concerns for prospective buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints commonly describe airbags failing to deploy in front-end collisions and side impacts, with some incidents leading to significant injuries. In cases where airbags do deploy, owners note occurrences of airbag tears and chemical burns, as well as instances where airbags reportedly caught fire. The mileage at which these issues occur is around 58,000 to 59,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, with reports of crashes, injuries, and fires associated with airbag performance. This information may be critical for prospective buyers evaluating the vehicle's safety features.
FUEL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with common failures involving the high-pressure fuel pump, fuel injectors, and the canister purge valve. Typical symptoms include the vehicle failing to accelerate, stalling, and abnormal fuel odors, often accompanied by the check engine light. Complaints often occur around 46,000 to 145,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with one report involving a fire resulting in damage and injury. Buyers should be aware of potential repair needs for these components, as well as the possibility of unresolved issues due to parts availability.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Escape frequently report premature wear of the rear brake pads and rotors, often noticing issues as early as 10,800 to 20,863 miles. Common symptoms include grinding noises during braking and uneven wear between the driver's and passenger's side rear brakes. Some owners express frustration over warranty coverage not applying to brake repairs. Additionally, one complaint involves a crash where the vehicle surged forward unexpectedly while braking, resulting in an injury. These reports suggest potential safety implications and may be useful for prospective buyers to consider when evaluating this model.
When Do 2019 Ford Escape Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Escape Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Escape Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Escape year is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (74/100) and 2023 (72/100).
Ford Escape Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Escape year is 2020 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to structure (655) issues.
Ford Escape Reliability Score Trend
Ford Escape reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 60/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
Ford Escape Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
Is the 2019 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Ford Escape without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ford Escape.
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