Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Ford Escape
RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity50/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Final Year

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (190)
  • POWER TRAIN (102)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

26V0110002026-01-15

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.

22V4130002022-06-10

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.

21V1550002021-03-10

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.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Ford Escape NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 19.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford EscapeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Escape
$600
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escape FWD 1.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)233026$2,300
Escape FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)222925$2,400
Escape AWD 1.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)222824$2,500
Escape FWD 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)212924$2,500
Escape FWD FFV 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)212924$2,500
Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)212723$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.

190
102
78
53
ENGINE (190)POWER TRAIN (102)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)STEERING (16)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (9)TIRES (9)Other (53)

ENGINE

190 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

190 complaints total1 crash

POWER TRAIN

102 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

102 complaints total6 crashes4 injuries

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

78 complaints

Owners 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.

78 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

25 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

24 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

24 complaints total2 crashes1 fire4 injuries
STEERING (16 complaints)

STEERING

16 complaints

Owners 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.

16 complaints total
STRUCTURE (8 complaints)

STRUCTURE

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total2 crashes1 fire2 injuries
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)

AIR BAGS

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

7 complaints total7 crashes11 injuries
FUEL SYSTEM (6 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 fire1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury

When Do 2019 Ford Escape Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

33,000–113,000 milesEngine coolant intrusion
10,000–112,000 milesTransmission failures
27,000–83,000 milesPower steering failures

Best & Worst Ford Escape Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Escape Years to Buy

The 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.

Ford Escape reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201969/100Good
202052/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202372/100Good
202475/100Good
202574/100Good

Ford Escape Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202667/100 (predicted)Predicted12
202574/100-1Good1016
202475/100+3Good1076
202372/100+10Good13107
202262/100+10Good20325
202052/100-17Mixed251667
2019(selected)69/100+9Good3506
201860/100Good41597

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2019 Ford Escape has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 506 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Escape?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Ford Escape include: ENGINE (190 complaints), POWER TRAIN (102 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
The 2019 Ford Escape has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Ford Escape has estimated annual repair costs of $600/year, which is $79 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Ford Escape without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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