The best of its generation, with one engine to check
The 2019 Escape has the lowest complaint rate of its generation, about half the Escape average. The main concern is the 1.5L EcoBoost, which can leak coolant into the cylinders. The 2.0L engine is the safer choice.
Updated November 2026 · based on 600 owner complaints and 3 recalls
249 54% below the Escape average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Escape year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Escape
Top problems and what they cost
Coolant intrusion on the 1.5L
Coolant leaks into the cylinders, causing shaking at start, white smoke and an empty coolant tank.
Fix: Engine replacement $4,000 to $7,000 if out of warranty.
Engine
Overheating and white smoke
Related to the same coolant leak.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200; head gasket or engine as above.
Engine
Gear position recall
Recall 22V413 covers a gear position indicator issue.
Fix: Free under recall.
Transmission
Recalls
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.
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Ford Escape
- Find out which engine it has; the VIN decoder will tell you. Prefer the 2.0L.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Escape has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the coolant level and ask if it has needed topping up.Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. A dropping level, drips, white smoke or residue can mean leaks or a failing head gasket, which can ruin the engine.Owners filed 302 complaints about coolant leak and engine overheating on the 2019 Escape.
- Start it cold and look for white smoke and shaking.Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. A dropping level, drips, white smoke or residue can mean leaks or a failing head gasket, which can ruin the engine.Owners filed 302 complaints about coolant leak and engine overheating on the 2019 Escape.
- Confirm the tire (21V155) and gear position (22V413) recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Escape has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
The best of its generation, with one engine to check. The 2019 Escape has the lowest complaint rate of its generation, about half the Escape average. The main concern is the 1.5L EcoBoost, which can leak coolant into the cylinders. The 2.0L engine is the safer choice.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Escape problems?
Coolant intrusion on the 1.5L; Overheating and white smoke; Gear position recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Ford Escape SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.