2019 Ford Escape Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that at cold starts, the vehicle vibrated significantly with heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine light was intermittently illuminated, accompanied by a noticeable coolant odor. A diagnostic test by the dealer confirmed that there was coolant leaking between cylinders #1 and #2, leading to total engine failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The dealer submitted a goodwill request to the manufacturer for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 43,800.

NHTSA ID

11765764

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

Mileage

43,800 mi

Vehicle has coolant intrusion into cylinders verified by Ford dealer

NHTSA ID

11765000

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The check engine warning light remained illuminated with the message "Engine Overheating - Pull Over Immediately" displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,818.

NHTSA ID

11764201

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Mileage

85,818 mi

We purchased a 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L new from the dealer. We've put only 25,000 miles on it, but are now facing a well known issue (coolant intrusion) that they failed to inform us about. This is despite our vehicle meeting literally every requirement to be included in their Customer Service Program, they told us it is not tied to our VIN and are out of luck. Our car is now worthless. If we had been notified we would have taken the necessary precautions. Again, this is a known issue, with a current Class Action lawsuit in place, that Ford failed to notify us of. We are now out tens of thousands of dollars in replacing a car we have barely driven.

NHTSA ID

11764175

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

NHTSA ID

11763277

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Slow coolant leak that is a known issue with engine. This caused the water pump to go bad and engine to risk overheating. Has been looked at by 3 independent mechanics all confirmed this is a known issue causing major concerns. No warning! Just suddenly lost all coolant! No engine needs replaced!

NHTSA ID

11762707

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

I recently bought a 2019 Ford Escape from Superior Mazda in Bentonville, Arkansas for my daughter going off to college. Soon after purchasing the vehicle a giant puff of smoke started coming out the exhaust when starting. We took it to a Ford dealership and they said the coolant is leaking into the engine block and apparently this is a known issue with 2017-2019 ford escapes. Superior Mazda said it's not their problem. The cost to fix is $12,700. We've only had this car for 38 days. Ford has issued 2 statements about this defect in these cars: Ford issued TSB 19-2375 for 2017–2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost. It specifically says coolant can intrude into the cylinders and calls for short-block and head-gasket replacement when the condition is confirmed. There is also Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, titled “Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion.” Why is this not a recall? I have since read/heard that this is an issue all over. I spoke to a mechanic in my town and they stated they currently have a 2017 escape that they are working on with this exact problem. An investigation needs to made into Ford regarding 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. Since this is a known defect and Ford is well aware of this engine flaw in this model car they need to do the right thing and issue a recall. My daughter could have been stranded on the highway heading to college.

NHTSA ID

11760039

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.

NHTSA ID

11759309

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0301 displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to proceed with the repair and wait for approval of the VIN to be added to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11759221

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

Mileage

64,000 mi

Vehicle was losing coolant, running rough and check engine light was on. We took it to a Ford dealer who told us: Stored Codes P1299 and P0302 for the cylinder 2 misfire due to the coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The fix is to replace the entire engine at a cost of $15,735.95!! This is a 2019 Ford Escape. We've owned it for six years. We had planned on keeping it another six years, at least. A car should not need an engine replacement within six years. We're retired, living on social security and a very small pension. We can't afford a $15,000 repair. On top of a diagnostic fee of $435 and close to $500 to rent a car (so far.) We contacted Ford and they said there was nothing they could do for us.

NHTSA ID

11758288

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Vehicle began losing engine coolant. No external leaks visible. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and diagnostics. They found coolant intrusion in cylinders 1 and 2. They say that TSB 22-2322 applies to this issue. Vehicle has 86,896 miles and warranty started on February 16, 2019.

NHTSA ID

11758213

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

We bought the 2019 Ford escape sel in 2023 with 29918. We had the oil changed at 33000 and then we took it to Ford because it was slow starting. Their was coolant in the cylinders requiring us to pay 12000 dollars for a new engine when this only had 36000 miles on it. Ford refused goodwill case and now we acquired an attorney. This is a known engine problem with this Ford. Class action lawsuit Miller vs Ford motor company. Never heard of an engine failure with only 36000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11756269

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

When I originally attempted to start the car, white smoke was pouring from the exhaust pipe. We came to the conclusion that my head gasket on the car blew. We came to this conclusion because it was misfiring and when you try to open the coolant lid there’s suction.

NHTSA ID

11755101

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Ford Coolant Leak & Engine Overheating Engine overheating caused by an internal engine coolant leak in Ford Ecoboost engines Coolant leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This caused total engine failure and to require replacement of the engine block.

NHTSA ID

11755000

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Bad engine reports on 2019 Escape. Engine light problems beginning at 56k. I understand Ford has had many complaints about this engine. New water pump at 56k, new purge valve at 58k.

NHTSA ID

11754841

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. Upon inspection, the contact's husband became aware that the coolant level was abnormally low. Additionally, a diagnostic scan retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P0302; indicating a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11754800

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Mileage

95,000 mi

Our 2019 Ford Escape began shaking upon starting the vehicle. We took it in for diagnostics to the Ford Dealership. This car has less than 40k miles on it after 7 years of ownership. We were told we would need to completely replace the engine due to a coolant leak. Upon further research, a recall for our exact make and model was identified that described the exact same issue that was identified by Ford. For some reason, our VIN was NOT eligible for the OASIS program that was offered to other FORD owners with the EXACT same problem. The dealership has not been helpful at all in putting me in contact with a Ford Representative that can tell me WHY my particular vehicle did not qualify for the assistance program. After contacting Ford corporate (or tried several times to get someone on the phone instead of a automatic prompt system) I was told that they would send my complaint to the Auto Safety Office BUT they could NOT guarantee I would receive a call back. NOW, the Ford dealership is saying that we have been DENIED assistance and that our case is with the Auto Safety Office and they will not be able to provide an update about our complaint. During this time, the dealership provided us with a loaner vehicle while trying to address the issue. They are now demanding that we return the loaner vehicle. This is also the dealership that services the 2019 Ford Escape in question. It was recalled previously for improper bushings which we complied with the recall and had it repaired accordingly. For an American made vehicle with less than 40k miles this is incredibly disappointing that Ford is unwilling to assist in the complete and total engine replacement that is being offered to others with the EXACT SAME issues that FORD identified. I have purchased 3 Ford vehicles from 2017-2019 and this will be the last. Customer service has been piss poor even when I was able to get someone on the phone. I do not feel safe driving the car after the issue was identified.

NHTSA ID

11753708

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Was driving and a loud pop happened when pulling onto the hwy and lost power. Immediately pulled into parking lot and tried to restart but would not start. My son came over that evening and towed back to my house and the discovered the oil pan was cracked along with block and piston shattered. There are parts inside the oil pan. This has not been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warning or check engine lights came on indicating a problem. My build date is June of 2019 and the tsb is for May of 2019, indicating that this engine still had a coolant problem as there was no coolant left and had all came out in the pan with the oil. I am asking for assistance in getting this covered . Please let me know what steps can be taken. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11752893

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Defect in engine block causing coolant intrusion.

NHTSA ID

11752003

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Ford only showed one code P0403 tuneup with a written statement I asked for wanting 15k for a new engine and verbal;y stating I need a whole new engine. The 2019 Ford escape began to smoke heavily while driving. I put over had the car towed to Ford dealer in sandy springs. As Ford is stating that this car needs a new engine the old recall existed from years ago has expired on the VIN number 2022. Just because I made a purchase from 2024 doesn't mean the the issues have been resolved and you should be aware and know about the mechanical issues and list them remained as a recall. The 2020 model also shows major concerns in fact from 2012 to 2020 models Ford escape complaints are listed on your website repetitive recall mechanical issues unfixed or part not available should be all listed as a recalls safety of drivers. Some referred to as problematics when driving but other diagnostics showed engine transmission, now showing on Ford website is Block heater element replacement, Powertrain control module reprograming and Transmission shifter cable bushing

NHTSA ID

11750774

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

I was driving my Escape, and the vehicle quit acceleratoring. I had to have vehicle towed to a shop. I was informed that I need a new engine. The Escape only has 78,000 miles on it. I am being quoted $8,000.00. This was an unsafe situation for both myself, and my 20 year old autistic so who was with me.

NHTSA ID

11750424

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

car suddenly overheated leaving myself and two children stranded on the interstate. it's a confirmed cylinder 3 coolant intrusion that is a well known documented issue. diagnosed and confirmed by the dealership. I was unaware of this issue, I thought buying a certified pre owned car meant it was in perfect shape, not a ticking time bomb.

NHTSA ID

11749787

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Flywheel cracked. There is a service bulletin on how to fix when there is an issue which to me indicates a known issue.

NHTSA ID

11749606

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores. This defect was officially reproduced, tested, and confirmed by factory-certified technicians at AutoNation Ford Katy in Katy, Texas. The vehicle is currently parked at my residence and is fully available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a glowing Check Engine Light on the dashboard, low coolant levels, and rough engine idling upon startup, which first appeared immediately prior to the formal dealership diagnosis at 81,085 miles. Coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers causes sudden engine misfires, severe overheating, and white smoke emission. This defect risks a sudden, unpredictable loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds, creating a severe, immediate collision hazard for myself and other motorists on the road.

NHTSA ID

11749187

Incident

Apr 27, 1983

Took my car into the dealership with a check engine light at 50k miles. The dealership told me that because it’s a poorly designed engine in the car I would need a full engine block replacement and quoted me $12k. The root cause of this problem is the known coolant intrusion issue referenced in Ford’s customer satisfaction program 21N12. I called ford customer service and the agent told me “bad luck, ford is offering no assistance to you.” To answer the questions specifically: The engine failed. It can’t be safe to drive a car anywhere that has an engine which can fail so suddenly. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The manufacturer has confirmed the problem. The only warning was a check engine light about 50 miles before the engine failed.

NHTSA ID

11747618

Incident

Mar 6, 2026