2019 Ford Escape Engine Problems

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

Coolant intrusion complete engine failure

NHTSA ID

11746613

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the right side of the road, exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and became aware that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was low. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the fuel system and into one of the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11746447

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who determined that coolant had leaked into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the coolant leak into the cylinders and advised the contact that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11746239

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

122,000 mi

My car was overheating, come to find out there is a known problem with ford escapes where the coolant leaks into the cylinder. But because I’m 14,000 miles over my warranty ford will not fix it. I would’ve never bought this car had I known this issue was a possibility.

NHTSA ID

11746215

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Engine failure. Smoke coming from tailpipe. 90,000 miles on car

NHTSA ID

11746135

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

My check engine came on my vehicle and had it checked out and I was informed that coolant is getting into the third cylinder and I was informed this is an ongoing issue with these escapes and Ford is aware of the flaw but never did a recall for it. This is a very costly expense and so crazy Ford has never done anything to repair or help customers with the costly expense but they will give their employees bonus checks is so crazy while us people are out here trying to figure out a $6-8 thousand dollar expense.

NHTSA ID

11745843

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Within the first year of purchase, I was going to the Toronto Airport on the 401 and the vehicles' engine power quickly reduced to about 5mi/hr. I had to pull off the freeway in fear of being rear ended. I slowly made it to a gas station, the vehicle running at reduced power for about 15min. I turned the vehicle off and waited for About 30min. The car started up with full power when increasing the pressure on the gas peddle I took it to the dealer when I returned home. They found nothing. This happened again 3yrs later with the same outcome from a repair shop. I am told to use mid grade gas...although I fear another shutdown that could cause me to be part of an accident that could be detrimental to my health due to the quick loss of power and being rear ended. What is happening? How can you help?

NHTSA ID

11744870

Incident

Sep 6, 2025

I received a check engine light, code P0303, misfire Cylinder 3. There is evidence my engine was overheating as the spark plug associated with cylinder 3 was melted and unable to be removed. I took my vehicle to Ford to diagnose the issue and was advised there was coolant intrusion into my engine. Upon researching the issue there is a trove of information relating to my vehicle and other Ford vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. My Vehicle is a 2019 Ford Escape Vin [XXX]. My vehicle fits all the specifications of Ford Customer Satisfaction program 21N12, which acknowledges coolant leaking into the engine and what symptoms a vehicle exbits when coolant leaked is present. From my understanding there is a risk of engine fire related to this issue. I can no longer safely drive the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744205

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

Engine failure Smoking engine Engine almost caught fire

NHTSA ID

11744200

Incident

Dec 31, 2024

This updates a prior complaint (NHTSA tracking XXX). The 2019 Escape 1.5L EcoBoost has the known coolant-intrusion engine defect (white exhaust smoke, overheating, misfires; codes P0300/P0301-P0304). Ford replaced the engine short block under program 21N12 on 3/6/2024 at 62,201 miles. The defect has recurred and the engine has now completely failed a second time. The dealer (Tuttle-Click Ford) confirmed excessive exhaust smoke and a loud rod knock; the vehicle is undrivable and likely needs another engine. While driving on the highway the engine began shutting down. The vehicle was shaking and making loud knocking noises, and we had to exit immediately at the next off-ramp; my children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) were in the car. The vehicle is unsafe. Ford denied repurchase twice (cases XXX and XXX). I am reporting this safety defect for the record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743807

Incident

May 29, 2026

Driving on highway when we approached a traffic jam. Car started mis-firing (jerking) especially at low speed. Got off roadway as soon as it was safe to do so. Went to O'Reilly Auto Parts to get a diagnosis. Stated issue with coil in 2 so replaced and still having issue. Replaced 2 spark plug but did not fix the problem. Following day replaced all coils and spark plugs and still did not fix the problem. Brought it to the nearest Ford Dealer and was told there was coolant intrusion to the engine and it would have to be replaced. Two days later after engine arrived discovered transmission fluid leak into the main engine harness, another $1,600. Total cost is going to be $12,755.00. Car only has 50,000 miles on it and always did maintenance on time.

NHTSA ID

11743235

Incident

Jun 5, 2026