2019 Ford Escape: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Late third-gen Escape with the troublesome 1.5L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion risk; the simpler 2.5L cars are the safer used buy. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Ford Escape ranged from $24,105 to $32,620 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Late third-gen Escape with the troublesome 1.5L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion risk; the simpler 2.5L cars are the safer used buy.
Sources (2)
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/escape-2019.html
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=escape&m…
Known issues
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Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines causes misfires, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure, often needing engine replacement.
widespread · 650 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–120k miles · engine
-
Engine fires and cracked cylinder heads reported, primarily on early 1.6L EcoBoost models.
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Transmission hard shifting, jerking, and torque-converter failures.
commonly reported · 200 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Electrical faults including intermittent no-start and tail-light water intrusion.
occasional · 50 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=escape&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=escape&m…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, spacious interior with easy entry and exit.
- Punchy turbocharged EcoBoost engine options with strong acceleration.
- The non-turbo 2.5L base engine is simple and comparatively durable.
- Priced below many compact-SUV rivals; good value used.
Cons
- Flat, unsupportive front seats noted by some owners.
- The 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion engine failures are a major and costly risk.
- Transmission hard-shifting and torque-converter complaints.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $24,105 | — | 2.5L I4 (168 hp), FWD | 24 |
| SE | $26,500 | — | 1.5L EcoBoost turbo I4 (179 hp), FWD | 26 |
| SEL | $28,445 | — | 1.5L EcoBoost turbo I4 (179 hp), FWD | 26 |
| Titanium | $32,620 | — | 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 (245 hp), FWD | 25 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (5)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-ford-escape-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40909
- cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/escape/2018/performance
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40911
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40910
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,105). Higher trims started higher (up to $32,620), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 28% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-escape/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 26 MPG) | ≈ $1,477/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/escape
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-escape-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
Documented issue patterns include: Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines causes misfires, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure, often needing engine replacement; Engine fires and cracked cylinder heads reported, primarily on early 1.6L EcoBoost models; Transmission hard shifting, jerking, and torque-converter failures; Electrical faults including intermittent no-start and tail-light water intrusion. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
Late third-gen Escape with the troublesome 1.5L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion risk; the simpler 2.5L cars are the safer used buy.
How much did the 2019 Ford Escape cost new?
Between $24,105 and $32,620 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.