Electrical, engine and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Customers looking to drive a stylish yet inexpensive SUV often gravitate toward the 2019 Ford Escape. After all, it’s American-made and provides many innovative tech features. The company even suggests that it is “always unstoppable.” Sadly, the drivers of this model have more to say than that. The malfunctioning electrical system, defective engine and faulty powertrain leave a bad taste in their mouth.
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In modern vehicles, the electrical system must be running at optimal levels for all the technology to work seamlessly. Between the interior comforts to the sophisticated engines, electronics are part of everything in the vehicle.
One NHTSA reviewer shares the struggle with this vehicle. “While operating the vehicle at approximately 70 mph on the interstate, I noticed that all instrument panel lighting, gauge and display screens went out. The gauge needles returned to their home positions. There was an error message on the main touch screen that said: Network Communication Failure. Worried, I took the next available exit and found a parking lot to investigate. I immediately tried to shut the engine off, figuring that if I completely shut the car down the system would somehow correct itself after a reboot of the PCM and BCM. I quickly realized that I was in trouble, the engine would not shut off. The vehicle is equipped with a smart keyless start system, but no matter how many times I would try pushing the button. Even though the car operated properly after the symptoms commenced I find it doubtful that all of the car’s safety features would have operated as designed, if needed. If I would have gotten into in an accident at the time the car was experiencing these problems would the safety restraint system work properly and deploy the applicable air bags??? Would the auto fuel pump shutdown, do its job if needed??? Also, what if the vehicle caught fire at this time and I could not shut off the car??? Not Safe!!!”
Among these issues, the automaker addresses several other electrical troubles. Service Bulletin #SSM 48053 talks about the SYNC 3 system having problems with display operations, navigation and voice recognition. While these aren’t safety concerns, it isn’t enjoyable having a commute to work without access to high-tech features. It’s enough to cause an average person to have a mental breakdown.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| Steering | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Air Bags | |
| Structure:body | |
| Tires |
The engine of any vehicle is the main component that people rely on. When it’s running well, everything seems enjoyable. When problems arise, the drive down the street can become painful and cumbersome.
One NHTSA user documents their experience with the 2019 Ford Escape. “While driving a local interstate between 60 and 70 mph, our newly purchased (3,000 miles) 2019 Ford Escape SEL Sport completely shut down without warning in heavy traffic. Luckily, my wife was able to coast to the nearest exit and pull off the road while traffic was whizzing by us at breakneck speed. Turns out that part of the wiring harness had either loosened on its own or was never properly secured from the factory. So, the serpentine belt managed to clip this wiring harness which, in turn, pulled the harness from its socket while starting to gradually shred the serpentine belt. Instantaneous loss of power without warning created a very serious and dangerous situation. Ford needs to issue a service bulletin and/or issue a recall asap since it would only take one other incident similar to this before someone is seriously injured or worse.”
A user on ConsumerAffairs.com stated the following regarding her engine reliability problems: “I bought a 2019 Ford Escape 6 months ago. The check engine light came on and the dealership said the codes were Misfires cylinder 1 and 2. They said coolant was leaking in the engine and I needed a new head gasket. I’m so upset that I bought a brand new car and now this. If I want to trade it in I will never get what I should be able to get for the trade. Now I feel stuck with a unreliable brand new car and this just seems so unfair. Why do I have to be stuck with this now?”
In Service Bulletin #SSM 47937, the automaker discusses how an auto start/stop situation occurs that also exhibits DTC P164C. This incident requires the SUV receive an updated crankshaft position sensor that isn’t defective. Still, there are no recalls making sure everyone is aware of the problem. That means plenty of drivers are currently experiencing the on and off situation while driving in front of other people. Knowing this, it might be best for other drivers to keep more than two car lengths between their vehicle and the Ford Escape in front of them.
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A vehicle’s powertrain consists of every component that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. There are many parts that can ruin the drive if they begin to fail.
One NHTSA user had an experience related to the Escape’s powertrain. “At 10,000 miles my Escape transmission began slipping. It takes forever for it to shift but no transmission light comes on. My gas mileage has also gone way down as a result of this. Ford claims it is fine. But it does it often. Also, when the engine stop is engaged at stop lights, it doesn’t always start back up and I have to put the car in park and restart the vehicle.”
There aren’t any powertrain-related service bulletins that discuss this type of problem. Instead, Ford chose to tell drivers that this is “normal” behavior. How stupid does the Blue Oval think people are? Driving a bucking bull is not what people sign up for when dropping good money on an SUV. Again, it’s only a good reason to stay far away from these vehicles while driving on the road. It seems they have a mind of their own. Despite what the company says, they are clearly not unstoppable.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I bought a used 2019 Escape from local Ford dealership with 7k on it…like brand new. Then I got a recall…still not sure what they did. Now at 17k miles I’ve been waiting a month while my “new engine” gets replaced. Its impossible to get anyone to give me an update. I will pick up this car when done, drive it across the lot and trade it in for anything BUT an Escape. I hope they have a used Honda on the lot. I give it NO stars.
Not happy at all had this car for 5 months & door is ready to fall off or I don’t know crickity cracking & now it only opens so far ..not all the way & now window does not go up ..door driver side ..
Also radio went out with in a month got that fixed finally after waiting a month
Not happy at all
Transmission issues ford has known about but won’t do anything about. Thankfully I have extended warranty to cover, because it took Ford 2 months just to get diagnosed and mileage surpassed manufacture warranty .dealership has had my 2019 ford escape since May 16th ,2022 and I’m currently ” on a list” for tranny… With no clear timeframe of how long it will be
2019 Ford escape,
Bought new off lot with 6 miles on it. At 19,000 miles had to have engine block replaced due to water in oil (or something), now car has 38,000 on odometer and does not seem to be shifting very well with the auto transmission, the car stays on 2-3 RPM no matter what speed I’m driving. I can feel it in the car driving and my engine sounds louder. Anyone else having this issue?
2019 ford escape titanium. Had problems with SYNC 3 system since we got it. At random. all lights on car would go off, the brightness gets so bright you cannot see at night with sync.. Been to dealer over 15 times
Have a 2017 ford escape with 74,000 miles was told by ford technician at Balise ford the it was diagnosed with coolant issue which they then told me I would need a new engine for 7800 dollars. Balise even charged me the fee for the diagnoses and look at me like there nothing we can do for you. Have been reading all the issues regarding the issues with ford escape. i also here there is a class action lawsuit. Please let me know if anyone is aware how I can get in on part of this lawsuit. I use to be high on ford but i will send whatever time I have to try to save other people from this nightmare
Same as Jon K, my 2019 Ford Escape started to act up with missing and rough starts at around 22,000 mile bought new in February 2019, took car in and they said engine must be replaced as the coolant is spraying onto engine, two times last week, car overheated due to spraying all coolant out, still waiting on dealership to get engine in for replacement! It’s a pain to have a new car that is un trustworthy!!
Had my 2019 in the shop 5 times to check the hatch not completely closing thus the lights staying on indefinitely. Also when having the waze app plugged into system the dashboard screen kept shutting down. Then the auto shut down system stopped working completely; so I took it back the dealership for for all 3 issues just last week and they finally determined it needed a new battery, it only has 13,000 miles on it!! They had it for 2 weeks and when I drove away from the dealership the auto shut off and the waze app on the dashboard quit working again! I’m so disappointed and swear I’m leasing a lemon! I will definitely not be buying it when my lease is up and thank God I leased for the first time in my life!!!
Had my 2019 in the shop 5 times to check the hatch not completely closing thus the lights staying on indefinitely. Also when having the waze app plugged into system the dashboard screen kept shutting down. Then the auto shut down system stopped working completely; so I took it back the dealership for for all 3 issues just last week and the finally determined it need a new battery, it only has 13,000 miles on it!! They had it for 2 weeks and when I drove away from the dealership the auto shut off and the waze app on the dashboard quit working again! I’m so disappointed and swear I’m leasing a lemon! I will definitely not buying it when my lease is up and thank God I leased for the first time in my life!!!
My 2019 Escape SEL was making a rattling noise at around 10,000 miles and i was initially told that it was “normal”. However, it got louder and it turns out the flywheel may need to be replaced. I have only had the car for a year and it is not comforting to hear all of these other problems people are experiencing with the Escape. This is the first Ford I have owned and am starting to regret it.
I PURCHASED A NEW 2019 FORD ESCAPE (AT PRESENT 10,000 MILES ON VEHICLE) BROUGHT IN FOR QIL CHANGE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEED TO CHECK THE COOLANT SYSTEM ,THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM TO CUT THROUGH THE CHASE I DID SOME RESEARCH AND NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE THAT PROBLEM BUT THE ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING VERY VERY DANGEROUS ALTHOUGH THIS HASN’T HAPPENED IN MY VEHICLE YET I AM SURE AND EXTREMELY AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN. WHY DO I WORRY ABOUT THIS IS BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED A NEW 2015 FORD ESCAPE AND EXPERIENCED THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AND NO EXAGGERATION MY ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS ENTERING A HIGHWAY THE ENGINE DIED ON ME THAT’S IS ALL I AM GOING TO SAY I WAS SCARED AND REALLY SCARED I MANAGED TO RESTART FOR A FEW SECONDS AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I BROUGHT IT IN FOE SERVICE AND THEY SAID THEY WILL CHECK IT OUT . I INQUIRED IF THERE WAS A RECALL THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID NO BUT DID ADD THAT THEY WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS SITUATION. OK I DID NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH (OH BY THE WAY THAT VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME THREE TIMES ) ANY MORE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION THERE FOR I ORDERED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE AND NOW I FEEL AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS 2019 VEHICLE I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT COMFORTABLE WITH KEEPING THIS VEHICLE
I have a 2019 Ford Escape. We bought it a year ago and now the engine has to be replaced due to antifreeze being burned in the engine. I believe we have a lemon. Can someone help us? We pay too much money each month for an unreliable vehicle. Will this car even last the length of the term?