The Lemon Index2019 Ford Escape.
The 2019 Ford Escape is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 114 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 26 mpg combined. It's the best Ford Escape year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.2× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2013–2019 Ford Escape, 19.1M views. The 2019 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.6M views
2013-2016 Ford Escape Battery Replacement FAST!NNKH 2 · 394K views · 7 videos - Transmission & shifter1.5M views
2013-2019 Ford Explorer Escape Fusion 6F35 Six Speed Transmission Fluid Change ProcedureFordTechMakuloco · 631K views · 6 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door1.2M views
2013-2014 Ford Escape Poor A/C Performance Quick FixFordTechMakuloco · 433K views · 6 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring900K views
How To: Change the Headlights in a 2013 to 2019 Ford EscapeO'Reilly Auto Parts · 347K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Cooling system624K views
2013-2016 Ford Escape 1.6L Ecoboost P26B7 Coolant Bypass Valve "C" ReplacementFordTechMakuloco · 318K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS537K views
2013-2019 Ford Escape Full Brake Job. (Front & Rear)Repair Geek · 313K views · 3 videos - Steering & suspension407K views
How to Replace Front Wheel Bearings & Hubs 2013-2019 Ford EscapeTRQ · 140K views · 4 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors259K views
How To Find The Keypad Door Code On 2013 - 2019 Ford Escape - Driver's Door Key Pad Code LocationPYR Automotive · 130K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Escape SUV 2013-2019 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 397K views
Ford Escape 2013-2019 Problems, Engines and ReliabilityMaxTheCarGuy · 191K views
TOP 5 Problems with the FORD ESCAPE ( 3rd Generation 2013-2019)Alex The Car Doctor · 79K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 596 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Escape year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 28K to 88K miles on the car (230 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 20K–84K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 23K–96K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–29K miles
Recalls 3
- equipment 2026
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- tires 2021
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 128 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing…
- Some 2018-2019 Escape, Transit Connect and EcoSport vehicles equipped with a keyed ignition…
- Timing belt saw or chirp
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Smell enters passenger cabin from what appears to be catalytic exhaust fumes while driving on highway.
2019 Ford Escape owner · NHTSA complaint 11184932
More owner reports
This car has had two transmission failures with less than 5,000 miles driven. Both times the alert system activated "service asap". The car became stuck between neutral and drive, making it unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint 11406307
Changing reverse or forward, there is a loud thump as if someone or something has hit the car
NHTSA complaint 11350834
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Ford Escape reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Escape year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Escape problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (37%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
3 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Escape get?
23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Ford Escape safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Ford Escape problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 28,000 and 88,100 miles. The middle report was at 64,200 miles, from 230 complaints.
Does the 2019 Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Ford Escape cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works