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2019 Ford Escape Electrical Problems

25 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

25
Complaints
2
Crashes
Jan 2021Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (25)

highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car's coolant system has had multiple failures over several months—you've already replaced the Y-shaped coolant hose and a secondary coolant hose, and now the coolant bypass valve is failing, causing your engine to overheat. Your HVAC system is also not working properly. The repeated failures suggest there may be an underlying issue with the cooling system that needs thorough diagnosis to prevent further damage and overheating.

NHTSA #: 11726212
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Dec 2025

he freeway I notified future ford of concord and I was told I would receive a call back but as I recall I didn’t receive a call back. The car started acting as if nothing was wrong about a week or so later then two days ago December 13,2025 first my head lights went out and a message saying there’s a bulb outage or electrical issue appeared and also the hill assist unavailable warning light appeared , following the 911 calling assistance is unavailable as well, and I also noticed my radio is no longer producing sound so I believe the engine ( block , head gasket etc) component also electrical system, sync 3 system has also failed or malfunctioned. During the second occurrence I was driving as I was before which led to The safety of my children, my husband and myself put at risk being it was night time and I could no longer see the road the car acted as if it was turning off and slowing down.. yes there was warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem during the failures, and they first appeared at the exact time of the failures . Also below are photos captured from the ford vehicle app alerting me about issues for the car

NHTSA #: 11705433
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

Our BCM stopped working the first sign was both of our head lights randomly would not turn on. This was confirmed by two other mechanics and the ford service center had to replace the entire thing. The second part the fail was part of the engine. Something happened where we were told coolant was in our cylinder number 3 and they want to replace the entire engine with no symptoms other then low coolant levels because they stated it is a risk of fire.

NHTSA #: 11692798
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Stop /Start button would kill the car would need a jump. Coolant leak in engine blew a gasket. Need a new engine. 54,000 moles on a 2019 Fors Escape

NHTSA #: 11681400
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: May 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black, almost causing the vehicle to strike a pedestrian. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the speedometer and fuel gauge readings were inaccurate, and the hatch had failed to open intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where unknown repairs were performed; however, the failures persisted. The contact also stated that the Auto START/STOP system was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA #: 11663356
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

After the vehicle has been running and stopped at a traffic light or an intersection, whether the auto-start is on or off, as you pull out into traffic the engine shuts off. No error code to the computer that Ford could find, it just stops. This is a life and death situation as oncoming traffic are approaching. In order to get it started again, you have to put the vehicle in park and push the stop/start button.

NHTSA #: 11646182
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: May 2024

Vehicle started to idle oddly on startup. Then a few days later it started to vibrate or cavitate. Check engine light came on. Scheduled for service. Service as of today 05/31/2024, coolant has leaked into engine, engine needs replaced according to service provider. Brought this issue up in 2022 to service after seeing the NHTSA customer service bulletin. My mfr date was out of the listed date range so nothing was done or checked.

NHTSA #: 11591828
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle idled rough when started; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle would drive smoothly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coil pack failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA #: 11588488
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

Liftgate fails to open and/or close completely. Rarely, Randomly it works. Safety issue should there be a child or animal back there. No manual lift opening options!

NHTSA #: 11574236
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was discovered that an electrical spike had burned out several electrical sensors. The dealer replaced the alternator to correct the failure; however, the failure returned nearly a week after the repair. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where a short in the electrical wiring harness was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 59,512.

NHTSA #: 11568595
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2023

When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instead..also looked up code my self and understand that it is a emissions safety issue being that it is evap purge valve..and have scheduled a appointment with dealer to have it fixed..due to the fact I have a extended service warranty on it..

NHTSA #: 11558036
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

While driving in traffic, the car suddenly lost power. Could not shift into neutral or park... Raised hood, put on hazard lights. Called AAA. About 20 minutes later, the car did start and was able to drive it to mechanic... The engine sputtered, the dashboard lights flashed on and off. Had it towed to Ford Dealership. Two weeks later, they could not diagnose or fix the problem. PS, the recall had been addressed when I had to replace the transmission when it suddenly quit in traffic.

NHTSA #: 11533819
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2023

I have 11376 miles on my 3019 Ford escape and the alternator asy had to be replaced

NHTSA #: 11527181
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2023

1. The transmission "zooms" and revs higher as I'm breaking. I'm afraid that the gear will slip and I won't be able to stop - especially if it's icy on the road. 2. When the car is turned off completely, there's a mechanical sound that persists for 10min. It's not the water/cooling pump or the engine cooling down. It sounds like an ATM machine that's trying to dispense cash, but can't. I suspect this is draining the battery. 3. On my way to work yesterday, the key (and the spare key) were not recognized and I couldn't start the car. Lights came on, so I didn't think it was the battery. This morning, battery is dead. I really think it's a result of whatever is causing the sounds mentioned in #2 above. While #1 is a safety issue to myself and other motorists, the issues reported in #2 and #3 are personal safety concerns. I am a woman who commutes from gig to gig, traveling through sketchy neighborhoods, and parking in dimly lit public parking garages. If I cannot start the car or it goes dead, I could get mugged or physically hurt.

NHTSA #: 11510573
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2022

Vehicle has 32K miles on it and both low beam headlight bulbs failed at the exact same time. My daughter had just left her house and as soon as she got away from street lights she realized this. The odd part is that the in-dash indicators showed everything working normally with NO FAULTS, so we assumed it was an electrical issue. We got it to a Ford dealer (she has an extended warranty), and they "fixed a connection that had corroded, causing both bulbs to fail." NOT covered under warranty, $250 to replace two bulbs and clean sockets. There are numerous Ford forums with the same complaints. Just felt that you folks should be made aware...

NHTSA #: 11495542
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2021

THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK ITSELF AS IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AS IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ITSELF, IT BRIEFLY ACTIVATES THE HAZARD LIGHTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE IS KEYLESS IGNITION, AND THE KEY FOB IS PLACED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA WITH NOTHING CONTACTING IT. WHEN IT OCCURS, IT IS QUITE FREQUENT, AND SEEMS TO NOT BE AFFECTED BY MOISTURE, SPEED OR TEMPERATURE, NOR BY CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11398067
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2021

I PURCHASED MY 2019 FORD ESCAPE BRAND NEW IN EARLY SPRING OF 2019. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY ESCAPE I DID NOTICE SOME SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I PLANNED ON GOING BACK TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD CHECK IT OUT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I BECAME ILL, AND THEREFORE IT SLIPPED MY MIND. I WAS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT AS SOON AS I FELT WELL ENOUGH I COULD NOT WAIT TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR AGAIN. MY FIRST TRIP WAS ACTUALLY TO MY ONCOLOGIST OFFICE, BUT I WAS EXCITED JUST TO BE DRIVING. ON MY WAY THERE, HOWEVER, MY CAR JERKED ME TO THE LEFT CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. I WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE, SO I PARKED AND WENT ABOUT MY BUSINESS. WHEN I MY APPOINTMENT WAS OVER, AND I CAME BACK OUT I NOTICED I HAD A FLAT TIRE. IT REALLY SURPRISED ME, BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I DID HAVE THE WEIRD INCIDENT I MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD CAUSE MY TIRE TO BLOW OUT. SO, I HAD THE TIRE REPLACED, AND LIFE WENT ON. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME 11/19/19, MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER 1/20/21 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I ADMIT, I DO NOT DRIVE MY CAR MUCH THESE DAYS, BUT I DO MAKE AN EFFORT TO START IT ALMOST EVERYDAY, AND LET RUN FOR 20 MINUTES. WHEN I PURCHASED THE ESCAPE, I WAS EXPECTING TO HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE MEDICAL ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH. I AM SURE EVERYONE IS DRIVING LESS BECAUSE OF THE CORONA VIRUS. I REALLY FEEL NERVOUS GOING OUT BECAUSE OF MY VEHICLE AND CORONA. I HAVE CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE MORE SINCE I BOUGHT THE 2019 ESCAPE, THAN MY OWN MOTHER. ONE LAST THING. I DID MENTION THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, IT DROVE FINE, BUT I RECORDED THE MILEAGE WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP, AND THE MILEAGE WAS THE SAME AS IT WAS WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF.

NHTSA #: 11389410
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CrashFiled: May 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN THE HILL ASSIST MODE INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ON A HILL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO ENGAGE, CAUSING HER TO IMPACT THE DASHBOARD/RADIO WITH HER HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE LOST CONSCIENCES AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS A TINGLING SENSATION IN BOTH LEGS AND HAS LOST SENSATION IN BOTH ARMS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RAMP MOTORS (4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776, (631) 473-1550) AND HAS LEFT A VOICEMAIL OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,623.

NHTSA #: 11324414
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2020

DRIVING 70+MPH ON FREEWAY AND THE ACC WENT OUT WITH AN ALERT. CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE LANEKEEP ASSIST HAD AN ERROR AND CEASED WORKING, FOLLOWED BY AN ERROR FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE. SHORTLY AFTER THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER WENT TO 0 AND SEVERAL OTHER ERRORS FOR ABS, ESC, AND OTHERS WENT OFF. THIS FELT LIKE THE SCENE FROM APOLLO 13 WHERE EVERYTHING WAS GOING WRONG AT ONCE. I NOTICED THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING AND IT WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL AS I PULLED INTO THE FORD DEALER. THERE WAS STEAM/SMOKE COMING FROM MY FRONT GRILL.

NHTSA #: 11319033
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2020

WE WERE DRIVING ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. SUDDENLY, THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD - NO LIGHTS OR POWER. CARS DRIVING AT BETWEEN 40-50 MPH WERE COMING UP BEHIND US, BUT COULD NOT SEE US BECAUSE WE COULD NOT EVEN GET HAZARD LIGHTS ON. WE WERE LOCKED IN - THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN!! AFTER SEVERAL NEAR MISSES, WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A STRANGER STOP AND HE WAS ABLE TO ALERT ONCOMING CARS SO WE WOULD NOT GET HIT. ENDS UP THAT THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL OF THE BATTERY WAS VERY LOOSE AS WELL AS THE SURROUNDING FASTENERS OF THE BATTERY. WE PURCHASED THE CAR 5 WEEKS EARLIER, BRAND NEW WITH 11 MILES ON IT. AFTER GETTING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT WAS AN EASY FIX, BUT MY SAFETY CONCERN WAS THE FACT THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN!!! IF THERE WAS A FIRE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED, AND WE COULD NOT GET OUT IN CASE WE WERE HIT BY THE VEHICLES COMING UP BEHIND US, WHICH CAME CLOSE A FEW TIMES!

NHTSA #: 11306570
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2019

MY CAR BEGAN SENDING MY HUSBAND ALERTS MY CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AS THE ALERT READ THE FRONT CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING, THEN MY ABS AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS WENT OFF AND MY SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING. MY CAR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SHUT IT OFF. EVENTUALLY I COULD SHUT IT OFF. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS IN A ROW AND IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP. WHEN I FINALLY SHUT IT OFF IT RE SET. DANGER: NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. ALERTS ALSO READ COLLISION WARNING NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 11270016
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING MALFUNCTIONED. THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BRAKED SUDDENLY ON A HIGHWAY WITH NO VEHICLES NEARBY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BRAKES ACTIVATED AGAIN WITH NO VEHICLE NEARBY. SUMMERVILLE FORD (9700 DORCHESTER RD, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29485, (843) 873-3550) COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DROPPED OFF THE KEY AND WAS PROVIDED AN ULTIMATUM OF GETTING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR GETTING A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

NHTSA #: 11245674
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2019

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.

NHTSA #: 11228943
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2019

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED THAT ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING, GAUGES, 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 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 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!!!

NHTSA #: 11209894
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS LATER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND SHUT OFF AGAIN AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ISLAND FORD (3698 RT 9 SOUTH OLD, BRIDGE, NJ) AND UNKNOWN PINS WERE TIGHTENED. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE AND LATER PARKING IT, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

NHTSA #: 11206220

Other 2019 Ford Escape Issues