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2019 Ford Escape Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase

in Reliability
White 2019 Ford Escape on a highway

Source: Flickr

The Ford Escape remains popular in the compact crossover segment due to its diverse powertrain options, including two hybrids, and an enjoyable driving experience. Despite its smaller interior and higher price, the Escape offers practical features and good handling. Its technology and infotainment systems are competitive, with standard offerings like dual-zone climate control and wireless Apple CarPlay.

In other words, there’s a lot to like about the Ford Escape.

If you’re interested in the Ford Escape, the more recent models, including the 2019 model year, are good places to start. However, as a used car buyer, you probably want to know about its overall reliability. Today, we discuss the 2019 Ford Escape reliability and everything you need to know to make your investment count.

How Reliable is the 2019 Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape is one of the more popular models in the segment, but this also means more people will complain about it. With that said, CarComplaints has documented 183 complaints for the 2019 Escape. Unfortunately, most of the complaints were about the engine and drivetrain.

On the other hand, according to RepairPal, the 2019 Escape is a reliable choice in the compact SUV category, with a strong reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0. It ranks 16th among 26 compact SUVs, and its yearly maintenance costs are around $600, which is pretty standard for its class. The Escape doesn’t require frequent repairs, and when it does, they are usually minor issues, making it a dependable and practical option for everyday use.


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The 2019 Escape has been recognized for its reliability by the consumer research firm, J.D. Power. It has received an impressive score of 86 out of 100, earning a “Great” rating in its Quality & Reliability category. This score is based on the number of issues reported by car owners, ranging from defects to design problems, covering all aspects of the car, from the engine to the entertainment system. A higher score indicates fewer problems, thus making the 2019 Ford Escape a dependable vehicle.

How Long Will a 2019 Ford Escape Last?

As of this writing, mileage data about the 2019 Escape is somewhat limited since it’s a relatively new model. However, when talking about the Escape in general, we’re happy to report that it has good potential for longevity.

The Ford Escape has a lifespan that varies depending on the model. Older models, especially those made before 2013, and the hybrid versions can last up to 300,000 miles. On the other hand, new models are generally good for about 200,000 miles. The key to keeping a Ford Escape running well for a long time includes regular maintenance and mindful driving.

While older Escapes can handle more miles before they’re considered ‘high mileage,’ the newer ones reach this point sooner. Despite some issues reported across different models, with proper care, the Ford Escape can be a reliable and long-lasting choice for drivers.

We highly recommend reading our previous report on the Ford Escape’s lifespan to learn more.


THE FORD ESCAPE YEARS TO AVOID

Thanks to several significant reliability woes, the Escape may sound perfect, but they are far from it. We have a list of the Ford Escape years to avoid.


2019 Ford Escape Reliability: Safety Recalls

The 2019 Ford Escape had a couple of notable safety recalls. One recall was issued due to an issue with the powertrain, specifically the automatic transmission’s gear position indication (PRNDL). The problem was with the bushing that attached the shifter cable to the transmission, which could degrade or detach. This defect could prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, potentially causing it to move unexpectedly or roll after being put in ‘Park,’ increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The 2019 Ford Escape also had a recall related to its tires. Some of these vehicles came with Continental tires that were over-cured or processed for too long during manufacturing. This over-curing can cause the tires to break down, particularly on the sidewalls, leading to a rapid loss of air or the separation of the tire’s layers. These issues can result in the tire tread coming apart.

Ford offered to replace the affected parts for both recalls free of charge. Owners were advised to contact Ford customer service for assistance and to have the necessary repairs made. Please visit the NTHSA website to learn more.


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What are the Common Issues of the 2019 Escape?

As a reasonably popular SUV, the 2019 Escape has received numerous complaints, including:

Engine Troubles

Many owners of the 2019 Ford Escape have reported multiple engine-related issues. These issues include the failure of the EGR or Purge Valve, which has severely damaged the intake manifold and catalytic converter.

Other common complaints include coolant leaks, which can cause a hot coolant smell and low coolant levels, even with no visible external leaks. In some cases, coolant intrusion into the engine has led to more severe problems like engine failure or the need for engine replacement.

Additionally, some owners have reported that the SUV hesitates to respond when the accelerator is pressed, engine rattling noises, and even instances of the vehicle stalling while driving.

Transmission Woes

The 2019 Ford Escape has been noted to have some transmission issues, as detailed by our CoPilot experts. Owners have reported problems with the transmission, characterized by rough shifting, hesitations, and other irregularities while driving. These issues can affect the overall driving experience, leading to discomfort and concerns about reliability. In some cases, the transmission problems might necessitate repairs or part replacements, which can be costly.

Soy Wiring Issues

The 2019 Escape faced an unusual issue with its wiring, which was coated with a soy-based material and meant to be an eco-friendly solution to reduce costs and environmental impact. However, this solution had an unexpected downside: it attracted rodents. These critters chewed on the soy wiring for nesting, which led to various electrical problems in the vehicle. As a result, owners have had to deal with everything from minor glitches to major system failures, often resulting in expensive repairs.

2019 Ford Escape Reliability: Final Thoughts

As you can see, the 2019 Ford Escape reliability is solid enough to warrant a used car purchase. However, there are some significant problems that you should be aware of. Despite this, the 2019 Escape is a dependable SUV, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price.



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