2019 Ford Escape — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $12,000–$17,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The last year of the old Escape, and the most sorted version of it. The 1.5L EcoBoost coolant question still applies and the AWD models still have the PTU, but by 2019 many of the software and hardware revisions had landed. The 2.5L remains the low-risk pick.
Known Issues for the 2019 Ford Escape
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Coolant entering the cylinders causing misfires and eventual engine failure. Ford extended coverage on some builds — check the VIN before you rely on it.
Repair cost range: $3,000-$6,500
Not on the service schedule, but the fluid should be changed every 30k miles regardless.
Repair cost range: $1,200-$2,800
Torque converter shudder and harsh shifts on neglected fluid.
Repair cost range: $300 service to $3,500
APIM module failures cause a black screen and loss of the backup camera display.
Repair cost range: $400-$900
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Unexplained coolant loss
- ✗Single-cylinder misfire codes
- ✗Front differential whine
- ✗No fluid services of any kind
Good Signs
- ✓2.5L naturally aspirated
- ✓Ford extended engine coverage still in force
- ✓PTU and transmission fluid changed on a documented schedule
Found a specific Ford Escape?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2019 Ford Escape in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
Other Ford Escape years
More from Ford
Similar suvs & crossovers