2019 Ford Escape: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Engine · GA

car suddenly overheated leaving myself and two children stranded on the interstate. it's a confirmed cylinder 3 coolant intrusion that is a well known documented issue. diagnosed and confirmed by the dealership. I was unaware of this issue, I thought buying a certified pre owned car meant it was in perfect shape, not a ticking time bomb.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

This updates a prior complaint (the federal safety agency tracking XXX). The 2019 Escape 1.5L EcoBoost has the known coolant-intrusion engine defect (white exhaust smoke, overheating, misfires; codes P0300/P0301-P0304). Ford replaced the engine short block under program 21N12 on 3/6/2024 at 62,201 miles. The defect has recurred and the engine has now completely failed a second time. The dealer (Tuttle-Click Ford) confirmed excessive exhaust smoke and a loud rod knock; the vehicle is undrivable and likely needs another engine. While driving on the highway the engine began shutting down. The vehicle was shaking and making loud knocking noises, and we had to exit immediately at the next off-ramp; my children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) were in the car. The vehicle is unsafe. Ford denied repurchase twice (cases XXX and XXX). I am reporting this safety defect for the record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Transmission · 112,823 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be replaced, and that additional transmission parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,823.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Transmission · 96,167 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift gear as needed. The vehicle was taken for maintenance to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle failed to shift gear. The check engine warning light illuminated with a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and diagnosed with gearbox failure. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,167.

Filed Jan 17, 2025 · Engine · 126,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was making an abnormally loud knocking sound due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The dealer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Engine light was coming on in the car. Engine was shuttering and ticking/knocking on start up and then would stop after running for about a minute. Had it put on the scanner and the code said misfire on cylinder one/ignition coil. Had ignition coil on cylinder one replaced twice. 1st time replaced was the beginning of Sept and then the 2nd time on 9/18/24. Car would run fine for a week and then the engine light would come on again and the engine was doing the same thing. This time took the car to the Ford dealership. Service Supervisor said coolant was leaking into the cylinder and that the short block would need to be replaced. The car had 54,000 miles on it when these issues started and now the engine needs to be replaced at only 56,000 miles and I am without a car while having to wait for it to get fixed. Car could have stalled/stopped while driving and caused an accident. Engine will be at the dealership for review if needed.

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Engine · 61,194 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The RPM then rose to an elevated level. There was an abnormal knocking and rattling sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bearings were worn and recommended that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 61,194.