2019 Ford Escape: misfire or rough idle

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · AZ

Misfire in cylinder 2. Diagnosed as coolant intrusion. Block and header replaced.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in my 2019 Ford Escape, which has approximately 39,000 miles. Beginning in August 2026, the vehicle developed repeated check-engine lights, misfires, and severe shaking while driving. Ignition coils and a spark plug were replaced, but the problems continued. The vehicle then began displaying overheating warnings and repeatedly losing coolant. On one occasion, the coolant reservoir was found completely empty. Coolant was added, but the overheating continued. On September 3, 2026, the thermostat assembly and temperature sensor were replaced. On September 5, after about 15 minutes of driving, the vehicle began smoking and overheating. After it cooled, the coolant reservoir was again empty. Coolant was added, but the vehicle continued to overheat. I scheduled a Ford dealer diagnostic appointment for September 23 because I believed something was seriously wrong, but the vehicle was not diagnosed because the check-engine light was not illuminated at that time. The engine later suffered a major failure. An independent repair shop performed compression testing and reported extremely low readings of approximately 20-40 PSI on the cylinders tested, indicating severe internal engine damage. Ford has previously documented coolant intrusion on certain 2017-2019 Escape 1.5L EcoBoost engines, with symptoms including coolant loss, smoke, rough running/misfires, and possible engine damage. Ford confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 was completed on my vehicle in 2020, but says my VIN was not included in 21N12. Coolant intrusion has not yet been conclusively diagnosed, but the failure pattern is concerning and occurred at only about 39,000 miles. I am asking the federal safety agency to review this complaint for a possible safety-related defect trend.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MS

I am reporting a dangerous manufacturing defect regarding internal engine coolant intrusion on my 2019 Ford Escape SEL at less than 70,000 miles. Upon starting the vehicle after it sat parked overnight, a massive cloud of heavy white smoke erupted from the exhaust system and both sides of the vehicle, clearing after 1–2 minutes. The vehicle also exhibits a severe structural shudder and a mechanical groaning noise when shifting gears due to engine misfires caused by this leak. A physical inspection confirmed that the engine cooling system is losing fluid (which was just topped off again last night), which is leaking directly into the combustion cylinders overnight. This is a well-documented factory design flaw involving the engine block casting on Ford EcoBoost engines (referenced in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 and multiple Technical Service Bulletins). Ford Corporate and local dealerships have refused to assist with repairs because my specific VIN was excluded from their limited voluntary campaign parameters. This defect presents an immediate, severe safety risk to myself and others, as internal coolant leaks cause sudden cylinder misfires, severe engine shuddering, engine stalling without warning in traffic, and the sudden eruption of heavy white exhaust smoke blinds drivers driving behind my car...not to mention catastrophic engine failure. Ford should be forced to issue a mandatory safety recall for all affected model years regardless of VIN exclusion lists.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · 53,967 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated and was idling rough. During initial start-up there was a backfire coming from the engine with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and DTC: P0302 was retrieved. The cylinder was replaced. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: P0302 (Cylinder #2 misfire); was retrieved. The manufacturer was informed of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,967.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · OH

Vehicle was losing coolant, running rough and check engine light was on. We took it to a Ford dealer who told us: Stored Codes P1299 and P0302 for the cylinder 2 misfire due to the coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The fix is to replace the entire engine at a cost of $15,735.95!! This is a 2019 Ford Escape. We've owned it for six years. We had planned on keeping it another six years, at least. A car should not need an engine replacement within six years. We're retired, living on social security and a very small pension. We can't afford a $15,000 repair. On top of a diagnostic fee of $435 and close to $500 to rent a car (so far.) We contacted Ford and they said there was nothing they could do for us.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine · NY

When I originally attempted to start the car, white smoke was pouring from the exhaust pipe. We came to the conclusion that my head gasket on the car blew. We came to this conclusion because it was misfiring and when you try to open the coolant lid there’s suction.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. Upon inspection, the contact's husband became aware that the coolant level was abnormally low. Additionally, a diagnostic scan retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P0302; indicating a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Engine · TX

The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores. This defect was officially reproduced, tested, and confirmed by factory-certified technicians at AutoNation Ford Katy in Katy, Texas. The vehicle is currently parked at my residence and is fully available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a glowing Check Engine Light on the dashboard, low coolant levels, and rough engine idling upon startup, which first appeared immediately prior to the formal dealership diagnosis at 81,085 miles. Coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers causes sudden engine misfires, severe overheating, and white smoke emission. This defect risks a sudden, unpredictable loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds, creating a severe, immediate collision hazard for myself and other motorists on the road.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Engine · NY

I received a check engine light, code P0303, misfire Cylinder 3. There is evidence my engine was overheating as the spark plug associated with cylinder 3 was melted and unable to be removed. I took my vehicle to Ford to diagnose the issue and was advised there was coolant intrusion into my engine. Upon researching the issue there is a trove of information relating to my vehicle and other Ford vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. My Vehicle is a 2019 Ford Escape Vin [XXX]. My vehicle fits all the specifications of Ford Customer Satisfaction program 21N12, which acknowledges coolant leaking into the engine and what symptoms a vehicle exbits when coolant leaked is present. From my understanding there is a risk of engine fire related to this issue. I can no longer safely drive the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 May 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

2019 Ford Escape with a documented history of powertrain failures. White smoke on cold start and engine stalling began around 48,000 miles; the dealer noted this engine is known for coolant intrusion. At about 62,000 miles the engine short block was replaced under Ford Field Service Action 21N12 / TSB 22-2322. Smoke, shaking, and stalling continued, and the engine intermittently cuts out when shifting into reverse and must be restarted. At about 87,000 miles the transmission failed and the full transmission assembly was replaced (work order Jan 2026, vehicle returned end of March 2026). The owner repeatedly told the Ford dealer the vehicle felt unsafe. On [XXX] the owner reported renewed exhaust smoke, an illuminated engine light, and a clicking sound at startup and asked to bring it in; instead of inspecting it, the dealer advised taking the vehicle straight to CarMax. About 9 days later, on [XXX], while driving in Los Angeles about 60 miles from home with young children aboard, the transmission would not stay in gear and the engine warning lights began blinking. The owner called the Ford dealership for guidance but no one could advise and the service desk would not answer. After consulting a mechanic, the family agreed it was unsafe to keep driving given the noises and pulled over in Anaheim, about 30 miles from home, at a mechanic shop to read the codes. A paid tow (~$600) was required. Loss of gear engagement and stalling in traffic with children aboard is a serious crash and stranding hazard. The scan returned codes P0012 and P0014 (camshaft timing, stored as permanent), P0300 (random/multiple misfire), and P0301, P0302, P0304 (cylinder misfires); the dash showed "Auto Start/Stop not ready - Stall Alert - Restart Engine." The defect has been reproduced and confirmed repeatedly by the Ford dealer, which performed the engine and transmission replacements. A repurchase request was denied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine · CA

Misfire in 4th cylinder. Replaced spark plugs and emission coils. Recurrent misfire. Diagnostics demonstrated coolant intrusion. Only option for repair is to replace entire engine block and this did not make sense for 7 year old ford escape with 65K miles.