2019 Ford Escape: engine stalls while driving

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · CA

The vehicle suffered a major manufacturing defect known as internal cylinder coolant intrusion, which is common to Ford's 1.5L EcoBoost engines. The vehicle began experiencing rough cold starts and white exhaust smoke before being officially diagnosed by a certified dealership, Folsom Lake Ford, who confirmed internal coolant leaking into the 2nd engine cylinder. The dealership issued a repair quote of $13,000 for a complete engine replacement. Ford Motor Company Corporate headquarters was notified via certified mail but issued a formal courtesy denial letter refusing any financial or mechanical assistance because the vehicle is outside its standard warranty period. This defect creates a critical roadway safety hazard, as internal coolant leaks can lead to sudden engine overheating, catastrophic block failure, stall-outs in active traffic, or potential engine fires. The vehicle is currently un-driven and parked at my residence due to this safety risk. This newly purchased used car from a dealership was at the end of May 2026. Happened while driving home on the freeway from work, I noticed the engine was overheating. I had to quickly and very nervously move through traffic to get to the shoulder of the freeway in traffic hour. I was traveling up a steep grade and traffic was bunched and slowing, which compounded the problem. I was in the second lane from the left and had to get over, I think 3 lanes to get to the shoulder quickly. It was very scary with all the traffic. Everyone on the road near me was at risk including me. This is a known manufacture defect in this type of engine (1.5L). Happening in July 2026. Why has a recall not been done for this very dangerous known fault of Fords and for anyone to be on the road around these types of engine propelled cars is putting many at risk on the roads. How can this be overlooked???

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

At only 43,379 miles — well within the useful life expected of this vehicle — my 2019 Ford Escape developed two significant mechanical failures. (1) Fuel injector: the vehicle emits visible black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating at highway speeds; the dealership diagnosed this as a failed fuel injector requiring replacement (est. $1,200). Visible exhaust smoke during highway acceleration is a visibility hazard to following traffic. (2) Coolant intrusion into the engine: the dealership's service department diagnosed coolant intrusion requiring replacement of major short block components (est. $8,300), and told me this failure is in its early stages and the engine is likely to fail completely within 6 to 12 months if not repaired. The lead service technician stated this is a common, known issue with this engine, which is being discontinued. Complete engine failure could occur without warning, including while driving on a highway, creating a risk of a stalling-related crash. Rather than repairing the vehicle, the dealership's own service advisor recommended I sell or trade the vehicle to a third party such as CarMax while it still retains value and purchase a different vehicle — effectively passing a vehicle with a known, unresolved engine defect on to the next owner. Coolant intrusion and short block failures in this engine family have been widely reported by other Ford Escape owners. I am requesting the federal safety agency review this complaint alongside others for the same engine/model-year combination to determine whether a pattern exists warranting an investigation or recall.

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 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 12, 2026 · Engine · NC

The vehicle experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders related to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The issue has been diagnosed as an internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. Symptoms included coolant loss, engine misfires, rough operation, white exhaust smoke, check engine warnings, and intermittent no-start conditions. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experienced rough engine operation, loss of power, shaking, intermittent starting issues, and engine fault warnings while being driven on public roads. The engine misfires and loss of performance created concern about the vehicle potentially stalling unexpectedly in traffic or during highway driving, which could have increased the risk of an accident. The coolant intrusion also created concerns about sudden engine failure while the vehicle was in operation. Yes. The problem was initially diagnosed by a trusted independent mechanic and later confirmed by a Ford dealership. Both identified coolant intrusion consistent with the known issues associated with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine and Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent mechanic and a Ford dealership service department. Ford corporate customer service has also been contacted regarding the issue and an active case has been denied coverage. Yes. Prior to the confirmed failure, the vehicle experienced rough idle, shaking when placed into drive, engine misfires, coolant loss, and intermittent starting issues. The check engine light and “Engine Fault – Service Now” warning message also appeared. Symptoms first became noticeable shortly before diagnosis and progressively worsened over time.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · LA

Car overheats and stalls or shuts down due to engine issues. No prior warning codes.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · TX

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly lunged forward while shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Transmission · AR

My first incident with my 2019 Ford Escape happened when I had my [XXX] in the vehicle with me at a stop sign In November of 2024. As I proceeded to enter the intersection, the vehicle would not accelerate. I was able to reverse enough to get out of the intersection, but was still on the roadway, which is a safety hazard. While I waited for help, I was having to direct traffic around my vehicle, another safety hazard. The vehicle would not drive at all. The milage at the time of failure was approx. 112,000 miles. I was later informed the vehicle's transmission needed to be replaced and that they had found metal shavings in the transmission fluid. The Ford dealership stated my vehicle was financed used and there was no warranty on it. The dealership also informed me there was no recalls on my vehicle. I spent approx. $4,600 to have this repaired by a local mechanic shop. Now, a year later, I had pulled over to let a funeral procession pass and once I began to accelerate, my vehicle began to stall. I was able to drive it to a gas station that was nearby where I was unable to drive it any further. My 3 children were in the vehicle with me. I took it to the same mechanic shop that had initially repaired it to inquire about a warranty on the transmission. I was informed the warranty was through a third party and they would not fix it, claiming I had gone 500 miles past what warranty covered ( 1 year or 12,000 miles). They diagnosed it and confirmed the transmission had to be replaced. I have been told it would cost me approximately $3,500 (plus labor) to repair again with another year/12,000 mile warranty. I took the Escape to the Ford dealership to have them diagnose it and was informed the the transmission needed to be replaced, and they would do it for $8,500. I have read about plenty of 2019 Ford Escape Recalls on the transmission and this is definitely a safety issue. I'm over being stranded on the roadway with my kids... thankfully I wasn't on the interstate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Engine · MA

engine misfire, white smoke, loss of power while driving. Due to Coolant intrusion which could lead to dangerous situations, such as an unexpected stall in traffic or an engine compartment fire. Ford had offered a campaign thro' CSP 21N12 program but for a short time in 2022 which excluded many vehicles for people whose did have issues at that time.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · OR

I am reporting a safety-related engine defect on my 2019 Ford Escape (2.0L EcoBoost). On September 23, 2025, at 72,233 miles, the engine failed due to coolant leaking into the combustion chamber (cylinder #3). Ford’s own dealer confirmed coolant intrusion and referenced Ford TSB 22-2239. This issue is associated with known EcoBoost coolant-intrusion failures documented in multiple Ford bulletins and class-action suits. The engine failure required a complete long-block replacement costing $8,644.38. Ford denied assistance despite the failure occurring within the extended 7-year/84,000-mile coverage window under Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Coolant intrusion can cause sudden engine failure, stalling, loss of power, or inability to accelerate, creating a hazardous driving condition. I request the federal safety agency review this defect as part of the widespread EcoBoost coolant-intrusion problem. Owner: [XXX] , [XXX] . VIN: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 98,117 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the contact received a power train malfunction notification through the Mobile App. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start but was started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to Loganville Ford (3460 US-78, Loganville, GA 30052); where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam seals, the crankshaft sensor and harness, and the timing components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced in 2021, and the fuel pump was replaced in 2023 due to the stalling failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,117.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Engine · 104,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact believed that a fuel cleaner needed to be added to the fuel tank. The contact stated that the engine revved abnormally. While at a stoplight, the vehicle failed to drive forward and stalled. The contact stated that the axle and turbocharger had been repaired prior to the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.