2019 Ford Escape: hesitation when accelerating

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 May 8, 2026 · Engine · 86,708 miles · MI

The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle hesitated and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer diagnosed the issue with a coolant leak and engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 86,708.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am reporting a serious engine safety issue involving coolant intrusion into the engine, resulting in misfires, loss of power, and potential engine failure while driving. My vehicle began experiencing rough starts after sitting overnight, including shaking and hesitation. in a few dayna, the issue worsened and is now accompanied by the following: * Coolant loss requiring refill approximately every other day * Sweet smell of coolant coming from the exhaust * Occasional white smoke from the exhaust on startup * Gurgling sound behind the dashboard during startup * Loss of engine power and hesitation when accelerating * Engine warning message: “Engine Fault – Service Now” Diagnostic Trouble Codes Retrieved: * P0300 – Random/multiple cylinder misfire * P0302 – Cylinder 2 misfire * P0316 – Misfire detected on startup * P0339 – Crankshaft position sensor intermittent * P059F – Active grille shutter malfunction * P06E9 – Engine starter performance issue I brought the vehicle to a repair shop where I was informed that coolant is entering the engine and mixing with the oil. I was also told there is evidence of oil leakage from the turbocharger area. The shop indicated that the engine likely requires replacement due to internal failure, with an estimated repair cost between $10,000 and $15,000. No prior warning of coolant intrusion was given during a recent service visit approximately one week earlier. This issue creates a serious safety risk because the engine may fail unexpectedly while driving. The problem appears to worsen after the vehicle sits, increasing the risk of failure during normal daily use such as commuting or transporting my child.Based on my research, similar issues involving coolant intrusion have been reported in Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. This appears to be a known defect that can lead to engine failure without adequate warning.I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Transmission · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and then accelerated. The contact stated that the engine was hesitating and chugging to maintain power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and shudder, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter and transmission. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Engine · 115,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe before the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle struggled while being restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was performed, and it was discovered that there was coolant entering into the engine, resulting in engine failure. The local dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by mail and the contact recently received a response that the manufacturer was not responsible for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · FL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -cylinder 1 misfiring-diagnosis fluid intrusion into combustion chamber likely due to faulty head gasket or warped cylinder How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -car misfiring affected startup acceleration and ran rough (hesitation). Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -yes, confirmed diagnosis by independent service center first and problem reproduced. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -yes, inspected with a scope by independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes, check engine light came on intermittently. brought in within a day of it appearing. diagnostic computer check done & per the pulled codes, followed recommended repairs and had OEM spark plugs and coil packs all replaced. 2 days later check engine light came back on. Again experienced difficulty in startup and rough running engine. As of this writing, vehicle is in the shop awaiting further repairs.

Filed Apr 1, 2025 · Engine · 111,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated to accelerate, and the vehicle was running rough. On one occasion during the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, on another occasion the engine overheated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the dealer replaced the transmission and the turbo; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 6, 2024 · Engine · NC

Car started having Misfire code around 40,000 miles (September 2023). Spark plugs and coils were changed out twice within a few months of each other. The last technician to replace the coils said it looked like oil was on the spark plugs. Check Engine light still remains on to this day. Around 55,000 miles, noticed coolant was needing to be replaced every other day. Took to Ford Dealership 10/29/24. Video from Technician, shows coolant leaking into engine and stated this is a common problem TSB and we need a new engine ($9,088). Took to local mechanic for second opinion (11/2/24). He found the same issue. Per Ford Dealership, car is out of warranty as of March 2024 (5 year/50,000). This car was purchased used 1/2023 with 26,800 miles. The car hesitates to start. I have to try multiple times to start the car. Called Ford Motor Company 11/06/24 and they stated to file with the federal safety agency.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle was making an abnormal sound while idling. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced due to the failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flywheel, the sealant, the torque converter, and the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and referred the contact to another dealer, Apple Ford (8800 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045), where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Engine · MI

This Ford Escape has a known engine problem that results in a spark plug seizing into the engine block. This known issue causes the motor to hesitate, run poorly, become sluggish and ultimately fail potentially in traffic. This concern becomes a danger to other drivers as well as the owner of the vehicle. The dealership immediately knew of the concern was aware of the problem when we called. It took them minute to confirm the problem and they stated to us, "we've seen this problem, on this specific engine a number of time." Ford is aware of the problem and provides some or no assistance to consumers. They are provide some assistance to my family, but I'm not sure why they are not fixing the known problem at Ford's total expense. This specific vehicle has 55,000 miles and is 2 month outside of the 60 month engine and drivetrain warranty. Ford customer service will not advance our conversation beyond the dealership requesting help for a known issue. My sisters safety was at risk before identifying the concern. Ford is making her pay $4700 and a 3 week car rental to repair for their known issue. This seems blatantly unfair and unsafe to consumers. sincerely