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2019 Ford Escape: stuck in gear or won't shift

7 of the 604 complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape describe stuck in gear or won't shift.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · TN

For a few days before the transmission went out, it was kinda spitting and shuddering, then the 4th day the transmission would not shift into gear and go. It would rev the engine all the way up and bark the tires even with my foot not on the gas or brake. It started jerking and just would not go. It would not accelerate at all.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was unable to shift into a lower gear, and the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with shifter bushing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 72,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on a local roadway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P1299, P0300, P0303; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and DTC: P0303 was confirmed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Transmission · IN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The torque converter is going out - this will be the 3rd time we will have replaced it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car sputters and does not shift correctly. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, at the Ford dealer each time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? By Ford Dealer Mechanics. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms include sputtering and not seeming to shirt when accelerating.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine · MI

On [XXX] while attempting to make a left hand turn in a super busy intersection my dash light stating Engine Coolant over-temperature came on and car went into limp mode, was stuck in a busy intersection making a left hand turn. Car had to be towed to local ford dealership (Friendly Ford in Monroe, MI). Car was at dealership for 7 days and they were unable to duplicate the code and at that time the mileage on the car was 50853. On [XXX] while backing out of my driveway the car did same thing, dash light with Engine Coolant over-temperature came on and went into limp mode. Had car towed (at my expense) to Friendly Ford dealership again at this time the mileage is 60242. On 7/23/24 I was advised that coolant intrigant into the engine which means a need new engine. Was advised by dealership that this would be covered under powertrain warranty but because the mileage NOW is 60242 that the warranty is not valid and will cost ruffly around $8,000 and could take 2 months to repair and they have no loaners at this time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Engine · 29,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her grandson's repair shop, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact’s grandson related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2375 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Engine · 103,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over onto the emergency lane. The high temperature alert message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who declined to service the vehicle and referred him to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rodReported June 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2019 Ford Escape won't shift

Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?

7 of 604 owner complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape (1%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Ford Escape?

There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Ford Escape

Check engine light 185Engine failure 138Overheating 131Misfire 88Stalling 37Fire or smoke 35Transmission failure 25Loss of power 22Hesitation 19Jerking 19Shudder 18Headlights 11Slipping 11Fuel pump 8No deployment 7Knocking 7Adaptive cruise 6Tire blowout 6Won't start 6Backup camera 5Start-stop 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

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