Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Ford Escape
The 2019 Ford Escape shows significant owner complaints, mainly in engine and powertrain areas. Recalls include issues with the engine block heater, transmission shifter cable, and tire curing. Due to the volume of complaints, a careful inspection is advised, but exact problem prevalence is uncertain based on available data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Ford Escape has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 599 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V011000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V155000 Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 319 complaints
- Power Train 128 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 94 complaints
- Unknown or Other 42 complaints
- Electrical System 37 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 17 complaints
Of the 599 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 599 complaints, owners report 28 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine block heater leak
How to check: Inspect for coolant leaks near engine block heater.
Shifter cable detachment
How to check: Ensure gear shifts smoothly and shows correct position.
Tires overcured in production
How to check: Inspect tires for signs of overcure or degradation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated engine or transmission light
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
City driving
What to check: Note any unusual vibrations or noises.
Red flag: Strong vibrations or grinding noises
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor engine response and stability.
Red flag: Lack of power or unstable steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine block heater been replaced?
- Were there any transmission issues repaired?
- Are the original tires still installed?
- Have regular maintenance records been kept?
- Are there any recalls pending on the car?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Tire purchase receipts
- Previous owner's registration
- Title and accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Ford Escape at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 Ford Escape? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.