YearToAvoid

2019 Ford Escape Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 125 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ford Escape, 21% of its 587 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 64,460 miles. A related recall (22V413000) covers a shift cable bushing that can allow unintended gear engagement.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
125
21% of 587
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
64,460 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Vehicles unexpectedly shift into or roll into an unintended gear, including cases where the shifter reads park but the vehicle rolls away or drive engages as reverse.
  • Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration when shifting into drive or reverse, in some cases resulting in a collision with a wall, garage, or pole.
  • Transmission slips and shifts slowly, sometimes accompanied by reduced fuel economy and no warning light.
  • Shifter intermittently fails to move fully into the park position, requiring manipulation to seat it correctly.
  • Owners describe loud clunking or thudding noises from the rear of the vehicle traced by dealers to the transmission area.
  • Some vehicles previously repaired under the shift cable bushing recall still experienced unexpected gear surges afterward.

When 2019 Ford Escape transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 5, 2019, latest Sep 15, 2026.

2019 Ford Escape transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter122019 Q22020 Q22022 Q32023 Q32024 Q32025 Q32026 Q3
125 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q1 (12).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Ford Escape

  1. NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles

    Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod

    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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010508 (25%)
  2. 2011268 (20%)
  3. 201266 (11%)
  4. 2013401 (15%)
  5. 2014481 (23%)
  6. 2015286 (26%)
  7. 2016320 (28%)
  8. 2017390 (15%)
  9. 2018271 (15%)
  10. 2019125 (21%)
  11. 2020239 (15%)
  12. 202143 (12%)
  13. 202231 (13%)
  14. 202321 (21%)
  15. 20242 (3%)
  16. 20253 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 125 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Escape, which is 21% of its 587 total complaints for the model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2019 Ford Escape?
Yes. Recall 22V413000, reported June 10, 2022, covers a shift cable bushing on 2013-2019 Escape and related Ford models that can allow the transmission to disengage from the selected gear. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2019 Escape?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 64,460 miles at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Escape.
Did the 2019 Ford Escape transmission issues cause crashes?
NHTSA records 6 crashes and 4 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Escape, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.