NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
The 2019 Ford Escape scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 554 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Ford Escape earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it in the Strong band. Five-star overall NHTSA crash protection anchors that score, though three active recall campaigns and a modest avoidance-tech score keep it from reaching the top tier.
The 2019 Ford Escape received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Ford Escape ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 554 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Ford Escape?
The 2019 Ford Escape earns an 83/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is anchored by its 5-star NHTSA overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings, contributing to a robust crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. A 4-star rollover rating and a 19-percent rollover risk probability are present in the federal data. The vehicle's active safety features, however, are a point of concern; both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered as optional equipment rather than standard, leading to a restrained 6 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflects three recall campaigns addressing wiring, transmission gear indication, and tires. Further impacting this record are 554 owner complaints, with 288 specifically citing engine-related issues. The 2019 Escape combines strong passive crash performance with a documented recall history and optional active safety technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Ford Escape perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal and side crash protection also received 5 out of 5 stars. The weakest result was in rollover, which scored 4 out of 5 stars. The Escape showed a 19-percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic tip-test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13256
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. One addresses a potential engine block heater wiring concern on 2.0L-equipped vehicles. A second targets gear-position indicator accuracy across multiple Ford models including this Escape. A third involves Continental tires fitted to certain 2019 Escape units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but VIN-level verification is essential.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER26V011000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent
Reported 2026-01-15
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)22V413000
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.
Reported 2022-06-10
TIRES21V155000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.
Reported 2021-03-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has received 554 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Escape. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (288 reports), Power Train (118), and Engine And Engine Cooling (88). Electrical System and Steering also appear. All are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
554 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Ford Escape?
The 2019 Ford Escape has been subject to three recall campaigns. Prospective owners should verify recall remedy completion for any specific vehicle by checking its VIN with NHTSA's database. Written confirmation from a Ford service center or selling dealer is advised.
- The 2019 Ford Escape earned 5 stars in both NHTSA frontal and side crash tests, but rollover protection came in at 4 stars with a 19-percent rollover risk probability specific to this model year.
- Three recall campaigns are attached to this model year covering engine block heater wiring on 2.0L engines, gear-position indicator accuracy, and Continental tire concerns on certain 2019 Escape builds.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on the 2019 Escape, which directly lowered the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and distinguishes this year from vehicles where those features came standard.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 554 unverified allegations, with 288 of those targeting the Engine component alone, making engine-related allegations the dominant complaint pattern for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Ford Escape places
The 2019 Ford Escape qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Ford Escape safety questions
Was the 2019 Ford Escape crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Ford Escape, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Ford Escape crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Ford Escape earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Escape have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford Escape. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Ford Escape?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 554 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Ford Escape. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escape years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13256), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.