2019 Ford Escape: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2019 Escape report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 54,600 miles.
NHTSA has 128 owner complaints for the 2019 Escape in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771486 (filed 10/15/2026): “Transmission failed, car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation known issue with ford and the 6f35 transmission…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769079 (filed 10/05/2026): “My 2019 ford escape se was smoking during start up. dealer says it needs a whole new engine due to coolant intrusion. i have been seeing there are many issues with this.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: rebuilt transmission (2 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $8,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .