Two problems related to transmission stuck in gear have been reported for the 2001 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2001 Escape.
On Friday 8/11/06 I was on my way to work driving my 2001 Ford Escape (with 5-speed manual transmission). I was going at around 45 mph in a busy road. Suddenly there was a total transmission failure and my vehicle came to an instant total stop. There was screeching of tires and I was very fortunate not to crash and that the vehicles behind me did not hit me. It was also a matter of luck that there were no persons killed nor injured. My car was stuck on gear and could not be pushed forward or backward, so it had to be towed with a platform truck. I bought this vehicle new in 2001 and have been the sole owner. I have given this vehicle all of its recommended maintenance every 3,000 miles. I informed Ford motor company about this failure and they were not helpful at all. I think the general public has to be informed about this safety risk with 2001 Ford Escapes.
When trying to shift gears it gets stuck. When the gear is in reverse if you put your foot on the gas pedal the engine just revvs. You have to slam the gear shifter up and down to get it into the drive position.