Three problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 2011 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2011 Escape.
While entering a main artery of traffic from a side road, during the acceleration between 35-45mph, the transmission disengaged from the engine. The engine, not being subject to transferring energy to the transmission began to gain rpm exceedingly faster on its own with the operators foot still only applying the equal force applicable to normally execute the enterance on to the main road. The transmission regained traction with the engine and the vehicle suffered a violent lunge forward than disengaged once more and repeated the same again with the disengage and lunge forward. The operator was able to drive the vehicle around the block at no more than 10mph around the block to garage the vehicle and call Ford to report the incident.
Last night while driving at approx. 55 mph my 2011 Ford Escape without any warning or sounds slowed immediately to less than 5 mph. I managed to let the car creep into a local car transmission repair shop. The vehicle would not engage in forward or reverse. This morning I called my Ford dealer who asked that I leave the keys with the vehicle and arrange to have it towed to the dealership. Upon arriving to the transmission shop a serviceman suggested I try engaging drive and reverse, I did so and the vehicle did engage. I reported this to the Ford dealer prior to calling roadside towing and stated that I would not feel comfortable driving the vehicle until it is fixed. The dealer said he would advise me as soon as they investigate the problem.
At 65 mph in rush hour traffic my vehicle transmission disengaged and my vehicle started coasting. I could not accelerate, the engine vibrated roughly when I tried to accelerate, and I had to pull over to the side of the road. It is my understanding the throttle body stopped working and caused this to occur. The same thing happened 3 more times on this same day. Once at 10 mph, once at 45 mph, and once at 55 mph. Each time I was able to pull over, shut off the vehicle and restart it. The transmission would re-engage and I could continue on my way.