Automatic Transmission Control Module problems of the 2016 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The contact stated that while driving 45 mph after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the vehicle jolted violently several times. The vehicle then reversed independently. Additionally, the gear shifter was stuck in drive. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact turned on the hazard lights and beeped the horn continuously to prevent other vehicles from approaching her since she had lost control of the vehicle. The message “transmission fault. Service now. " was displayed. The vehicle then shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and veered to the side of the road though the vehicle would shut off intermittently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where she was informed that the failure was not related to the recall repair. However, the failure reoccurred while driving from the dealer location. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission assembly torque converter, accumulator valve body, and pcm had failed. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that they could not assist unless she paid a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was towed the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 74,426.

Safety hazard and serious life threatening situation exists when this problem occurs on the highway and especially in front of a semi tractor trailer truck doing the speed limit. Numerous times, (12 times between 14,000 and 15,363 miles) the 2016 Ford Escape has had complete power loss during acceleration causing vehicle to abruptly begin shaking, lose power, lose steering, lose braking and immediately shudder to a stop. Service engine light comes on, message reads: engine fault service now. (see attached photo) engine remains running. If one tries to continue driving the vehicle stumble and won't shift from low gear without a very hard torquing sound. This Ford Escape broke down in front of a Ford dealer and the code read by this dealers computer is p0322-pcm. According to an internet search the p0322 code definition: if the pcm (powertrain control module) detects an erratic, interrupted, or otherwise unexpected input signal from the distributor or the crankshaft position sensor, it will store the p0322 code, and the check engine light will be turned on. On this vehicle the code is only active when the fault occurs, and the engine is running. The codes do not store in memory. Ignition can be shut off, the warning message disappears and many times the car is able to be driven again for miles before reoccurring. The leasing dealer states they have a process to follow in order to fix the problem. They have to replicate the problem or they do nothing. Using my printout from another dealer with the code is meaningless to them, even though they know the source of the problem and that the condition is life threatening. They say that if I feel the condition is life threatening then do not drive the car. A formal case has been opened with Ford customer assistance, however they only notify the service manager that there is a problem, which he already knows.

On may 6, 2016 we purchased a 2016 Ford Escape titanium 2. 0 awd. On 6/22/16 I brought the vehicle in for service due to a shuddering when the car is shifted from reverse to drive and gas is applied. The service department of seymour Ford of jackson , mi, who have been very helpful, performed a reprogram of the pcm. On 8/15/16 I brought the vehicle in with the same shuddering complaint. Seymour phoned the Ford hot line to ascertain if there were any additional recalls. Seymour was advised by Ford to compare like vehicles on their lot. They tested a 2015 and 2017 Escape "both had same issue" . I was informed by the service department to be sure to keep my foot on the brake when shifting from reverse to drive and wait for the gear to engage than accelerate. I found under complaints. Com other owners throughout the us who have made the same complaint. One has even had Ford acknowledge there is a problem and they are working on it. I informed the service department that I understand they did not build the car; however, if this continues to occur I would be back. They informed me they were there for me. That said it appears either Ford is not telling their dealers there is a problem and or they are telling their dealers to stonewall. Either way Ford should at least make it known to the dealers and the owners of the vehicles that there is a problem and they are working on a solution. We paid good money for the car and we are retired on a fixed income, although we are under warranty, I do not want to be constantly going to the service department to have the car looked at with the same results. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.