Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2018 Ford Escape

Four problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2018 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2018 Escape.

1 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.

2 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 06/22/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the transmission was slipping, and the power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of fluids leaking underneath the vehicle and accumulating on the rear glass. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby parking space and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured flex plate, a failed torque converter, a failed front pump, a failed crank shaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the suggestive repairs would be to replace the flex plate, torque converter and the front pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,500.

3 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2021

Driving with my daughter when my 2018 Ford Escape shook hard and transmission or warning light popped on. We swerved to the side of the road. I pushed it a block back to my house. I notified Ford and they towed it to walt sweeney on glenway in cincinnati. Walt sweeney didn't want to give me a loaner car because their policy is to look at the vehicle before loaning one of theirs out. I went to enterprise rental where I would have to pay over 400. For a car for two days. I don't even have a ticket on record. I called Ford and told them I bought the car new and have been the only owner. It has 47000 miles on it. There is no way the transmission went bad because if me. It is a closed unit. Ford said there was no way they could pay enterprise for a rental. The only would pay me back. I couldn't afford the rental car then and can't now. This policy is for the poorer person who can't afford a rental, so Ford doesn't have to pay them back. I'm disgusted by Ford taking advantage of people who need the most help. I called Ford over and over and no matter who I talked to I was told too bad. I walked the half mile to sweeney and broke down crying. They were kind enough to do the right and legal thing when Ford refused the bottom line is that Ford sold a faulty new vehicle, it broke down and they refused to get me a rental car unless I had over 400. To rent the car. This doesn't include if it was more then 2 days. Sweeney, notified me that my car needs a total transmission overhaul and a torque converter replaced. So now they are offering a rental after I could have lost my job, but yet again it is 300 down and I have to wait for a part back. There are reports all over the internet about faulty transmissions in this year Ford. I came afford a month of rental payments, let alone a week.

4 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2020

Took vehicle in following a recall notice for controller module. Two months later the check engine light came on. Took vehicle back and it resulted in a coolant leak into the cylinder. The block was warped and needed to be replaced, as well as a new flywheel and head gasket. Six months later, the vehicle shifted hard and then stopped being able to move. This resulted in a second flywheel being installed along with a new transmission pump, seals, and torque converter. Still does not run correctly and the automatic shut off does not work. Vehicle has had a single owner and less than 35,000 miles on it. Belief is that these problems are a result of a poorly designed engine and the original recall.




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