Power Train Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and was unable to operate while in reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate and shudder, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter and transmission. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.

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Clunking/wobble from rear differential unit, also roaring like a bad wheel bearing loss of acceleration intermittently/power intermittently.

Vehicle has active alerts for powertrain control module, and low boost pressure with the turbocharge along with emissions codes p0299, p0496 and p0456. The vehicle is constantly going into deep sleep mode. While driving the vehicle started to enter safe mode. And displayed an alert that said please turn ignition on. The dash and screen went black like vehicle was off but it was still running. This happened multiple times. My vehicle also will not start after pumping gas so I have to leave vehicle running every time I pump gas. My vehicle will not pass NY state inspection because of the recalls.

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While driving the shifting became sluggish and the vehicle would surge/catch when shifting then while driving home the Escape just quickly slowed and stopped on a busy road. We could not get it to go forward, so we shifted to reverse in traffic to get the car off to the side of the road. The car was towed to a local shop who let us know the transmission had failed. The fluid was burnt/black even though it was replaced prior to the 150k mile service interval. The vehicle is currently in the shop and available for inspection. We were potentially in danger while driving when the car simple stopped moving forward on a busy road. The mechanic confirmed the transmission will work partially at normal temp, but slips/stops when warm. There were no warning lights or codes from the odb port.

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We were driving on the expressway in our 2016 Ford Escape in the far left lane (4 lanes) and when my husband pushed on the gas, it revved up. Then it seemed like we started to lose power. A red exclamation point error came up on the dashboard, but I couldn't tell what it said. My husband was somehow able to get us across the highway (in busy traffic) to the right lane, where we wer able to get off the exit and pull into a parking lot. If the car has lost full power on the interstate, there's no telling what would have happened. Our car was towed to the shop and they're saying the transmission needs replacing ($7200). There is a known recall for 2013-2019 Ford Escapes concerning the power train / transmission. Our VIN is not listed, but I find it highly suspect because we had no warning messages or symptoms before hand.

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly and lurched forward while attempting to change gear. There was no warning light initially illuminated. Additionally, while the contact’s son attempted to drive the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move forward and rolled backwards with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,693.

Blown head gasket which is causing coolant to leak into the cylinders. Check engine light came on at 72,000 miles (leased the car at 71,000) with coolant loss. The problem was diagnosed by an independent service center on 8/19/25, 3 weeks after leasing to buy.

2020 Ford Escape titanium with 28111 miles on it throwing a very commom error “awd fault” the amount of these at this point should be recalled.

I lost engine power trying to accelerate while entering the highway. Check engine light flashed several times then went steady. I pulled over into the slow lane with my flashers on and with reduced power to get off the highway exit straight to the dealer. The check engine light stayed on steady. This is apparently part of a known issue with the 1. 5l gtdi engine. There was a technical service bulletin created for it 22-2322 and a customer service program fix was set up- 21n12.

While driving, the car hesitates changing gears. Sometimes the car will not go in gear or go into park. Had a recall in 2022 for some bushings and cable shifter. The car is too dangerous to drive and mechanics have stated a new transmission is needed.

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On 8/18/2025, the transmission on my vehicle failed. I was only going about 35 mph when the entire vehicle went into chaos. Prior to this, no lights were on that indicated that I had a major problem. My car shut down in the middle of a busy road and I was able to get it to roll to a nearby parking lot. I have seen hundreds of people complain online and on forums about 2020-2021 Ford eacapes having transmission issues. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership and they were able to confirm that it was the transmission. The powertrain warranty is covering the repair, but I have to pay about $1000 out of pocket. Ford needs to be made aware of their faulty transmissions. I have never, in my life, purchased a vehicle brand new (0 miles) and had to make such a repair before my vehicle even has 100k miles on it. I am highly disappointed and I regret buying it. Luckily, I was the only one in the car when it shut down because it could have been really bad. Cars were swerving around me and I was extremely afraid.

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It started out as a misfire which can be caused by multiple issues, after changing spark plugs and coils, noted low coolant (no visible leaks), white smoke, running rough. Ford dealer diagnosis as coolant intrusion and states a complete long block needs replacement. The cost of this is more than the market value.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The contact placed the vehicle into sport mode and was able to drive as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the vacuum, and the engine light went off. The contact had an independent mechanic arrive at the residence, and the mechanic determined that the vehicle was about to throw a rod. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

While I was driving 65 mph I changed lanes and pressed the gas pedal to accelerate when the vehicle suddenly lost power and shifted to neutral. The check engine light came on. I was able to move the vehicle off the road avoiding an accident and turned the vehicle off for a few moments. I then restarted the vehicle and exited the highway at the next exit. The error code was checked with the check engine light on and it was p068a. The car was parked for the evening and the next day the check engine light was no longer on the dashboard upon restart. Scheduling the vehicle to be checked for issues.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(d), the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the shift indicator indicated that the transmission was not in drive(d). The contact shifted the gear lever however, the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into drive(d), reverse(r), or neutral. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her husband checked under the hood and became aware that the shifter cable was loose and applied pressure, and the contact was able to shift into drive(d) and drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact arrived at the residence and attempted to shift to park(p), however the transmission failed to engage as intended. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

My 2015 Ford Escape, VIN [xxx], equipped with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine, has experienced a repeat engine failure due to what appears to be the known “coolant intrusion” defect currently under active litigation (miller v. Ford). The original engine failed due to loss of coolant into the cylinders, causing rough idle, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and loss of performance. Ford replaced the entire engine under warranty approximately 24. 5 months ago. The replacement engine is now exhibiting the same symptoms, including: rough/unstable idle, especially on startup abnormally loud engine noise suspected internal coolant loss with no visible external leaks reduced performance and hesitation this is the second major engine failure in a short time, creating a serious safety concern due to potential sudden loss of power while driving. The ecoboost coolant intrusion defect is widely reported in Ford Escapes from this model year and is the subject of a class action lawsuit. Ford has not issued a recall for all affected vehicles, leaving owners at risk of repeated engine failures. I am submitting this complaint to document the repeat failure, as it poses a risk to safe operation and may affect other vehicles on the road. I can provide repair records, photos, and video evidence upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Around the 38,000 mile mark on our 2020 Ford Escape we received many different errors (awd fault, abs, advancetrac service, hill assist, etc). I found out via NHTSA and other forums that this is a common issue in the vehicle from the awd module, and although it is awd related, it is not eligible for the powertrain warranty per Ford because it is an electrical component. I declined the $1200 repair at the dealership so I could first call Ford customer service, at the recommendation of the dealership, though the service tech did mention it is a safety concern because the abs is apparently also controlled by the awd. After a couple different calls to Ford, they have refused to acknowledge that it is a manufacturer defect, or pay for the repair. With no help from Ford, I have no other option than to file a complaint here. Based on other resources online, the issue seems to stem from improper grounding of the wiring on the awd module.

Transmission failed rapidly like many other vehicles with 6f35 transmissions. Sometimes the car goes forward in reverse, sometimes the car goes backward in drive. Car loses the transfer of engine power to the transmission randomly, and also comes back randomly. The car behaves erratically and incredibly dangerously, making it impossible to drive. This is an incredibly common issue with the transmission and Ford will not repair it for a reasonable price. The market rate for used cars with this transmission reflects the public's knowledge of this dangerous issue.

2025 Escape safety recalls* instrument panel replacement recall incomplete replace instrument panel cluster recall incomplete 2025 Escape - inverted camera image recall incomplete block heater element replacement recall incomplete cylinder head replacement recall incomplete cylinder head inspectionreplacement recall incomplete investor reporting cylinder head replacement recall. As this is a power train and engine part. Recommended that this recall broadcast for all owners and drivers of this type to stop driving immediately. While it can cause engine failure in high mph instances and is a safety hazard for national highways and road ways. Please broadcast. . . . .

The contact owns a 2020 Ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of automotive power with the “service vehicle soon” light illuminated. The vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the powertrain was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 mph, the transmission experienced hard shifts and hesitated while shifting into the intended gear. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated while the rpms became elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while shifting into the intended gear and lost motive power. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road until the power train warning light turned off. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure recurred, causing the contact to pull over to the side of the road several times. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle later, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the transmission was slipping and might need to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. Several unknown dealers were contacted and provided estimates for the transmission replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

We started to notice a rough idle when starting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The rough idle continued to get worse. We took it to a certified mechanic to have it inspected. Based upon the check engine status, they did further diagnosis through various tests. They determined that the coolant appeared to be seeping into the #1 cylinder. They checked the Ford website for any recalls and found a TSB ( technical service bulletin} # 19-2346 regarding the 2. 0l eco-boost engine. Ford's tsp says to replace the engine block, but does not indicate at who's expense. If this is defective and Ford knows, the consumer should not be responsible to pay for this major expense. What do we do? within the ;next couple weeks we plan to take the car into a Ford dealership to do their own diagnosis.

Please reference the ntsb tracking # 11683952 and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape black style: se 4dr SUV awd (1. 5l 4 cyl. Turbo 6a) VIN: [xxx] style: se sport utility 4d engine: 4-cyl, ecoboost, 2. 0t transmission: auto, 6-spd w/selshft drivetrain: 4wd documents: 1. Cedarcity. 7. 10. 23. Pdf; and 2. Sunsettransmission. 8. 12. 25. On [xxx], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [xxx] from sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3. 5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in st. Louis and los angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [xxx], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near cedar city utah. It was subsequently towed to cedar city auto repair & maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and ring gear assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908. 70 (please review 1. Jpeg, 2. Jpeg, 3. Jpeg, 4. Jpeg & cedarcity. 7. 10. 23. Pdf. ) the Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [xxx], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to sunset transmission on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742. 05. (please review sunsettransmission. 8. 12. 25. Pdf. ) as you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The ntsb has previously issued recalls relating to the transmission shifter cable bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650. 75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 80 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 85,822.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the local dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to repair a bushing on the vehicle. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the mechanic had forgotten to replace a tubing on the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start, and the contact's husband noticed that the tubing was disconnected. The contact's husband was able to attach the tubing, and the vehicle restarted. While her husband was driving the vehicle and making a turn, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. Roadside assistance was contacted and left the parking brake activated during towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and several dtc were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the customer service at the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered an failure with the muffler. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

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Engine failure. No engine lights are on and vehicle is driving fine, but engine block could crack due to coolant intrusion problem. Coolant intrusion is a defect in the motor well know to Ford and mechanics. Ford customer satisfaction program:21n12 and 19b37. TSB tech. Serv. Bulleting 22-2134 and 19-2375. Problem has been confirmed by private mechanic shop and Ford dealer. No warning lights, no messages, no symptoms. Problem appeared scheduled maintenance & multipoint inspection.

Coolant intrusion . Coolant leak caused the vehicle to overheat and thus making it unable to drive . Had to tow to a repair facility and they confirmed that it’s a coolant intrusion, a common issue with Ford Escape . Engine warning light came up and there were mis fires in engine. In a week , got an engine overheat warning in the morning when I started the car .

Car was jerking during acceleration. Rpm needle was bouncing while accelerating. It felt like there was a loss of power. Brought it to a Ford dealership and they were unable to find a problem directly related to this issue. They took care of other problems such as the fuel sensor. Brought it to a transmission specialist and they said the torque converter was bad and need to be replaced. Car has 89k miles on it.

Hazard flashers turn on by themselves any rime night or day even while driving. Transmission oil cooler leaks. Transmission shift lever bushing in shift cable broke [ thankfully while not on the road ] this car only has 25,000 miles on it.

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Steering wheel locked up hard to turn wheel consuming(burning) way more gas than normally would.

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My car loses power, I’ll go to get in interstate or just pull out of somewhere and I’ll press the gas and it’ll barely go. I’ve almost got hit multiple times. I take it to have it looked at and all I get is they can’t seem to see the problem but it’s there and extremely dangerous. After talking to several people apparently Ford Escapes are known for this problem yet Ford doesn’t want to acknowledge there faulty parts. I have two small kids and this is dangerous and going to kill people.

I own a 2018 Ford Escape. Current mileage is 58,847 and was serviced regularly. In July of this year, the transmission failed completely while driving. No warnings or symptoms prior to complete failure. I was very lucky that the highway I was traveling on was not busy and I was able to coast into a parking lot. I had to pay a towing fee to have it taken to my local Ford dealer where they informed me my transmission had failed!! the transmission fluid was found to be burnt and contained a lot of metal shavings in it. The cost to replace the transmission with a remanufactured one was over $9500. My local Ford dealer installed a remanufactured transmission on July 22, 2025. I continued to have issues such as shift hesitation and other error messages. I took it back to the dealer on Aug 25, 2025. I requested to the tech that the transmission fluid be checked. He stated that after only 30 days, the oil was already discolored from being too hot and there were metal shavings in the fluid. Only about 600 miles were put on the vehicle since the transmission repair. The service manager stated that it will surely fail again based on the condition of the fluid. The service manager also stated that it is possible that I will need a third transmission! in doing research, I found that my particular model is prone to premature transmission failure. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford motor CO for 2018 - 2020 Escapes for this defective transmission. And in addition, it states that Ford was aware of the issues and yet continued to manufacture vehicles with this particular transmission in it. Why was there no recall issued? why did Ford motor CO not make consumers aware of the problem in order to be able to take preventative measures? with 700,000 of these vehicles on the road, this is a serious safety issue which could result in loss of control while driving, and possible catastrophic results. Ford motor CO should be liable for the defective transmission.

While driving recently, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all forward acceleration. Soon after, I discovered that when placed in park, the vehicle could still roll freely — a dangerous condition that could lead to an accident or injury. Initially, the car was able to move in both drive and reverse for a short time, but it quickly deteriorated to only reversing, and then the park function failed to hold the vehicle altogether. I have maintained my Escape according to Ford’s recommendations and have records available. There were no warning lights, no unusual noises beforehand, and no indication that such a failure was imminent. This is not just a mechanical failure but a significant safety hazard, as loss of acceleration and loss of park lock can put drivers, passengers, and bystanders at risk.

The car won’t shift into the intended gear. The car stalls as well. The transmission fault service now light is on.