Power Train Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Complaint to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has not been corrected. The recall has caused my vehicle to experience severe drivability issues, including engine failure, excessive rough idling, and violent shaking while the vehicle is operating. These conditions create an increased risk of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, reducing my ability to safely operate the vehicle and placing myself, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. Additionally, because of the unresolved recall condition, my vehicle is unable to pass the required state safety inspection. This has left me with a vehicle that I cannot fully utilize or register while I continue waiting for the manufacturer to provide a repair. It is unreasonable for consumers to wait more than a year for a safety recall remedy while continuing to experience hazardous operating conditions. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely remedy, determine whether it is complying with its obligations under federal motor vehicle safety laws, and take appropriate action to ensure affected owners receive a prompt repair or other appropriate relief. I have retained documentation regarding the recall, the symptoms affecting my vehicle, and the impact this unresolved defect has had on my ability to safely operate and maintain the vehicle. I am prepared to provide this information upon request.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

2018 Ford Escape ecoboost coolant leak and engine overheating. If not repaired, will destroy the entire engine.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

Transmission needs to be replaced at 70k miles. In reading other user's stories online and hearing from mechanic, I was told to make a report here in reference to Ford's internal memo (ssm 54939). It would be nice for NHTSA to urge Ford to replace/fix transmissions on the 1. 5l dragon engines on the Escape 2020, etc. Too many widespread safety concerns/issues with a defective engine that they know about yet failed to act.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

Dash board panel comes on when you turn on the car, but once you put it in drive it automatically shuts off accept the rpm gauge, car goes into limp mode when driving and causes it to not allow any acceleration or movement of vehicle.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.

Flywheel cracked. There is a service bulletin on how to fix when there is an issue which to me indicates a known issue.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

Check engine light came on xxx. Engine coolant level was extremely low, shuddering "start" several times the previous week. My 2017 Ford Escape 2. 0l ecoboost turbo engine, with only 38,245 original miles has the well known and documented issue with the 2. 0l ecoboost block with the p0302 misfire code. Numerous TSB's have been issued about this (some are tsp 19-2346 and TSB 22-2229). The engine coolant has intruded into cylinder 2 necessitating a long block engine replacement. This was the formal diagnosis by the Ford service department at my Ford dealership on xxx, after running a cooling system pressure test and a borescope inspection with photos proving coolant is in cylinder 2. I've seen numerous other complaints online and on this website ([xxx]) about this exact issue with the same yr/make/model/engine. Since this is a premature failure of a major powertrain component due to a known factory defect which can cause safety issues, please issue a recall for 2017 Ford Escape cars with the 2. 0l ecoboost turbo engines. This can cause a fire (and has from what I have read) and damage the catalytic converter if driven. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

The transmission has very harsh and delayed up shifts. It has been maintained by Ford since new. The transmission appears to be defective.

Severe transmission shiudder and hesitation when shifting, Ford has had this problem for 6 plus years with theese Escapes and still has no fix.

Transmission shifts hard, jerking, stuttering when pushing the accelerator. Continues to go into limp mode when driving highway speeds.

Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle available for inspection.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

Clutch inside transmission failed while driving. Started lurching and I was able to pull into a parking lot. Towed to service station where it was confirmed. Warning sign came on after attempting to drive the car to service station.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape issue: transmission / torque converter my 2020 Ford Escape has ongoing transmission problems, including slipping, shuddering, delayed shifting, and sudden loss of power. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating and sometimes fails to engage properly, creating unsafe situations in traffic. These issues appear related to the torque converter and are happening more often over time. This behavior makes the vehicle unreliable and dangerous to drive. I request that NHTSA investigate transmission and torque converter defects in the 2020 Ford Escape.

My vehicle was towed back to the dealership to have the transmission replaced, under warranty. After confirming the failure and warranty, I was informed, by emailed service order, that the airbag light was illuminated. It also listed the cost to diagnose the light and that I declined this "recommended service". What I said was that I absolutely wanted it diagnosed and addressed. What I declined were the charges they were quoting as the light came on while they had my vehicle-to replace my previously replaced transmission, 100% under warranty. I finally got the dealership to email me a printout/workorder so I could see what repairs have been completed. Re:airbag light: says I stated the light was on, the tech got it to come on, that I declined a time of original transmission diagnostic; light is off now, they’re unable to replicate, listed as "intermittent airbag fault”, may come back on and would require additional diagnostic fee and repair cost.

I was driving home on se stark to go to 60 uh then turn into burnside I was going 30 mph per speed limit then all the sudden it jerked and slowed down very unsafe when the transmission just went slow and I had no warning or light never came on to say need transmission service. This was mind boggling then I had it towed to the shop and apparently I need a whole replacement for transmission and I’m at 165 k I do maintance and everything . . I know there was a recall abt the power train in 2022 however but I don’t know if it still active bec I am the second owner of this car.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

Transmission, aamco inspected and verified, no warnings just grinding noise and jerking of vehicle.

My pregnant wife and 2 year old daughter we driving to daycare the morning of June 22nd 2026 and the car flashed an engine overheating message while they were on the highway. They were luckily able to pull off safely and get the car home. Then on June 23rd I went to take the car into the shop to get it looked at and the car completely broke down in traffic on my way to get the car serviced. The engine is completely seized up due to the coolant leak known issue with these engines.

Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed.

I have a 2020 Ford Escape se that I am having a lot of issues with the transmission. I looked to see what kind of recall is for on it and I'll see there is a lot of complaints related to the transmission and when I called Ford they said mine was not included with the recalls on the transmission although my transmission is also jerking, hard shifting, along with a shuddering, loud clunking when you shift and to reverse or drive, also my park break has been kicking on by itself and it's done it to me while sitting in traffic, decrease in acceleration (it about got me hit on the highway) as the car could not get gas it would drop dramatically from 70 down to nothing almost on interstate I-75 highway. Also I've had a burning smell coming from the engine. My car is now at the transmission shop and they are trying to figure out what's going on with it I've had it to autozone for them to put it on their tester and a lot of transmission codes came up and one of them so happen to bend the clutch solenoid which could be caused by leaking fluids! I called Ford the corporate office that and they said well you're 20 20 Ford Escape it's not the one in the recalls or the will with the transmission issues but yet it is doing the exact same thing as the other ones that are listed!! it has just a little over 100,000 mi on it the car's not driven hard whatsoever. I was not giving much warning about the transmission the little wrench thing came on flashing and then suddenly these things start happening while on the highway, but then did not stay on! I had to drive my car 45 mi at speed about 30 to get it home. . I do use my car once in a while to drive lyft which now I'm without being able to make some extra money for groceries and whatnot because of this car! also the one of the recalls that is on this car pertains to the transmission updates and according to Ford they don't have the tool to update it but yet this update could affect the functioning of the transmission. . I was at ris.

I have just little and over 100,000 in my car and the transmission is acting up and when I looked it up on google I see there has been other complaints about similar issues that I am having; such as hard shifting and jerking hard revving not wanting to go in gear the car also acts like it does not want to get acceleration or suddenly slows down it acts like it does not want to even take gas this has happened on the highway just up out of nowhere but the jerking and stuff I thought was actually my brakes and that is also another thing my park break wants to engage while I am in motion and has done this even on a highway. . I have seen I am not the only one who has explained about the transmission issue in the park break.

My car has the 8f24 automatic 8-speed transmission. It was a subject to a recall to a fluent league related to the transmission. My car I have experienced hard shifting that low acceleration, along with sudden deceleration not intended, with a lot of bucking and hesitation, with very hard jerking while trying to accelerate or decelerate car almost feels like something wants to fall out from underneath the car. Also wanting to go into automatic parking brake while in motion. . The car has also acted like it will not take gas when it acts like it just not wanting to shift right. . I tried to get a hold of Ford dealership and Ford corporate and was told this is not a recalled issue although it is coming up as a recall. I was told my car was built at a later date that's why it was not considered as an issue but yet I am having the same issues that many others have complained about. I had took it to autozone had them put it on their tester and it does come up with a power train issue relating to the transmission. There is no way for us to check the fluid to see if it's low and transmission fluid. Also I've experience a burning fluid smell coming from the engine. . Ford is not wanting to address this.

The car developed a sudden metalic rattle noise and with no service indication lights on the dash. It was immeaditley serviced by the local Ford dealership and diagnosed as a cracked flex plate in the drivetrain after just 51,000 original miles. This is still within the original milage warranty but outside the warranty limit by years dispite the fact a flexplate doesn't go bad by age. Failure of the flexplate (between engine and transmission) can result in a sudden and major failure of the vehicle's transmission and risk to occupants. I have learned this is a very common point of failure for Ford Escape, fusion, and edge vehicles with the 1. 5 and 2. 0 ecoboost engines. A csp repair notice 22n12 and 22n112 has been issued pertaining to certain fusion and edge vehicles with 2. 0 engines. However, neither the Escape model or the 1. 5 engine is included although it uses the same flex plate part and transmission. In addition, the problem was also in ssm-48725 that missing or damaged aliginment pins is a primary cause of failure in the flex plate. Ford is knowingly putting people at risk of harm and financial hardship with a documented and chronic failure of this specific defective part.

I bought my car 2 years ago I heard about a recall so I had check turns back if you don't inject your powertrain and they can't fix it feel injector because they don't have the part apparently but it goes to the powertrain I've had to check three times the last time the light came on the very next day the wrench and the engine now it's saying something by my Cadillac converter and it open fuel line that won't close due to this problem they made me pay $27 just to take the codes off didn't do anything to my car let me drive this car off the lot the very next day the lights come back on I know these are recalls and they're very dangerous for me to drive I'm a mother and a wife and I am not trying to die driving his vehicle I took it if they're three times there has got to be something done they need to give me a vehicle or I've already filed a report with you guys on June 16th 2026.

I have taken my vehicle to 2 different Ford dealership one tell me that this wasn't for my car and immediately it shows up that I need a fuel injection second one jim norton charges me for the lights on my car to get a diagnostics when the recalls and I should never been charged and then the light comes on the next day for the wrench and the engine I've taken my car three times for the recalls and never had to get fixed my engine sounds like crap now it barely runs and it's because of the recall that are not getting fixed.

I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.

Transmission shuddering, slipping and or hesitating.

I have a 2918 Ford Escape se with what I am now finding has a known flawed 1. 5l ecoboost that Ford only put a service notice out on long ago. The engine has a know issue with cylinder coolant intrusion problems. I had engine misfire and powertrain code show up and put the car into limp mode while driving at 70 on the interstate. When the limp mode started I came close to being in an accident due to sudden deceleration. I have replaced parts for the misfire and even more codes show up. The motor is now overheating and blowing white smoke when starting due to the coolant intrusion in cylinder one. Please make Ford finally responsible for this issue and coverup. There needs to be a recall.

The vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure involving the 2. 0l ecoboost engine. While driving, the engine began to misfire and run rough, and the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing confirmed a cylinder misfire. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant was leaking internally into one or more cylinders due to engine coolant intrusion. The dealership advised that the manufacturer recommends replacing the engine short block rather than performing a head gasket repair because the underlying engine design is the cause of the failure. This condition creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose power, run unpredictably, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Continued operation also risks catastrophic engine failure. The condition has been confirmed by an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, symptoms included rough engine operation, a check engine light, and a confirmed cylinder misfire. The coolant intrusion was verified during the dealer's inspection. Based on the dealership's findings, this appears to be an internal engine defect rather than normal wear or maintenance-related failure.

When car in parking spot (running or started after overnight parked); when put into reverse nothing happens. Backed into a slot today; had to pull forward and redo; but when put into reverse nothing happened. Would, when in drive, go forward but not in reverse. Drove a couple 100 feet and tried reverse again - worked. Six months earlier when parked after starting and putting into reverse same issue happened. Finally got into reverse and took to garage. Could not repeat it at that time.

Following up on Nov 20,2025 manufacturer recall number25sc4 NHTSA recall number25v789 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available this recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our phev to the extgent is was designed.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph the "wrench icon" was illuminated and the message "service gear shifter" and the vehicle began to rapidly reduce speed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway road and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

Our transmission is going out. We started having issues without any warning lights coming on. The car jumps heavily at stops lights when we are coming to a stop. The car then doesn't want to accelerate from a stopped position. When we hit the accelerator, the car starts skipping/jumping and the gas pedal feels like it doesn't have any grip. We had an independent mechanic ride in the vehicle and hook it up to the computers and saw that the codes reading is all transmission related. This has made the car undrivable because there have been several times that we have stalled in the middle of intersections and have to cut the car off and turn it back on to try to get it out of the road. Also, the car jumps so far forward when stopping that we are risking rear ending someone. We had the catalytic converter recall done and two days later we started having codes for the transmission pawl. We contacted Ford (who did the recall), and they wanted to charge us for diagnosing it even though it started right after they had it. Only a few weeks after that, we started having the jumping/skipping of the transmission. The pawl seems to have been a wire issue and was fixed. But we are being told we need a new transmission. The car is only 6 years old.

Today, my turbocharger was diagnosed as damaged and leaking coolant into the cylinders and visibly leaking throughout the undercarriage. Additionally, my cylinder 4 is misfiring. My mechanic said they've seen this problem many times and while the turbocharger can be replaced, it often fails or other parts of the engine are damaged beyond repair. I had sluggish performance, mainly with acceleration over the last month, but saw smoke late last week that I thought was just exhaust from a truck idling next to me while stopped, but then I saw it at home later that week when the check engine light turned on. At the same time, my idling was excessively rough and felt dangerous to drive, as was later confirmed by my mechanic. I have not taken this into a Ford dealership, nor do I want to because they have refused to help others in the same situation. I am considering contacting my insurance to figure out if they will do an evaluation that is less biased than Ford. I definitely think this is a fire risk as it has happened for many other owners of the same model and year range.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

Engine overheat, white smoke from exhaust, and coolant leaking. Empty coolant reservoir.

The shifter wouldn't go into park or start in park had to put in neutral to start it, was at a gas pump and the car started moving on its own had to jump in and pull the emergency brake to stop it and the vehicle was off, also the backup camera is upside down had it fixed but it goes right back upside down.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.