Power Train Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Vehicle transmission failed at 60k miles and again at 146k miles. Had to pay around $4000 each time the transmission broke. This is a nightmare and these vehicles have constant transmission problems that are expensive and cause heartache. I have spent so much money on towing, dealership diagnostics, and drain and fills/flushes for the transmission to keep the fluid clean. The fluid gets dark and dirty so quick and smells burnt so quickly. The manufacturer (Ford) are a bunch of crooks. They tell you the transmission fluid lasts over 100,000 miles but that's a lie! I have 146k miles and have already had two transmission failures with the 6f35! this is terrible. They need to be held accountable or they will keep ruining peoples lives.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly lunged forward while shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

I was on my way to work on 2/4/2026 and all of a sudden the rpms went up really high and wouldn’t accelerate and then down shifted really hard so I pulled over. It then showed on the dash “system fault: transmission fault service now” I ended up needing a tow truck. This is not ok! it’s also apparently a common occurrence which means it should be recalled and fixed!.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

Vehicle is shuddering at low speeds, Ford already has a TSB out for this transmission 8f35, needs to be escalated to a recall, myself and others are being quoted more money to repair than what the vehicle is worth, thus making a problem they are aware of causing cars to total themselves. Needs to be on all models with this transmission.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

Shuddering transmission, vehicle struggles to change gears smoothly resulting in loss of acceleration. Rough gear changes from 1-3 gears transmission fluid changed. Same issues. Issues go in hand with the current class action lawsuit of Ford Escape and Ford focus over transmission issues. Failure of transmission and exorbitant repair cost over a safety critical issue should automatically require a NHTSA investigation.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

Transmission failed. This is the third transmission in this car, which only has 130,000 miles and has been well-maintained. This transmission failure happened in a busy downtown area with evening traffic (lower visibility, lots of cars, lots of people, lots of angry and impatient drivers as car stopped working in busy area). I am lucky that I was not rear ended during the sudden failure.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

Turbo failed due to oil lines clogged. Failed again after repair two weeks later on highway almost causing a collision.

Transmission failure at 79211 miles. Vehicle has been serviced and maintained regularly. Transmission shop stated this is a "very common issue" with this specific transmission, that they see failures frequently. This occurred just a month or two after the recall repair for the shifter cable bushing. Front left wheel speed sensor also went bad around the same time, causing traction control to engage specifically when turning left even on dry roads and at lower speeds. Also occurred when vehicle was in reverse, at low speeds. This also caused the "intelligent 4wd" (hill assist and acceleration assist) to fail/shut down and all indicators on the dashboard went to blank/dashes. This occurred the first time while stopped at a stop sign facing uphill. It occurred as second time days later while driving 35mph.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

The vehicle is subject to an open federal safety recall involving a fuel injector that may crack and leak fuel onto the top of the engine. According to NHTSA, liquid fuel or fuel vapor may accumulate near hot engine or exhaust components, creating a risk of an under-hood fire and injury. I purchased this vehicle after the recall had already been issued. The recall was not disclosed to me at the time of sale, and the vehicle was presented for service multiple times after purchase without any disclosure of the recall or safety warnings. When I contacted an authorized dealer to ask whether there were any open recalls, I was initially told there were none. After I specifically referenced the recall, I was told that parts were not available and that no repair had been completed. The safety risk is that the vehicle may leak fuel near hot components without warning, creating a fire hazard while driving or after the engine is shut off. I have not been provided interim safety guidance or a timeline for repair. Nhtsa records currently show the recall remains open, unrepaired, and without an available remedy.

I have replaced the transmission due to the toque converter acting up and then failing. I have replaced now 3 coolant parts as well due to leaking and constant overheating and have replaced the block once as well.

Flywheel detached and destroyed our engine and transmission while we were traveling 75 mph in traffic. We were nearly rear-ended and side-swiped due to immediate loss of power. A dealer inspected the vehicle and told us about the flywheel detachment. They referred us to Ford customer service, who said nothing could be done as we were a few thousand over the warranty. Repairs would cost 14,500. The transmission is 6f35, which has had several class action lawsuits due to its failure according to internet sources. There was a clicking noise at idle but the car was running fine at that point. This may have been loose dowels that eventually detached.

The transmission shifting got increasingly rough over time, and then suddenly refused to shift into gear/reverse. The Ford shop told us it was the reverse solenoid, but it ended up requiring a full transmission rebuild. Safety of the car refusing to shift gears led to loss of power several times, unable to accelerate in traffic, until total failure occurred. Problem was inspected by Ford dealership, then repaired by independent service center due to cost. Not inspected by insurance, as it did not result in a collision. Warning lamps did not turn on until total failure occurred. Then lights on gear shift dial blinked, refused to allow us to put the car in gear. Dash lights also indicated "check engine" at that time, but no earlier.

My 2016 Ford Escape 1. 6l awd had a total transmission failure rendering my car unmovable in the road while driving, putting both mine and other drivers safety at risk. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by a local shop. The transmission oil has been changed and vehicle serviced without any issues for the whole of the vehicles lifespan. Slow gear shifts and acceleration started only days prior to the total loss of the ability to accelerate or shift into any any gear including reverse.

While driving on highway the trouble light "engine fault service now" engaged and the engine started to lose power. Another trouble light came on saying to pull car over immediately and restart. By this time the car was dying of power and eventually lost all forward motion. After sitting for a couple hours the engine started with no trouble lights. Had towed to Ford dealer and they say there are no codes logged. This is two weeks after we had to have a new long block engine installed due to faulty motor due to fluid intrusion into cylinders. This latest problem is definately a safety issue with vehicle just dying on the road.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to reverse into the garage, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while in reverse(r). The contact stated that upon test-driving the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle felt like the transmission had shifted to neutral, and the vehicle started losing power. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times while driving to an independent mechanic. The contact pulled over as needed. The contact was able to drive to gateway automotive experts, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, and the contact requested assistance in prorating the vehicle; however, the request was denied. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact stated that upon listing the vehicle for sale on facebook marketplace, the contact noticed that other Ford vehicles with the same transmission were listed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the mileage range of the Ford vehicles with defective transmissions was 75,000-125,000. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly started to decelerate even though the rpm was extremely elevated. There was a high-pitched whine coming from the vehicle, and the tires screeched before the vehicle came to an abrupt stop, ceasing all functions. The contact turned off the vehicle in the middle of the interstate because the vehicle could not be moved to the shoulder. A passerby assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road using a push bar. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was restarted, and the message “transmission fault - service immediately” was displayed, followed by the check engine warning light becoming illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.

Hi, vehicle is under a second recall for the high voltage battery potential fire hazard. The first recall lasted 7 months before a potential fix. The second recall was issued in November with no fix available yet. Received second recall identical to first recall indicating a fire risk with no apparent fix. I have requested Ford buyback the vehicle, but it fell outside the 18 month nys lemon law. They have refused. They have no fix and will not provide a loaner until it is fixed. The original vehicle electric range was between 38 and 40 with a window sticker range of 37. It is now down to around a range of 20 on full charge with an actual driveable of about 16. I have asked both Ford and delivering dealership to replace the high voltage battery pack as it has seriously deteriorated. Ford refuses to allow dealer to replace the battery pack. The vehicle is basically unusable for it's original intended purpose as a partial electric vehicle. I asked Ford, what am I supposed to do if I am transporting my two grandchildren in the vehicle and it starts on fire. How do I choose which child to get first? no response. These vehicles should be removed from use by Ford and loaner vehicles provided or a full buy back should take place. I only have 11,000 miles on this vehicle and it has been in the shop for more than 30 days for various warranty repairs and multiple recalls. These vehicles are not safe. See pictures attached for factual information from vehicle. I have plenty of detail if you need it. Please help. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

It has a recall 25s76 that Ford says has no solution. I called Ford, and they said it did have one, and that I should take it in. Supposedly, what they did was a software update on 05/01/2025, but nothing worked. The gasoline smell inside the car persists, with a risk of fire.

While driving at a constant speed on the highway, the transmission shifted down a gear and revved into very high rpms. I was dramatically slowing down despite pressing on the gas pedal. The car didn't provide any power and just revved while I had cars next to me going at highway speeds. Managed to get off the highway, a transmission fault indicator popped up on the dash. The car no longer was able to move. I had the car towed to the Ford dealership. This car has a bad transmission at ~97,000 miles. Prior to this, I felt like the car's transmission maybe wasn't shifting on time but didn't make much of it. This could have easily resulted in a crash. Turns out this is a very well known problem with the Ford Escape. My friend has a 2016 Ford Escape who recently paid 8000$ for a new transmission. This is clearly unsafe and the failure is definitely premature.

I completed my 70,000 maintenance on my vehicle on Monday. Friday when I got in my car after shopping, the dash light for parking brake kept coming on. When I put it in drive, the engine light, park assist light, collision assist light, and multiple warning lights kept cycling on my car’s screen. I drove back to the dealership and they kept the car from Friday morning until Monday afternoon before a diagnosis was handed to me. The write up states that the vehicle is “is slipping in every gear” due to “internal mechanical failure. ” I am at 70,000 miles and I purchased that car on Jan 4, 2021. Therefore I am out of warranty. I have only had the dealer work on my car except for purchasing tires from an outside source. This is a catastrophic failure of a part that should not be failing. The tech is not even guaranteeing that this will fix the problem.

Received transmission fault error while driving the car (car was in motion). Car could not accelerate despite appkying pressure to the accelerator. Car failed to to shift while car was in motion. Vehicle stalled 3 times on the date indicated. Had vehicle diagnosed at a Ford dealer. Requires a remanufactured transmission thats costs $7500 (more than the vehicle is worth). This is a known issue among 3rd gen Ford Escapes.

Coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3.

A car started jerking erratically. I put it in, drive or reverse. And the light on the transmission selector would just blink on and off and it would not go in gear when it did finally go in gear. It would not shift out of fourth gear. We'll erratic transmission would not shift cars behind me had to hit their brakes. Because my vehicle would not move very dangerous. I took the vehicle in the Ford. They said it needs a transmission. I've got 65000 miles on this vehicle. It's 5000 miles past a warranty. Warning light did come on. My vehicle is now at an independent transmission shop and they say, I need a new transmission. I don't have the money to fix this. And Ford is wrong if we're not correcting it I will have the documents today. We're Ford, it would only give me a small $7000 trade in allowance. Because it needed a transmission. I will be receiving the paperwork from Ford and the paperwork from the transmission shop that has my vehicle. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

I drive a 2023 Ford Escape active, 8f35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in valdosta georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveable. I got it towed back to SC to get it fixed by a local transmission shop and it is being halted due to a current planetary lawsuit with these cars for parts. I have now been without a car for 2-3 months and have forked over $6,000+ to get this car fixed. I was not told about any known transmission issues when I bought this car (verbally or written) from truauto, nor was I contacted about any recall from Ford and I was denied a remanufactured transmission at the dealership that I went to to get the car fixed. I am out of warranty but that still doesn’t explain a transmission failure in a close to brand new car regardless of miles. I have already paid the $5400 or so for the repair at the local shop and it has yet to be fixed due to lack of availability of parts.

The transmission in the vehicle needs replaced. There have been recalls on 2019 Ford Escapes for the same issue that this vehicle is having.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(r). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact received recall notification NHTSA campaign number: 25v467000 (fuel system, gasoline); however ,the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the recall fire risk was significantly scary and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,881.

Multiple failures occurred while driving with my kids in the car from what we can tell an electrical system failure of the parking brake motor as well as a transmission failure it is unknown at this time whether the parking brake motor failed causing stress on the transmission or the transmission fault led to the end electric motor failure of the parking brake.

The transmission failed at 70,000 miles. The research the transmission shop did indicated the main bearing fails in these because they are made of cheap metal. The transmission just stopped pulling with little warning. It started with a jerking and then quit pulling. Within a few feet. There was not any slipping of the transmission before hand.

The awd module failed with less than 60,000 miles on the vehicle. I live in the northeast and we get some brutal weather, especially snowstorms. I believe this part should be under a broader recall as it was the same grounding issue as reported in the other current recall for a certain production date Escape for its awd module this year. I have always owned a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, and we love to take scenic trips especially in winter for something to do. The only inspection of the module was the tunkhannock Ford dealer that replaced it. The system did warn me after filling up with gas that there was an issue. I feel that this could have gone really bad if we had been in lake seneca, killington or driving up to bangor. It is the whole idea of it not working because of a single bad grounding wield that shuts all the traction control off to get stuck out in very little snow. . . I don't even know if the abs would react the same under this condition.

This vehicle is driven by my [xxx] 3 things happened the third can cause an accident leading to death or a multi car accident. #1 [xxx] driving on the freeway she heard a squeeling noise like a belt slipping then went away and has not retuned. I checked belts and idlers all ok. #2 [xxx] heard loud ticking under floorboard of car driving on the freeway car seemed to drive normally then ticking went away. #3 [xxx] driving on the freeway steering wheel pulled the car aggressively to left almost causing a multi car accident cars behind and to the left were swerving to avoid hitting other cars. She was able to control the car back straight again luckily the car to her left was not next to her but at her rear bumper or she would have hit that car pushing it into cars in all the lanes to the left. After an internet search I discovered that Ford has had problems with their transfer cases (ptu) and its rare but people have reported issues with the car pulling hard left for no reason. I mention the three steps that happened previous to the steering wheel incident because from my research these are the warring signs before the transfer case goes out. This vehicle is a 2018 Ford Escape awd 35,000 original miles p. S. Ford customer service was notified of this safety issue on December 6, 2025 my case# [xxx] response was not covered I will be repairing this vehicle and I will retain all the old parts for your convenience if you need them for further inspection or investigation. Ptu failures are a well know issue with these ptu's information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Had vehicle in shop for axle repair, as soon as I got home transmission went out when I was about to turn onto a main road with 2 kids in my car. My car felt like it was in neutral but it wasn’t. Barely got back to my parking spot. Seeing this is a common issue with my car and I think it should be covered under a recall.

Coolant leakage, intrusion into the engine block. This is a known issue by Ford. They have issued technical service bulletins to address it (attached), but those programs were only offered for a limited time and are expired, even though they know the issue exists. Also, owners were not notified of this because it wasn't an official recall.

Vehicle information: 2015 Ford Escape – approximately 165,000 miles incident description: during normal operation while backing out of a parking space, the vehicle unexpectedly slipped out of the drive gear immediately after I shifted from reverse to drive. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms indicating a potential issue. After restarting the vehicle, it briefly engaged drive but was only able to travel approximately ten feet before abruptly shifting through multiple gears without any driver input. During each occurrence, the engine surged to unusually high rpms despite no acceleration being applied. Safety concerns: the unintended gear changes were accompanied by loud whining noises, and the vehicle was unable to remain in any gear long enough to be operated safely. This failure left the vehicle immobilized on a main roadway, causing a traffic backup and creating a hazardous situation for myself, my children, and surrounding motorists. Current vehicle condition: after the vehicle was towed home, I attempted several restarts. At no time did any warning indicators or a check?engine light illuminate. Each attempt resulted in the transmission immediately disengaging from gear when shifted into either drive or reverse, accompanied by continued loud whining noises and repeated engine surging to high rpms without throttle input. The vehicle is currently inoperable. Additional details: I plan to take the vehicle to keith hawthorne Ford for diagnostic evaluation. I am concerned that this failure may be related to a previously repaired transmission recall, as the recall documentation states that the defect may recur and could require additional corrective action. The dealership is currently requiring a diagnostic fee of $199. 95 to inspect the vehicle.

Internal transmission failure.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter, the current gear did not appear on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "transmission fault service now" and "low temperature will reduce power" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and restarted and returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that it was an inaccurate diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.