Power Train Problems of Ford Escape - part 2

I have a 2020 Ford Escape all-wheel-drive, it only has 42,000 miles on it, and I had to have the differential replaced.

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Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled with an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son pulled off to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and went into limp mode and drove slowly back to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

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The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. Additionally, the transmission was unable to be shifted in reverse(r). An unknown warning light flashed briefly. The contact stated that after the transmission was shifted in reverse to reverse out of the driveway, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

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The vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure due to an inherent manufacturing defect involving internal engine coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Prior to the failure, the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, accompanied by engine misfires and rough idling. A certified service technician inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant is actively leaking into the engine cylinders, causing complete engine failure and rendering the vehicle entirely un-drivable. The failed engine components remain intact and are fully available for inspection upon request. This defect poses a severe safety hazard. Coolant leaking into the engine cylinders can cause sudden engine stalling, complete loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds, and potential engine fires, creating a high risk of a collision. Crucially, an authorized Ford dealership previously attempted to mitigate this exact coolant defect under warranty in 2020 by applying customer satisfaction program (csp) 19b37. This software-based patch failed to fix the underlying physical hardware defect, ultimately leading to this total engine failure. Ford has since issued csp 21n12 for this exact issue, but the vehicle is now left broken down and unsafe to operate.

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The 4th cylinder started misfiring due to a coolant leak, which is being caused due to the known engine design flaw with the Ford ecoboost engines. My local mechanic diagnosed the problem and said that the car needs a new engine.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

Transmission failed/malfunctioned. Available for inspection. Safety at risk due to driving on busy road when transmission failed and car wouldn't move. Transmission recall for VIN [xxx] vehicle component has not been inspected. No warning of any kind prior to failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Coolant is leaking into the head causing engine failure. This car has fewer than 60,00 miles. From what I have read this is a common problem and is due to a manufacturer’s design flaw. Ford refused to help me in any way when I contacted them. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. The bill would be $13,000.

The transmission went out. Torque converter is shot. Only has 120,000 miles in it. This is a known problem with the 8f35 transmission. It needs to be recalled.

The transmission on my 2020 Ford Escape began shuddering around 30 mph and occasionally shifted harshly during acceleration without any warning lights or messages. I took the vehicle to beechmont Ford, where the technician confirmed the concern, found metal contamination in the transmission fluid, and determined the transmission has internal damage consistent with a failed output planetary bushing, requiring a complete transmission overhaul. The vehicle has approximately 65,000 miles, and the estimated repair cost is $7,200. This issue creates a safety concern because the transmission could unexpectedly lose power, fail to shift properly, or stop propelling the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. Due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

Was driving and a loud pop happened when pulling onto the hwy and lost power. Immediately pulled into parking lot and tried to restart but would not start. My son came over that evening and towed back to my house and the discovered the oil pan was cracked along with block and piston shattered. There are parts inside the oil pan. This has not been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warning or check engine lights came on indicating a problem. My build date is June of 2019 and the TSB is for may of 2019, indicating that this engine still had a coolant problem as there was no coolant left and had all came out in the pan with the oil. I am asking for assistance in getting this covered . Please let me know what steps can be taken. Thanks.

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While driving, multiple unrelated warning lights and warning messages appeared on the dashboard. Odometer changed to display dashes instead of mileage. Speedometer got stuck displaying an incorrect value (such as '0' when the vehicle was in motion, or '59' when the vehicle was as a complete stop). Warning messages displayed while vehicle was in motion included "park brake fault service now", "pre-collision assist not available", "service advancetrac", "cross-traffic system fault", and several more. Ford mobile app connected to the car reported 26 different errors. Safety was at risk due to speedometer displaying incorrect values and safety features going offline. Symptoms would come and go without driver intervention. After turning off the vehicle, vehicle failed to start entirely and had to be towed to the dealer. Dealer found the "whole fd-can network will not communicate" and traced the issue to an intermittent open circuit in the power steering control module. Additional photo + video evidence available upon request.

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

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.

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.

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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.

On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “transmission fault – service now” warning. The exact failed component is currently unknown, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced abnormal symptoms including a rotational/squeaking noise from the front-right area and an air-leak/pressure-type noise from the right side. The pressure-type noise could also be heard while revving the vehicle at idle. The check engine light also illuminated. I took the vehicle to an independent repair facility on July 7, 2026. The mechanic documented the symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes and advised that additional electrical diagnosis was necessary to determine the exact cause. The transmission itself has not been conclusively diagnosed as failed, and I am not claiming a specific failed internal component without further inspection. I consider this a serious safety concern because an unresolved transmission or powertrain malfunction could potentially cause improper shifting, hesitation, reduced propulsion, loss of acceleration, or other unexpected vehicle behavior while driving in traffic. I contacted Ford regarding the problem and followed up again on July 17, 2026. After receiving no resolution, I contacted Ford again on September 9, 2026. Ford advised me that there was no exact timeframe for when the aso would contact me and that the aso may or may not contact me at all. I requested that Ford make a final escalation of the safety concern. Ford confirmed that my escalation and my intention to submit the unresolved safety issue to NHTSA were documented under Ford case cxh-08511841-t8x5l4. To my knowledge, Ford has not inspected the vehicle or provided a substantive resolution to the transmission/powertrain concern. I am also concerned that this may not be an isolated maintenance issue. I am aware of other owners reporting transmission and powertrain problems.

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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).

Since about 80,000 miles my Escape has been jerky when shifting in low gears and hesitates to accelerate or accelerates slow putting me and other drivers at risk. I have taken it to Ford several times and each time they fixed something but not the problem. They replaced my rear differential, alternator, compressor and awd module. Also they have done transmission fluid exchanges and updates on the software, however they never fixed the issue. I stressed everytime I took my car in that I was worried about my transmission and powertrain and everytime they did diagnostics I was told everything was great. They drove it as well. ( it dont take much to reproduce the symptoms) all that happened over the past 2 years and the car is still shifting hard in low gears and hesitates to accelerate. Recently I had an incident where it seemed to go in to neutral while shifting between gears on acceleration and actually rolled backwards and the wrench light came on ??. So I took it back. Now im told I need a new transmission and turbo boost at just over 100,000 miles for $13,098. The car isnt even worth that much. I've done some research and there are definitely alot of other Escape/Ford owners with same issues.

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

At about 90000 miles my car was acting like a misfire so I changed plugs was a little better we went on a trip and half way home my car was losing coolant no over heating no puddles added more coolant when got home all my coolant was gone bought a new coolant tank still didn’t help white smoke so changed spark plugs again and coil and still misfire told it’s my coolant intrusion and no recall so I am stuck still paying car and car was fine something has to be done selling people cars and out of money and car.

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.

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.

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.