NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
320 reportsClear category filter71,000 miles · Feb 23, 2020
EnginePower TrainFire
MY CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET. AUTONATION FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WHICH LED TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THEY WANTED $7K TO REPAIR. I TOOK IT ELSEWHERE FOR REPAIR AND WITHIN 1 WEEK AFTER REPAIR THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE BUT HAD JUST EXITED TO A NEARBY …
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MY CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET. AUTONATION FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WHICH LED TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THEY WANTED $7K TO REPAIR. I TOOK IT ELSEWHERE FOR REPAIR AND WITHIN 1 WEEK AFTER REPAIR THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE BUT HAD JUST EXITED TO A NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS MELTED. THE CAR IS TOTALED AND HAS BEEN TURNED OVER TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE.
NHTSA ODI #11310836
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2020
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY 2016. IT'S NOT EVEN 5 YEARS OLD. NO WARNING OF ISSUES. MY VEHICLE IS REGULARLY HAS OIL CHANGES. IT JUST STOP ON ME AND WOULD MOVE FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI #11307919
59,300 miles · Feb 5, 2020
Power Train
FORD ESCAPE 2016, WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET MY CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE HOOD I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY CHECKED FOR WATER, COOLANT WATER WAS EMPTY SO I FILLED WATER AND I TOOK TO THE MECHANIC SHOP THEY SAID ITS COOLANT RESERVOIR
NHTSA ODI #11307317
62,500 miles · Feb 1, 2020
Power Train
MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE BROKE DOWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH. NO WARNING, NO PRIOR ISSUES OCCURRED. IT WAS A COMPLETE SHOCK. THE WARNING LIGHT, 'TRANSMISSION FAULT SERVICE NOW,' CAME ON ONLY WHEN THE CAR BROKE DOWN. NOT ONLY WAS IT SCARY, BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AS A RESULT, WE HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE AND…
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MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE BROKE DOWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH. NO WARNING, NO PRIOR ISSUES OCCURRED. IT WAS A COMPLETE SHOCK. THE WARNING LIGHT, 'TRANSMISSION FAULT SERVICE NOW,' CAME ON ONLY WHEN THE CAR BROKE DOWN. NOT ONLY WAS IT SCARY, BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AS A RESULT, WE HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE ANDERSON FORD DEALERSHIP (ANDERSON, SC) WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR'S WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED. MY CAR HAS 62.5K MILES. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS OF NO HELP. EVEN CONTACTING THE FORD CORPORATION BROUGHT VERY LITTLE IF ANY RELIEF. THERE'S NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS A FAULTY PART. I'VE NOT SEEN A RECALL, BUT I HAVE NOTICED MANY SIMILAR ISSUES HAVE BEEN POSTED. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA ODI #11306499
87,000 miles · Jan 22, 2020
Power Train
I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ON TIME WITH EVERY SINGLE NORMAL UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE. IT CURRENTLY HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT, AND WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I FELT THE CAR SHUDDER WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE GEARS SLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE ENGINE WOULD ALTERNATE BETWEEN REVVING WHEN …
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I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ON TIME WITH EVERY SINGLE NORMAL UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE. IT CURRENTLY HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT, AND WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I FELT THE CAR SHUDDER WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE GEARS SLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE ENGINE WOULD ALTERNATE BETWEEN REVVING WHEN I WAS BARELY TOUCHING THE GAS, TO NOT GOING ANYWHERE AT ALL WHEN I HAD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD MAJOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A GASKET THAT FAILED AND CAUSED A TRANSMISSION LEAK. AND THANKS TO THE DESIGN TRANSMISSION FLUID IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I CAN CHECK MYSELF.
NHTSA ODI #11301159
86,850 miles · Jan 20, 2020
Power Train
I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ON TIME WITH EVERY SINGLE NORMAL UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE RELIABLE AFTER I HAD MY DAUGHTER. IT CURRENTLY HAS 86,850 MILES ON IT, AND WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THANKFULLY ON BACK ROADS, I FELT THE CAR SHUDDER WHEN I TR…
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I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ON TIME WITH EVERY SINGLE NORMAL UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE RELIABLE AFTER I HAD MY DAUGHTER. IT CURRENTLY HAS 86,850 MILES ON IT, AND WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THANKFULLY ON BACK ROADS, I FELT THE CAR SHUDDER WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE GEARS SLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE ENGINE WOULD ALTERNATE BETWEEN REVVING WHEN I WAS BARELY TOUCHING THE GAS, TO NOT GOING ANYWHERE AT ALL WHEN I HAD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD MAJOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MY MECHANIC TRIED A FLUSH, WHICH HAD IT WORKING LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO GET 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, WHERE IT COMPLETELY QUIT ACCELERATING AFTER I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. THIS CAR IS IN IMPECCABLE SHAPE OTHERWISE, HAS LESS THAN 90K MILES ON IT, AND IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON IT SHOULD BE NEEDING A COMPLETELY NEW TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #11300387
74,000 miles · Jan 17, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING WAS REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING WAS REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V471000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #11300094
87,000 miles · Jan 17, 2020
Power Train
FAILURE OF THE SHIFT INTERLOCK CABLE. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO PARK OR REVERSE. VEHICLE WAS AT A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT AND MY WIFE THOUGHT IT WAS IN PARK REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, EXITED VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO THE PARKING LOT TRAFFIC. SHE IMMEDIATELY JUMP BACK IN THE CAR AND APPLIED THE FOOT BREAK,…
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FAILURE OF THE SHIFT INTERLOCK CABLE. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO PARK OR REVERSE. VEHICLE WAS AT A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT AND MY WIFE THOUGHT IT WAS IN PARK REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, EXITED VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO THE PARKING LOT TRAFFIC. SHE IMMEDIATELY JUMP BACK IN THE CAR AND APPLIED THE FOOT BREAK, PLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND TURNED ON FLASHERS.
NHTSA ODI #11300048
65,100 miles · Jan 14, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER JIM SHORKEY FORD LOCATE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER JIM SHORKEY FORD LOCATED AT 1234 LONG RUN RD. WHITE OAK PA, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, CASE NUMBER: 2194740). NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,100.
NHTSA ODI #11299201
90,000 miles · Jan 10, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OFF FROM AN INTERSECTION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GLACIER VALLEY FORD LOCATED AT 1243 SOUTH BLVD, BARABOO, WI 53913, (6…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OFF FROM AN INTERSECTION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GLACIER VALLEY FORD LOCATED AT 1243 SOUTH BLVD, BARABOO, WI 53913, (608) 356-2222 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE AT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #11298481
Official recalls
4Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Oct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Jun 26, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗