THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING IN REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM
COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT
Ford Escape transmission problems
552 distinct owner reports with a transmission-specific component in this snapshot.
General power-train reports are not automatically counted as transmission problems. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.
10 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports
Reports by model year
YearTopic reportsRecallsInvestigations
20213
192202011
23220193
30201812
40201719
40201615
40201517
92201430
162201311
18320123
1220114
24201015
34200922
132008111
3320078
22200624
31200538
42200412
66200328
78200273
810200193
1311Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
940–25K
12325–50K
7850–75K
4975–100K
44100–150K
11150K+
399 reports with mileage · 153 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What owners actually said
552 reportsVEHICLE HAS GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN LOW SPEEDS AND REVERSE. SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE.*AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 83,000 WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT SPEED OF 60MPH. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS WAS A LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $3,800 TO FIX. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED TRANS. FOR $3,000. WHILE TAKING APART OLD TRANS FOUND THAT AN INTERNAL COMPONENT FELL APART CAUSING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSI…
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TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 83,000 WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT SPEED OF 60MPH. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS WAS A LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $3,800 TO FIX. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED TRANS. FOR $3,000. WHILE TAKING APART OLD TRANS FOUND THAT AN INTERNAL COMPONENT FELL APART CAUSING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. SAID THIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT FAULT OF 'LACK OF MAINTENANCE'. HAVE CONTACTED FORD SINCE AND THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE FOR EXPENSES.*AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED. FORTUNATELY IT FAILED BEFORE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN RELEASING THE TRAFFIC HEADED TOWARD THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IN WHATEVER GEAR IT WAS IN HOME. THE VEHICLE CEASED GOING INTO GEAR AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE WAS 15 DAYS OLD AND HAD 1326 MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT WHEN TH…
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TRANSMISSION FAILED. FORTUNATELY IT FAILED BEFORE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN RELEASING THE TRAFFIC HEADED TOWARD THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IN WHATEVER GEAR IT WAS IN HOME. THE VEHICLE CEASED GOING INTO GEAR AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE WAS 15 DAYS OLD AND HAD 1326 MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CLUTCH IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. CAR HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP FOR 16 DAYS. VEHICLE STILL AWAITING PARTS FOR REPAIR. *NM
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO OFFERED LITTLE TO THE SOLUTION. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
THE VEHICLE JERKS AND RAPIDLY ACCELERATES WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL IN REVERSE. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
SUDDEN FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT WITH COMPLETE NEW TRANSMISSION AND COOLER. *AK
CAR SEIZED TO RUN ON STREET. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 170 MILES. *AK
HOW CAN I GET A LIST OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS TO FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE IS EFFECTED IN A FORD RECALL. *JB
ENGINE SURGE - FORD ESCAPE 2001 - TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54,000MILES. IN RELATION TO INTERMIT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, THE VEHICLES (OFTEN WHEN PLACED IN PARK SETTING) ENGINE WOULD SURGE CAUSING THAT TACHOMETER TO RACE TO ABOUT 5 TO 6 THOUSAND REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE. ON DECEMBER, 8, 2004 WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTE…
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ENGINE SURGE - FORD ESCAPE 2001 - TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54,000MILES. IN RELATION TO INTERMIT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, THE VEHICLES (OFTEN WHEN PLACED IN PARK SETTING) ENGINE WOULD SURGE CAUSING THAT TACHOMETER TO RACE TO ABOUT 5 TO 6 THOUSAND REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE. ON DECEMBER, 8, 2004 WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION SET IN D, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SURGED IS THE SAME MANOR AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HOLD THE BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM HITTING A PARKED CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FREEDOM FORD, HAMPTON VA) WHEN THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ENGINE SURGE.*AK
Related Official recalls
824V330000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
May 10, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
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.
22V254000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. 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 shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. 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 shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. 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 shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
20V550000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Sep 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
18V471000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Jul 16, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
15V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Sep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
10V222000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
May 24, 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
04V165000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Apr 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Related NHTSA investigations
0No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.