9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,930
Average Mileage:
84,600 miles
Total Complaints:
34 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced transmission (26 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. rebuilt transmission (2 reports)
  4. replaced transmissions (2 reports)
  5. intend to trade the Escape as-is, for a different make (1 reports)
  6. replaced transfer case (1 reports)
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problem #34

May 012015

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I had already depleted my account with repairs to this vehicle to get it running in tip top condition because we were making a very long trip. I should have mentioned i purchased this vehicle used and none of the repairs needed were disclosed at the time of sale nor was it caused by any neglect on my part.

So we head out on our trip and the transmission acts a little funny (jerky) but nothing real major. Had a great weekend with no further issues. We start driving home and the car begins to shake a little here and there and is getting lazier and lazier with each stop. (rest areas, tolls) We are about 3 hours from home when the OD light begins to flash and the car seems to be getting worse. Oh God! All we could do was pray that we made it home safely. There were a few close calls because we couldn't get out of our own way and was almost hit but we did make it home safely.

Had the car checked the following morning by a transmission specialist (Aamco) you guessed it, transmission gone!! No longer safe to drive, and $2,000 to rebuild. With an added note of by the way, we rebuild an average of 3 a week of this exact transmissions. Ford seemed to rush production and these are known to fail. After many other searches, I have discovered thousands upon thousands of complaints with this very same transmission. So my question would be why would they not be recalled by now?? I had already spent every penny I had in this car...now I am looking at thousands more that I simply do not have. 'Not to mention that it is very unsafe and could cause serious injury or death. Wake the hell up FORD and get it right!!! Consumers have spent millions on your vehicles only to be slapped in the face with your over priced death traps!!

- Lynn K., Casewell, US

problem #33

Nov 292012

Escape LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

bought a 2002 escape at 100000 miles 7 months later 105000 miles od light flashed. car wouldn't go at all. towed it to ford dealer. 3700 for re-manufactured tranny and labor. i am buying a used nissan maxima instead for 4000. i will never buy a ford again.

- Manuel H., Ketchikan, AK, US

problem #32

Jan 102012

Escape LX 6.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

This isn't the first time I had to have a rebuilt transmission in this vehicle. I had one 2 years ago, that cost 2100 dollars. Today my vehicle is in the shop again... this time, they found a leak in the transmission gasket, fuel pump needs to be replaced, wheel bearings are shot, strut problems, alignment was causing tires to wear faster than normal, replacing 2 front tires, they found a couple of leaks for a grand total of 2200 dollars to fix... my vehicle isn't worth this amount money, in fact with all the money I have put into it, I could have bought a brand new chevy or other make car. I will never, ever, ever buy another Ford.. If I would have known it was going to be this expensive to have a Ford, I would have never bought it. I thought American made cars were at least a little better than this... wow.

- awinner0328, Flagstaff, AZ, US

problem #31

Jul 032012

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,090 miles

I took my 02 Escape in to my local Ford dealership for recent recalls, but also told them I was concerned about the stalling issues we have been having with the vehicle while in reverse and occasionally while driving on the road. These stalling issues started roughly 1 year ago, and the auto shop I took it to recommended I check with Ford for recalls, but did not have an explanation for the issue. Anyway, after tests and diagnostics were complete at Ford, they informed me that I had an internal transmission failure involving the torque converter. I was told that my only option really was to replace the transmission and given quotes for a new and used transmission. Well, I left the dealership with the vehicle and was actually calling around for other quotes, yet still used the vehicle. Needless to say, it is now stranded in a parking lot waiting to be towed at the moment because it will not start AT ALL. The stalling issue, at first, seemed very random and infrequent. However, it progressively became worse (of course), and is now to the point where I cannot even pull out of a parking spot without stalling and restarting several times, that is, if it even starts up.

- gharmon84, Toledo, OH, US

problem #30

May 222012

Escape 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

It's a pain but the my biggest complaint is every one bashing ford. I will own nothing but at least they're American and didn't take ur tax money to keep open! There are good and bad cars and trucks in all brands makes and model and sometimes u just get a bad draw so don't down the whole company over bad luck. It's mechanical and nothing mechanical is a perfect.

- Patrick S., Murray, KY, US

problem #29

Sep 092011

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

Nice job FORD. After much research , have found that this is a common problem which Ford never took the initiative to fix. I guess once they get your cash you can go F yourself. I recently bought a new vehicle and stayed away from the Ford lineup. So F them. Now there is a recall on the braking system. The master cylinder cap leaks. NO SH*T! It leaked since I got the car. They replaced two master cylinders and three caps to no avail. I finally go a rubber glove and closed in under the cap. Too late though cause that brake fluid at away at the engine compartment.

- urglavi, Springfield, PA, US

problem #28

Oct 102011

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

The Escape's transmission went out without any prior warning. It was shifting well, and it never made a clunking noise between gears. I started driving it up a hill and it suddenly began acting like it was in neutral. We had a great transmission shop, who has had a lot of experience with Escape transmissions, rebuild the entire transmission. They did it for about a thousand less than the cost to replace the transmission, and they beefed up the common weak points on that tranny. The repair included a full parts and labor warranty for 2 years or 24,000 miles. It's been a great car and I'm hoping it will last another 75,000 miles. We'll see.

- mrammon, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #27

Sep 152011

Escape Limited 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,598 miles

Can't Ford engineers design a car to last 10 years. My father drove Chryslers for 20 years before they caused major problems.

- Robert D., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

problem #26

Dec 232010

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

Broke down on the road and back in the same crappy motel room as the last time, with pets and junk everywhere. Waiting to see how long and how much it's going to cost again for the most expensive and unreliable car I've ever owned in my life. As soon as the wheels are turning on this 2002 Ford Escape piece of sh*t car, it is for sale. (But certainty not to any friend of family member).

I lost the transmission with NO warning at all on a trip to see my family, 70 miles to go. 360.00 for the tow bill alone. GOD I HATE THIS CAR!!! GOD I HATE THIS CAR!!!!

- Leanne L., Palm Desert, CA, US

problem #25

Feb 192011

Escape XLS 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

At 45000 miles the transmission should not need a complete replacement. Thought this would be a good car. I take excellent care of it and it has been a pain in the butt. Now a really expensive repair and Ford is doing nothing but collecting money on it. Very poor customer relations and reliability

- Stephen P., St. Thomas, VI, Virgin Islands (US)

problem #24

Jan 052011

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

Like so many other complaints I've read, just one day my escape would not go into gear, no warning. Took the car to my mechanic and he said the transmission needed to be replaced est cost @ $ 3000.00 and he said he thought it was a design flaw and they have had lots of problems with these transmissions and FORD should do the right thing and issue a recall. Well I spoke with my ford dealer and apparently they have fixed the issue in the newer escapes. I said to the salesman well if FORD knew there was a big enough problem to change the design why cant they fix my car since it was a flaw. Needless to say, I got no help. This is my last ford!

- Connie B., Efland, NC, US

problem #23

Aug 072010

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

I will never buy a Ford ever again. This is my worst experience with an automobile ever. Right after I replaced the transmission, the exhaust fell apart. Do yourself a favor, DO NOT BUY A FORD!!!!!!!!!!

- James S., Morristown, NJ, US

problem #22

Mar 182010

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

I went to put my car in drive and it only revved up , did not move. The O/D light started flashing, I could only drive it in second gear..It only has 89,000 miles and the transmission is out...ridiculous and costly..I wish I had researched this before I bought it two years ago

- Amy S., Ft. Wright, KY, US

problem #21

Aug 052009

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,500 miles

I was halfway between Norfolk, VA and Phila., PA when I had transmission failure. I had just recently had the car inspected, tires rotated and oil change and this incident happened with no warning. I had to be towed back to Phila. The car is no longer under warranty so I was at the mercy of Ford ($4000.00) and 2 other mechanics @ $1800-2500 for a rebuilt. I called Ford Motor Corp and they were very unsympathetic and said they were not aware of any defects with the transmissions in Ford Escapes. I have 57K miles on this car. They didn't think that it was unusual for such low miles and offered no help. When I told them I would never buy another Ford product, they said I should feel free to buy whatever product I choose. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD CAR OR SUV! The car has been back twice for adjustments since the rebuild and I think it may have to go again before this warranty is done. I think it's time to trade it in.

- jayceebee, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #20

Jul 182008

Escape XLS V6 3.0L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

It's really disappointing to have to go through this with this car; I've been to Fords service center 2 to 3 times a year for recalls, and now this! I hate this Mexican built car! I had an Escort that was better than this! Heck even my Chevy Cavalier was better!

- Brett M., Clinton Twp, MI, US

problem #19

Mar 112009

Escape XLS 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Drove to work fine...start up after work I felt clutch resistance but not bad. Next morning I couldn't get it into gear. It is a manual transmission; I drive conservatively. The mechanic said I need a complete new transmission which will cost (estimated) $2,500 -$3,200. He is suggesting to replace clutch as well. This is the first major repair since new. (85,000 miles)

- tparis, Grand Rapids, MI, US

problem #18

Feb 132009

Escape LX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. DRIVING HOME ONE DAY THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SHIFTED HARD ONCE. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS AT ALL. THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $4200.00 TO PUT A NEW ONE IN. I ASKED IF IS COULD JUST BE FIXED AND THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PUMP WENT AND TRASHED THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION THAT IT WOULD COST THE SAME TO FIX IT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR SCREW UP AND PUT OUT A RECALL FOR THESE. I DIDN'T EVEN GET ANY DEAL CONSIDERING I BOUGHT IT FROM THEM AND ONLY ONE YEAR AGO.

- Matt B., Salem, NY, US

problem #17

Feb 102009

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,594 miles

Back in May announced to hubby I thought the trani was acting up. A couple weeks later the engine light came on. Took it to dealer and explained the trani problems. They said NOTHING wrong but an O2 sensor. Did not get that replaced. Mileage was 96,000 km at the time. Drove 16,000 more km and the trani failed. Mechanic who replaced the trani said the diagnostic showed the O2 sensor was fine. I also have drove plenty of Fords and I too will never buy another one. Last vehicle was a Ford Ranger Splash with less than 100,000 km and needed new trani. What the H---!

- Sharon K., Warner, AB, Canada

problem #16

Nov 112008

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

As I read other comments, I am in the same boat. Out of nowhere the truck just wouldn't go in drive as if it were in neutral. We took care of this truck from day 1 and hardly ever drive it. A real surprise and quite upsetting.

- Amber R., Old Bridge, NJ, US

problem #15

Sep 092008

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Ridiculous problem, as is evidenced by the number of similar complaints. My entire family has been a Ford family for several years (we currently are driving 4), but this 2002 Escape will be my LAST Ford purchase. A car company with such disregard for customer satisfaction and lack of overall quality will not ever again receive my hard-earned money.

- dietricht, Amery, WI, US

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