10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,400
Average Mileage:
87,350 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. press lever inside 1/2" plastic disk (1 reports)
  3. rebuild transmission (1 reports)
  4. replace transmission (1 reports)
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problem #4

Dec 182011

Escort ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Assuming that what is meant by 'won't go into gear' is that the shift lever won't come out of Park when the brake pedal is pressed, do the following. There is a 1/2" plastic disk next to the shift lever where it penetrates the console. Pry the disk up & insert a pencil or screw driver straight down to press & hold the small lever you can see about 4" below. Then move the shift lever to Neutral (so the car doesn't move, this should be done with the brake on, the key at ON, the engine not running). This action releases the mechanism which requires the brake pedal to be pressed before shifting from Park can be accomplished. Since the mechanism is worn you may have to do this every time, annoying, but it gets you going. You can start the engine in Neutral & drive away. The dealer fix & cost is unknown to me as I corrected the fault myself. I will not reveal the fix as it would be a liability issue to me & Auto Beef, but just think about it...

- Mike S., Tempe, AZ, US

problem #3

Jan 162006

Escort 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

i was soooo excited to have this car, soon it became a nightmare my transmission went out when i was out of state , had to sit till i could find the money to fix it,get it running, lose another transmission

- steelergal68, Tionesta, PA, US

problem #2

Oct 082010

Escort 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

i am a disabled single woman, and now i do not have a car to get to my doctor appointments, this is one of the worst cars with problems i've ever had, and i paid a fortune for it plus tows and repairs, all i want is a running transmission to get me through the next couple of years, but have no way to afford that. Thanks for nothing ford.

- steelergal68, Tionesta, PA, US

problem #1

Mar 262008

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,357 miles

Before the car reached 60,000 miles I didn't have any problems. Since then I've had continuous problems. One time it just died and didn't have any power at all. Then I'm at the ATM and it won't shift into gear. Two very expensive tows and having to pay someone to fix it. I haven't been able to get it fixed to where it shifts.

- Timothy H., K.C., KS, US