8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
31,550 miles
Total Complaints:
38 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (30 reports)
  2. transmission replaced (4 reports)
  3. changed the valve body (1 reports)
  4. fixed better than new (1 reports)
  5. replaced pcm (1 reports)
  6. transmission rebuilt (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #38

May 012024

Escape XLT 2.5L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Firm 1-2 and 2-1 Shifting. Changed Fluid, No Change. Cleaned MAF Sensor, No Change. Cleaned Throttle Body, This has seemed to have helped quite a lot, will still get firm shifts but only when barely applying the gas pedal.

- Andrew B., Janesville, WI, US

problem #37

Jun 012020

Escape Limited 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

I bought this used 2011 Escape Limited, I’ve been working on it constantly since I’ve had it. This is what I can’t figure out doesn’t always but sometimes as I takeoff it feels like it’s stuck in low gear. Almost every time it does it I usually go for the shifter thinking I went 12 min and have it in low and then it will snap out of it start acting as it normally does.

At times I barely hit the gas and shoot out of a red light. Other times I’ll go to accelerate to get on the highway in it I feel a little sluggish occasionally if I step on the pedal a little hard feels as if it squats down and takes off and hit it jerk right jerk left or left and right, it might go left right left it’s usually two or three jerks before I have it straightened out. It’s only happened a handful of times, It’s got me little nervous I had a close call.

Now I finally got everything that I, couldn’t put off fixed. I was convinced I had a bad PCM it could be responsible for quite a few of my problems but I’m really not sure so if anyone’s got any suggestions I’m all ears thank you.

- jtm2324, Indianapolis, US

problem #36

Nov 012011

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I purchased my Ford Escape in October of 2011. A month later it buck & jerked in reverse. Took to the dealership where I bought the vehicle, but they could find nothing wrong. Some months and years later, took back dealership I was told it was low on transmission fluid. I've taken my Escape to the dealership while still under warranty for all services. Ford never fixed the issue was always told me nothing is wrong. December 2018 took Escape in for oil changed 92,000 miles and was told that my transmission has a leak. Of course I need a new transmission that's going to cost me 4,100 dollars. This is the second Ford I have bought in my lifetime. Very disappointed that Ford have not did a recall on the no good transmission. I will never buy another Ford again. Please let me know when there is a class action lawsuit.

- Patricia G., Lee Summit, US

problem #35

Jul 182018

Escape Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

I purchased my Ford Escape in October of 17 in July of 18. It starting jerking and hesitating. Brought it back to the dealer and they sent me to their transmission place. They put it on their computer and nothing showed up. They told me everything seemed fine. They also took it for a ride and it did not act up at that particular time so they said there was nothing I could do. It would have to be acting up. So I'm stuck for a solution. It still does it on occasion and I'm so fed up with this already. I hope someone hears me and can advise me on what to do. I would never buy another Ford ever again.

- Susan R., Scranton, US

problem #34

Jul 072016

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,254 miles

I own a 2011 Ford Escape, I have enjoyed the ride up till this month when I began having issues with the ABS light for powertrain came on while driving to work, when I got back in vehicle to return home, it was off and the ABS check engine light came on. It did this for 2 days, then went off for a week, now back to coming on and going off, sometimes both ABS lights are on at same time. Today it started to jerk and hesitate when accelerating. If this is a recall, why have we not received a notice to get it fixed!!! I have read some of these reviews and they sound scary!!!! Please Ford, make this issue right, why ruin such a good ride??

- jultz56, Haines City, FL, US

problem #33

Feb 242017

Escape LXT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,761 miles

When I am at a stop it just takes off and jerks , hesistates . And when driving on highway it takes off al the sudden and sometimes it does not go

- Rosemary C., Buffalo, US

problem #32

Nov 152013

Escape XRT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

DITO!!!!!!! my transmission does'nt shift for extended moments and the engine races. then it engages and shakes the whole vehicle. That has to be a lot of stress on the drive train. My reccomendation don't make a habit of this or you will be replacing your traanny much sooner. I probably have put a million miles in my driving history. even built my first CAR from just a body, and no engine and transmission.This is the annoying thing about Ford. they produce faulty products and they won't stand behind it. They have this attitude in the manufacturing environment also. Disappointing to see, and yet they do much for good public relations on the other hand. You would think by now they can have transmissions perfected with each new model. They have a history of transmission failures. and many through the nineties and after were caused by a bearing failure on the oil pump shaft. for pennies it could have been averted. Taking off slowly can alleviate the problem of jerking if you are able.

- Jack B., Lasalle, MI, US

problem #31

Aug 012015

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Got my car back in April, since about August it started to jerk a lot when changing gears, especially first to second. It also hesitates when I'm trying to accelerate. It takes a good couple seconds now for the car to know I'm trying to accelerate quickly. Really miss my quick response, it's a V6 for God's sake. Had the air filter replaced, the MAF sensor cleaned, and throttle body cleaned. It helped a bit but it seems the jerking and hesistation keeps getting worse. Seems like it's a problem with this car. Not sure what to do.

- yegua90, Cherry Hill, NJ, US

problem #30

Aug 032015

Escape XLT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Bought the vehicle in early July 2015. Test drove took to 2 mechanics ran codes after visually inspecting. Ran fine for a few weeks then noticed I would start the vehicle and drive it and at random times shifting from 1st to 2nd gear it over shifted leaving a very noticeable jolt or sometimes 2nd to 3rd and even into overdrive. Never the same gears. Basically have to roll the dice and wonder which gear will kick.

Took it to dealership and they could not reproduce it until I had a mechanic drive the vehicle with me along. Said it could just be it getting used to me. Bs then why not say that to begin with. Won't run any diagnostics unless I want to pay due to warranty up And my extended warranty only covers mechanical failures. Guess I get to run it till the tranny blows. Why pay for tests when your already paying on a lien on a vehicle that should run great.

- Anthony B., ste. Genevieve, MO, US

problem #29

Aug 152015

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

This is my wife's car and she now does not trust it to get her around town. Transmission was jerking when in 1st gear. The following morning I backed out and it gave such a bang I thought I hit something. The following Monday we took it to the dealer and at one stop sign just before getting to the dealer, it would not move. Finally I got it going and left it at the dealer for a week. Since their computer didn't show any lights there was nothing wrong.

Now, since it bucks & jumps in reverse it is back at the dealer for at least another week before they can even look at it. At least it is still under an FMC extended warranty. Will update next week with results.

Update from Oct 2, 2015: Vehicle has been at the dealer for two weeks. They installed a new transmission yesterday, but technician says it has a very harsh shift from 1st to 2nd. Dealer is checking with Ford to determine the next step.

Update from Oct 6, 2015: Received the vehicle back from the dealer today all fixed just like new.

Tech said there err seven(7) transmission error codes and metal in the fluid in the old transmission.

During the two weeks it was in the shop, I was patient and the service writer kept me informed almost daily as to the status of the repair.

- ford1951, Waco, TX, US

problem #28

Dec 022014

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

The transmission of my 2011 Ford Escape with only 72,000 miles, is GONE!!! Had the jerking, transmission fluid leaks, etc, etc and now needs replacing. I was asked for $6100 (new) or $4100 (used)!!!

Called Ford customer service and Ford dealers. Both acted surprised like I am the first one complaining. However, this one dealer can only take my car a month from now because they are busy fixing similar problems. GOTCH YOU!

Previously owned a Mercury Sable and a Ford Windstar and had to get rid of them due to transmission failures.

Ford issue a recall and fix these transmissions NOW!

- mbernardo, Grosse Pointe, MI, US

problem #27

Dec 012011

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

2011 Ford Escape. Into the Service Department numerous times for lurching, and skipping and banging. The Service Department never reproduced the problem, yet I read of numerous same issue complaints. Got all the excuses. "It had to get used to me ". etc. I told them there would come a day when my Transmission would be laying on the road. I'm glad I documented this over and over. Just seems to be a problem they know of but do not want to address. Seriously poor service on this particular issue. The issue is easy to find so I'm quite sure they are aware. It is in the shop today. I'll update more later.. Stay away from this vehicle. 36.5 K miles.

Update from May 22, 2014: Well at least they are giving me a loaner car as they replace my Transmission. I hate the fact that this is what they have been forced to do, rather than make a transmission that doesn't have the traits listed in all the complaints here. It seems they put a re-manufactured Transmission in. So where is the fix?

- cheezew, Daytona Beach, FL, US

problem #26

Feb 012012

Escape 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I am very disappointed with my Ford Escape. Although it gets me around well in the winter, the constant jerking/ downshifting whenever it wants to is completely ridiculous. I took it to the dealership after I purchased the vehicle in 2012, and they told me there was nothing wrong with it and there's nothing they can do to fix it, except to reprogram the computer. Well, 2 reprograms still didn't fix it and so I have lived with it. NOW, 2 years late, lo and behold there is a leak from the all wheel drive system on the car. Coincidence??? I think not. I am a road warrior and have put 70,000 miles on this car in 2 1/2 years without any major issue. But it is very disheartening to know that the problem I complained about and was assured that nothing was wrong by the staff at the Ford dealership, seems to now be a real and costly problem to the tune of about a $1000 repair... I'm not a mechanic, I don't know if they are related problems, but it seems when a car is not working properly there is something wrong with it!!!!! It should've never been jerking and downshifting like someone was pulling us with a tow rope from behind! And now, a coincidence that I have a transmission issue to fix??? I don't think so.

- Michelle C., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #25

Jan 012014

Escape XL 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Just when I take off it hesitate and the last month my air condition went out. Cost $168 but that didn't fix it, and I only have 40000 miles, something like that, I know it's not more the 45000.

- Christine P., Weirton, WV, US

problem #24

Mar 122014

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I have had the same issue with the car jerking. It's a real safety issue. Looks like there may be a possible class action investigation:

http://www.consumerclassactionlawyers.com/ford-escape-transmission-class-action.html

- jpinkerton, Carlsbad, CA, US

problem #23

Jul 152013

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

All the dealership has ever done to it was reprogram the PCM and drive it around for a little while. They said that the jerking is normal if you change speeds too quickly.

In Dec 2013 I was backing out of my driveway and it felt like I hit a brick wall. I took it immediately to the Ford dealership where I bought the vehicle, but they could find nothing wrong. I though that possibly there was a burr on a gear and it finally broke off. As the transmission seemed to be ok for the last couple of months.

However, I took a trip to southern Indiana this pass week. After driving 500 miles and going up and down hills, it was back to jerking and it even gave a couple of good bangs.

The warranty on the vehicle ended Dec 31, 2013, now I'm stuck with it. Anybody want to buy a lemon?

Update from Dec 15, 2015: In the Spring of last year we were in the process of moving to Southern Indiana where it is very hilly. The transmission on my 2011 Ford Escape started acting up again. It seams it would get over heated quickly while we were driving the hills, therefore we traded it off for a 2013 Dodge Avenger. Now it is someone else problem.

- Susan T., La Porte, IN, US

problem #22

Nov 302010

Escape LS 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles

I have 2011 Ford Escape. We purchased it in Nov 2010. It ran good at first. Although I thought it didn’t seem to shift right, it was jerky and rough, especially like in a parking lot slowing down and then quickly speeding up. Sometimes when I stepped on the accelerator it didn’t seem to want to go. But the service center at the dealer kept telling me that it had to get use to me and to try to not drive in stop and go traffic (nice, I live in the Dallas area!) . Well here we are almost 3 years later at 40000 miles or more and it still hasn’t gotten totally used to me. The jerking is A LOT less significant, but at times, out of the blue....JERK.

- Mary D., Decatur, TX, US

problem #21

Jun 122012

Escape XLT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,300 miles

The saga continues... Received the call last night that our 2011 Escape was ready. We were reminded that the Adaptive Learn-err-uhh Dyslexia would need to be done again - I asked that they do this at the dealership.

After three 30 plus mile sessions (each with a warm-up and cool-down time) the Service adviser calls me up this morning and states that the problem is still there... and another call to the For Tech Hotline will occur - resulting in Ford will install a brand new transmission.

I asked this question - "At 13k miles the transmission burns out including the drive and overdrive clutches. All had been replaced along with the valve body assembly... then 251 miles later we did it again... Now I never even got it back from the dealer and within 90 miles - they are ready to install a new transmission.

My question to them this time is - Has this valve body issue (reported in numerous forums online) in which Ford outsourced the manufacture of this part in Asia been resolved? Am I getting a re-designed transmission? the Service Adviser responded back - "I wouldn't call it a re-design - I'd call it a completely new part!

Stay tuned - How am I supposed to take that??

- homert, Albuquerque, NM, US

problem #20

Aug 062013

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,703 miles

As reported by another owner of a 2011 Escape, I had an issue with the transmission. All of a sudden when going in reverse or park the transmission would jerk with some grinding noise then stopped. There was also very little power when starting from a stop. It took a while to get up to speed. The engine maintenance light was on all the time.

I was lucky because it happened near the dealer and I was able to get there without a major problem. I was told the same day that it was a PCM problem and they would order a new part. Picked up the car the next day and everything was fine.

The repairs were covered by the standard warranty. I read that owners of 2005 Escape have had similar PCM problems. You would think that Ford would have fixed that problem by now.

I may not keep that car after the warranty is over.

- Andre L., Ottawa, ON, canada

problem #19

Aug 012013

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

My car has been real jittery when shifting gears. Today it did not want to go to the next gear and started slowing down rapidly. I turned my car off and then back on and the car would start and even drive until it needs to go into the next gear and it does the same thing again.

- Ashley E., Apo, AE, US

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