9.7

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$6,770
Average Mileage:
85,700 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. new transmission (5 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #6

Jul 242025

Escape SEL 4 cyl - 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,283 miles

I purchased this vehicle in October 2018. It was originally a leased vehicle with only 6360 miles on it. It was serviced regularly and all recall notices for this vehicle were addressed and fixed. In July of this year, the transmission failed completely while driving. No warnings or symptoms prior to complete failure. I was very lucky that I was not on a busy highway. I was able to coast into a parking lot, and as soon as I stopped, I could no longer engage the vehicle into gear. Not reverse, forward, or anything. I had to pay a towing fee to have it taken to my local Ford dealer where they informed me my transmission had failed!! I only have 58,283 miles on this vehicle!! The cost to replace the transmission with a remanufactured one was over $9500 including the tow charge.

In speaking to the service department at the dealer, I was informed that my particular model is prone to premature failure. As well, Ford Motor Company is aware and was aware from manufacture, that this issue existed. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford Motor Co for several models and years of Ford vehicles for premature transmission failure. I am unsure what recourse I may have to recoup this enormous and obviously unnecessary expense. Class Action Lawsuits generally can go on for years. Since I purchased the vehicle pre-owned, I do not believe I would be covered under any Pennsylvania Lemon Law. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income. An expense like this is devastating to me. I always considered Ford a reputable car company. If I purchase a vehicle, perform all necessary and recommended maintenance, my expectation is that it will be a dependable vehicle that would certainly last more than 58,000 miles before a major breakdown. I will never purchase a Ford vehicle again!!!

- Pamela W., Halifax, US

problem #5

Mar 112024

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,100 miles

I've been driving Ford SUVs for quite a while. This is my 2nd Escape. While I have had few major issues with this 2018 Escape until now, I consider it pretty awful that my vehicle, with NO WARNING AT ALL, left me stranded on the side of a highway at 7pm. I'm waiting for the astronomical repair cost from the dealership now but I'm not hopeful that it will be something I'm willing to do. The dealership just called and advised it is going to cost approx $6900 for a new transmission and basically the same for a rebuild. Ford has apparently decided it's much cheaper to lose loyal customers and get new, oblivious ones than to build cars that actually last more than 5 years. I'm now going to be forced to look at a more reliable manufacturer to ensure I have a vehicle that won't leave me stranded.

- Texas M., Celeste, TX, US

problem #4

May 122023

Escape SE 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,689 miles

May 2023 the transmission just stopped moving the vehicle down the road. Had Ford dealership check it out and was told it needed a new transmission. We have always been Ford people but NEVER AGAIN!! As long as I live I will never buy another FORD!!

- David P., Jackson, US

problem #3

Feb 142023

Escape S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

I had taken my vehicle into the dealer to have a safety recall taken care of and a routine service. The dealership came out and stated that there was an oil leak at the rear seal. I ended up taking it to my mechanic to finish and that ended up not being the problem.

Eventually the transmission blew all its fluid out and it failed. The dealership has refused to stand behind their claim and quote they wrote up, and the fact that a transmission problem is a known issue with a service bulletin and it’s a required check on the maintenance/service schedule.

Ultimately we took the vehicle back to the dealership and surrendered it as the repair was 60% or more of what we owed.

- Travis D., St Charles, MO, US

problem #2

Nov 102022

Escape 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

The transmission in my 2018 Ford Escape stopped working while I was driving home on November 10, 2022. There were no warning lights displayed, but I was able to get it off the road and towed to a Ford dealership. The Ford dealership was able to tell me the transmission failed at 76000 miles, but they could not tell me why. They told me the transmission was no longer under warranty and the cost of a new transmission would be $8,000.

I took the car to an AAMCO garage, where the cost will be between 3,000 and $5000 to repair. Furthermore, I was told by the garage that the reason the transmission failed was because it had been manufactured with a faulty cooler valve. The Escape, I was told, has a reputation for these valves being faulty and destroying transmissions early.

- Mary D., Rio Vista, US

problem #1

Oct 082021

Escape SE 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,901 miles

On Friday morning, I heard a loud clunk, and some high pitched grinding upon forward movement, and a high pitch squeal in reverse. Drove back to house (about a mile and a half), looked it up, and sure enough, it's a known issue on the Ford Escape, going back a few years, although no recalls yet. Called the local dealer we bought it at (bought used, 5 months ago, after they allegedly "certified" it). I was given the usual BS run around, then called corporate - as soon as I mentioned having researched it, they suddenly started offering buyback.

I am going down there Sat, see if we can swap clean for another car in inventory, and as much as I hate to admit it, this is the 3rd lemon Ford I've been afflicted with. Maybe it's time to give upon Ford. The old axiom - Ford builds great trucks, and s* cars. If I don't get a clean useable swap, have the lawyers primed and ready - I have a bunch of horror stories over the last three Fords - and the poor response of the dealers & FMC. Sure as hell as the company I grew up with - seems like they gave up pride in products a looooong time ago. Probably why the stock has been such a poor performer - it reflects the products.

- unhappycampa, Secret City, US