TRANSMISSION WOULD LEAK FLUID WHILE PARKED. FUMES WOULD ENTER VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER 5 TIMES FOR PROBLEM, AND HAD PLUGS AND CASING SEALS REPLACED. PROBLEM OF LEAKAGE WOULD ALWAYS REAPPEAR. *AK
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 reportsWHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR AND GOES INTO NETURAL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES IT RETURNS TO NORMAL CONDITIONS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SLC
INTERMITTENTLY GEAR SHIFTER DOES NOT LOCK INTO GEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK *SLC
TIRES MAKE A HUMMING NOISE. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THEY MAY BE LEAVING GROUND LIKE HYDROPLANING, AND AT 65 MPH VEHICLE WOBBLES, VEHICLE IS NOT STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH WINDOW DOWN. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN A/C UNIT IS IN OPERATION AND A/C MAKE A LOUD CYCLIC CLICKING SOUND. TRANSMISSION MAKES SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS U…
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TIRES MAKE A HUMMING NOISE. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THEY MAY BE LEAVING GROUND LIKE HYDROPLANING, AND AT 65 MPH VEHICLE WOBBLES, VEHICLE IS NOT STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH WINDOW DOWN. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN A/C UNIT IS IN OPERATION AND A/C MAKE A LOUD CYCLIC CLICKING SOUND. TRANSMISSION MAKES SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE AT 65 MPH WITH A SLIGHT WIND AND FRONT END MAKES TUMBLING SOUNDS ON ROUGH ROADS. THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALY BY ITSELF. THE FRONT BRAKE HAS EXCESSIVE DUST. THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS INTERIOR SYSTEM FAILURES AND MALFUNCTIONING. *YH
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS IT GETS STUCK. WHEN THE GEAR IS IN REVERSE IF YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE ENGINE JUST REVVS. YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE GEAR SHIFTER UP AND DOWN TO GET IT INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. *AK
WHEN TRANSMISSION GEAR IS SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL INTO REVERSE NOTHING HAPPENS, ENGINE REVVS, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH UNTIL VEHICLE IS FINALLY IN GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT GOES OF…
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WHEN TRANSMISSION GEAR IS SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL INTO REVERSE NOTHING HAPPENS, ENGINE REVVS, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH UNTIL VEHICLE IS FINALLY IN GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT GOES OFF TOO. *YH
CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO USE RADIO BECAUSE TRANSMISSION PAWL IS IN THE WAY AND IS TOO FAR, CAUSING CONSUMER TO SHIFT GEAR WHILE DRIVING.*AK
THE SHIFT LEVER WHEN PLACED IN THE "D" DRIVE POSITION DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE. ADDITIONALLY THE SHIFT LEVEL EXTENDS 3-4" INTO THE RADIO AND CONTROL PANEL FOR OTHER INSTRUMENTS LIKE REAR DEFOGGER AND PARKING LIGHT SWITHCH. IF SHIFTER IS BUMPED WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE RADIO OR TO PLAY A CD OR CASSETTE, THE SHIFTER EASILY GETS KNOC…
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THE SHIFT LEVER WHEN PLACED IN THE "D" DRIVE POSITION DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE. ADDITIONALLY THE SHIFT LEVEL EXTENDS 3-4" INTO THE RADIO AND CONTROL PANEL FOR OTHER INSTRUMENTS LIKE REAR DEFOGGER AND PARKING LIGHT SWITHCH. IF SHIFTER IS BUMPED WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE RADIO OR TO PLAY A CD OR CASSETTE, THE SHIFTER EASILY GETS KNOCKED OUT OF POSITION. I HAVE REPOTED THIS TO MY DEALER, THEY CHECKED OTHER ESCAPES ON THE LOT. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I EMAILED FORD DIRECTLY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY HAVE NOT AS YET RESPONDED. I BELIVE THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF NOT FIXED.
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.