About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Escape since 2012, 280 (1.8%) describe transmission slipping and rough shifting, the third most reported problem we track on the Escape. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2016 and 2017 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 49. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 52,000 and 103,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ford has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Escape's automatic transmission slipping, shuddering and shifting harshly, with some owners reporting the transmission going into neutral while driving. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2014, 2016 and 2017 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"The transmission blew on this car after 3 1/2 years of ownership, 87,000 miles. The transmission began slipping (I.e., loss of power upon shifting to accelerate) after about 1 year of ownership."
2014 Ford Escape, 86,277 miles
"I bought this 2017 Ford Escape se EcoBoost 4wd in february, and since then every time I change gears from park to reverse, I hear a rough 'thud' noise from the rear."
2017 Ford Escape, 2,000 miles
"Car began to show hesitation when accelerating on highway onramp. The next day, transmission disengaged while at a drive through. Car would not move at all. I then shifted into park and back into drive. Car violently jumped and then began to crawl."
2016 Ford Escape, 92,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 7 bulletins that mention this problem on the Escape. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
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Some 2018-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission built on or before 16-Mar-2022 may exhibit transmission slip during acceleration from a stop when hot.
Some 2020 Escape front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and an 8F24 transmission built on 09-Jun-2020 and through 02-Oct-2020 may exhibit a harsh engagement into DRIVE and/or harsh 6-5 or 4-3 down...
This article supersedes TSB 20-2366 to update the production fix date.
Ford: some vehicles transmission will experience, after a cold soak or an extended period with engine off, a 2-3 shift hesitation due to possible hydraulic circuit drain.
Multiple 2014-2016 vehicles equipped with 6f35 transmission and built on 1-jan-2014 and through 31-dec-2015 may exhibit harsh reverse engagement and harsh/delayed 3rd and 5th gear up/down shifts with no dtcs present.
Before you buy a Escape
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Ford Escape years have transmission slipping and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2016, 2017 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 49 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 80,000 miles, and half reported it between 52,000 and 103,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.