Ask the Car People.SM


Ford Escape Transmission Problems

146 messages,  Last post on Mar 20, 2013 at 8:54 AM

You are in the Ford Escape Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Escape

    

Messages Page 7 of 15

#59 of 146 Re: 2008 Transmission gone--70 K miles [steve_] by wwest

May 20, 2011 (8:30 am)

Replying to: steve_ (May 19, 2011 9:34 am)
Wow, WOW..!
 
I know, historically, that the Ford Escape has had far to many drive line component failures but this still seems "over the top".
 
Plus most of the driveline component failures involved only the F/awd models. And even with that it is my "cut" that most of those failures involved only the PTO or the rear clutch/diff'l assembly. Those most likely arising from to frequent and/or inappropriate use of the "AWD" mode.
 
But then there is also the fact that Ford's adoption of TC to improve the overall safety, and reduce the driver's ability to abuse the driveline, of their FWD or F/awd models was seriously delayed as opposed to other marques.

#60 of 146 Re: 2008 Transmission gone--70 K miles [steve_] by nvbanker

May 23, 2011 (10:11 am)

Replying to: steve_ (May 19, 2011 6:28 am)
It probably doesn't have a dipstick either. Several Ford Transmissions are "sealed for life" and don't require service. The logic and experience in testing indicate that the transmission will last about 100,000 miles if you service it, and will last about 100,000 miles if you don't. So why bother to service it? Right or wrong, that's what the testing showed.

#61 of 146 2010 Ford Escape Transmission Problems by jibboo

Jun 17, 2011 (7:08 pm)

I purchased a new Ford Escape 2010 Limited back in August of 2010. Not 6 months had passed when I had to have the transmission rebuilt, as there were many problems with the it. Every time I would accelerate it felt as if the transmission was going to drop. Two weeks ago I was driving to Detroit (Live in Illinois) and about 65 miles out outside of Detroit the little Wrench Icon comes on...and I can feel the car starting to ride very strange. I took it into the dealership in Detroit, and the pulled a P1783 Code (Transmission Overheat). They did not have a transmission tech on hand, so they said I should be able to make it back to Chicago, which luckily I did. We stayed over night in Detroit and when we left the next morning, the icon was gone, however about an hour outside of Chicago it came back on...I took my car to my local dealership the following day, and after having the car for a week, they said that nothing was wrong...they could still see the code in memory, but could not find any issues...I don't know what to do, as this does not seem right...any suggestions...thanks...

#62 of 146 Re: 2010 Ford Escape Transmission Problems [jibboo] by nvbanker

Jun 20, 2011 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: jibboo (Jun 17, 2011 7:08 pm)
I have 2 2010 Escapes in my fleet, both with about 20,000 miles on them, and not a lick of trouble with either. Therefore, I conclude that yours is NOT normal, nor is there nothing wrong with it. That's unacceptable for them to give it back to you with nothing done on it. When you took it in, was the wrench on? You indicated they can find the error in memory, that should be enough to force them to do something. First, I would try a second dealer. If they won't at least try to fix it by doing something on it, I would insist on seeing a Ford rep the next time they are in town. Your dealer can make an appointment for you. If you get no satisfaction from the Ford Rep, (but I rather think you will), then I would start my documentation for a lemon law buyback, whatever your state provides for that action. You can't trust this car, and I would not keep it. They owe you a refund, or another transmission. They do make transmissions that don't overheat, I have had several. Don't surrender, this is not right. The problem nowadays is, they don't have mechanics anymore, they have kids who can run a computer, and do what it tells them to do. But if the computer doesn't have a procedure, they have no idea what to try to do to fix it! Thank goodness you have a code in the memory, or they would never even take it in! They would just tell you that you are nuts.
 
Best of luck - I know it's a major pain, but dog this thing until you get satisfaction. The dealer didn't build the car, but Ford did, and THEY owe you.

#63 of 146 trans fluid replacement by explorerx4

Jun 21, 2011 (5:46 pm)

It depends on which maintenance schedule you are looking at.
Normal is 150k. Severe Service 30k.
Our '09 just had the 30k service, no trans service.

#64 of 146 Re: trans fluid replacement [explorerx4] by hackattack5

Jul 04, 2011 (6:59 pm)

Replying to: explorerx4 (Jun 21, 2011 5:46 pm)
That is right and if you put a luggage carrier on your escape Ford considers it demanding service. I have 3 large teenagers that I haul all over the country for sports so yes I am going to call that severe service and service my transmission every 30,000 miles. What is cheaper the $450.00 I will spend in maintenance in 100,000 miles or a new transmission at 100,000 miles. I have done this service for 30 years and have never had a transmission go out yet. For you non believers here is a copy of the 2011 Escape service schedule out of the owners manual.
 
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicle primarily in one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you only occasionally operate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
adviser or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required – Change engine oil and filter as indicated by message
center and perform services listed in the Normal
Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently, service as
required
– Inspect and lubricate U-joints
– See axle maintenance items under Exceptions
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) – Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShift transmissions)
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) – Change manual transmission fluid
– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1: The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2: The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message has not come on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)

#65 of 146 Re: 2010 Ford Escape Transmission Problems [jibboo] by texas95

Aug 28, 2011 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: jibboo (Jun 17, 2011 7:08 pm)
We just losst our transmission (2009 Escape) at 27,000 mi., third problem. First was a major repair to transmission at 11,000, a recall and now ours is sitting in CO waiting for someone to look at it as we were driving to the West coast. We will trade it in when we get home!

#66 of 146 jumping out of gear by escape8

Aug 28, 2011 (8:27 pm)

we have a 2002 escape which just recently started jumping from 5th gear into 3rd. Can anyone please tell me what could be causing this? thanks in advance!

#67 of 146 2011 Escape 6 speed Transmision is defective and unsafe by radflyr

Aug 29, 2011 (9:01 pm)

Purchased May 2011; the transmission has a turbo lag witch is strange that Ford has produced a bad symptom of Turbos historical past witch is no longer an issue for cars that actually HAVE Turbos! The faulty programming of the ford 6 speed seems to be the culprit. It is inconsistent sometimes much worse than other times. Can't be counted on to safely merge into heavy fast moving traffic Say, "like a FREEWAY!" Or other such unusual driving situations. Have almost been T-bared twice. I haven't had an accident or moving violation for over 25 years and drive very safely, but I'm not a snail either. The engine has plenty of power lots of tork but I can feel the transmission holding the power back with its constant searching for just the perfect gear to use but it never finds it in time. If I have a short stop right after accelerating, the car continues to apply power to the axil long after I have taken my foot off the gas and applied the brakes; almost causing rear end collisions at false starts in traffic. And then the tranny makes a hard and loud clunk that feels like the tranny is falling out, it does this with great regularity while accelerating from a stop as well. It reminds me of a 65 Chevy Impala i had for a few weeks in the 70s witch went to the bone yard because the transmission needed a rebuild and the car only cost me $175. So I guess Ford still can’t build a car better than my old $175 Impala with an additional 43 years of technology advancement and an extra $25,000.00. They still handle their mistakes no better than they did in 1975. I was there with Ford then as well; I thought I’d give them a second chance but they just can’t handle Technology. And they should stay away from it. As I said I am not a lead foot but the best Mileage I have gotten is 22MPG. I got consistent 26 to 30 MPG out of my 2006 Mustang witch I traded for the Escape only because I have become disabled and could no longer pull myself up and out of the low Mustang. The Service Manager at the dealer in Cary, NC said they have had a lot of complaints but that the problems and they used to resolve each as it arose with reprogramming and had replaced a few transmissions but Ford told them not to do anything about it anymore. I am paraphrasing but I was basically told Ford has reverted to their historical M.O. "They are blaming the driver now (Just like they did with the dangerous Explorer tires and wheel alignments that cause accidents and death and injury in the early 2000s,so they don't have to admit the transmission is a lemon and therefore avoid a recall. Stating: "that the transmission is adaptive and if you aren't consistent about the way that you drive.” You may notice some unpleasant variances with shifting". I am 56 years old, been driving since I was 10. Grew up on a farm. Know engines transmissions and gears. Have owned more than 30 cars of various brands from domestic to foreign cheap to expensive. I know that this problem is a Defective Programming witch is causing shifting problems (Hard and searching shifts out of sequence (which will in time Cause Mechanical breakdown of the internal components in the transmission, engine, CV joints and breaks. Poor gas mileage and shortened life from the product. I've been there before. Ford's claims of quality and standing behind their products Eh! Go buy a Honda, GM, Toyota, or if you can afford it Acura or Audi. "Ford is still doing business; “just like its 1999!" It’s been three weeks since a Ford rep promising would get back to me within 3 or 4 days. Haven’t heard a word since, nothing from the dealer eighther. Seems all those millions spent monthly to promote It's products and how they are so good keep bad press out of the public view. "Otherwise I would not have purchased this junk." Wish I had my Mustang back! "Wish I had gone to GM!"

#68 of 146 Re: jumping out of gear [escape8] by nvbanker

Aug 30, 2011 (4:20 pm)

Replying to: escape8 (Aug 28, 2011 8:27 pm)
Yes, it's 9 years old.

Messages Page 7 of 15

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement