2016 Ford Escape: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · MD

The vehicle experienced multiple critical system failures within one week of purchase: Transmission failure (slipping, delayed shifting, and stalling during acceleration) Braking system malfunction (brakes jump or pulse when pressed, inconsistent stopping) Fluid leakage inside the cabin near the gas and brake pedals (believed to be either brake fluid or transmission fluid) The vehicle is currently undrivable and can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became a severe safety hazard while I was operating it with my infant child in the car. The brakes were unresponsive and unpredictable, creating near-miss situations when trying to stop. The transmission failure caused stalling at intersections and hesitation when accelerating, putting me at risk of being rear-ended. The fluid leak near the pedals presents a possible fire hazard or the risk of further brake failure. I feared for my life and my child’s safety. The problem has not been confirmed by a mechanic yet because the dealership, Platinum Auto Sales in Arlington, VA, refused to take the vehicle back or inspect it after I reported the issues. I was dismissed when I returned to report the failures. I am currently seeking an independent inspection, but I want this formally documented as an urgent safety matter. I am in the process of filing reports with the Federal Trade Commission, state consumer protection, and local police regarding fraud and sale of a dangerous vehicle. I can make the vehicle available for inspection by the federal safety agency or a certified safety inspector. There were no warning lights or error messages at the time of purchase. The problems appeared within 24–48 hours of driving the vehicle: Difficulty shifting and hesitation when accelerating began almost immediately Brake issues and pedal fluid leakage appeared by Day 3 By Day 5, the vehicle became unsafe to drive altogether

Filed Jul 13, 2024 · Transmission · KY

I recently purchased a 2016 Ford Escape with a 6f35 transmission in it. I have been experiencing hard shifts out of the transmission. This is a current on going problem with many users of this vehicle with this transmission. The valve body fails causing the harsh shifts, soft shifts, and shift flares which leads to catastrophic failure. Please issue a recall of this as it’s a defect in the development of this transmission.

Filed May 3, 2024 · Transmission · MN

I have 2 ford escapes a 2015 and a 2016 (2016 referenced in this complaint) both have experienced catastrophic transmission failure within weeks of each other. The transmission would slip and hard shift, eventually disable completely and would indicate the transmission needed to be serviced.

Filed Mar 29, 2023 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive the vehicle, the transmission would hard shift, and the vehicle would hesitate while accelerating. The transmission fault warning message was display on the instrument panel. While driving approximately 70-75 mph, the transmission failed causing the contact to have to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited for a while and restarted the vehicle to see if the transmission would operate correctly. The contact stated that the transmission was shifted into reverse however, the vehicle drove forward instead; and while shifted to drive, the vehicle reversed instead. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who acknowledged that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was told that the transmission was not covered under warranty due to the warranty mileage being exceeded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2022 · Transmission · IA

We have maintained this vehicle per manufacturer instructions including flushing the transmission system. While on vacation 2 states away a transmission fault light came on. There were no indications like hard shifting or the transmission slipping. It Said to hit the OK button so we did. Then the indicator went away. It came right back on and then the engine fault light came on. The car shuddered and then the transmission quit. I have never had a car do this before. This is an expensive fix for a car that has been properly maintained and had only 111,000 miles on it.

Filed Jun 3, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · CO

We bought a 2016 Ford Escape on 25 June 2021, from Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, CO. for approx. $21,000. Mileage was 62,783k. In Aug and Sept 2021, we brought the car back to Phil Long and told them there was a transmission issue that intermittently occurred on highway speeds. When passing there was an extremely rough shift that felt like a car ran into the back of us. This created a safety issue when driving. Phil Long reluctantly test drove the car and said they couldn’t do anything as they didn’t experience the extremely rough shift. This rough shift continued to happen about once every couple of weeks. We brought the car to Transmission Clinic in CO Springs and they confirmed that we needed a new transmission. On 02 June 2022, we paid $4,992 and got the transmission replaced. Transmission Clinic stated they are seeing many issues with Ford transmissions on Ford cars with low mileage. I contend that Phil Long Ford knew this info and should have been willing to help us in Aug/ Sept 2021. I am requesting that Phil Long Ford reimburse us in full or part for the cost of this recent transmission replacement. I believe Ford Motor Company should issue a recall for these poor transmissions.

Filed Apr 22, 2022 · Transmission · AR

I had no warning signs nor lights on dashboard; pulled to a stop and went to leave and put it in drive and heard a major clunking noise inwhich I thought I hit a rock, the car would not go in any of the gears. If I had been driving while the transmission went out or dropped I could have caused an accident or even worse killed someone or myself. The car is being towed to dealership now. I just spent $1100 replacing arms and outer tie rods ends yesterday at the dealership. I am extremely upset and I know there are over 350 complaints about the 2016 Ford escape transmission problems!

Filed Feb 15, 2021 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · VA

When driving on highway, escape lost ability to accelerate or stay above 1000 RPM. Pulled off road, turned vehicle off, and restarted vehicle, tried to drive it, heard a "clunk" noise and smelled something burning. Vehicle could move and change gears, but not accelerate to drive, turned vehicle off and had it towed to mechanic. Mechanic diagnosed it as a transmission issue. Vehicle is currently in the shop for a more thorough diagnosis and possible repair. Vehicle had 104,000 miles on it at the time of incident.

Filed Jun 9, 2020 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · IN

When shifting into reverse the vehicle often shudders or clunks.

Filed Apr 23, 2020 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · WV

Drove the car 90 miles to the hospital without any problems or no signs that anything was going wrong. After the hospital visit was over, and we started to leave the hospital, the vehicle stopped moving forward while still accelerating. The engine fault failure warning appeared along with the engine light. I stopped the car. Shut if off and back on again. The car proceeded to move forward but then quickly lost the driving power again. It would not move forward on acceleration. When placing the vehicle in gear to move it would make a clunking noise like it was having issues pulling into gear. We ended up stranded at the traffic light in the heavy intersection outside of the hospital. No.accidents happened. I was able to avoid it and had the vehicle towed to nearest ford garage.

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Suspension · 74,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford escape. The contact stated that there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left, the vehicle drifted right making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The contact took the vehicle to the tom masano ford lincoln located at (1600 lancaster ave, reading pa 19607) who confirmed the oil leak and that the right rear shock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · PA

I've owned the car for a little over 3 years. The other day I was at a stop sign and when I went to accelerate my car would move. The RPM went up but no movement. Finally in slammed into gear so I could move and park. Up until this day I had no issues that would make me suspect that my transmission was going bad. So I had it towed to the dealership and was told that I definitely needed a new transmission. When my husband spoke to the man he asked if it was common in that vehicle for the transmission not to last. The man told him yes that it is a faulty design on fords part and that they actually have another one at there shop for the same.problem. I am by no means hard in my vehicle and I dont feel that transmission problems should be something to worry about in a vehicle that is 3 years old.