2016 Ford Escape: transmission slipping

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Transmission · GA

2016 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles developed transmission fault codes P0741 and P1744, indicating torque converter clutch failure. A transmission fault alert appeared on the dashboard with erratic shifting and slipping while driving, creating an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle was taken to a Ford-certified dealer in Athens, GA, and service charges were paid. Dealer stated no transmission fault was found and confirmed other eligible recalls had been fixed. The dealer became unresponsive to multiple follow-up calls after collecting payment. Codes P0741 and P1744 were subsequently confirmed at an independent service center. Ford issued TSB 19-2100 acknowledging this exact issue on 2013-2015 Escape vehicles with the same 1.6L EcoBoost engine. The same manufacturing defect is present on 2016 model vehicles. Ford Customer Relationship Center was contacted and refused any assistance or goodwill repair coverage. A Ford-certified dealer collected payment, failed to diagnose a known transmission defect, and then became unresponsive. Transmission failure at 50,000 miles on a properly maintained vehicle is a manufacturing quality control failure. Component is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Transmission · CT

The transmission failed at 88,000 miles with no warning. The transmission started whining, and suddenly started slipping, and ultimately gave out, leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. After contacting a transmission specialist, I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, and they had seen multiple of the same model for the same issue, saying it was a manufacturer defect. I had to spend 6,000 dollars to have the transmission rebuilt. The check engine light came on after the transmission had completely failed.

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 May 30, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 54,500 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while shifting gear and the vehicle jerked abnormally. In addition, the contact noticed a grinding sound and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure began shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was provided an option to trade the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over camera system displayed a black screen and became disabled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic regarding the back over camera system failure and the vehicle was diagnosed with an electrical systems failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,500.

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · 70,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the RPM increased, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and pushed out of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the third gear had an incorrect ratio. The fluid condition was filled with material, and an overhaul of the transmission was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 114,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering and chugging significantly. Additionally, the transmission was slipping between gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward. The contact also stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond while the engine was revving. The contact stated that he continuously depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

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 Apr 10, 2024 · Transmission · TX

The car started revving without any warning lights while I was on the highway 635 which caused the car to suddenly lose speed and despite every effort I put into getting it to move putting my life and that of other road users at risk. The car would revv jerk forward and then decline in speed. The "Transmission Fault" warning indicators only came on much later. This led me to conduct research and discover that a lot of other drivers have had the same issue with the same car model. I took it to TownEast Ford and they confirmed the transmission was slipping. I have since taken it to two independent repair companies who ran diagnostic tests on it and confirmed that the transmission was completely faulty. A general search on google has shown to me that this is a very common issue with the 2016 Ford Escape costing users an unbelievable amount of money in repair costs.

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Transmission · 120,222 miles · IL

Driving the car with no signs at all, car instantly drops rpm’s and won’t accelerate at a busy intersection. Warning for transmission faulty or engine issues did not come on at all. Car was driving normal and then stopped as clutch started slipping. Confirmed with dealership that transmission is out. The car stopped in traffic.

Filed Oct 27, 2023 · Transmission · VA

Randomly on10/26/23 my car started shaking while in the drive mode at a stop light. When I took off from the light the car stalled. This continued to happen all the way to my job. When I realized it would not shake when it was in neutral at a stop I would just do that. The stalls would continue. Next after one of the shake a wrench light came on saying "Engine Fault service now" I got to my destination. At lunch I went to take my car to Bobby and Erick at W.B Motors in Fairfax VA for a diagnostic thinking maybe a coil issue. I also noticed the wrench light was gone. No further lights ever came on. The evaluation from the shop was: "No codes or pending codes stored in the engine or transmission. The misfire counter shows zero misfires. Found engine idles very rough in gear. The actual slip RPMS under transmission data is less than 500 while desired is around 1000rpms. We believe the torque converter clutch may be sticking" They referred me to High Tech Transmissions. I called and spoke to a Gary before driving there. They could not get me in. Gary spoke to Bobby about the issue. I got back on the phone with Gary. He explained that I would have to leave the car. My only car had to get home. Here is where my complaint is. Gary said that he had 4 other ESCAPES IN his SHOP with the SAME issue. Being a female I didn't get into did he figure those out. I was so upset about mine. BUT 4 others. So I dropped it off at a ford dealer near my home for further diagnostic. That manager told me he has an ESCAPE with the same issue. I am guessing this isn't just an isolated problem. I will know more today on the exact issue. I feel this should be looked into. Was just confirmed I need a torque converter , valve body and solenoid.

Filed Jan 6, 2023 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle stalled and lost motive power with the transmission fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced after retrieving 8 transmission failure codes. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2022 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the transmission started slipping. The contact coasted the vehicle to a flat surface where the failure was self-corrected temporarily; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact coasted the vehicle to a safe area where the transmission completely failed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed due to metal shavings in the transmission filter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.