2018 Ford Escape: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The car was driving completely fine, then when starting to go at a stoplight it had trouble shifting out of the first gear. At the next stop, it would not go uphill and began slowly rolling backwards as I am trying to move forward. This was in downtown [XXX] traffic with nowhere for me to pull over. It was very close to hitting the car behind me. I had to turn the car off to rest it for a few minutes and was finally able to slowly get up the hill to pull into a parking lot. I ended up getting it towed to a Ford dealership and they said it needed a whole new transmission put in. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · OR

At 56000 miles have had dealer replace transmission now dealer wants to replace the fuel pump even though the code reader says po0087 , a sensor this is the 2nd time this vehicle has had to be towed to the dealer. Now the dealer says he will just put the fuel pump back in not replacing it. Help !! They have had this vehicle to repair for approximatly 30 days

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine · ID

COMPONENTS FAILED & AVAILABILITY:Engine and transmission failed concurrently at 45,893 miles. Engine suffered internal coolant intrusion per Ford TSB 19-2139 . Transmission failed mechanically. Components are available for inspection. SAFETY RISK:Defects create severe roadway hazards. Transmission causes dangerous lack of acceleration on inclines and highway merging, risking rear-end collisions. Coolant intrusion causes severe shaking, rough running, and sudden stalling. Sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds heavily increases crash risks. CONFIRMATION & INSPECTION:An independent service center confirmed failures on August 4, 2026. Technician documented a cylinder misfire, active coolant leak, shaking on startup, and inability to accelerate uphill. Ford corporate customer service rejected all assistance and declined to physically inspect the car. WARNING LAMPS & PRIOR SYMPTOMS:Symptoms began with an illuminated check engine warning lamp, followed immediately by severe vehicle shaking and a violent shudder during engine startup just prior to the physical diagnosis.

Filed May 29, 2026 · SD

Safety issue involving a 2018 Ford Escape, Shortly after purchase, after approximately 80 miles of use, the vehicle displayed a “Service Transmission Now” warning, entered limp mode, and lost normal power/speed while on the interstate. This created a hazardous situation for me and my passenger because the vehicle could not operate normally in interstate traffic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed transmission failure requiring replacement and reported that the transmission fluid was black/burnt. The vehicle was later taken to the dealership’s shop after the selling dealer instructed me to bring it there. I understand that the transmission issue was also confirmed there. I am reporting this because the transmission failure and limp-mode event occurred almost immediately after purchase and created a roadway safety hazard. I am requesting that the federal safety agency log this complaint for defect/safety tracking and review.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

I have not even had this car for a year spent 10,000 on it it had less than 100,000 miles sounded great no noises or engine lights first it was the canister purge valve issue even tho I got the oil changed and everything wen I first got this car I have a work car so I literally bearly drive this car then the transmission went out less than a year into owning it it needs rotors In the front n mind u I paid cash so I can’t even complain to them can’t believe there are no recalls on this model im literally starting a facebook group about this car just to see how many ppl had this problem so far every person that had problems with this model transmission went out or both had my 2010 Kia for 12 years this car is a 2018 this is ridiculous

Filed May 19, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape with my wife and two toddlers in the vehicle when the car suddenly stopped moving in the middle of the road. The vehicle had to be towed and I was later charged over $4,800 for a transmission replacement. After the repair, I received Recall 22S43 from Ford regarding the transmission shifter cable bushing, which describes symptoms including the vehicle not moving or not engaging gears properly. The symptoms in the recall match exactly what happened to my vehicle. I am concerned this defect may have caused or contributed to a dangerous situation for my family and may have resulted in a costly misdiagnosis. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for safety concerns and potential consumer impact.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · OH

Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. The dealership confirmed a Technical Service Bulletin applies to my VIN. This defect can cause engine failure while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The engine shudders so bad I cannot drive the car. I have also had to replace the transmission a few years back. It became a safety hazard. I was driving it and it wouldn't get up to speed and it was stalling on the road with traffic. This vehicle has several know issues, the cost to upkeep and constantly replace things to maintain safety is unaffordable for anyone. Children and people ride in these cars. These cars are unsafe to be on the road for those in them and around them. I still owe money on mine and can't even drive it due to its safety hazards with the engine and the coolant intrusion. I do not have a repair invoice as I decided to not drop anymore money into this car. Its unfortunate I am still paying on the loan for it.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NJ

While driving on a highway the RPMS in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 MPH! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into park & tried to move it into a parking lot the car would not go into gear at all. The car was towed is currently at the Ford Dealer & they confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced. The only time the warning sign/light came up on the dashboard was AFTER I tried for the last time to move the car into a safe parking area. Per the Ford service this apparently is a known issue with ford & the 6F35 transmissions & they are on back order for 4-6 weeks and Ford will not give me a loaner car.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · UT

I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern, since there were no prior signs at all of this happening. The transmission failure was immediate. I purchased the car new, and I'm the only owner. I kept up well with maintenance, even doing the oil changes prior to the oil light coming on. I spoke to several Ford dealers, including the Ford dealer I purchased my car in 2018. He admitted that the transmission in this make and model needs often replacement. The miles on my car is approximately 116,000.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

Multiple failures occurred while driving with my kids in the car from what we can tell an electrical system failure of the parking brake motor as well as a transmission failure it is unknown at this time whether the parking brake motor failed causing stress on the transmission or the transmission fault led to the end Electric motor failure of the parking brake

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Had vehicle in shop for axle repair, as soon as I got home transmission went out when I was about to turn onto a main road with 2 kids in my car. My car felt like it was in neutral but it wasn’t. Barely got back to my parking spot. Seeing this is a common issue with my car and I think it should be covered under a recall

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Transmission · OH

On 10/17/2025, my transmission stop working properly after driving fine for 145,000 miles. This seems to be a common occurrence with this year and model for the Escape. The transmission is an automatic and stopped going in the drive gear on the highway. I was able to get the car off the road and have it towed to a mechanic where they verified that that I would need a new transmission.