Transmission failed, Car would only move at high rpms, created a dangerous driving situation Known issue with Ford and the 6F35 transmission
2019 Ford Escape: complete transmission failure
25 of the 604 complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 25
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 117,000
- recalls
- 1
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
My Ford Escape powertrain went out when I was driving in town, it went from driving fine to not getting out of 1st gear. No warning prior got it towed to my mechanic and he did a diagnostic and it is indeed the transmission. This was extremely dangerous since I was close to being rearended because of the sudden failure. I still didnt get the transmission failure message on the screen until we went to load it up on the wrecker. This is a widely known transmission failure that has plagued this vehicle for years yet it was still sold to me. Ford knows about it and does nothing and it not recalled, unbelievable. Now my only vehicle is down, I cannot get to work and cannot afford thousands for a new transmission and labor. I am still paying on this car.
For a few days before the transmission went out, it was kinda spitting and shuddering, then the 4th day the transmission would not shift into gear and go. It would rev the engine all the way up and bark the tires even with my foot not on the gas or brake. It started jerking and just would not go. It would not accelerate at all.
2019 FORD ESCAPE //// Mileage 103,457//6F35 transmission First towed on May 24, 2026 - Vehicle is still at Empire Ford Service in Huntington, NY First Ford replaced Shifter Cable Bushing Rollaway (2013-2019 Models) as per the recall. They said all is fixed no charge since it was the recall. I had the SUV for only one day from the recall repair and it broke down on the highway and would not stay running when put into gear. Now after keeping my car for about a week the service person said they were finally able to replicate the issue and pull up a fault code that points the issue to the valve body inside the transmission. He said at a minimum it will cost $2,800 plus tax unless they find more damage when they open up the transmission. The cost can/will possibly be more. I explained I am Disabled and on a fixed income and can't afford a large bill as I don't have that kind of money available to me. I asked about a payment plan and was sent to an online company called Sunlit to fill out the approval paperwork. I was approved for $4,200 dollars for repairs with $1,260 due at checkout and a 18 month $197.53 payment. At 24.99% APR, $615.52 Interest which puts the repayment amount at $4,815,52 (Screenshot available). All this without even knowing what the cost of the repair is yet. I continue to read that Ford knew that the 6F35 transmission has known issues but they did not inform the consumers. They charged me $2,988.11 for the valve body repair which I paid when I picked up the escape on June 18, 2026. I drove the escape 8 miles from Empire Ford Service and it broke down again. I got in touch with Joshua Gorman in service whom I have been working with directly. After explaining to him I called Ford towing from my Ford App and I was towed back to Ford service and was informed on June 26, 2026 that they were able to look into the vehicle and it now needs a new transmission which will cost me $8,500. It would put the repair cost at $11,488.11. I really could use some help
2019 Ford Escape with a documented history of powertrain failures. White smoke on cold start and engine stalling began around 48,000 miles; the dealer noted this engine is known for coolant intrusion. At about 62,000 miles the engine short block was replaced under Ford Field Service Action 21N12 / TSB 22-2322. Smoke, shaking, and stalling continued, and the engine intermittently cuts out when shifting into reverse and must be restarted. At about 87,000 miles the transmission failed and the full transmission assembly was replaced (work order Jan 2026, vehicle returned end of March 2026). The owner repeatedly told the Ford dealer the vehicle felt unsafe. On [XXX] the owner reported renewed exhaust smoke, an illuminated engine light, and a clicking sound at startup and asked to bring it in; instead of inspecting it, the dealer advised taking the vehicle straight to CarMax. About 9 days later, on [XXX], while driving in Los Angeles about 60 miles from home with young children aboard, the transmission would not stay in gear and the engine warning lights began blinking. The owner called the Ford dealership for guidance but no one could advise and the service desk would not answer. After consulting a mechanic, the family agreed it was unsafe to keep driving given the noises and pulled over in Anaheim, about 30 miles from home, at a mechanic shop to read the codes. A paid tow (~$600) was required. Loss of gear engagement and stalling in traffic with children aboard is a serious crash and stranding hazard. The scan returned codes P0012 and P0014 (camshaft timing, stored as permanent), P0300 (random/multiple misfire), and P0301, P0302, P0304 (cylinder misfires); the dash showed "Auto Start/Stop not ready - Stall Alert - Restart Engine." The defect has been reproduced and confirmed repeatedly by the Ford dealer, which performed the engine and transmission replacements. A repurchase request was denied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly lunged forward while shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the contact received a power train malfunction notification through the Mobile App. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start but was started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to Loganville Ford (3460 US-78, Loganville, GA 30052); where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam seals, the crankshaft sensor and harness, and the timing components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced in 2021, and the fuel pump was replaced in 2023 due to the stalling failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,117.
Transmission failed. Since the transmission failed, I was stuck at an intersection and could not move forward for several moments. The transmission was inspected and repaired by Aamco transmission services. There were no warnings. The car had been driven only 38,633 miles. Ford will not reimburse for the repairs, but is aware the repairs were completed.
I am reporting a serious transmission failure in my 2019 Ford Escape SEL with only 86,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting signs of transmission malfunction, including whining noises and delayed acceleration. Upon inspection, the mechanic found metal shavings in the transmission fluid and reported that the front pump had completely failed. This issue aligns with the widespread problems detailed in the [XXX] et al. v. Ford Motor Company class action lawsuit concerning premature transmission failures in Ford vehicles. The estimated cost to repair my vehicle is nearly $8,700, which is unreasonable for a vehicle with such relatively low mileage. I am concerned about the safety implications of this failure, especially if the vehicle had lost power while driving. I believe this issue is part of a broader, known defect and should be investigated further. I have documentation to support my case and am happy to provide repair estimates or service records upon request. I reside in Virginia and would like this complaint to be recorded as part of your investigation into transmission-related issues on 2019 Ford Escapes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission issue, transmission failure
The contact owns a 2019 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 drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently started reversing. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge...
- Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way...
- Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge...
- Bump or clunk from the rear drive unit (RDU) when turning at low speeds and parking lot maneuvers
- Coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores
- 2016-2019
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018,...
- Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with...
Related recalls
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2019 Ford Escape transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?
25 of 604 owner complaints about the 2019 Ford Escape (4%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Ford Escape?
There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2019 Ford Escape
Check engine light 185Engine failure 138Overheating 131Misfire 88Stalling 37Fire or smoke 35Loss of power 22Hesitation 19Jerking 19Shudder 18Headlights 11Slipping 11Fuel pump 8No deployment 7Knocking 7Won't shift 7Adaptive cruise 6Tire blowout 6Won't start 6Backup camera 5Start-stop 5
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