2022 Ford Escape: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle available for inspection.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Fuel system · 77,600 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally and nearly stalled. The RPM fluctuated, indicating a failure with the fuel system. The dealer was contacted in December 2025, but was unable to schedule an appointment for the recall repair because the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,600.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the transmission experienced hard shifts and hesitated while shifting into the intended gear. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated while the RPMs became elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while shifting into the intended gear and lost motive power. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road until the power train warning light turned off. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure recurred, causing the contact to pull over to the side of the road several times. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle later, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the transmission was slipping and might need to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. Several unknown dealers were contacted and provided estimates for the transmission replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 20,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated and was sluggish before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.