The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. Additionally, the transmission was unable to be shifted in reverse(R). An unknown warning light flashed briefly. The contact stated that after the transmission was shifted in reverse to reverse out of the driveway, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Ford Escape jerking problems
831 of the 27,594 owner complaints about the Ford Escape describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 831
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,200
- typical mileage
- 68,000
Is there a fix? There are 11 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 136Stalling 128Transmission failure 88Loss of power 88Hesitation 88Slipping 41Engine failure 33Misfire 31
Trouble codes mentioned
P2111 9P2112 7P0316 3P0301 3P2119 2P2702 1P2135 1P2099 1P1744 1P1450 1
What owners say
I am noticing an obvious lurching while accelerating at low speeds after being stopped. It also happens when slowing down. It is happening with and without adaptive cruise control engaged. This may cause someone to rear end me if my brake lights are not activated because I am not braking. Inversely it may cause me to rear end someone in front of me
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape I am experiencing a recurring drivability issue with my 2020 Ford Escape. During normal or light acceleration, primarily between approximately 1,000 and 2,000 RPM, the vehicle intermittently jerks, surges, or hesitates. At the same time, I can observe slight RPM fluctuation. The condition continues to occur even when the vehicle is driven in Sport mode. On some occasions, the vehicle has also accelerated suddenly and more aggressively than expected, making the vehicle’s response unpredictable. I have had situations where I nearly collided with another vehicle because of the unexpected acceleration. The vehicle has displayed diagnostic trouble code P0600 – Serial Communication Link. The ignition coils and spark plugs have already been replaced, but the condition remains unchanged. I am concerned because the hesitation, jerking, surging, and unexpected acceleration occur while the vehicle is being driven and could affect safe and predictable vehicle control in traffic. I have not yet received a final diagnosis confirming whether the cause is related to the transmission, torque converter, PCM/TCM, communication system, speed control system, or another component. I am reporting this issue so that the federal safety agency has a record of the condition in case other owners of 2020–2021 Ford Escape vehicles are experiencing similar drivability and unexpected acceleration problems.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle jerked significantly. The contact continued to drive the vehicle despite the failure, which intensified while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the transmission shifting from second to third gear, the vehicle was jerking, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle became inoperable when the engine temperature became overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.
Since about 80,000 miles my escape has been jerky when shifting in low gears and hesitates to accelerate or accelerates slow putting me and other drivers at risk. I have taken it to ford several times and each time they fixed something but not the problem. They replaced my rear differential, alternator, compressor and AWD module. Also they have done transmission fluid exchanges and updates on the software, however they never fixed the issue. I stressed everytime I took my car in that I was worried about my transmission and powertrain and everytime they did diagnostics I was told everything was great. They drove it as well.( it dont take much to reproduce the symptoms) All that happened over the past 2 years and the car is still shifting hard in low gears and hesitates to accelerate. Recently I had an incident where it seemed to go in to neutral while shifting between gears on acceleration and actually rolled backwards and the wrench light came on 😳. So I took it back. Now im told I need a new transmission and turbo boost at just over 100,000 miles for $13,098. The car isnt even worth that much. I've done some research and there are definitely alot of other escape/ford owners with same issues.
I was driving home on se stark to go to 60 uh then turn into burnside I was going 30 Mph per speed limit then all the sudden it jerked and slowed down very unsafe when the transmission just went slow and I had no warning or light never came on to say need transmission service. This was mind boggling then I had it towed to the shop and apparently I need a whole replacement for transmission and I’m at 165 k I do maintance and everything .. I know there was a recall abt the power train in 2022 however but I don’t know if it still active bec I am the second owner of this car
Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: internal: park pawl
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The Secondary On Board Diagnostic Module C (SOBDMC) software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 15, 2026. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 25V863.
Recall number 26V301000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V‑330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.
Recall number 25V133000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Recall number 24V330000 · Recall details
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
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. 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 shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
Recall number 22V254000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
- Risk
- If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Recall number 21V011000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- Risk
- Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Recall number 20V550000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Recall number 18V471000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
- Risk
- If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Recall number 15V606000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, milan, and escape vehicles manufactured from february 27, through march 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention".
- Risk
- A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 28, 2010. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332 and for the hearing impaired call 1‑800‑232‑5952 (tdd). Representatives are available monday through friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Recall number 10V222000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Escape jerking
Which Ford Escape years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (103 complaints), 2017 (89 complaints) and 2009 (73 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Ford Escape?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 98 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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