Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 7% | 15,000 miles |
| 2021 | 14 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 2020 | 30 | 10% | 20,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% | 94,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 7% | 0 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 14% | 62,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 8% | 43,000 miles |
| 2009 | 15 | 10% | 73,000 miles |
| 2008 | 43 | 10% | 76,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 11% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 20 | 8% | 108,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
On 20 July 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape HEV caught fire in the engine compartment while parked. The vehicle is likely a total loss (insurance pending). On-site emergency personnel responded within minutes of the fire and the local fire department was on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. They cleared the incident (and d/c the 12V) within 32 minutes of arrival. Detroit Fire Department Incident: 202620101471. This vehicle was subject to Ford Safety Recall 23S27 and Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which address a manufacturing defect in the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. Under that recall, connecting rod bearing journals were not properly finished, causing premature bearing and engine failure that can release engine oil and fuel vapor into the under-hood area resulting in a fire. The recall remedy was completed on my vehicle, as were all customer satisfaction program campaigns. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No further information was available. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and erroneously accelerated into an intersection. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
On Saturday at approximately 8:25 p.m., my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL abruptly entered limp mode while traveling on a major highway. The vehicle's speed rapidly dropped from approximately 60-65mph to 20 mph in heavy, high-speed (many driving over 70mph)traffic. I immediately activated my hazard lights and exited the highway at the first opportunity, narrowly avoiding a serious fatal collision. Today, Crossroads Ford in Apex, North Carolina, informed me that the issue was caused by a faulty engine sensor. Given the severe safety hazard this created and the existing recalls associated with this vehicle model, I am requesting that this matter be fully addressed. I am currently being told that I will be required to pay for these repairs out of pocket, which I do not believe is appropriate for a critical safety failure. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the key fob would not unlock the door. The contact attempted to manually start the vehicle however, there was no electrical power and the engine was not cranking. The contact jump started the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connectors between the battery, the Power Train Control Module (PCM), and the battery needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the battery connectors were wet due to severe weather in the area prior to the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 76 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated without warning. The contact deactivated the cruise control feature and attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over safely, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the mechanic stated that the power module was possibly inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 19,500.
While driving eastbound on i70 through kansas, my 2011 Escape Hybrid lost power to the drive train. Without warning, the engine started racing as if it had shifted into neutral. While coasting, I put the car into neutral and then back to drive. It continued to be unresponsive to my stepping on the accelerator pedal. I coasted to a stop on the shoulder of the highway. I did not notice any indicator warning at the time, although in subsequent similar events, the stop safely hazard warning light came on. I turned the ignition off and restarted. The car showed no sign of any problem. I put the car in gear and drove on without further trouble. The dealer found no problem with the car and suggested that the problem was somehow a random occurrence that was unlikely to happen again. …
I bought my vehicle, used, a couple of years ago. I asked for the carfax and if there were any issues with the vehicle. The salesman let me glance at his screen and scrolled through to humor me and promised there were no issues. A few days ago while driving on the highway using cruise control, the cc kicked off and my car jerked. Since then, I have had trouble accelerating and controlling the speed of my car. A littel orange wrench came on. This morning as I was driving to work, the check engine light came on. I felt like I almost got into 3 accidents for lack of control of my car. I took it to the shop and they told me I shouldn't even be driving it because of the lack of speed control. Now I'm stuck paying hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands, for lack of proper disclosure and faulty manufacturing. …
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Power train › Driveline
On certain front wheel drive hybrid vehicles, the intermediate shaft May not have been properly heat treated and May fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the drivetrain intermediate shaft and replace it if necessary. The recall began on October 23, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape Hybrid years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (43), 2020 (30), 2006 (20), 2007 (15) and 2009 (15) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape Hybrid transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 25V-881 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Dec 18, 2025); 06V-382 (driveline, Oct 5, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Escape Hybrid transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (4 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.