Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled forward. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle would jump forward while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing was faulty. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jolted and then lost motive power. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she was informed by the manufacturer and the dealer that the recalls on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was 161,542.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control and wrench warning lights had displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 177,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Transmission axle was leaking 2020 and it was repaired two times that I paid for. It started leaking again a few months ago we took it in and discovered that it's a bearing or bushing which was a known issue for Ford escape and their suggesting rebuild or replace. That the leaking that we had the seal replaced couldn't stop the internal damage that it would still leak because the transmission is faulty and has a known issue with either bearings or bushings.
My power steering keeps going in and out while I am driving. If I turn off the car and then turn it back on it comes back on but it is happening very frequently and will go out again as soon as I start driving. I was told that there is a recall for this and want more information. It is not safe.
I was at a complete stop.bwhind a vehicle at a stop light. When I released the gas, my vehicle surged forward and hit the vehicle in front of me. Fron that day forward, my vehicle had frequently surged forward or reved up qhile at a complete stop. Now, my vehicle will shut off while I'm driving with no warning. The only light I see is the wrench light and that's only while the vehicle is rolling to a stop after shutting off.
My 2010 Ford Escape has been stalling!!! I have already got the throttle body update last week! That is not the fix. I have had issues with my car (the transmission was bad- recalled, the steering wheel locked up on me driving the highway at 70 MPH with my kid- recalled, the throttle body- fixed last week in the customer satisfaction update/recall) and yet it is still stalling. This is very dangerous and just an accident waiting to happen. This 5 year old car has been nothing but a death trap for me and my toddler. No one can tell me what is wrong with the stalling. I am taking it in yet again in hopes someone can tell me why my 5 year old car is shutting down on me. It shakes really hard like it's going to explode and then smells like gas before it shuts off. I have been beyond frustrated with this 2010 Escape and can't get rid of it because everyone knows all of my issues with it. …
While driving down the street, the vehicle suddenly seemed to stall. The 'wrench' light came on and the engine was still running but only moving at idle speed. Pressing the accelerator did nothing, the engine kept stayed at idle. I pulled over and then turned off the engine. The car restarted and the wrench light was off. I accelerated up to street speed (30-35 MPH) and the same thing happened again, the wrench light came on. I again pulled over, turned off the engine, and then restarted the car. This time the wrench light went off but the 'check engine' light came on and stayed on. I was able to drive the car where I needed to go by keeping it under 30 MPH. I did make it to a auto-parts store and they were able to hook up a diagnostic machine to give me the p2111 trouble code, throttle body stuck open. …
Purchased 2010 Ford Escape xlt in April 2015. (1) vehicle had sound coming from engine when accelerating. Issued fixed by dealer replacing belt tensioner but noise has since returned. (2) vehicle already had or developed constant vibration at idle when in drive and foot on break and gets worse with A/C on. Took to dealer 3 times who stated they replaced right engine mount and rear transmission mount but vibration continued after repairs. Service dept tech stating that there is a strong vibration but that they are unable to determine engine vibration but that vehicle is operational. Vibration is very strong and almost feels like engine wants to turn off at times. If transmission is put in neutral or park then vibration is gone and not noticeable while driving. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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…
Transmission complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 508 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Ford Escape, 25% of the model year's 2,070 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Ford Escape transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-222 (automatic transmission, May 24, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.