The Ford Escape is a small crossover SUV that was first offered for sale in 2001. Through 3 generations, 2001-present, Ford has used 4 different transmissions, including a manual option that was available from 2001-2004. The leading option for the first generation (2001-2008) was the 4 speed CD4E. Developed in conjunction with Mazda, it was used in the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner as well. The two manufacturers also produced another 4 speed transmission, GF4A-EL, that Ford put in the Escape from 2007-2012. In 2009 Ford added a 6 speed option, the 6F35, and a proven powertrain option that was also used in the larger Ford Edge. Ford did recall some 2001-2008 transmissions but it was only on vehicle that had a factory rebuilt unit installed.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Escape Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
These are the most current prices for a remanufactured replacement Ford Escape transmission.
Replacement CD4E Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| CD4E | 1947 |
Replacement 6F35 Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 6F50 / 6F35 | 2480 |
Ford Escape Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0703 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0707 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0708 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0718 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0752 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0756 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0757 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0761 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0762 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0763 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0766 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0767 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Stuck On |
| P0768 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Electrical |
| P0770 | Shift Solenoid 'E' |
| P0771 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0772 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Stuck On |
| P0773 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Electrical |
| P0774 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Intermittent |
| P0777 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Stuck On |
| P0778 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0817 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Reverse with Drive Ratio |
| P0817 | Starter Disable Circuit |
| P0840 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A |
| P0960 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open |
| P0961 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0962 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0963 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P0979 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Low |
| P0980 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit High |
| P0982 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low |
| P0983 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High |
| P0985 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low |
| P0986 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High |
Ford Escape Transmission Recalls
Recall ID 15V606000 / 15S28 – Shift lever may disengage from transmission – CD4E transmission
– Summary
The Ford Motor Company recalled 2001 – 2008 Ford Escape and 2001 – 2008 Mercury Mariner models that have been fitted with a remanufactured CD4E transmission that was built between June 11, 2015 – July 15, 2015. These warranty replacement transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may have not been properly tightened.
– Consequence
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, the driver may not be able to control the gear that the transmission is in. This could lead to the driver thinking that they are placing the vehicle in Park, when it isn’t. Should this happen, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing injury and property damage.
– Solution
This recall was issued in October 2015, and Ford dealers were instructed to either tighten the manual shift lever bolt, or replace the shift lever assembly. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236
Ford Escape Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs
2016 Ford Escape TSB 388560
From 2013-2016 models, Ford had a problem with loss of proper hydraulic pressure in the transmission if the vehicle went long periods of time without being started or driven. The 2016 Escape could experience a shift hesitation from 2nd to 3rd gear due to hydraulic circuit drain
2009 Ford Escape TSB 378464
Some 2009-2014 Escapes built before Oct. 14/2013 and are equipped with the 6F35 transmission may leak transmission fluid from the left side axle seal. This is caused by excessive wear on the axle (half shaft) seal and case bushing.
2013 Ford Escape TSB 373466
If you find a fluid at the bottom of the transmission housing and it is sticky and honey colored, it likely came about from the assembly process. It may be grease that was applied to the torque converter hub or a rust inhibitor used on the flex plate during manufacturing.
TSB 07-5-6 – Engine stalling on the gear engagement and stopping – CD4E Transmission
2005 – 2008 Ford Escape – 2005 – 2008 Mercury Mariner
Problem – Some vehicles may experience engine stalling when coming to a stop, or shifting into Drive or Reverse. This transmission problem can be caused by internal wear to the torque converter which prevents it from unlocking.
Solution – Install remanufactured CD4E torque converter.
TSB 12-4-8 – Loss of 2nd and 4th gears – CD4E transmission
2007 – 2008 Ford Escape – 2007 – 2008 Mercury Mariner
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a sudden loss of 2nd and 4th gears. This applies to both four-cylinder and V6 models, with or without AWD.
Solution – Install new intermediate and overdrive bands.
Can I drive with a Ford Escape transmission problem?
If your Ford Escape can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford Escape transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Escape transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Escape transmission last for between 80,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford Escape transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Escape transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford Escape transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Escape transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Ford Escape transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Escape transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Escape Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Escape Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Escape Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Escape Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Escape Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I have a 2013 Escape the 1st transmission went out at 61,000 miles, luckily I had the extended warranty. The dealership installed it & it wasn’t working right so the warranty company had to ship a 2nd & got it installed. They had my car for over a month. When I got it back on the way home from the dealership the whole axle thing came off because they didn’t put a bolt in it. Then a motor at 118,000 miles. Now the new motor has about 10,000 miles & the transmission is messed up again. This time there was no warning just driving on the highway & lost speed so got off the road & it starts, runs, with some engine revs & grinding noises when in gear but it will just roll backwards. In park it even rolls, I have to keep the emergency brake set. Any ideals about what could be wrong with the transmission this time? It has fluid & the band thing is still attached so not sure if its completely out or its something eles. My cousin said something about a gear or something with teeth. He said the teeth get broke off & it will not hold a gear. HELP PLEASE!!!!
2013 escape sel 4×2 had slow shift from 1-2 and sometimes would hesitate to go when taking off. dealer rebuilt to factory setting and said it takes 50 miles to learn how i drive and it will smooth out. I went 600 this past weekend 2 days after i got it back and it seems worse. More prominent when it is cold and also has harder shift in last gear. 65500 miles
Hi i have 2006 ford escape with a V6 with 179,000miles . it started having problems with shifting gears . RPMs from first to 3rd is about a 4. The O/D light blimks off and on so dont know if overdrive wirks. Had two mechanics look at ut and and bith said it needed to be replace and that on the computer dhows 3 misfires. I have already spendt close tp $3000 repairs since i brought this car used off of dealership. I dont know if its work spending more money on it. That i do not have !! Need advise if i should get rid of it now because all ive done is put money it (parents paid) or fix it
FYI
Recommend you go to a reputable Transmission repair shop instead of Dealer. Get recommendations from friends and family first.
My transmission repairman has discovered that replacing the narrow bushing with a wider bushing has solved many of the repairs he has had on Ford Vehicles.
Bushing has been replaced and also damaged axle replaced.
Cost under $550.00.
Repair in one day.
My vehicle is a 2011 Ford Escape with only 65,900 original miles.
Mi escape golpea reversa ,3ra y 5ta no da codigos de falla e internamente todo bien
tengo una escape motor 2.3 2009 al poner palanca en reversa golpea , tambien al hacer 3ra y 5ta
I have a 2008 Escape XLT with the 2.3L 4cyl engine. Will a later model transmission work in my vehicle? There seems to be better performance with later model transmissions.
I have a 2001 Escape XLT with 216,000 miles. The transmission died on me. I lost drive and I am sure much was to follow. We ordered a remanufactured transmission. I am given a 3 yr or 100,000 mile warranty. I ordered it because we have had so little trouble with the vehicle. I am hoping it will go to 300,000 miles. Labor and costs add up to 4,687.55. I understand some of the later model Escapes have not done so well. Some would say buy a new car but this one is paid for and still in great condition.
My 2005 escape fwd with 240000 miles. I frequently heavy load and pull a trailer, (antique dealer that sells at small shows). The transmission clicks when shifting the car in drive or reverse. Can be heard and felt when driving while power up or down. It sounds as if the axels have a lot of slop. If you jack the car off the ground, you can turn the tires back and forth several inches while hearing the slop click back and forth. The car drives great. I’m afraid the “slop”is an indication the transmission is about to fail.
HELLO I HAVE A 2008 EXCAPE 2WD, NO FORWARD OR REVERSE MOVEMENT BUT THE SPEEDO READS 10 MPH WHEN IN A GEAR. HAPPENED SUDDENLY, BOTH AXLES ARE GOOD NO LEAKS OR CODES.ITS MY MOMS , SHE SAYS SHE HEARD A BANG THEN NO MOVEMENT.IT WILL ROOL IN PARK.INTERNAL?
I have 2013 ford escape and when i put the reverse, this dont work well
2008 Ford Escape 2.3L, 4 cyl Non Hybrid, AWD developed shifting problems between 2nd and 4th gear. Only 63K miles on this vehicle and it was serviced by the dealer around 45K by changing out transmission fluid.
Same here! 2008 XLT that has popped codes for gears 2 and 4 out of ratio and the ABS and Traction Control Lights are on and will also lose power while take a hard left (all problems developed at the same time). Was told best solution was to replace transmission
My 2013 ford escape is at around 175k, and tends to change gear when it doesn’t need to, and will Rev up when I’m trying to brake or while going slow.
I have the same problem. Good thing i got off the freeway as there is a heavy traffic and didn’t know why. I thought I aM going to be stuck in the middle of the free way.
My 2007 Ford Escape (6V?) stopped functioning between ordering and picking up a to go order at a drive through. First no gears worked. Then the emission control light went on permanently. Then the electrical went out. Almost new battery. Jumped twice, lasted less than 12 hours each. Worst time this could happen. Between 100,000 and 150,000 miles on it. So angry I’m not sure what to do but junk it. Apparently this is an ongoing model defect for Ford. First time in half a century I bought American. Paid for used, in full, in full, of course. Almost new tires. Love the body style, easy to enter for disabled elderly woman. Help!
My 2015 Ford Escape has 75,000 miles and it shut down or reverted to neutral. Had it towed to ford dealer and was told it was the transmission to diagnose the problem they needed to take engine out which would cost about $3100.00 just to find out what was wrong… is this normal way to diagnose?
Patty they can decide what’s wrong by the OBD codes, basicly plugging your car into a computer . If there is service work need they simply lift the car and can access the transmission. This is yet another case of the dealer trying to charge outrageous fees for repairs.
I have a 2008 ford escape that is stalling in idle or stopping , just had it in to mechanic, new alternator, did not fix the problem, do not want to keep throwing money into it for what may be wrong, no codes came up when put on machine, if it was torque converter wouldn’t that show?
i have 06 escape i drive not far when motor gets hot it STARTS to rev and not move
until it cools down
same problem
I have a 2013 Ford Escape I was planning to give to my daughter but now the transmission is shifting hard. It does seem like torque converter at this time . Should I fix or trade.
I have a 2013 Ford escape that I’ve had for two years 67,000 miles in my transmission just went out and nobody will help me Ford want it shouldn’t be going out at this time
It has 77,000 miles on it. But been having the problem for paver a year and it getting worse. I will be driving down a straight stretch of road and it will down shit bad and will really whine out bad before shifting back into gear.
I have a 2013 Ford Escape 40237 miles and the transmission went out it jerks hard when put in drive. It’s only 5 yrs old and I’m still paying on it. The transmission shouldn’t go out on a car that’s only 5 yrs old and low miles. Ford you build a lemon and I fill taken advantaged off. You should offer some kind of reimbursement to help pay for this.
This is just happened to me too, it so sucks still paying on it and the transmission is shot low miles will never never ever buy a ford
Same here! I have a 2014 and it is in the shop now and I have to have the transmission rebuilt. Still paying on my car and now have to pay for this too!. It seems like there are way to many of us with the same problem.
Me too, ugh, seems off. Are you getting new or rebuilt? Wondering how much?
How much the rebuilt cost. I have ford escape 2016 and it’s transmission is damaged now.
Mine (2014 escape) gave me the Transmission Fault Service Needed, Waiting to find out what is wrong Today, only 76,500 miles
Just notified it will cost 5,100 to replace.
Found out today my transmission will cost 5100 to replace, a used one with no warrenty will cost 4600.
Im in bay city Michigan
Hopefully your cost will be lower
who fixed your? i am not far from you
Me too, 66,000 miles. I just got a quote from the dealer for $4,800 plus tax for a ford rebuilt. 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.
2015 escape 1.6 4×4 71000 miles trans failed bought it 7 months ago cpo at 58000 waiting to here if the warranty is gonna cover it
I have a 2013 Escape the 1st transmission went out at 61,000 miles, luckily I had the extended warranty. The dealership installed it & it wasn’t working right so the warranty company had to ship a 2nd & got it installed. They had my car for over a month. When I got it back on the way home from the dealership the whole axle thing came off because they didn’t put a bolt in it. Then a motor at 118,000 miles. Now the new motor has about 10,000 miles & the transmission is messed up again.