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!
My 2009 ford escape will run ok for about 1 half hour ,then the i have transmiision problems.Hard shift ,step on gas and motor rives up and seems stuck ,or when you come to a stop you fill it a thud and when you want to go it moves slow and then finely picks up speed and at this point it still moves and motor rives up.So i let it sit for a few hours and it starts to drive again.wonder if it is dirty fluid or a solenoid,or transmission mudulator .If it was tranny going out it dont make cents that it gets better after sitting a few hours. suggestions?
I have a08 escape wont shift from 2nd to drive unless out let off the gas at about 25 miles per hour then shifts into drive and over drive runs fine other than that just started doing that no weird noises or anything! Suggestions?
2006 Ford Escape no reverse, clutch out? Rough cost? Estimate? Ball bark?
Changed ttransmissions on my 2008 ford escape fwd, 2.3 liter engine (cd4e trans.) Hooked everything up. Tried to drive vehicle. Vehicle would not turn
over with key, jumped vehicle over at starter. Vehicle would not move in any gear. Anyone know the answer to my problems?
Could be the neutral safety switch not being set right
2002 escape will drive in 1st and 2nd gear but just revs in D
Hydraulic circuit drain possible. Has car been sitting awhile? This is very typical problem. Should be a Ford recall!!
54000 miles total transmission breakdown; ford won’t fix; research shows rebuilt or new one will not last either
2013 escape transmission at 54,000 miles total breakdown
2006 2.3 fwd 208,003 mi
Engine stalls out when stopping at a red light, unless transmission is put into neutral. Some times the issue goes away. Only happens after driving at about 80mph for about 5 min.
tcc solenoid needs to be replace – you don’t need a transmittion
2015 Ford Escape 90000 miles transmission came dislodged after shifting into reverse. Was maintenanced 4 days prior.
113,100 miles, seems to rev kinda high before it shifts. 3.0 l by goes well on the highway
Transmission pump is broken in my 2008ford escape v6
2004 Ford escape automatic starts and runs ,shifts but doesn’t change gears
I have a crack in the. Transmission pump.
2008 escape won’t shift into overdrive
2014 Ford Escape 107000km total transmission failure
Same year, make, and model 97k miles same issue around Halloween…. what a lemon!
Same. 93k miles. All easy highway miles. 6th ford and my last.
I’m looking for a replacement transmission here in eastern iowa, for my 06 escape xlt with 3.0 duratec. What other vehicles are compatible so my search is better. Mine will not go in any gear now. Sometimes i get reverse for about 30 seconds then into drive for about 45 seconds. I heard some mercury’s or mazda tributes are interchangeable? HELP!!
Hey buddy, your problem sounds exactly like what I just experienced, and we have the EXACT same vehicle. I fixed mine myself, because luckily it ended up being something really simple. Drain your tranny fluid then put a gallon of mercon fluid in it. Then let your vehicle warm up and cycle gears slowly to cycle your fluid. Then check and if necessary add another quart of fluid, half quart at a time.
2013 escape…just started to balk when turning slow frontwards and backwards, then seems ok. Thought it was
a cv joint.
What is your year and what was your issue for the fix you used?
2009 Escape 4×4 6f35 tran 3.0 v6
Has been serviced religiously .
165,000 miles , never acted up till one day , put in reverse or any forward gear and it just holds its self in Place . Even under throttle .
Walk away sitting on a hill in gear and running and it will not roll of .
2015 Ford Escape. I had a bumper to bumper warranty up to 100 000 miles from the dealer. I took my car there for all oil changes as required. I kept mentioning poor gas mileage, but they said sometimes when AC is on, that can happen. All through the winter I kept going through gas. I thought maybe a caliper issue? No. My car hit 100,000. The car started having a little skipping issue right after that. I couldn’t get it to the dealer until it had hit 102000 (I am a real estate broker so I do pile on the miles). They diagnosed a bad transmission, and they said it would cost $5400. I am having a rebuild done at a transmission shop for $3,000. I feel screwed, but I need the car for work, and what else could I have done?
ma at 123000 km
2008 Ford Escape 145,000 miles on it. Out of nowhere a yellow wrench came on the dash. Then car hesitated shifting into fist gear. Took it to auto parts store that has computer and it says replace gear 2 and 4. Is it accurate is it a total transmission replacement
I also have a 08 154k miles same issue. Had a local shop put a remanufactured trans in. It’s the 2nd-4th gear band lug that broke.
$3400.00 out the door.
I have a 2007 or escort won’t shift into high gear I would like to know what problems can I how to solve this problem 3 old motor front wheel drive
I have a 2016 escape. Start the vehicle put it gear it works fine the it makes a whining sound and won’t move. Shut it off and it works again
That is exactly what mine is doing. Not sure what is wrong with it.
2002 3.0 escape not awd. 4×2. 1st engine replaced at 160k. Now at 189k miles the original transmission is “losing” reverse. Until engine revolution under throttle reaches about 1000rpm. Is when the trans clunks and engages. All symptoms are random intermittent and not hot or cold related. Some times happens hot, sometimes cold. 7miles driven in morning at 40deg.or colder to 15 miles afternoon 60 to 100degrees outside temps daily. Always has been strong smooth transmission engine combination for me. Many cross country highways miles. Towing 2k pound trailer. Hills. Offroad no problem. Sad to hear newer escape owners having so many troubles. Love my 2002. Have driven many later year ones and dont prefer past 2005. I am here now with transmission issues surfacing. Want to share. Symptoms include other than operating normally a noticeable surge forward at engine idle in selected neutral and park. Intermittent. The loss of 2nd to 3rd shift or delay sometimes on flat ground 35 to 45 mph at coast or up to 2200 engine rpm. O.d.on with overdrive off I avoid the loss in power or shift. I do drive smartly, not encouraging my car to slam into gear. But dont baby her either. Over 200hp from a v6 engine that weighs just over 300lbs. I keep just as much weight in the back. I love our escape. Powerful and nimble. The 3.0 has its quirks, learn those and fix them. Then you will love and want to swap a transmission also. I did say to myself however while swapping the engine, ” man to get it all right the engine is easier to swap than the transmission, I hope that dosnt go bad next its almost easier to pull the engine to get trans out. Well that’s not entirely true at this point. With a book it can be done. Ford dosnt make some parts you may need any longer. Axel shaft nuts and drive axle support bearing seals. They can be reused if inspected and installed to spec. Millions of these transmissions and engine combinations were built. Mine wasn’t a lemon at all. I plan to research the most cost efficient way to keep the older body style performing. Granted a plug change is an intake manifold removal and gasket kit. And its oil leaks have tricks to fix. And alternators until you’ve done it twice is not grand fun
. Now we learn this easy to disassembal transmission…and beyond.. if you swap yourself you have two tiers or three price range. A dealership may install a trans you buy that is a warranty remanufactured unit. If you buy a half life used original or low .mileage used you may not know what you get. Since o will install myself it’s a draw between a 400 dollar oem junkyard good, may live another 60k in my vehicle trans or a 1200 dollar outlast my engine 200k to 300k upgraded valve body shift kit added quality remanufactured unit. 189k on my trans is a good life and still drives it’s just beginning to show symptoms of badly damaged internal parts I’ve seen when this model finally fails and is taken apart to rebuild. In my eyes it really is a robust piece of hardware when maintained at regular intervals