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CarComplaints.com Notes: With solid trends of engine failure — $4,500 to fix at 85,000 miles avg — AND transmission failure — $3,000 to fix at 75,000 miles avg — we can't recommend the 2006 Ford Escape to anyone except your worst enemy.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,110
Average Mileage:
84,650 miles
Total Complaints:
86 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. have to replace transmission (45 reports)
  2. replace transmission (28 reports)
  3. rebuilt transmission (5 reports)
  4. not sure (4 reports)
  5. shove it up Ford's @$$ (2 reports)
  6. fix the 2/4 band (1 reports)
2006 Ford Escape transmission problems

transmission problem

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2006 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #46

Nov 012012

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2006 Ford Escape V6 XLT have always maintained service and replaced fluids and filters. Was surprised to learn then with just 85k miles was having problems after it was started and warmed up would not shift into reverse gear. Drive gear not a problem, reverse only. Took to Ford dealer in Melbourne FL, Kelly Ford, mechanic said he needed 6 hours and $600 just to tear down transmission to find out what the problem is then he wanted additional money to replace the entire transmission. After seeing all the posts on this board about the same problem I'm surprised Ford won't acknowledge problems with this make/model about transmission problems. Instead, dealers are taking $3,000 for repairs for something that is fundamentally a design flaw. This is the last American car I will ever buy.

- Robert L., Melbourne Beach, FL, US

problem #45

Feb 082013

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I have been a Ford owner for 40 years and my 2006 escape will be the LAST after dealing with a trans. replacement.

- Don B., Freedom, PA, US

problem #44

Jun 072013

Escape 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,110 miles

Bought this 2006 Ford Escape used in 2008 from a very reputable dealer. We have taken perfect care of this car and had everything done that was suggested. Always had it serviced at a Ford Dealership. Last week, without any previous warning, the transmission went out. The Ford service dept. said the transmission was gone and it would cost more to rebuild it than to replace it. I know 100,000 miles is not low mileage but REALLY???????? Ford, is that the best you can do? For the record, I also owned a 2005 Mazda Tribute and had a major fail of computer around 86,000 miles and was never able to get it to work properly after. The Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are the same car with different names. SHAME on FORD and MAZDA. See my COMMENTS about what the MAZDA CORP REP told me on my MAZDA REPORT on this website. sgp2525

- sgp2525, Reidsville, NC, US

problem #43

May 282013

Escape 3.0

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This piece of sh*t broke down with my wife and children 150 miles from our home after we just got it out of shop for routine maintenance 2 days prior. I have always owned a ford but after talkin to them about my problem they just talked to me like an ass. maybe they forgot about the people who buy their vehicles. after talkin with them they act like it was all my fault. these sorry bunch of people how quickly they forgot we are the reason they got bailed out recall this piece of sh*t

- Casey W., Portsmouth, OH, US

problem #42

Oct 012011

Escape 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Vehicle would shut off every time I would come to a stop. I would start it back up and drive off only to have it shut off again when I came to a stop. After getting it towed to the garage, they had to replace the torque convertor and rebuild the trans. This vehicle had about 46,000 miles on the odometer. I now have about 89,000 miles on the odometer and the transmission is acting up again. This time its slipping when going into reverse. Once this vehicle is repaired, I am getting rid of it and never buying a Ford again. I agree, this should be covered under a recall. Transmissions with very low miles and under normal use should not go out.

- Sean M., Crestview, FL, US

problem #41

May 132013

Escape LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Really disgusting. I bought it last October for my son going to college from a dealer. The transmission gave no warning, the fluid was clear. Just lunched. I've always been a die hard Ford fan but now who knows. A major expense.

- Paul M., Alma, AR, US

problem #40

Mar 192013

Escape 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I HAVE A 2006 ESCAPE WITH 55,000 MILES. SHOULD NOT NEED A NEW TRANS LET ALONE HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL PROBLEM. FLUID LEVEL AND COLOR WERE OK. NO REASON FOR THE TRANS TO STOP WORKING OTHER THAN FAULTY WORKMANSHIP.

- Jim N., Taylor, MI, US

problem #39

Dec 142012

Escape LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

this is the 3rd time we had the transmission go out! ready to get rid of this piece of crap! sounds like a lemon to me!!

- Brenda A., Omaha, NE, US

problem #38

Oct 082012

Escape LXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

OK I can not believe that my transmission went on my 2006 Ford Escape - I only have 45,000 miles. Ford isn't doing a thing and of course my extended warranty expired about 2 months ago. Does anyone have any suggestions?

- Kathy C., Cranford, NJ, US

problem #37

Jul 152012

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

I have e a 2006 Ford Escape. I was relocating from PA to FL. We made it to Tampa and as we turned into the hotel the car stopped and would not engage and go forward. I could not believe the transmission went. It cost 3400 to fix. I went online and saw the many complaints about the same issue and can not believe Ford is not doing anything about it. I have been a loyal Ford driver but I may change my mind when I buy a new car. So very disappointed.

- Elizabeth N., Tampa, FL, US

problem #36

May 222012

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,585 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving home from work and out of nowhere the car made a whining sound and the car's momentum stopped. I shut the car off for about 2 minutes thinking it had somehow overheated. When I started it back up it engaged into drive and I went about 30 feet and the same thing happened. I coasted to a side street and had to call a tow truck. Luckily, I had a case of cold beer in the back that I had just bought. So there I was sitting on the side of the road with my case of beer and no car. Now the dealer says my transmission is shot, and my ABS is broke. I just bought this Escape last August and loved it --- until now!!!!!

- Michele H., Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #35

Apr 102011

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I was having trouble with the rpms shooting up, took it in and they said that the inside was completely shattered, it had metal pieces all in it and would have to be replaced... 2 weeks and $2400 (or more cant quite remember but i can get it from the mechanic!) later I got my car back. the mechanic said you would be surprised at how many transmissions he does monthly on 2006 ford escapes... SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THESE! and there is nothing to be done about?! BS! also had to replace my rear differential about 3 months later. Now I am having to replace the EGR valve.

- Jesika B., Whitehouse, TX, US

problem #34

Mar 052012

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,322 miles

With less than 118,000 kms (73,350 miles) the transmission had to be replaced at a total cost of 3,329.00. Conveniently for Ford, just after the 100,000km warranty. That is a fairly severe problem to have at such low kms and judging by the amount of similar complaints it is directly representative of Fords take on quality for the 2006 Escape.

- mikemw, FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, canada

problem #33

Apr 082010

Escape 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

I was driving my SUV when I stopped at the store and then it wouldn't work any more. There were no signs that anything was wrong with it. It worked perfect before that. I had to have the transmission replaced.

- amyvanmalsen, hoyt, New Brunswick, canada

problem #32

Jan 222012

Escape 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

taking my daughter and her friend to Sunday school when all of a sudden my SUV started shifting from high to low gear. I pulled over to the side of the road and called the local garage and had them tow me. It was the transmission again. not @ years after I had the transmission replaced it went again. I was not a very happy person. I had 2 kids crying cause they couldn't go to church and me crying cause it was going to cost me a lot of money again. I was told by my mechanic the first time that the transmission went that I should sell the truck, as I was still paying for it I didn't want to do that. I thought that since the problem had already been fixed once that it would be okay. Was I ever wrong!! Now I have a truck that is finally paid for that I can't drive cause the transmission went again!!!!!!

- amyvanmalsen, hoyt, New Brunswick, canada

problem #31

Dec 162011

Escape ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

bought this car thinking this would be a reliable car for my daughter WRONG she comes home from school transmission goes out . call Ford no warranty no recall i am told I'm out of luck i will have to fix or replace the transmission .no help from Ford . if this is how ford treats their customers i will not buy another Ford product

- Neil P., Seminole, TX, US

problem #30

Aug 172011

Escape LS 3-0

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,739 miles

got rid of the goddamn thing as is lost my shirt on it. would not get in the piece of junk even if I had it fixed could not trust it so much for driving fords all my life

- iancunningham, Tatamagouche, Nova Scptia, Canada

problem #29

Jun 032011

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

My husband and I were traveling on the expressway and exited. When we stopped at the light the car stalled. Each time we attempted to put it in gear after restarting, it stalled again. My brother in law said it is the torque converter. Here I am in school trying to get my RN degree and barely making ends meet, we have no extra money. I keep reading all these horror stories about how Ford knew of the problem, yet there is no recall??

- jennb1171, Monroe, MI, US

problem #28

Oct 252011

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I hadn't noticed a thing since I had the rear differential replaced about 6 months ago (don't get me started on that one), and then right as I am driving home, making a left turn, the car stops with the forward momentum. When I pushed the pedal, the engine revved, but I wasn't going anywhere. I turned off the engine, and restarted the car, figuring it must have stalled out, and if I restarted and engaged drive from park, things would right themselves. It didn't work the first time I tried, but after waiting with the hazards on for about 30 seconds, I tried again... and I shifted into gear and headed home. I figured it was a hiccup that I would have to get checked out later, but everything seemed fine otherwise. Then, as I was making the final turn en route to the casa, it happened again. It seemed to be slipping out of gear at low speeds, and not returning. I tried the "wait 30 seconds" fix, but it was not working this time. A friendly policeman and some bystanders helped push me out of the road onto a side street. Thankfully, I had AAA, and I got a quick tow. While I was waiting for the tow truck, I figured I might as well try to engage the gear again. Sure enough I rolled forward, and things seemed fine, the pedal made the car go forward! (crazy!) As I reveled in my new "30 second fix program" I attempted to move forward again, and the gas pedal did nothing but make my engine sound louder.

Fast forward to today. I am thinking about my car all day at work, and no word is coming from the mechanic. This cannot be good news, if it were something simple, it would be fixed by now. I get a call in the afternoon, and I am quoted that a remanufactured transmission would cost around 3800 to replace (parts/labor/tax) included. Just pissed that my car that has 63,000 miles on it has this major issue happen seemingly out of the blue. The mechanic said that everything looked fine on the outside, and that the fluid was the correct color and level.

Reading the complaints about this, wow... something really needs to be done here. This is awful. I talked to another mechanic for a quote, and once I had mentioned "ford escape" and "transmission issue" he immediately responded that I would need a new one, and that I was screwed. Common issue.

- Jon R., Madison, WI, US

problem #27

Jun 042011

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

DRIVING DOWN 2 LANE HIGHWAY ABOUT 30 MPH CAM TO A STOP LIGHT, STOPPED, WHEN LIGHT TURNED PRESSED THE GAS AND CAR RPMS REVED TO 4 AND CAR BARELY MOVED. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO PARKING LOT WHERE I TRIED TO GET IT IN REVERSE, DRIVE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. HAD TO CALL FOR TOW TO DEALER. FIRST IMPRESSION WAS TRANSMISSION, BUT AFTER SOME FURHTER LOOKING THEY SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND WOULD COST 1500.00, WHEN THE PART CAME IN AND THEY TOOK THE ESCAPE APART THEN SAID IT WASN'T THE TORQUE CONVERTER BUT THE FRONT PUMP ON THE TRANSMISSION HAD LOCKED UP? NOW IT IS GOING TO COST 2961.00. MY PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 80,000 ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS AND FORD NEEDS TO BE CALLED OUT ON IT!

- lil lady, Marissa, IL, US

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