Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Ford Escape looks pretty good compared to other Ford Escape model years, but still has a trend of transmission problems, so it's not a model year we can recommend.

Also the base model Escape did not come with side airbags so it received a "Poor" rating from the IIHS for side impact protection. Other similar 2007 models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V & Hyundai Santa Fe scored far better.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,613 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Ford Escape drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2007 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2007 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #34

Aug 212023

Escape

  • miles

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

When accelerating on the vehicle it would run fine till about a couple minutes driving then it would jerk and the rpm gauge would go to 0 and then back up the the right rpm

- Waycross, GA, USA

problem #33

Mar 012023

Escape

  • 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering module 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 Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

- Newport, RI, USA

problem #32

Jan 222023

Escape

  • miles
The torque converter was failing in my 07 escape. When I switched gears from park to drive or reverse the car would shake and sometimes stall out. Or if I had to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal while in drive the same issues would happen. The old torque converter is not available for inspection unfortunately because I gave it back to autozone to get the core charge money back. But when we installed the new torque converter it completely solved the issues and the transmission is running great again. It put myself and my passengers at risk since my car would completely turn off at traffic lights sometimes. This problem has been reproduced by others and I actually found out the torque converter was the issue by finding a technical service bulletin (TSB 07-5-6) so I know other shops have discovered this issue. There were no warning lights or anything and no parts were inspected by others. I completed the whole replacement.

- Golden, CO, USA

problem #31

Feb 072022

Escape

  • 195,000 miles

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

The contact's mother owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted and decelerated to 40-45 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's brother depressed the accelerator pedal however, the pedal felt soft and remained on the floorboard. The contact's brother veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, he was able to continue to drive; however, the failure reoccurred while exiting the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to go into gear while attempting to shift into drive and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle would start but would not move. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #30

Feb 012022

Escape 4-cyl

  • miles
This Escape is an AWD Hybrid. When driving in slippery snow, sand, ice, etc., the front wheels spin, but there is no power transmitted to the rear wheels, causing serious control and traction problems. An "all-wheel-drive-locked" signal appears on the info display, followed instantly by "AWD disabled". After a while (a couple minutes), the system then comes back and says "Automatic AWD restored". Which is simply not true-?"AWD never engages, but a driver going into a snowstorm or other difficult situation has no way of knowing this until it's too late. Problem was diagnosed by a good mechanic as a faulty transfer case-?"a very common problem in 2002-?"2011 AWD Ford Escapes. There is a serious design problem-?"the transfer case is too close to the exhaust, which cooks the internal lubricant, causes it to leak out completely, and kills the bearings inside the case. There are many cases on forums of this problem causing locked wheels at speed, sudden lack of drive on highways, etc. Not to mention the problem (as in my case) of drivers entering dangerous driving situations where they are counting on AWD for safe driving, but having just front wheel drive, with absolutely no warning from the car. I have no idea why this has not resulted in a. recall so far, but it is an serious, obvious (and worsening) safety issue. Parts and labor cost will be over $1000. Dissection of fragged transfer cases destroyed by this problem is easily available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yLkr609bfI

- Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

problem #29

Nov 132020

Escape

  • 110,500 miles
While driving Escape at approx 70mph the overdrive sensor ses light came on and engine was making a whining noise. Stopped and borrowed a scan tool from a local garage we know. Codes P0741 and P1744 for tcc were found. Drove home approx 40 miles. Escape was shifting poorly after exiting expressway. Limped vehicle home. Next day 11/14/2020 attempted to take Escape to mechanic. Escape had total transmission failure after about 5 minutes. Odometer reads approx 110,500 miles Escape was towed to accurate transmission in bellevue, mi for possible repair. Diagnosis was that the vehicle needed a total rebuild of the transmission for $2900. Heard that some Ford Escapes were recalled for transmission issues and wondered about 2007 Ford Escape issues.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #28

Dec 172019

Escape

  • 60,700 miles

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

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 40 mph, the vehicle vibrated and there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 60,700.

- Ogden, UT, USA

problem #27

May 152018

Escape

  • 140,000 miles
When I'm driving my vehicle & making left turns it makes a loud noise. To me it sounds like the transmission just fell out. I'm enclosing some documents of recalls that I've found. My truck is also rusting out so bad that when I put my grandson in his car seat, the legs of my pants get caught on it.

- Forest Junction, WI, USA

problem #26

Mar 312019

Escape

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission shifted hard between gears. The vehicle also started to lose motive power. The contact added transmission fluid and the vehicle began to operate as intended. The contact also detected an abnormal burning odor coming from the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- New Boston, MI, USA

problem #25

Jun 182018

Escape

  • 42,644 miles
2007 Ford Escape - at 42,644 miles the car would slow down and not pick up speed, I had it towed to the Ford dealership. They replaced the regulator valve..... at 47,819 miles the car did the same thing, this time the od light came on, had to pull off the highway and again had it towed to the same Ford dealership. They replaced the torque converter, seal & pump, they call me to pick up the car, when I got there it would not move in reverse, this time they replaced the transmission.... at 52,338 miles the car again did the same thing with the forward gears and again the od light was blinking, again towed it to the Ford dealership. This time they replaced the torque converter - sticking G vale which they replaced..... at 53,175 miles I took it back to the dealership and explained to them that when I put it into reverse it would make a bang and when moving would shake, , they told me that AWD Ford do that and that I just never noticed before.... at 91,678 mile reverse went out and again the forward gears shifts when ever.... they now tell me that the warranty is no longer in effect.

- Newport, NC, USA

problem #24

Aug 092017

Escape 4-cyl

  • 171,485 miles

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

Power train transmission: When I crank my vehicle while in park will remain running. When I shift gears into drive the vehicle moves forward with consistent hesitation when bringing my vehicle to a stop or at a red light or stop sign the vehicle begins' to shut off. The vehicle will remain running, only if I shift gears quickly into 2nd gear or park and keep one foot on the gas and one on the brakes constantly. These vehicle safety issues are consistent with the recall on my Ford Escape 2007 at fordmotor.com where their is web page to submit my VIN number - says there are no recalls for my VIN number. Adamson Ford birmingham, al., have concluded the transmission in my vehicle has gone out and needs to be replaced. Forms attached.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #23

Aug 012017

Escape

  • 96,000 miles
There are numerous forums discussing the issue we're having with our Escape stalling and not running. We went to a mechanic who explained there have been many recalls on Escape transmissions and we should report this one as well as it doesn't have many miles for its age.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #22

Nov 092017

Escape

  • 125,000 miles
The gas pedal sticks often, and feels as if something is under the pedal, stopping it from being depressed. This causes sudden reduction of speed and then sudden acceleration when pressing hard to get the pedal to go down. Ford previously recalled throttle body's in Escapes from 2009-2012. I believe the 2007 Ford Escape model should be added to that recall! this is a true safety problem! mine has being doing this for about a month and has gotten way worse so it will need to be fixed.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #21

Sep 222017

Escape

  • 171,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. While driving 50 mph, the overdrive indicator illuminated, the transmission seized, and the vehicle stalled. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but did not offer assistance. The failure mileage was 171,000.

- Peoria, IL, USA

problem #20

May 192013

Escape

  • 129,000 miles
The contact owned a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the replacement transmission. The vehicle was repaired. A few days after the repair, while driving 45 mph, the contact and driver heard an abnormal noise and odor. Smoke and flames were visible behind the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be pulled over to the side of the road and evacuated. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. There were two injuries, one that required medical attention. The driver suffered from smoke inhalation and nerve damage. The passenger suffered from rib pain and smoke inhalation. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

- Dickson, TN, USA

problem #19

Sep 102015

Escape

  • 80,000 miles
When I was driving home from work, had to stop at a red light and when the light was green my car did not go. Was able to get it towed and found out the the transmission was out. Only had 80,000 miles on it. Does Ford know about the transmissions?

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #18

Apr 062016

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the overdrive warning light illuminated independently and the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #17

Mar 142016

Escape

  • 87,900 miles
Was driving on interstate without any issues as I was exiting interstate and stationary at red light vehicle begain to shake and vibrate making a grinding nose and vehicle stalled. Restarted vehicle and in motion was fine as I begin to slow down and stop to make left turn on to my road vehicle again begain to shake and vibrate and almost stalled again. Problem as been be diagnosed as bad transmission.

- Marion, NC, USA

problem #16

Mar 202015

Escape

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle was unable to exceed 30 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer within the first week that it was purchased where the contact was advised to keep the vehicle in overdrive and not the regular drive gear. The manufacturer was not made aware of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

- Sears Port , ME, USA

problem #15

Apr 122015

Escape 6-cyl

  • 112,000 miles
My son was driving home from work. Put the car in park to stop and clean the windows and when he put it back into gear it would not go, engine just revved. My ex drove it back to my house in 1st gear and my son tried taking it to school the next day. No power. Stalled twice on him in a mile. Ex towed it back to my house. From everything I've read and heard, this seems to be a common occurrence with the Ford Escapes. I had to borrow $3400 from my boss to have the transmission fixed so my kids have a car to get to school. I would like to join any class action lawsuit again Ford. They are aware of the problems with the transmissions, yet they do nothing to fix the problem or cover the cost of repairing them.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Read the next 14 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?