2022 Ford Escape transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V133000Feb 28, 2025207 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.

• Recall 24V330000May 10, 20249,312 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 7, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   There are no warning lamps on at this time but the transmission is not shifting at the right points. It seems to search a lot for the right gear. Also half the time you hit the gas there is severe transmission lag. It makes it dangerous to pull into traffic. I first had the transmission replaced at roughly 36000 miles. It now has 47000 miles on it and I believe it is already defective.

   NHTSA complaint #11762517 · source
2. Filed Jul 26, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.

   NHTSA complaint #11752937 · source
3. Filed Jul 25, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.

   NHTSA complaint #11752814 · source
4. Filed Jun 30, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11747565 · source
5. Filed Jun 30, 2026MOFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The entire transmission had to be replaced. The water pump also. Currently it continues to have issues with the check engine light coming on, the code it says is the fuel sensors.

   NHTSA complaint #11747559 · source
6. Filed Jun 16, 2026WAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.

   NHTSA complaint #11744396 · source
7. Filed Jun 13, 2026MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate…

   NHTSA complaint #11743915 · source
8. Filed May 20, 2026TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Check engine light on with Powertrain Malfunction / REduced Power notification on myford pass app. Scanned with OBD scanner and it has code P0929

   NHTSA complaint #11739144 · source
9. Filed Apr 27, 2026CABody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   This hasn't caused an accident or stranded me yet, but Ford won't do anything to help me avoid danger in the faulty vehicle they sold. There have been several recalls on my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV over the past year or so, including safety recalls. The number of recalls, requiring me to take the time to deal with scheduling, drop off/pickup the car, and being unable to use the car when it is in the shop for the recall rectifications seems excessive. Worse yet, they have safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11734128 · source
10. Filed Mar 26, 2026126,000 miCATransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission slipped out of gear while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11727291 · source
11. Filed Mar 10, 2026MOFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have had issues with my car since the day that I bought it. First, my car squealed every time that I backed up. I took it to my local Ford dealership 3 or 4 times without this ever being fixed. This then progressed to my brakes squealing anytime they’re used. I barely have 25,000 miles on my car. Additionally, I have had numerous occasions where my car will get stuck and not shift, not accelerate which is extremely scary when merging into traffic, the RPM’s will jump…

    NHTSA complaint #11723424 · source
12. Filed Dec 29, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    A car started jerking erratically. I put it in, drive or reverse. And the light on the transmission selector would just blink on and off and it would not go in gear when it did finally go in gear. It would not shift out of fourth gear. We'll erratic transmission would not shift cars behind me had to hit their brakes. Because my vehicle would not move very dangerous. I took the vehicle in the Ford. They said it needs a transmission. I've got 65000 miles on this vehicle. It's…

    NHTSA complaint #11707474 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology