2011 Ford Escape: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2011 Escape report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 14 owner complaints, average mileage 63,750 miles.
NHTSA has 273 owner complaints for the 2011 Escape in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11658355 (filed 05/02/2025): “While driving, the power steering assist intermittently fails without warning. this makes steering very difficult and creates a serious safety hazard, especially at low speeds or during turns. the issue can be temporarily resolved by turning the engine off and…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11625992 (filed 11/18/2024): “The contact owns a 2011 ford escape. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact attempted to make a right turn however, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either direction. no warning light wa…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (7 reports) replace tranmission (3 reports) rebuilt transmission (2 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $3,950 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .