2017 Ford Escape: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2017 Escape report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 25 owner complaints, average mileage 85,500 miles.
NHTSA has 391 owner complaints for the 2017 Escape in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11766714 (filed 09/24/2026): “The contact owns a 2017 ford escape. the contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the vehicle started rolling backwards while shifted to park(p). the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 22v413000 (power train); however, the recall repair was previo…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11760923 (filed 08/31/2026): “Vehicle just hit 70k miles, started abruptly shaking between 30 and 50 mph. torque converter is needing replaced. pcv hose has cracked and needs replaced. coolant disappearing due to intrusion leak. extremely costly repairs for a vehicle that isn't even close …”
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 (19 reports) new transmission (3 reports) replaced parts (1 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 $5,330 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .