2021 Ford Escape: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2021 Escape report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 81,000 miles.
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints for the 2021 Escape in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11767147 (filed 09/26/2026): “Description of defect & safety risk: complete structural failure and collapse of the entire 3-part powertrain mounting system (right engine mount, left automatic transmission mount and rear lower engine torque strut mount). the severe defect was discovered at…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764550 (filed 09/15/2026): “Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out…”
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: 60 days to repair (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 $4,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .