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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,675 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.

2011 Ford Escape drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2011 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 2 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #241

May 102018

Escape

  • 108,000 miles

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

This vehicle is bucking and jolting going uphill on a level surface. It feels like someone has hit me from behind. It is not not shifting at all the way it is suppose to. There are many other complaints on this same year and model vehicle with the same exact symptoms. This is not VIN.related in any sense. This is a ongoing problem with this particular vehicle.

- Scranton, PA, USA

problem #240

Sep 092018

Escape

  • 64,000 miles
Shift solanoid problems where the vehicle does not shift. Ford does not have these parts on hand and are on back order until mid October 2018. Why? because too many Escape vehicles are having this issue. A recall needs to conducted on this issue and Ford needs to step up and replace these solanoids.

- Arnold, PA, USA

problem #239

Jul 202018

Escape

  • 108,000 miles
Car jerks, lags, bucks on acceleration. Does not shift smoothly. Does not happen all the time.

- Scranton, PA, USA

problem #238

Dec 032017

Escape

  • 166,000 miles

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

Lost steering while vehicle was in motion on a city street. Power has cut out on many occasions

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #237

Jul 072017

Escape

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While starting the vehicle, the engine independently revved. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (norris Ford, 901 merritt blvd, baltimore, md 21222) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed and the power train control module needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #236

May 092017

Escape

  • miles
This 2011 Ford Escape is my son's car. We bought the car used in 2015. The car currently has 69,000 miles. In April 2017 my son complained of the car surging while stopped at a light. We drove the car that night and could not get it to duplicate this issue. A month later he called me and stated the car surged again while stopped in a turn lane. He made it to a side street but within 50 yards the car came to a screeching stop. The car would not move. Ended up with a seized transmission. We replaced the transmission in May 2017. Within a week the car is now becoming unresponsive and still surging while stopped. He has to turn the car off and back on to gain control of the car again. When stopped the car engine is shutting down. Today the vehicle surged forward while at a stop. Today I researched this problem online and came across the electronic throttle body issue in Ford Escapes including the 2011 model. I feel that this etb issue was the direct cause of the seizure of the transmission on this car. I spent $2500 on a new transmission and still have an issue with the car acting the same was as before. This is a very dangerous malfunction on a car driven by an 18 year old. He could have easily surged into another car or pedestrian. A recall was the only solution the NHTSA should have accepted from Ford on this issue. I would like to be reimbursed the $2500 for the new transmission that this faulty part has caused.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #235

May 222017

Escape

  • 43,434 miles

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

While driving at about 30 mph, my car just lost power and began coasting. The only lights or indicators on the dash was the wrench symbol. The car would start up again and run but it repeated the loss of power several times...at any speed, at any time! (25-65mph) twice on the highway in fast traffic! went to the Ford dealer by me and they repaired the throttle control/power train module at no cost to me. Apparently a recall was in place. This was a particular problem with many Ford vehicles I found out while doing research! this was in Sept/Oct of 2015 and today it has happened to me again...twice in one hour. (May 22, 2017) my 2011 Ford Escape V6 is now back at the same dealer. I am being told that I will have to pay for all diagnostic checks and the labor and parts. I should not have to be dealing with this same exact issue only 19 months later. I was told that the dealership was booked solid for two days and they could get me in on the third day. I am single and on partial disability and cannot afford a huge bill for the car or to miss work. Certainly not with something that I did not cause. This is the second time with the exact same issue! I have all of the necessary maintenance done on my vehicle and take excellent care of it. If need be, the dealer has all of my original information on the work and repairs and they have my vehicle now and I am hoping that they will get to look at it today. They said that I could rent a car too! only $30 a day! not! please help! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Roslyn, PA, USA

problem #234

May 152017

Escape

  • 55,000 miles
I was driving 50 mph and the car stalled with not warning. The "wrench light" or throttle body/powertrain light came on. I coasted to a person's driveway as there was no shoulder to pull off to. I turned off the car and turned it back on. All lights turned off and car ran fine. Mechanics can't find problem or error code and I'm scared to drive my new vehicle.

- Walkersville, MD, USA

problem #233

May 072017

Escape

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While accelerating from a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there were metal fragments in the fluid in the transfer case. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided case number: Cas12279241. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was not available.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #232

Dec 022016

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
Bought 2011 Ford Escape XLT used 5-27-2016 (private sale, Chicago il). Upon purchase, serviced at milwaukee area Ford dealership, found front control arms & bushings torn/loose. Next, front sway bars, outer tie rod ends, brakes and rotors needed replacement. In Oct. 2016 engine/transmission major issues: Leaking oil and trans fluid -no oil lamp or check engine light- car would run out of oil, pulled over added more. Trans slipping during accel/weak accel. Hard shifting w/high rpms. Rough idle. Ticking noise under hood when brakes applied. 12-6-2016 Ford dealership replaced gaskets & seals in engine & transmission- $2,000 repair. Upon driving car, issues continue, new issues present: Trans slipping worse/bucking, car not accelerating when gas pedal depressed, car stalling in traffic, car lurching forward, car losing gasoline/smelling of gasoline. Broke down 12-8-2016 in parking lot due to fuel leak. Contacted aaa roadside assistance, returned to dealership, turned away. Fire dept cleared car for towing, fire hazard. Researched VIN, found recall for fuel delivery modulator flange, and field service action for electronic throttle body. Contacted Ford customer support, verified recall for my VIN. Advised to not operate vehicle. Area Ford dealerships refused to diagnose w/O charging. A service manager at a Mazda dealership diagnosed additional undisclosed repairs: A/C line ruptured, front driver's side sway bar snapped and control arm bushing separated; Ford mechanic had also left bolts & hoses loose/unclamped in engine. Steering and rear suspension deteriorating. Returned to dealership once more- turned away. Missed 1 month of work (driving is job). No rental provided, unwilling to reimburse. Filed dealer complaint. Filing consumer protection & disclosure lawsuit. Seeking class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Company. Car is dangerous, I refuse to operate it.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #231

Sep 262016

Escape

  • 80,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While driving at any speed, the rpms increased and the contact heard a clicking noise. Afterwards, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The issue recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #230

Oct 102016

Escape

  • miles
Driving and truck just cuts off. Took it to the shop and first they thought it was a mass air flow sensor.. but the problem still happened. Then it was said it might be throttle body. I just bought this car less than a month ago and already having major problems.

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #229

Aug 152016

Escape

  • 89,600 miles
"takata recall" a light popped on while I was driving on a local city street a light that looks like a wrench and it is causing me hesitation while driving won't pick up speed or give any gas.

- Berwyn, IL, USA

problem #228

Jun 062016

Escape

  • 32,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle shook and decelerated. The service engine now warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was repaired in November of 2015 per a manufacturer recall for the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer would not repair the vehicle a second time for the same failure. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #227

Mar 242016

Escape

  • 74,000 miles
I continue to have issues with the electronic throttle body (etb), up to and including the complete shutdown of the system. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have abided by all service recommendations for this make/model. The extended warranty on the etb runs out at 100K (vehicle currently at 75K). There are times the vehicle shifts so violently that one would believe they've been rear-ended. When I take my vehicle in to the dealership (5 times, 2 different dealerships), I'm told they re-program the system and to give it another 500 to 1000 miles for the system to relearn my driving habits. The "reboot" lasts between 800 to 1500 miles on average. I don't understand why the etb can't be replaced in its entirety at this point.

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #226

Feb 022016

Escape

  • 76,000 miles
Traveling at highway speed 70 mph vehicle loses all power. Brought vehicle to autonation Ford katy Texas was told there was a electronic throttle body recall. Asked dealership to fix and was told they could not unless vehicle replicated issue at the dealership. I feel the issue needs to be corrected as soon as possible do to future safety issues

- Brookshire, TX, USA

problem #225

Feb 022016

Escape

  • 78,000 miles
While vehicle was traveling at 70 mph than all of a sudden loses power. Brought vehicle to autonation Ford katy and was told their is a recall for electronic throttle body. Asked property to repair told they could not do so unless vehicle showed issue at the dealership. I think this is an unsafe practice and should be repaired asap.

- Brookshire, TX, USA

problem #224

Feb 232016

Escape

  • 55,000 miles
Power train, I was driving on I-4 and driving with the traffic and all of a sudden my car just starts to jerk and cuts off, needless to say I got off on side of the highway and turned car off. I was scared because I looked in my rear view mirror and I thought I was dead. I had to sit for a few minutes because I was scared to think I could have died today. Researching it really angers me because this could and can be prevented. Something needs to be done to get a recall. As for the car it started back up and got me home. I cannot say I am safe in my own car. This car is a death trap please call a recall before myself or anyone of the others gets killed.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #223

Jan 292016

Escape

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While parked, the contact was walking to the rear of the vehicle to put luggage in the trunk and noticed the vehicle was rolling towards her. The contact dove to the ground on the side of the vehicle to avoid being hit. The vehicle rolled back and struck the pole to the building. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The owner received injuries to her knee and back which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not towed or taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.

- Summerfield, NC, USA

problem #222

Oct 202015

Escape

  • 62,523 miles
I was driving along the highway and my ride shuddered some and lost acceleration, my engine light came on then the wrench symbol came on and it has stayed on. It's giving a throttle/ powertrain error. I've done some research and I've seen a lot of complaints concerning this issue and was told to file a complaint. Ford needs to issue a recall on this problem before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.

- Kimper, KY, USA

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