The Ford Escape is a small crossover SUV that was first offered for sale in 2001. Through 3 generations, 2001-present, Ford has used 4 different transmissions, including a manual option that was available from 2001-2004. The leading option for the first generation (2001-2008) was the 4 speed CD4E. Developed in conjunction with Mazda, it was used in the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner as well. The two manufacturers also produced another 4 speed transmission, GF4A-EL, that Ford put in the Escape from 2007-2012. In 2009 Ford added a 6 speed option, the 6F35, and a proven powertrain option that was also used in the larger Ford Edge. Ford did recall some 2001-2008 transmissions but it was only on vehicle that had a factory rebuilt unit installed.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Escape Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
These are the most current prices for a remanufactured replacement Ford Escape transmission.
Replacement CD4E Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| CD4E | 1947 |
Replacement 6F35 Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 6F50 / 6F35 | 2480 |
Ford Escape Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0703 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0707 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0708 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0718 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0752 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0756 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0757 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0761 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0762 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0763 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0766 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0767 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Stuck On |
| P0768 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Electrical |
| P0770 | Shift Solenoid 'E' |
| P0771 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0772 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Stuck On |
| P0773 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Electrical |
| P0774 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Intermittent |
| P0777 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Stuck On |
| P0778 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0817 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Reverse with Drive Ratio |
| P0817 | Starter Disable Circuit |
| P0840 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A |
| P0960 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open |
| P0961 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0962 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0963 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P0979 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Low |
| P0980 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit High |
| P0982 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low |
| P0983 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High |
| P0985 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low |
| P0986 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High |
Ford Escape Transmission Recalls
Recall ID 15V606000 / 15S28 – Shift lever may disengage from transmission – CD4E transmission
– Summary
The Ford Motor Company recalled 2001 – 2008 Ford Escape and 2001 – 2008 Mercury Mariner models that have been fitted with a remanufactured CD4E transmission that was built between June 11, 2015 – July 15, 2015. These warranty replacement transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may have not been properly tightened.
– Consequence
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, the driver may not be able to control the gear that the transmission is in. This could lead to the driver thinking that they are placing the vehicle in Park, when it isn’t. Should this happen, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing injury and property damage.
– Solution
This recall was issued in October 2015, and Ford dealers were instructed to either tighten the manual shift lever bolt, or replace the shift lever assembly. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236
Ford Escape Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs
2016 Ford Escape TSB 388560
From 2013-2016 models, Ford had a problem with loss of proper hydraulic pressure in the transmission if the vehicle went long periods of time without being started or driven. The 2016 Escape could experience a shift hesitation from 2nd to 3rd gear due to hydraulic circuit drain
2009 Ford Escape TSB 378464
Some 2009-2014 Escapes built before Oct. 14/2013 and are equipped with the 6F35 transmission may leak transmission fluid from the left side axle seal. This is caused by excessive wear on the axle (half shaft) seal and case bushing.
2013 Ford Escape TSB 373466
If you find a fluid at the bottom of the transmission housing and it is sticky and honey colored, it likely came about from the assembly process. It may be grease that was applied to the torque converter hub or a rust inhibitor used on the flex plate during manufacturing.
TSB 07-5-6 – Engine stalling on the gear engagement and stopping – CD4E Transmission
2005 – 2008 Ford Escape – 2005 – 2008 Mercury Mariner
Problem – Some vehicles may experience engine stalling when coming to a stop, or shifting into Drive or Reverse. This transmission problem can be caused by internal wear to the torque converter which prevents it from unlocking.
Solution – Install remanufactured CD4E torque converter.
TSB 12-4-8 – Loss of 2nd and 4th gears – CD4E transmission
2007 – 2008 Ford Escape – 2007 – 2008 Mercury Mariner
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a sudden loss of 2nd and 4th gears. This applies to both four-cylinder and V6 models, with or without AWD.
Solution – Install new intermediate and overdrive bands.
Can I drive with a Ford Escape transmission problem?
If your Ford Escape can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford Escape transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Escape transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Escape transmission last for between 80,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford Escape transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Escape transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford Escape transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Escape transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Ford Escape transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Escape transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Escape Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Escape Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Escape Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Escape Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Escape Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
what years/models of the CD4E transmission can i put into a 2002 Ford Esacpe V6?
Im not sure that it is a transmission problem..in the past week my 2011 ford escape has suddenly lost ability ti accelerate. I pulled over, put car in park , shut off, then on, and it went again.
I just purchased a 2008 Ford Escape XLT 2wd with 226,000 miles. The vehicle shifts fine but 1st and 2nd gear appear to hang longer into the gear/rpm higher than I would have thought. Is this (normal) for this vehicle?
shifts slow and hard
I have a 2016 ford escape 4wd. When the trans gets hot after 10mins of driving it the trans goes into like neutral in all gears. But when it does that reverse is like that then its a hard shift. Whats the problem? Dont want to replace trans if its an easier fix.
Won’t go in gear till good and warmed up and have to shift it in and out of gears then it will move ok till you come to a stop then it will take a few seconds to get going again so what do you think about it
It will start and move for less than a mile and then I have no gears whatsoever. I have the 2008 4 speed cd4e transmission in the escape.
2011 Ford Escape 6F35 FWD: Have owned for 5 yrs. Have never had a problem until Aug. 11, this past Wed. When cold, shifts ok, but when operating @ normal temp, slow to go into higher gears. Starting to slip a little between gears. Drove home, and noticed that if I didn’t wait for my escape to come to a complete standstill; the escape would give a soft clunk between Drive & Reverse. Otherwise, at this moment, I am able to drive escape on flat surface. Have not tried to go up a 3% or better grade. No engine light or codes or messages.
What is your phone #.
2007 Ford Escape xlt: O/D light flashing, now escape not shifting into higher gears. No check engine lights on and no codes or messages.
Slams into gear drive or reverse
Low power in first gear
Error code P0657
2012 Ford Escape transmission slipping from 2nd to 3rd gear only from a stop and go. Just bought it Certified 4 days ago privately but I am going back on the garage for certifying a Unsafe vehicle. These Transmissions in all these Ford Escapes are Horrific.
Shame on Ford for ripping people off. I certainly don’t have $3000 to fix it if garage dosen’t. I’ll be out my $5000 plus a car. When this is happening over n over it should have been a recall. I’m told it’s a Clutch piston lift seal but of course have to take the whole Transmission apart for it 🤬 I will NEVER buy another Ford In my life.
2nd to 3rd shift flare / jerk 2014 Escape SE 2.0EB w 6F35. Began at 65k under extended warranty. Dealer refused to acknowledge as defect, claimed it fit under the cold soak TSB which it doesn’t as it happens all the time. This vehicle behaves similarly to those of similar age and mileage. Another way of saying your vehicle is as screwed up as the rest of the ones that we built. Apparently a new valve body might address but no luck getting them to admit there is a problem because if you admit there is a problem then you have to address it.
4 wheel drive not engaging it is automatically supposed to engage .2015 ford escape 4wd.
I have a 2014 Ford Escape and hesitations started then it took longer to get into gear. Computer codes said the torque converter was the problem so we got a new one installed and there were no codes but within a day the hesitations started again. The codes said it was the torque converter which we knew was wrong so we replaced the computer. Now the car will only go in reverse. Why isn’t there a recall?
2014 Ford Escape 2.5l Total Fail, no warning, 1,2,3,4 molded piston and chain replace. 62,318 miles, 2,318 miles out of warranty. Have owned 4 ford auto. Will not buy a Ford again…
When I put it in reverse won’t go give it gas it rocks forward same in neutral in drive it does fine goes thru all gears put in low 1 or 2 won’t move just rocks foward
4×4switch was hit on while it was at speed on how speed,now wont catch any gear
gears
it was at 70 miles an hour speed when 4×4 switch was accidentally hit.now it wont catch a gear but still starts
Leak seals
I have a Ford Escape 2018 five doors. . These models. yesterday Ford mechanics found problems with transmisio. .torque converter .
I would like if Ford recalled these cars.
I have a an 01 ford escape 4 wheel drive with 15000 miles on it. With out any warning I lost all foward gears in a matter of min. Started off it wouldnt move in drive. I dropped it in 2nd and it drove home about 1 mile. Then i tryed to drive it again still wouldnt move unless i put it in 2nd. Drive about a mile came to a stop light tryed drive again and wouldnt move this time i put in second and still nothing 1st the same. Put it in reverse and reversed all the way home for about 2 miles. Reverse works fine just wont move foward. Fluid isnt burnt or low checked shift cable adjustment. Just cant figure it out. Never slipped in gear or anything
Mine just did the same thing went to hit the gas after a red light and my throttle went to the floor and it rev limiter and break pedal went hard. And to put it in neutral and use e break to stop. Now I have no forward gears only reverse and park.. can’t feel any engagement of d 2 1 on the shifter just revs up. I tried to put it in drive manually and still nothing and no codes or checks engine light.. checked cable and fluid they were good no shavings starting to think its the torque converter any suggestions please.. had 170km