Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the torque converter (6 reports) and the transmission (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 16 recalls on the 2014 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 64,816 and 120,000 miles, from the 44 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Transmission has violent jerking and shuddering. Sometimes it has hard time accelerating. Dealer doesnt want to do anything. It is still messed up”

Filed Oct 1, 2025

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine overheats or leaks coolant 573 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 317 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 304 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 139 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 128 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 112 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 107 reports
• Vehicle fire 97 reports
• Doors, latches or locks fail 83 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 59 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 51 reports
• Fuel pump failure 33 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 33 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 32 reports
• Engine leaks oil 30 reports
• A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 28 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
• Turbo failure or loss of boost 27 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 26 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 25 reports