2016 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Transmission slips
- 27owner reports
- 83,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
27 of the 87 reports of transmission shudder on the 2016 Escape describe transmission slipping.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (87 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts
Tick what matches of 27 reports
Transmission slipping on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside transmission shudder for slipping: the engine revs up but the car doesn't pick up speed to match, as if the transmission lost its grip for a moment. The wider sheet also covers jerks and vibration. Here, every report uses the word slip.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (8 reports) and the clutch pack (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
All 4 recalls on the 2016 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 63,500 and 93,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I have 2 ford escapes a 2015 and a 2016 (2016 referenced in this complaint) both have experienced catastrophic transmission failure within weeks of each other. The transmission would slip and hard shift, eventually disable completely and would indicate the transmission needed to be serviced.”
Filed May 3, 2024
“Driving the car with no signs at all, car instantly drops rpmâs and wonât accelerate at a busy intersection. Warning for transmission faulty or engine issues did not come on at all. Car was driving normal and then stopped as clutch started slipping. Confirmed with dealership that transmission is out. The car stopped in traffic.”
Filed Jan 9, 2024 · 120,222 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 267 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 127 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 125 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 118 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 94 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 65 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 58 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 49 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 34 reports