Diagsheet

2017 Ford Escape · symptom sheet

Transmission hesitates when accelerating

  • 27owner reports
  • 76,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Apr 28, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

27 of the 92 reports of transmission shudder on the 2017 Escape describe hesitation when accelerating.

Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (92 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts

Tick what matches of 27 reports

27
1
6
6

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (18 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

22V-413Jun 10, 2022
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.

119
120
221
622
423
424
825
126

What owners wrote

No report on this problem is short enough to quote in full.

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.

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