6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission may exhibit a fluid leak from the left hand (LH) transmission halfshaft seal due to wear on the transmission case bushing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford Escape powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Ford Escape have filed 254 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 45,559 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
254
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Escape | 51 |
| 2008 Escape | 316 |
| 2009 Escape | 247 |
| 2010 Escape | 475 |
| 2011 Escape (this page) | 254 |
| 2012 Escape | 61 |
| 2013 Escape | 381 |
| 2014 Escape | 468 |
| 2015 Escape | 272 |
2crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 254 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 254 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: AFTER POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P06B8, P068A, P2610, IF KEY NOT LEFT FOR 30 SECONDS IN OFF POSITION FOLLOWING PROGRAMMING ON SOME MODEL 2009-15 VEHICLES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗6F35 Transmission - Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal - built on or before 10/14/2013
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread, sudden loss of engine power while driving at various speeds (ranging from idle to 70 mph), accompanied by illumination of a wrench symbol on the dashboard. The vehicle either enters a severe "limp mode" (dropping to 1 rpm and 5 mph), stalls outright, or becomes completely unresponsive to throttle input. Restarting the engine temporarily restores normal operation until the problem recurs—sometimes within miles, sometimes after refueling. Many describe multiple incidents within hours or days. Check engine lights accompany later failures. The wrench symbol typically indicates a powertrain fault related to throttle control.
Owners consistently identify the electronic throttle body as the culprit after dealership diagnosis or internet research. Related issues include transmission surging or hesitation, transmission failure in at least one case, fuel leaks due to a fuel delivery modulator flange recall, and EVAP canister saturation with gasoline. One owner reports the throttle body recurring after previous replacement.
Dealers initially unable to duplicate the problem or retrieve stored codes have eventually confirmed throttle body failure. Repair costs range from $181 to $514, plus towing and rental car expenses. Dealers frequently report seeing multiple throttle-body-related escapes. Owners note the part is often on backorder. One owner paid out-of-pocket, only to have the same issue reoccur 19 months later and be denied warranty coverage. Owners universally characterize these incidents as life-threatening, particularly when they occur on highways with heavy traffic or no shoulders.
Same Ford Escape powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic throttle body failure / stalling / loss of acceleration
Vehicle suddenly loses all engine power, enters limp mode (1 rpm, 5 mph max), or becomes completely unresponsive to throttle input. Wrench symbol (powertrain fault indicator) illuminates on dashboard. Engine may stall outright. Problem is intermittent and recurrent, sometimes recurring within minutes to miles. Restart temporarily restores function.
When: Occurs at any speed (idle to 70 mph), often without warning. Some owners note increased frequency after fueling. One owner reports incident recurring 19 months after dealership repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, complete loss of acceleration despite engine running; Vehicle drops to 1 rpm and 5 mph (limp mode); Engine stalls or becomes unresponsive to gas pedal; Wrench symbol (powertrain fault) illuminates; Check engine light may appear on subsequent occurrences; Engine may sputter or run rough when attempting to accelerate; Problem is intermittent; restarting temporarily fixes it
Codes mentioned: P2111 (throttle stuck open), P2012, Wrench symbol (powertrain fault detection), No stored codes in many cases despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replace electronic throttle body. Repair costs owners $181–$514 out-of-pocket when out of warranty. Parts frequently on backorder. One owner experienced recurrence 19 months after dealership repair and was denied warranty coverage second time. Towing and rental car expenses add $100–$600+ to owner cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners cite recall for fuel delivery modulator flange and field service action for electronic throttle body, but widespread throttle body stalling issue not formally recalled. Dealers report seeing multiple escapes with this problem weekly. One service manager stated 'they get lots of Escapes with this problem and there will probably be a recall.' Ford customer service denies warranty coverage, claiming throttle is electronic/external part not covered under powertrain warranty.
Transmission surging, hesitation, hard shifting, and failure
Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly while stopped or decelerates, transmission hesitates to shift or revs excessively (5000–5500 rpm) without moving above 20 mph. Hard jerks and bucking during acceleration. Transmission eventually seizes or burns up in towing scenario. One owner reports surging and unresponsiveness even after transmission replacement, attributing cause to electronic throttle body malfunction.
When: Surging occurs while stopped at lights or in turn lanes. Hard shifting and hesitation occur during acceleration. One towing scenario occurred at 1200 miles of towing with 7600 total vehicle miles. Surging recurred after transmission replacement within one week.
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected forward surge while vehicle is stopped; Transmission slipping during acceleration; Hard, jerky shifts with high-pitched noises; RPM revving to 5000–5500 without corresponding speed increase; Inability to move forward despite pedal input; Transmission becomes unresponsive after stops; Engine and transmission bucking during acceleration
Codes mentioned: No specific transmission codes cited in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's transmission burned up while towing (1200 towing miles); dealership initially refused warranty, then Ford agreed to pay after complaint. One owner replaced transmission at cost of $2500; vehicle continued surging and stalling shortly after, suggesting throttle body was root cause. Another owner: hard shifting and transmission issues began immediately after purchase; dealership unable to diagnose despite multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In towing case, Ford eventually agreed to cover replacement after owner escalated complaint. Otherwise, dealerships initially denied coverage or could not locate root cause.
Fuel system issues: leaks and EVAP canister saturation
Fuel leaks from vehicle, creating fire hazard and strong gasoline smell inside cabin. EVAP canister becomes saturated/full of gasoline repeatedly despite replacements. Purge valve sticks open. Dealership suspects faulty valve inside fuel tank as root cause but quotes over $2000 replacement without confidence in fix.
When: Fuel leak occurred in December 2016 after throttle body-related issues and dealership repair of gaskets/seals. EVAP saturation discovered in February 2017 after multiple stalling incidents. Problem recurred after canister and hose replacement and after second canister replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leaking from vehicle; Strong smell of gasoline in cabin; Fire department deemed vehicle fire hazard; EVAP canister full/saturated with gasoline; Stalling issues worsen after fuel fill-up; Stalling stops only when fuel gauge reads below 3/4 full
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes cited for fuel system
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced EVAP canister, tube hose assembly (BL8Z9D667B-AF), and purge valve. Problem recurred. Dealership proposed replacing fuel tank at quoted cost over $2000. Owner declined due to cost and lack of confidence in fix. Fuel leak occurred after dealership repair of engine gaskets and seals (suspected loose/unclamped hoses).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford verified recall for fuel delivery modulator flange for owner's VIN and advised not to operate vehicle. Dealerships refused to diagnose without charging and were reluctant to take on repairs. One Mazda service manager diagnosed additional undisclosed repairs (A/C line ruptured, sway bar snapped, loose bolts/hoses left by Ford mechanic).
Suspension and steering deterioration
Front control arms and bushings found torn/loose upon purchase inspection. Front sway bars, outer tie rod ends deteriorate or fail. Sway bar snapped on one vehicle. Steering quality deteriorates over time.
When: Control arm and bushing issues discovered at initial dealership service after used purchase in May 2016. Sway bar snapped discovered in December 2016 after throttle/fuel issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Torn/loose front control arm bushings; Loose/deteriorating front sway bars; Worn outer tie rod ends; Snapped sway bar; Deteriorating steering response
Repairs/costs cited: Front control arms and bushings required replacement at initial service. Front sway bars and outer tie rod ends required replacement. One vehicle had sway bar snap and control arm bushing separate; Mazda service manager diagnosed these issues after Ford dealership missed them.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted for suspension issues.
Rough idle and engine noise
Engine idles roughly, sometimes at elevated RPM. Ticking or clanking sounds heard under hood, especially when brakes applied. Engine sputters when attempting to accelerate after loss-of-power incidents.
When: Rough idle present immediately or shortly after purchase/service. Ticking under hood noted in October 2016 on used purchase. Sputtering occurs during attempted acceleration after throttle/transmission failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle at normal or elevated RPM; Ticking noise under hood when brakes applied; Engine sputtering during acceleration attempts; Engine lurching forward
Repairs/costs cited: Gaskets and seals replaced by dealership ($2000 repair) did not resolve rough idle or ticking. No specific repair noted for ticking/sputtering on other vehicles.
Synthesized from 254 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Driving on 5 lanre paved road at 50 MPH when engine lost power did not stall. No throttle response. Was able to shift into neutral and coast into parking lot shut off engine and restarted problem went away. Took to dealer 3 days later where throttle body was replaced under warranty. *tr
I have already filed one complaint regarding the throttle body on my 2011 Ford escape. I had to pay out of pocket to have it fixed in july and 3 weeks after I paid to have it fixed it started messing up again. The throttle body hasn't gone out again but it bogs down like it is going to shut off at any given second. And also with the part malfunctioning it wreaks havoc on my gas mileage.…
Car stalled. Wrench and engine light came on. We were going down a road that had no place to pull over. We were stuck in the middle of the road. Turned off car and restarted but was very slow to start. We turned around and went back home and it did it several more times. Called local Ford dealership and is going to cost over $400 to fix. This is a very dangerous problem and the part should be…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 254 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 242 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 37,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 45,559. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.