The transmission has completely gone out. On this car model, there isn't a dip stick for the owner to check transmission fluid levels. While pulling out of a parking space the car hesitated on going into first gear and then jerked really hard before continuing to move. While still in the parking lot of a retail store, the car continued to hesitate between gears and then a low coolant message…
2013 Ford Escape powertrain problems
severe 380 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
380
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
10crashes
7fires
12injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 380 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.
Among the 19 model years of Ford Escape in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
As I was driving I noticed my car jerking going in to first gear. I figured because I was on a hill that was the reason. Later that day as I was trying to run errand as I got in the highway my car wouldn't go above 60 MPH and was at very high rpms to maintain this speed and would not go into 6th gear. I pulled off of the highway and started to make my home to call the dealership. As I made it to…
The car will run for about a minute and then want to stall. Also when you start it it will drive for about 20 yards and then start idling very weird and stall. It doesn't do this all the time. It's dangerous.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 380 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2013/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.