How much does a new transmission for a 2016 Ford Escape cost?

A factory-new automatic transmission installed in a 2016 Ford Escape typically costs about $5,000 to $8,000 in total, with parts around $3,500 to $5,500 and labor roughly $1,500 to $2,500. Regional differences and whether extra components need replacement can push the price higher or lower.

Understanding the price landscape

The price you’ll pay depends on the exact configuration of your Escape (engine and whether it’s front- or all-wheel drive), the source of the transmission, and the shop you use. Factory-new transmissions are the most expensive path, but they offer OEM reliability and a factory warranty. The numbers below reflect typical ranges in the United States as of 2024–2025, with the understanding that individual quotes can vary.

Factory-new transmission costs

The following ranges reflect typical market quotes for a factory-new unit and installation in the United States as of 2024–2025. Actual prices can vary by region, shop, and vehicle configuration.

• Transmission unit (OEM factory-new): approximately $3,500–$5,500


• Labor for removal and installation: approximately $1,000–$2,500


• Estimated total installed price: approximately $4,500–$8,000

Bottom line: Expect installed OEM-new price to fall roughly in the $4,500–$8,000 range, with higher quotes in some markets or for AWD configurations. Core charges may apply in some cases.

Remanufactured or used transmissions: lower upfront cost options

Remanufactured and used transmissions can cut upfront costs, but they come with trade-offs in warranty length and long-term reliability. The ranges below summarize typical pricing patterns you’ll see from shops and suppliers.

• Remanufactured (rebuilt to OEM specs): parts roughly $2,800–$5,500; installation roughly $1,200–$2,500; total about $4,000–$7,500


• Used or salvaged transmission: parts roughly $1,000–$2,500; installation roughly $1,000–$2,000; total about $2,500–$4,500

Warranties for remanufactured units vary by vendor and may be longer than those offered on used transmissions; always check warranty terms and what they cover (labor, parts, and exclusions).

Guidance for shoppers

To obtain the best value and reliability, consider the following steps when shopping for a replacement transmission for a 2016 Ford Escape:

• Get multiple written quotes from independent shops and Ford dealers to compare parts and labor.


• Confirm compatibility with your engine, drivetrain (FWD vs AWD), and model year configuration.


• Ask about warranties, what they cover, and whether core charges are included or waived.


• Ask whether the quote includes related components that often need replacement (torque converter, seals, cooler lines, and mounting hardware).

Understanding these factors can help you weigh the higher upfront cost of a factory-new unit against the lower upfront price of remanufactured or used transmissions, balanced against warranty and long-term reliability concerns.

Summary

For a 2016 Ford Escape, a factory-new transmission installed by a shop typically costs about $5,000 to $8,000 total, with parts around $3,500–$5,500 and labor around $1,500–$2,500. Remanufactured or used options can reduce upfront costs but come with different warranty terms and potential reliability trade-offs. Always obtain multiple quotes, verify compatibility, and review warranty coverage to determine the best value for your vehicle and circumstances.

How much does it cost to replace a transmission in a Ford Escape?

A Ford Escape transmission replacement can cost between approximately $3,000 and $8,000 or more, with the total price depending on factors like the vehicle's model year, labor rates, and whether you choose a new, rebuilt, or used transmission. A new transmission from a dealer might range from $3,500 to over $7,000, while used or remanufactured parts could lower the cost. 
Cost breakdown
This video discusses the cost of replacing a Ford Escape transmission with different options: 1mHow To Escape: DIY, Tips, and ReviewsYouTube · Apr 27, 2024

• Parts: A new, OEM transmission can cost anywhere from approximately $3,500 to over $4,000, while used or remanufactured options may be cheaper, ranging from under $2,000 to around $2,900. 
• Labor: The labor cost is based on the number of hours it takes to replace the transmission and the shop's hourly rate. Estimates suggest around 11 to 13 hours of labor for this job. With a labor rate of $85 to $125 per hour, this could add roughly $1,000 to $1,600 to the total cost. 
• Total estimate: Combining parts and labor, a full replacement could cost between $3,000 and $7,000 or more, depending on your choices. 
• Total estimate:
  • Dealer replacement: Around $5,800 to $6,300 for a 2007 model, and around $7,500 to $7,800 for a 2018 model. 
  • Independent shop replacement: Around $4,972 to $5,348 for a 2021 model, with potentially lower rates than a dealer. 

Is there a recall on the 2016 Ford Escape transmission?

Yes, a 2016 Ford Escape can be affected by a transmission recall due to a faulty shifter cable bushing that can detach, leading to unintended vehicle movement. This recall affects 2013-2019 Ford Escapes and requires dealers to replace the bushing for free. It is best to check your specific vehicle's status by using its VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or by contacting a Ford dealer. 
Recall details

• The problem: A bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach. 
• The risk: This can cause the transmission to be in a different gear than what is shown on the dashboard, or it may allow the vehicle to roll away even when in Park. 
• The solution: Ford dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing for free. 

How to check for the recall

• Use the VIN: The most accurate way to determine if your specific vehicle is affected is to enter its unique 17-digit VIN on the NHTSA recall website. 
• Contact a dealer: You can also call a local Ford dealership and provide your VIN to have them check for open recalls. 
• Use online checkers: Websites like RepairPal and Cars.com also have tools to check for recalls using your VIN. 

Is it worth replacing a transmission?

Whether replacing a transmission is worth it depends on a cost-benefit analysis of the vehicle's age, its total value, the cost of the replacement, and your own plans for the car. If the repair cost is less than 30-40% of the car's current value, or if you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacement may be a good investment. However, if the car is older and has other issues, or if the replacement cost is close to or exceeds the car's worth, it may be better to consider selling the vehicle. 
Factors to consider 
This video explains the factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your car's transmission: 42sNexologyYouTube · Sep 4, 2025

• Vehicle's value: Compare the cost of replacement to the car's current market value. If the repair is more than 30-40% of the car's worth, it may not be a good financial decision. 
• Vehicle's condition: If the rest of the car is in good condition with no major issues, a transmission replacement can be a worthwhile investment. However, if the car has many other problems, it may be better to cut your losses. 
• Your plans for the car: If you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacing the transmission is more likely to be worth the cost. If you only plan to keep it for a year or two, it may not be. 
• Cost of the replacement: Costs can range from $1,500 to over $8,000, depending on the vehicle and the type of transmission (new, rebuilt, or used). Be sure to factor in labor costs as well. 
• Reliability of the model: Some car models have a history of transmission problems, which may make replacement less desirable. 

Options for replacement

• New transmission: This is often the most expensive option, but it comes with a new warranty. 
• Remanufactured transmission: A remanufactured unit has been rebuilt to "as-new" condition and often comes with a good warranty, making it a solid choice. 
• Used transmission: This is the cheapest option but comes with the highest risk, as you don't know its history. It is generally not recommended unless you can test it first. 

How much to replace a transmission on a 2016 Ford Escape?

The cost to replace a 2016 Ford Escape transmission ranges from $3,000 to over $7,000, depending on whether you choose a new, remanufactured, or used part, and the labor rates in your area. The total cost includes the price of the replacement part (which can range from around $1,000 for used to over $3,500 for new or remanufactured) and labor, which can be several thousand dollars itself. 
Cost breakdown

• Transmission part:
  • New/Remanufactured: A new or remanufactured transmission for a 2016 Ford Escape can cost between approximately $2,500 and over $3,500, depending on the specific model and engine size. 
  • Used: Used transmissions can be found for prices ranging from about $1,000 to over $2,500, but mileage and condition will significantly affect the price. 
• Labor:
  • Labor for automatic transmission replacement typically ranges from $420 to over $1,500, based on 6 to 10 hours of work. 
  • The total labor cost depends on your location and the shop's hourly rate. 
• Additional costs:
  • Don't forget to budget for other parts that may need replacement, such as the transmission fluid and oil cooler. 

Factors affecting the final price

• New vs. Used vs. Remanufactured: New transmissions are the most expensive, while used transmissions are the cheapest. Remanufactured transmissions are a middle-ground option, often backed by a warranty. 
• Engine and Drivetrain: The specific transmission needed will vary based on your 2016 Escape's engine size (e.g., 1.6L, 2.0L, or 2.5L) and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD). 
• Shop: A dealership is likely to be more expensive than an independent transmission shop. 

Recommendation

• Get quotes from multiple shops for both parts and labor to compare prices.
• Ask about the warranty on the transmission and the installation.
• Consider a rebuilt or remanufactured option, which can be more affordable than a new one, but be sure to research the reputation of the rebuilder.