Is there a recall on the transmission on a 2013 Ford Escape?

The recall status for a 2013 Ford Escape’s transmission depends on the vehicle’s VIN. Not every car in the model year is affected, but some may be covered by a transmission-related recall. To know for sure, check official recall databases using your VIN.

The 2013 Escape was built with a 6-speed automatic transmission in most configurations. Recall campaigns are issued by Ford in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and apply only to specific VIN ranges where a defect was identified. Because recalls are vehicle-specific, two 2013 Escapes can have different results when checked by VIN.

How to check for recalls by VIN

To determine whether your 2013 Escape is included in a transmission-related recall, use these official sources and steps. Verifying with the VIN is the most reliable method since recalls are vehicle-specific.

Official sources

Access the primary recall information through national databases and Ford’s own tools to confirm status and required repairs.

• Visit the NHTSA recall lookup (SaferCar.gov) and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The results will show any open recalls related to your vehicle, including transmission-related campaigns.


• Use Ford’s official recall status tool on the Ford Owner site (owner.ford.com) and enter your VIN. This can indicate active campaigns and the recommended service actions.


• Contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealership with your VIN to receive the latest recall status and to schedule service if needed.


• Sign up for recall notifications from NHTSA or Ford so you receive updates if new campaigns are announced for your vehicle.

If an active recall applies to your vehicle, Ford will remedy the issue at no cost during a scheduled service appointment, typically by repairing or replacing faulty components.

What to do if you have transmission problems but no active recall

Transmission problems can arise from wear, software issues, or other mechanical faults. If you experience symptoms, take these steps to protect yourself and your vehicle.

• Document symptoms with dates, mileage, and any warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes.


• Have the vehicle inspected by a certified Ford technician to determine whether the issue is covered under any open recalls or warranty, or if it requires paid repair.


• Check for available software updates or calibrations for the transmission control module (TCM); some issues are resolved through software rather than hardware replacement.

Note that the absence of an active recall does not guarantee the transmission is problem-free. Ongoing maintenance and prompt professional diagnosis are important for safety and reliability.

Summary

Summary: There is no single nationwide recall covering all 2013 Ford Escapes with transmission issues. Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. To determine eligibility, check the VIN against official recall databases (NHTSA and Ford Owner) or contact a dealer. If a recall exists, the repair is performed at no cost to you. If no recall is listed, consider a professional inspection for transmission symptoms and stay alert for new recall announcements.

What year did the Ford Escape have a bad transmission?

Years with common Ford Escape transmission problems include 2008, 2013, and 2014, which are frequently cited for complete failure, rough shifting, and shuddering. Other models with reported issues include 2006, 2009, and 2017, which may experience slipping gears, erratic shifting, or acceleration and fluid leaks.
 
This video discusses common Ford Escape transmission issues from 2011-2018: 1mBig Ben's Cars & CyclesYouTube · Jun 21, 2023
Model years to be cautious of

• 2006-2009: Models in this range are prone to issues like slipping gears and erratic shifting, especially the 2008 and 2009 years. The 2008 is frequently cited for transmission failures and other problems like steering and A/C issues. 
• 2013-2014: These years have been linked to transmission problems such as shuddering, delayed shifting, and complete failure. The 2014 model, in particular, has a history of multiple recalls and issues. 
• 2017: Some owners have reported problems like harsh acceleration and transmission fluid leaks. 
• 2020: Early models of this year have been noted for harsh shifting and early wear. 

Other potential concerns

• 2015: A recall was issued for certain 2015 models due to a shifter cable bushing that could degrade and prevent the vehicle from shifting into "Park". 
• 2016: Some 2016 models have experienced complete transmission failure, often attributed to internal component wear or software issues. 
• 6F35 Transmission: This automatic transmission, used in many models, has been a point of discussion for its potential to fail. 

How to check recalls on 2013 Ford Escape?

To check whether there are any open recalls on your 2013 Ford Escape, enter its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate number into the RepairPal Safety Recall Checker here.

Is there a recall on the 2013 Ford Escape transmission?

A major transmission-related recall for the 2013 Ford Escape (and certain 2013-2016 Fusion models) addresses a potential issue where the shifter cable bushing can detach from the transmission. This can cause the transmission to be in a different gear than what is shown on the shifter, potentially leading to unintended vehicle movement, even while parked. Ford issued the recall to have the bushing replaced for free, and owners were advised to use the parking brake until the repair was made. 
This video explains the 2013-2016 Ford Escape recall and how to tell if your vehicle is affected: 1mHow To Escape: DIY, Tips, and ReviewsYouTube · Jul 11, 2022
Recall details

• Affected vehicles: Certain 2013-2014 Ford Escapes and 2013-2016 Ford Fusions. 
• The problem: A shifter cable bushing can degrade and detach, causing a mismatch between the selected gear and the actual gear in the transmission. 
• The risk: This could result in the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, even if the shifter is in "Park". 
• The fix: Ford dealers will replace the faulty bushing for free. 
• Safety recommendation: Until the recall repair is completed, owners should use the parking brake every time they park the vehicle. 

You can watch this video to see what the recall notice looks like and what the repair involves: 25sWCNCYouTube · Jun 16, 2022

What is the transmission problem on a 2013 Ford Escape?

Common 2013 Ford Escape transmission problems include the 6F35 transmission overheating, which can be caused by a failing torque converter and leads to slipping or shuddering. Other issues include delayed or harsh shifting, and a "transmission fault" warning, often due to low or contaminated fluid, worn internal clutches, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM). Ford issued a recall for some 2013-14 Escapes because the shifter cable bushing could detach, causing the gear to be different from what the shifter indicates.
 
This video demonstrates common issues in Ford Escape transmissions: 1mBig Ben's Cars & CyclesYouTube · Jun 21, 2023
Common symptoms and causes

• Slipping or shuddering: A common issue caused by the torque converter overheating, which breaks down the transmission fluid. This can also be caused by low or dirty transmission fluid and worn internal components. 
• Harsh or delayed shifting: This can be a symptom of low or dirty fluid, a faulty TCM, or issues with solenoids. 
• "Transmission fault" warning light: This often points to a problem with the TCM, low or contaminated fluid, or a mechanical issue like a worn clutch pack. 
• Leaking fluid: Low or contaminated fluid from leaks can cause various transmission issues. 
• Unintended movement: A recall was issued because a loose shifter cable bushing could cause the transmission to be in a different gear than what the driver selected, which could lead to unintended vehicle movement. 

What to do

1. Check the transmission fluid: First, check the transmission fluid level and condition. Low or dirty fluid can cause many of the problems listed above. 
2. Address recalls: Check if your vehicle is affected by the recall for the shifter cable bushing and have it inspected by a dealership. 
3. Professional diagnosis: For other issues, a professional diagnosis is recommended. They can check for error codes from the TCM and properly inspect components like the torque converter and solenoids. 
4. Regular maintenance: Performing regular transmission fluid changes can help prevent overheating and contamination.