2023 Ford Escape power train problems
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2023 Ford Escape — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“**On August 19, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford Escape on Interstate 57 (I-57), with approximately 35,575 miles on the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond as expected and I could not stop it…”
filed Aug 21, 2026
“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the "WRENCH Icon" was illuminated and the message "Service Gear Shifter" and the vehicle began to rapidly reduce speed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway road and…”
filed Jun 30, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated MIL with DTCs…
SSM 55142 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2194. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct a part description " Loctite 638", update the claim quantity for the drain/fill plug, update the claim quantity of the wheel hub…
TSB 26-2328 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 15, 2026Some 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit a shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no…
SSM 54939 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 16, 2026
Power Train problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 3 | 13% |
| 2024 Escape | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 Escape | 31 | 13% |
| 2021 Escape | 43 | 13% |
| 2020 Escape | 236 | 15% |
| 2019 Escape | 125 | 21% |
| 2018 Escape | 269 | 15% |
| 2017 Escape | 390 | 15% |
| 2016 Escape | 320 | 29% |
| 2015 Escape | 286 | 26% |
| 2014 Escape | 481 | 23% |
| 2013 Escape | 401 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.