Are there transmission problems with the 2013 Ford Escape?

Yes. NHTSA lists 401 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Escape, about 15% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median mileage at failure of 81,500.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Ford Escape?

Yes, two recalls apply: campaign 18V471000 (2013-2014 Escape with six-speed automatic) and campaign 22V413000 (2013-2019 Escape and other models). Both address a shift cable bushing that can detach from the transmission, and dealers replace or cap the bushing free of charge.

Can the 2013 Ford Escape roll away while parked?

NHTSA complaints describe multiple incidents where the vehicle was shifted into park but rolled backward on its own, in some cases causing crashes and injuries. This pattern is addressed by the two shift cable bushing recalls.

How many crashes and fires are linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2013 Escape?

NHTSA data shows 10 crashes, 7 fires, and 12 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape.

2013 Ford Escape Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 401 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape, 15% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 81,500. Two recalls (18V471000, 22V471000... 22V413000) cover a shift cable bushing defect tied to vehicle rollaway incidents.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 401; 15% of 2,749
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 7
Injuries reported: 12
Median mileage: 81,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicles parked and shifted into park have rolled backward unexpectedly, in some cases crashing into trees, parked vehicles, or trailers.
Some owners report the automatic transmission failing to shift properly while driving uphill, causing the engine to rev high and the vehicle to struggle.
Several complaints describe smoke or fire coming from under the hood, in some cases linked to reported powertrain issues after a dealer buyback attempt.
Owners describe the transmission shifting abnormally in and out of gear with sudden RPM increases, sometimes recurring even after a dealer computer reset.
One owner was pulled under the vehicle and injured after it rolled while they were exiting, consistent with the shift cable bushing rollaway pattern addressed by recall.

When 2013 Ford Escape transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 13, 2012, latest Sep 10, 2026.

401 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q3 (33).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Ford Escape

NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
NHTSA 18V471000Jul 16, 2018Transmission & Powertrain504,182 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010508 (25%)
2011268 (20%)
201266 (11%)
2013401 (15%)
2014481 (23%)
2015286 (26%)
2016320 (28%)
2017390 (15%)
2018271 (15%)
2019125 (21%)
2020239 (15%)
202143 (12%)
202231 (13%)
202321 (21%)
20242 (3%)
20253 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there transmission problems with the 2013 Ford Escape?: Yes. NHTSA lists 401 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Escape, about 15% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median mileage at failure of 81,500.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Ford Escape?: Yes, two recalls apply: campaign 18V471000 (2013-2014 Escape with six-speed automatic) and campaign 22V413000 (2013-2019 Escape and other models). Both address a shift cable bushing that can detach from the transmission, and dealers replace or cap the bushing free of charge.
Can the 2013 Ford Escape roll away while parked?: NHTSA complaints describe multiple incidents where the vehicle was shifted into park but rolled backward on its own, in some cases causing crashes and injuries. This pattern is addressed by the two shift cable bushing recalls.
How many crashes and fires are linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2013 Escape?: NHTSA data shows 10 crashes, 7 fires, and 12 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape.