Ford escape transmission problem (Charlotte, Mooresville: sale, credit, home) - North Carolina (NC) - City-Data Forum

susan42 · 08-15-2009, 04:35 PM

My husband just had his Ford Escape ltd (2004) towed to Advanced transmission care off HWY 150 East in Mooresville.
It was completely jammed-AAA guy had to drag it onto the truck as the wheels wouldn't budge.No warning at all that there was any problem-no slipping or weird noises.Just got in the car at home and hey presto.
I have unfortunately been looking at ford forums and discovered that a rebuilt trans could cost us $3-4,000-plus there will be the cost of car hire as seems like it can take 2-3 weeks.
Are there other things it could be that won't require replacement of the transmission?

Thanks

CharlotteCharlotte · 08-15-2009, 04:46 PM

If you didn't have any problems prior to this it could very well be something minor. Does the shifter actually move out of "P"(park)?

Nativechief · 08-15-2009, 05:25 PM

I checked and it seems that tranny issues are very common with the ford escapes. Not just the 2004 model. So many problems with trannys going out early that there is legal action against Ford by some owners...Even new they often make noise etc......Sorry but it looks like you will pay to have the junk fixed . Ford should recall them but dont count on it.

chicagocubs · 08-15-2009, 05:31 PM

maybe it would be covered under warranty?

Mike409 · 08-15-2009, 05:58 PM

Have you checked to see if there is a recall in place that you might have missed?

Me and Ford do not get along. I had an '04 Explorer, NEVER again!

Stripes17 · 08-15-2009, 07:44 PM

You may want to post over in the Automobile section of C-D. There are some knowledgeable folks over there.

susan42 · 08-16-2009, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlotteCharlotte

If you didn't have any problems prior to this it could very well be something minor. Does the shifter actually move out of "P"(park)?

Thanks-yes shifter shifted into all positions-car just wouldn't move, but he did say that at one point it was trying to move forward in neutral?

susan42 · 08-16-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nativechief

I checked and it seems that tranny issues are very common with the ford escapes. Not just the 2004 model. So many problems with trannys going out early that there is legal action against Ford by some owners...Even new they often make noise etc......Sorry but it looks like you will pay to have the junk fixed . Ford should recall them but dont count on it.

Yes -I had read the same as you.Jeez-what are the most reliable cars over there? We need to buy one! When we bought the ......heap we were restricted on budget and wanted something versatile.We had to pay cash as no credit history in the US and I am still living in the UK so we didn't have cah from the sale of house/car here.Hopefully that will cahnge pretty soon.
I was looking at Saabs and Mazdas recently as once I get over there we will need 2 cars.I was hoping that although parts might be more expensive, they may be more reliable?

susan42 · 08-16-2009, 05:45 AM

Meant to say the 2004 Escape came out well in reviews for cars for under $10,000 on cars.com.Clearly they forgot about the trany (and ABS) problems!

chicagocubs · 08-16-2009, 05:45 AM

Susan, Mazdas are made by Ford. Saabs are not the most reliable. Probably the most reliable car on the road is a Honda or a Toyota. As long as you maintain them, they will last forever!!