Problems · by component

2022 Ford Escape power train problems

31 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Escape cite power train, 13% of all 238 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
31
13% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“There are no warning lamps on at this time but the transmission is not shifting at the right points. It seems to search a lot for the right gear. Also half the time you hit the gas there is severe transmission lag. It makes it dangerous to pull into traffic. I first had the transmission replaced at roughly 36000 miles. It now has 47000 miles on it and I believe it is already defective.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2026Power trainODI 11762517
“This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752937
“The entire transmission had to be replaced. The water pump also. Currently it continues to have issues with the check engine light coming on, the code it says is the fuel sensors.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11747559
“Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle available for inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2026Power trainODI 11747565
“I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11744396
“Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11743915

Showing 6 of 31 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Power trainReported Mar 1, 2025NHTSA 25V133000

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Power trainReported May 11, 2024NHTSA 24V330000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.