
Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.ĭo Ford Escapes Have More Transmission Problems Than Similar Models? Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it pays to be a cautious shopper. Overall, Ford Escapes are slightly more prone to problems (most notably, transmission problems) than similar models of similar years.

The Ford Escape has 4,167 reported issues on, with transmission issues accounting for many of those. In terms of reliability by model year, the 2006-2009 Ford Escapes have the highest transmission issues, with many customers reporting needing a new transmission after approximately 80,000 miles. When comparing the Escape’s transmission to other full-size SUVs like the Pathfinder and Enclave, the Escape tends to be less reliable than other models.

The Pathfinder has 2,044 total complaints, with the most common transmission-related problems being coolant leaking into the transmission with 424 complaints. This typically requires a transmission replacement at around 80,000 miles. While the severity of the problem is equal to the Escape, the Pathfinder has fewer numbers of reported transmission failures.

The 2008 Buick Enclave was plagued by transmission problems, with owners reporting the need for a new transmission at roughly 90,000 miles. If you’re looking for a large SUV with reliable transmission, the Buick Enclave is a better bet than a Ford Explorer – just avoid unreliable 2008 Enclaves. On the other hand, the Enclave tends to be much more reliable than the Ford Escape, with one notable exception.
