Community Forums

RV Traveller · 07-23-2016, 03:20 PM

I recently purchased a 2012 Ford escape FWD. The Ford dealer assured me that it was flat towable and I followed the towing instructions in the owners manual.
after only 400 miles of towing I burnt up the transmission. Ford replaced it free of charge and again told me that it was towable and gave me their TSB 12-11-3 which again gives me towing instructions that are exactly the same as the instructions that I had previously followed from the owners manual. Has anyone else recently had transmission problems and what did Ford have to say about it? Did I have a one time experiance or am I likely to have problems on my next trip ??

Ray,IN · 07-23-2016, 08:29 PM

That TSB # is not in the Ford database, is 12-11-3 the date of the TSB? Fords TSB numbers look like this. 2012 Ford Escape TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) | FordProblems.com
I am of of the impression only the AWD models are flat-towable; up to 2013 when Ford eliminated the flat-towing ability.

RV Traveller · 07-24-2016, 04:57 AM

The repairing dealer gave me a copy of the TSB and it is headed "TSB 12-11-3" they also said that I should not have any further towing problems if I followed the towing instructions in the TSB and owners manual. which I had already done !!

**pasdad1** · 07-24-2016, 05:27 AM

I could not tell what was in the TSB you listed....however I remember reading that Ford said the transmission fluid level had to be lowered a certain amount. Others wrote in that sometimes other mechanics or quick lube places would fill the transmission back up to full, not knowing the reason for the low fluid level reading on the dipstick. Maybe the fluid level was not lowered, or was filled back up without your knowledge ?

MuseJr · 07-24-2016, 05:45 AM

I had a 2012 Escape and sold it because of the date of manufacture. Mine was made in April 2012 and it was just after a change in the transmission that caused it to not be allowed to four down tow. I don't know what the change was or why they would do that, but after a few trips to the dealer we dumped that car and got an older Liberty CRD.
If I can find a copy of the service bulletin I received in the mail, I'll post the info here.
Check the manufacture date and if it was made after March 2012, I think you will have to look for a pump to put on the transmission to keep the fluid moving through it to four down tow.

OlYeller · 07-24-2016, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

That TSB # is not in the Ford database, is 12-11-3 the date of the TSB? Fords TSB numbers look like this. 2012 Ford Escape TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) | FordProblems.com
I am of of the impression only the AWD models are flat-towable; up to 2013 when Ford eliminated the flat-towing ability.

This is bad information. AWD Escape models are NOT towable 4 down or at least the 2005 is not as we had one and that is what the manual and Ford said.

Ray,IN · 07-25-2016, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlYeller

This is bad information. AWD Escape models are NOT towable 4 down or at least the 2005 is not as we had one and that is what the manual and Ford said.

I based my information on the Motorhome Dinghy towing guide for 2012. It makes no distinction between FWD and AWD vehicles, so my impression was incorrect in my statement. We are discussing a 2012 model year, I didn't look at 2005 model year.
Thanks for pointing out my error.

Pushrod · 09-28-2016, 10:42 PM

Welcome to the legion of Escape Toad "Wish I hadn't bought this #%^*+}<€€%. ,!!! Up to the 2012 model, the Escapes were supposed to be towable. The only model that was truly towable was the Hybrid, it had a CV transmission, completely different and towable. After having two transmissions replaced, we finally bit the bullet and had the Ford/Remco lube pump installed, at a cost to us of$2100, which supposedly makes the Escape function as advertised. On our last cross country trip, after 8K miles, the pump started to fail, and was replaced by Ford under warranty. It's working now, but we only have put another 3K on it. We were also told by Ford that our 2010 had an improved trans, turns out the only thing Ford did was to change the fluid level (reduced) for towing. At least GM had enough sense to pull back with their car that used the same trans and offer to buy back the customers car, and not allow it to be sold as towable. I have never dealt with a company that refused to admit their product was defective and totally avoid to help their customers deal with it.