If I'm looking at 2008 - 2012 Escapes in the 60k to 110k range that drive and sound great, do I still worry about the common problems with the 6F35 or is it always a guessing game? Am I playing Russian roulette or is there a good chance at this point the transmission was either repaired already or not as susceptible to these issues?

I'm racking my brain looking for an Escape in this generation because of the transmission. I hate to think I'm inviting imminent, expensive problems.

 

I have owned mine since new in 09, 2.5L. 105k mi and no problems....but

when car was new, and I believe 09 Escapes got the 6 speed for the first time that year, there were a few TSB's which for me proved true issues. Ford replaced PCM and updated transmission parameters. The problem was shift flare on either the 1-2 or 2-3 I can't remember. There was also DS 1/2 shaft leak at the case. That TSB required the DS case, bearing/seal and 1/2 shaft be replaced. Another was a revised dip stick that supposedly is easier to read "add & full" level.

I had all 3 done around the 1st year of ownership. Tranny has been fine since. YMMV

 

Thanks for the feedback! I had it narrowed down to a 2010 and 2012 but ended up with a different make and model because I couldn't pass up the deal. It has VERY light hail - and mostly on the hood - but saved about 5k on a 16k book value. That's worth it to me when this type of hail damage is nowhere near that amount if you shop it well enough.

So I'm curious, are the transmission problems these escapes commonly experience eventually fatal, meaning does it wear down the life of the transmission?

 

for me the 6 speed has been fine after the dealership updated it with a new PCM program. the 1/2 shaft leak was a casting issue with the case. It was fixed also back within the 1 st year I had the car. Since then the tranny has been fine and now has over 100k mi on it

I suspect people who dod not get the revised updates for the PCM related to tranny may have had issues long term, IDK

I was pro active and researched for TSB's and went to dealer t have them perform the work. Ideally a dealership would just update peoples cars with any new programming if there was a TSB affecting that car...not sure all do this though

09 was the first year the 6 speed was available for the Escape so not surprised some computer tweaks were needed

 

That would be very helpful to know before buying a used 2009-2012 Escape. It's easy to not think about simply asking the dealer to inspect that specifically and repair if needed. Rather than worry and guess what might happen, just look up the common fixes issued by Ford and run them by the dealer. I'm not sure if they would check these sort of things voluntarily.