Hello,
I bought my wife a 2013 Ford Escape SE 2.0 - Automatic - (“intelligent” 4WD). I bought it from a private seller who was the original owner. The vehicle has 138,000 miles on it. He said they had just replaced the turbo and the O2 sensors at a shop. When we test drove it, everything seemed okay. We picked up speed and drove it for about 10 minutes. After we get home, we did an oil change on it and boy did it need it. Oil came out like black sludge. So upon doing that, when we took off the splash guard on bottom, We noticed it was full of oil which made me have instant regrets. At first we thought it was the oil plug which the O ring was pressed in quite a bit. We replace it and it didn’t make a difference. So it’s been slowly leaking oil and I can’t find from where. That’s one issue.
The other issue which is more of my concern is that the vehicle does a very rough shift when moving from park to gear and from like first to second. After the car picks up it doesn’t jerk at all. It’s just from first the second gear. Then I’ll put the car in park again. If I shift back to drive, the vehicle does a heavy jerk while I’m still holding the break. It’s enough to make my head bounce.
I’m hoping it’s not a transmission issue. This man assured me that the vehicle had no issues and was very well taken care of. And that it was garage kept. I know people lie, but I like to see the good in people. Maybe I’m too gullible.
This vehicle is for my wife which is basically just used to get the kids from school and grocery shop. It probably won’t see more than 1500 miles per year honestly. Also, she is a relatively new driver. Hence the used vehicle.
Was curious if anyone would know what this is or had any thoughts. I can provide and additional if needed. It would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you all for the prompt input. I’m probably just going to run it until it gives out. Hopefully it lasts a few years. As I mentioned, it won’t be used for any long trips. Being a backup car for my wife, I think it will do for now. Won’t see much more than roughly 20 miles driven per day.
Would anyone recommend using this Lucas fluid? I read that this vehicle does not have a CVT.
Or I don’t know if it’s worth taking it to a shop to have the transmission diagnosed. I’m not looking to spend thousands replacing the transmission.
Would anyone recommend using this Lucas fluid? I read that this vehicle does not have a CVT.
What does the transmission fluid look like? Given what you found with the engine oil it's a good bet the transmission fluid has not been changed any time in recent years, if ever. You could try the Lucas stuff but it's a temporary bandaid at best and may not work at all. You are correct that you should not put big money into this thing.
If the Lucas additive improves shifting you could consider seeing what a joint like Carvana would give you for it and dumping the Escape on them if you can come close to at least breaking even on the deal.
I like to see the good in people
So do I.
And you still can , while at the same time covering your hiney.
I live by "hope for the best. prepare for the worst"
You got snookered and you need to get the leak and the transmission problem diagnosed by a professional. The sooner the better. The seller lied, what a surprise.
This man assured me that the vehicle had no issues and was very well taken care of.
You really cannot trust anything a seller tells you. This is why a pre-purchase inspection by a good mechanic is a must when buying a used car.
Unfortunately it appears those vehicles are prone to a number of serious problems, including transmission failure though engine problems top the list. By the description of your oil change it looks like that Escape has not been properly maintained which does not bode well. Problems with electric power steering also appear to be very common in Ford products.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Escape/2013/
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/2013-ford-escape-owners-are-fed-up-with-the-suvs-disastrous-engine/
https://www.cashcarsbuyer.com/2013-ford-escape-problems/
Thank you all for the prompt input. I’m probably just going to run it until it gives out. Hopefully it lasts a few years. As I mentioned, it won’t be used for any long trips. Being a backup car for my wife, I think it will do for now. Won’t see much more than roughly 20 miles driven per day.
Would anyone recommend using this Lucas fluid? I read that this vehicle does not have a CVT.
Or I don’t know if it’s worth taking it to a shop to have the transmission diagnosed. I’m not looking to spend thousands replacing the transmission.
What does the transmission fluid look like? Given what you found with the engine oil it's a good bet the transmission fluid has not been changed any time in recent years, if ever. You could try the Lucas stuff but it's a temporary bandaid at best and may not work at all.
There isn’t a dip switch to check the trans fluid. I’d have open it up. I’d also assume it’s never been changed with the “lifetime” fluid and all. Lucas was just a thought. I’m might give it a shot. I’m debating because I don’t want to mess with the fluid and possibly make it worse.
Carvana is a good thought. I paid $8800 for it and about $500 for tax/title/etc. I might see what they can give me. I added a remote start and a backup cam so we’ll see. Thanks again!
The engineers who designed these stupid things with no dipstick should be flogged. Fortunately I've never owned a car new enough to be equipped with that "feature". But yeah, if you can get anywhere near what you paid just dump it before it really starts draining your bank account.