Ford Escape Used Transmissions

Escape transmissions follow the three eras of the vehicle. The 2001–2012 SUV uses the CD4E or 4F27E four-speed and, late in the run, the 6F35. The 2013–2019 car is 6F35 throughout. The 2020-up car moved to the eight-speed 8F35. Hybrids at every generation use a planetary eCVT that is a separate part. The CD4E of the early cars is the one to understand before you buy.

Ford Escape Used Transmissions — transmission options by generation

How to pick the right one

Generation, engine and drivetrain. The CD4E and 4F27E are different four-speeds and overlapped in the range, so the engine tells us which. On 2013–2019 cars the 6F35 is common but the calibration is engine-specific, which matters if you are keeping your own control module. All-wheel-drive cars carry a different output and transfer unit. On hybrids the eCVT is a dedicated part at every generation and will not substitute for a conventional automatic either way.

What usually fails on these transmissions

The CD4E is the weak link in the early Escape: it runs hot in a vehicle heavier than the car it was designed for, the forward clutch and the pump suffer, and a failed cooler or a neglected fluid change is usually what finishes it. If you are replacing one, flush or replace the cooler circuit at the same time. On the 6F35 the pump is the main item, and on 2013–2016 units there was a shift solenoid campaign worth asking about. The eCVT hybrids rarely come in at all.

What ships with every unit

• Pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded, and the fluid condition inspected and reported.
• Fitment matched — send us the model year, engine, drivetrain and the RPO option code or ID tag and we confirm the part before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every transmission, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, crated on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Replacing the engine too? See our Escape used engines. Full terms are in the transmission warranty policy, and the complete catalogue is at used transmissions.

Ford Escape used transmissions - frequently asked questions

Which transmissions did the Ford Escape use?

Across 2001 to today the Ford Escape was built with CD4E, 5-speed manual, 4F27E, eCVT, 6F35 and 8F35. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the transmission designation and option code that identifies it.

How do I identify the right transmission for my Ford Escape?

Four things decide it: model year, engine, drivetrain, and the option or RPO code. That code is the one most people do not have to hand and the one that settles it - on a GM vehicle it is on the glovebox or door-jamb sticker, on a Chrysler it is on the build sheet, and on a Ford it is on a tag on the case. Send us the VIN and the code and we confirm the unit before anything ships.

Will a transmission from a different year fit my Ford Escape?

Generation, engine and drivetrain. The CD4E and 4F27E are different four-speeds and overlapped in the range, so the engine tells us which.

What usually fails on these transmissions?

The CD4E is the weak link in the early Escape: it runs hot in a vehicle heavier than the car it was designed for, the forward clutch and the pump suffer, and a failed cooler or a neglected fluid change is usually what finishes it. If you are replacing one, flush or replace the cooler circuit at the same time.

What comes with a used Ford Escape transmission?

Every transmission is pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded and the test sheet ships in the box. The unit is matched to your VIN and option code before the order goes out, carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.