So sorry to hear about the Escape towing problems. We actually bought a new FWD 2011 Escape six speed, 4 cyl. automatic just one month ago. We bought it specifically for towing behind our motorhome. We had not heard of any problems with towing this vehicle. I just told my husband about this blog and told him to specifically tell the techs. not to fill the transmission fluid full. If I have any problems I will post on the 2011 model.