We have a 2009 Escape with the 3.0 V6. The flat towing issue wasn't discovered until after we purchased the vehicle. The dealer lowered the transmission fluid to the lowest acceptable level and we received the owners manual supplement which explained the procedures to be used when flat towed. I installed a transmission temperature gauge, and so far the highest temperature I've ever seen while towing has been 140 degrees. To-date we have towed for 27,000 miles, with 36,000 driving miles and no problems. We follow the recommended procedures and I check the tranny fluid level regularly and warn the service department, when in for an oil change, to NOT mess with the tranny fluid level and have them write it on the service order so that I have recourse in case they do add fluid.
