baynhambecky Report post Posted May 19, 2012 Hello, just bought a 2012 Ford Escape and was told that it was towable 4 Down. Got home and read the book and it says it is, but had an insert that said it is not. Our local Ford dealer has agreed to take my vehicle after thay check with Ford Motors. Read in FMCA that the Escape was towable 4 down. Just a reminder to you if you have a problem. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted May 19, 2012 Yes, the information furnished to FMCA by Ford Motor Company in time for the January issue (towing issue) was that it IS towable. That is why you have an insert/addendum that says it is not-- the original manual said it was. BTW, GM has done the same thing this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devoyrjd Report post Posted May 20, 2012 I'm confused. So, is the 2012 Ford Escape towable or not? I bought a 2012 Escape Hybrid back in December; even got it outfitted in March for towing (hitch & wiring) -- though I haven't yet tried to pull it yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted May 20, 2012 I'm confused. So, is the 2012 Ford Escape towable or not? I bought a 2012 Escape Hybrid back in December; even got it outfitted in March for towing (hitch & wiring) -- though I haven't yet tried to pull it yet. Welcome to the FMCA Forum. I guess I am about as up on this as anyone, and I have NO IDEA. I spent 20 minutes on Friday with the Service and Parts Director for one of the metro Houston Ford dealers. Last week, he was at a meeting in Detroit. All that he said was that Ford people as well as dealer personnel all felt the communications on this was not up to par. But, he had no idea when/if it would improve. When you call the Ford Customer Service line, they say all are towable (i.e. they don't even have a copy of the Owners Manual Addendum that says some models are not towable)! I have no idea (either way) if the hybrid has the same issues as the other Escapes. I can tell you that the Escape hybrid was originally listed as TOWABLE 4 wheels down. But, so was the non-hybrid Escape-- and clearly that has been "revisited". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devoyrjd Report post Posted May 20, 2012 Thanks for the follow-up. My plan was to pull it behind my RV to a local campground, and see how it does. I guess if I see smoke in my rearview mirror, we'll know the answer! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devoyrjd Report post Posted May 21, 2012 FWIW, I just saw this forum post in the Technical/Towing category: Looks like I've got some expensive, useless hardware on my 2012 Escape Hybrid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingfr Report post Posted May 21, 2012 I think that I would have a conversation with the Ford Dealer, or maybe higher over this! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devoyrjd Report post Posted May 24, 2012 After much digging around, on these forums along with others, I think I've got a handle on what the real situation is. The V-6 Escape (both FWD and AWD) have the 6F35 (6-speed) transmission. This is the tranny that has caused all the grief (and confusion) with regards to flat towing. It seems that after a number of toasted transmissions, Ford decided (with TSB 11-7-15) that so long as the tranny fluid level was lowered to just above the fill mark, these affected cars were still towable. Supposedly this would prevent the ATF from foaming, being forced out the dipstick tube (due to heat buildup), and eventually ruining the transmission. Many people have had success with this alteration, but there have still been some cases of fried trannys. Ford has even suggested installing a transmission pump to keep the fluid flowing, and therefore cool (Remco has come up with a pump specifically for the Escape and the 6F35 transmission). My assumption is that since there are still cases of transmission failures, even with the lowering of the fluid level, that Ford has just thrown up their hands and declared these affected cars as non-towable. The owners manuals for the affected cars are now including an insert stating the non-towability, and the cars now being purchased are not covered by warranty if the owners try to flat tow them. It is my understanding that cars purchased before the owners manual changes are still covered by warranty (when flat towed), but you're rolling the dice and taking your chances. Now.......to *my* case, I bought the hybrid version. It has the eCVT (electronically controlled variable transmission). This transmission is sealed (no dipstick), and there is no way to add/adjust fluid. Apparently it was, and still is, flat towable. I have not been able to track any cases of someone having problems when towing. So-o-o-o-o, it looks like the $750 I spent to outfit my 2012 Escape hybrid (hitch hardware and wiring) is not money thrown out the window. You can bet that I'll be keeping a close eye on things, as I start out with short trips before venturing too far! And if anyone here knows of any eCVT failures, keep them to yourself! No news is good news, right?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bairman Report post Posted May 25, 2012 The 6F35 transmission is the problem for Ford and GM cars. I even had a Remco pump on mine and it still failed for the 4th time. I am waiting for Ford to decide on a buy back of the car. Other Fords like the Edge and Taurus are not having any problems with transmissions that I can find, just battery issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcfaror Report post Posted June 1, 2012 It appears there are two of us with hybrids trying to figure out what this all means for us. What type of tow/braking system did you have installed? I am scheduled to get the Air Force One system installed on our motorhome on Monday,and can't seem to get anyone at Ford to give me a straight answer on the hybrid. Any advice? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devoyrjd Report post Posted June 1, 2012 As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had my 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid (which I bought last December) outfitted for towing this past March. My current toad is a '98 Ford Escort wagon, which is just about at the end of its life, and thus, the purchase of the Escape. I had the Escort originally outfitted with the Roadmaster Tracker towbar and base plate back in 2003, and after about 400K miles of towing I've been very satisfied with it. I also bought one of the earlier versions of the Brake Buddy (w/o proportional braking) to use in the Escort. Because of the success with the Roadmaster hitch, I again had the Roadmaster hardware installed on my new Escape hybrid and I plan to use the Brake Buddy in it also. One caveat I've seen in a number of posts: the supplemental braking system has to be turned way down, as far as braking pressure is concerned, because, as I understand it, the Escape's power brake system is active while it is being towed. I haven't towed the Escape yet, so I don't have any feedback as far as how it does. Like I mentioned earlier, the hybrid version of the Escape has the eCVT transmission, and in all the digging around that I have done with regards to transmission problems, I have not been able to find a single case of anyone having problems with it. Let's hope that us hybrid owners are immune to all the grief/concerns/problems that continue to plague the gasoline-only Escapes with the 6F35 transmissions! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambeaty Report post Posted June 2, 2012 I'm looking for information flat-towing a Ford Fusion re any info on what caused the transmission failures. Also anyone who successfully towed a Fusion. What were the driving conditions that resulted in no problems. wmb Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Briarhopper Report post Posted June 3, 2012 Not that this is conclusive, but Ford changed the owners guide for the 2012 Escape by adding a supplement in February per the online owners section of ford.com and they did not change the owners guide for the 2012 Escape Hybrid. This info subject to my competence at looking it up, so use at your own risk. For the Fusion and all Ford vehicles, their web site has available owner manuals, guides and supplements for several years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WendyandChuck Report post Posted June 3, 2012 I bought a 2012 Ford Escape and then found out thru my FMCA magazine that it is not towable. My dealer took the car back without question. Bill McDonald Ford in St Clair, MI. I had put on about 200 miles in 4 or 5 days. They gave me a car to use while they get a 2012 Ford Edge for me. Their mechanics knew about the Escape tranny issues but the sales force did not. The Dealership took full responsibility even though it appears to me to be a Ford Motor Corp. miscommunication. To all FMCA members, check the FMCA blogs before you buy!! It's all there! My bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bairman Report post Posted June 5, 2012 I'm looking for information flat-towing a Ford Fusion re any info on what caused the transmission failures. Also anyone who successfully towed a Fusion. What were the driving conditions that resulted in no problems. wmb I have a 2011 Ford Fusion and have gone through 4 transmission in less than a year with 8600 mile. They seem to go bad within 140 miles of towing and get so hot they melt the dipstick to the transmission,also destroying two Remco pumps. My car has been at my dealer since 5/17/12 waiting for a new transmission amd pump. We are suing Ford under the Lemon Law and will then look at a Jeep. In the last 12 months Ford has had our car over 70 days for repair. I have been a Ford person my whole life but not anymore after the way they treated us on this issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waysan1 Report post Posted June 5, 2012 I am looking at the June edition of FMCA's Family Motor Coaching and on page 18 -18, it clearly states that the 2012 Escape & Fusion are NOT towable 4 down. I have a friend with a 2010 model, and after 3 transmissions, he would agree that it is not towable. His friend with the same model is working on transmission # 5. This is why I love my Jeep. Simple, easy, no problems. Wayne Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlleBus06 Report post Posted June 5, 2012 Being a Ford owner for years, and after much research, we bought a 2012 Ford Escape V6-AWD with auto trans on 10 Dec 2012... because it was 4 wheels down towable per Ford published data in December, 2011. We also had the trans fluid adjusted to the lowest mark per TSB 20TSB-11-07-15. Then I read the June issue of Family Motor Coaching, which now says the 2012 Escape is not towable 4-wheels down?? What changed between Dec, 2011 and June 2012?? And, is the 2012 Escape I bought in December towable with 4 wheels down, or not? What is the 2012 Escape production cut-off date for such a change? Hopefully, Ford has not advertised the 2012 Escape as 4-wheels down towable in December and then said... sorry, just kidding in June?? Can't do that in the middle of a model year and make it retro-active. My purchase decision in December was based on the Ford info available at the time of purchase, which listed the 2012 Escape as 4-wheels down towable! s/AlleBus06 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmatteucci Report post Posted June 6, 2012 I'm in the same boat as everyone else a 2012 Escape that is equipped for towing - can you tow it or not?? Well my dealer tells me that it applies to 2012 Escapes manufactured after February 16th, 2012 (which would explain why I didn't get a letter from Ford) Mine was built in October 2011 and purchased in late December and equipped for towing in April. Nothing has changed on the vehicles except Ford made a decision not to cover (or allow) flat towing made or purchased after a certain date. Does that make me feel good, well no, but hopefully my car will not have problems if I follow the instructions. I will create another message for those that flat tow Ford Escapes and have no problems and perhaps we can learn tips to make what seems as the inevitable not happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fhalasz Report post Posted June 8, 2012 If you go to p. 14 of this link: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/2012/2012_default.asp (this is an official Ford site) you will see that the hybrids are now the *only* towable Fusions. The page says it was updated in March. Don't go faster than 75 mph! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
five Report post Posted June 8, 2012 CRV...problem solved:) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HYarian Report post Posted June 11, 2012 My new 2012 Ford Escape, built 6 Dec 2011, purchased on 19 Mar 2012, was flat towable according to dealer and owners manual. We installed tow hardware in May 2012. Transmission fluid level was checked as per owners manual, prior to towing. We were flagged by another driver on I-25 our TOWED vehicle was smoking. It was!! Had it flatbed towed to nearest Ford Service Center. Transmission was blown. Total tow mileage 185... Max speed 63 MPH. Ford replaced the transmission and part of engine compartment wiring harness that melted. Was advised by transmission mechanic the 6F35 transmission has now been flagged by Ford as non-towable. Total mileage on Ford Escape, 625... Selling dealer said he would buy back as used vehicle.... Are they kidding ??? We laid out our needs/requirements when searching for a TOAD including the need to tow 4 wheels down. Dealer stated it is towable. Owners manual states it is towable. The transmission blew, so it now isn't towable. Really... !! Harold Yarian, FMCA #F386187 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RVerOnTheMove Report post Posted June 11, 2012 Yep, really! That's why God created the lowest from of life known to the Planet Earth. Lawyers. Oh stop it! It's a joke! (somewhat). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gdickey@me.com Report post Posted June 12, 2012 We have a 2011 Ford Escape and have already lost one transmission. Is there a similar "revision" out for the 2011 owners manual. Is Ford taking responsibility for these cars. If you purchased the car specifically as a tow car, what use is it if it can't be towed 4 down. Any other 2011 Escape owners out there dealing with this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baynhambecky Report post Posted June 24, 2012 Thanks for all the info I have received. Does anyone know what, if anything is Ford doing about the vehicles that are owned but not towable? I had scheduled to have my base plate installed but cancelled until I can resolve the problem with Ford. Anyone have any phone numbers for Ford or the department to contact? I am lost at this point. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baynhambecky Report post Posted June 26, 2012 Baynhambecky here. I solved my Ford Escape problem. I purchased a Honda CRV. Thanks for all the replies and advice. Ford would not make the deal right by trading for a towable(Escapes mfg before 2/17/2012). They treated my 2012 non-towable Escape as a used car and were willing(HAHA) to allow me to trade it in on a towable vehicle and pay difference. I walked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
