 Transmission failure
I bought my Escape 2.5 years ago new, and it has 54,000 miles on it. Unfortunately I didn't buy the extended warranty. The transmission problems started with the OD light flashing, engine light coming on, and about 5 miles later I couldn't shift into reverse and then into drive. I got it into drive finally, drove it to a mechanic at about 35 mph with the RPMs revving and with it stalling at times, and parked it - since it was a holiday weekend and nothing was open. When the mechanic looked at it, he said the transmission would have to be replaced, and since I was out of town, I had it towed to a Ford dealer, thinking about the warranty. I had to get a rental car to get home, and then drove 5 hours back that weekend to pick up my car. Total cost was $3,200 plus rental car expenses - felt a little vulnerable since I had no choice but to go to an unknown dealership, being from out of town. I have a warranty on the remanufactured transmission, but at this mileage, I wasn't expecting this kind of expense - I can't afford it, and Ford customer service said since it's out of warranty, they can't do anything. Not asking for much, just a good faith effort - I guess it's my fault for not buying the extended warranty, but I don't plan on buying another Ford. | 
