NHTSA Complaint #11623140 — 2017 FORD ESCAPE

In May 2023, I paid an independent service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate. In December 2023, I paid the same service center to repair and replace the transmission flex plate a second time. The repairs exceeded $5000. In November 2024, I paid Morries Minnetonka Ford to diagnose transmission vibration. It determined that the torque converter was failing and that I needed a new transmission. The cost of the repair is expected to be in excess of $6000. A search on the internet revealed that Ford recalled torque converters (Recall Number 17S16). Not that the internet is the source of truth, but it appears that transmission issues with Ford vehicles with lower miles is a relatively common event. I believe that my issue is a manufacturing issue. The torque converter and flex plate are parts that should not fail at 73,000 miles. They are designed to last the life of a vehicle. Further, the flex plate should not fail independently of other failures. The parts are interconnected. Neither Morries Minnetonka Ford, nor Ford are willing to consider that this is manufacturing issue that Ford should cover the cost of repair. I would appreciate the NHTSA looking into the matter with Ford.