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Is the 2021 Escape affected by the dual-clutch transmission problems that hit the early versions?
Yes, the 2021 Escape uses the Ford eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that generated widespread complaints on 2020-2022 versions. Documented symptoms on the Canadian market include shuddering at low RPM, vibration in forward drive at slow speed, and unpredictable behaviour during parking manoeuvres in cold weather below -10°C. Ford issued several corrective software updates but never fully resolved the issue on these model years. The 2023 Escape abandoned this transmission for a conventional eight-speed automatic. For a used 2021 Escape purchase, require that all transmission updates have been applied and conduct a thorough test drive including slow manoeuvres and full stops on uphill grades.