Hi Don:
Thanks for the report. I realize the shudder is a problem, but if the Escape has been good to you and you have 131k on it, I don't think that is a reason to avoid Escapes in the future--particularly because they use newer and different transmissions in 2009(?) and later. Sounds like it has otherwise been reliable for you.

I had a 1996 GMC Savana Van (bought new) and in the 66,000 miles I owned it, it went through 7 valve bodies, 2 complete transmission replacements, and a WHOLE bunch of other issues (2 fuel pumps, starter, alternator, 4 oxy sensors, etc). THAT is a reason to lose faith in a car mfr. A shudder? I dunno...

Good luck,
George

 

I had a shudder in mine at like 43 mph if you gave it more gas or let up on the gas it would stop it wound up being a coil on plug going bad.

 

I have a 2005 Escape that developed transmission trouble at 131,000 miles. It was a spare, not a daily driver but we do depend on it during bad weather. (I live in Northern Maine) It had the same shudder that you described. It ended up being a bad torque converter and the debris from the damage converter plugged the internal filter/screen. The vehicle was valued by Kelley Blue book at a little over $8,000.00 at the time. I gave it some serious thought and decided that if I sold it, not only would I would take a huge loss but I would have to buy another one. Instead of giving up on it, I had a rebuilt transmission put in. It cost $2,500.00 and it came with a 3 year unlimited mileage parts and labor warranty.