Minor leaks can become major leaks and sometimes leaks are a symptom of a larger problem. I would take them to the dealer and if they won't fix them at least get them documented -- that is, it should be on your service invoice that a leak was observed by the dealer.

After that, you can try another dealer or contact Ford about it. I'm not sure what the policy is, but I would definitely get it in the system in case it's heralding something bigger later.

Pain in the neck to have to spend your time I know -- but I think it might be worth it to push in on the problem.

 

looks excessive to me.
nothing was spilled up top to make that wet?

 

Nothing that I can think of. I noticed this while I was under there draining the oil. The only kind of fluid that's been added since before was some washer fluid, but I don't believe any spilled. The wet spot on the transmission appears to have a red tinge to it when wiped with a towel.

 

If it's covered I would have it looked at and fixed.

 

It's scheduled to go in next Thursday, that's the soonest they had a loaner car available. Will let you guys know what they say.

 

Expect th stealership standard - “Oh that - it’s normal!”

 

That's why I took the pictures and showed them to the service writer, who then recorded that in the ticket. If I was wasting my time, I wanted to know upfront so I could go to another dealer.

 

My front engine cover had a leak within the first year. Just an FYI it’s a royal pain to do and they had to lift and tilt my engine.

 

Interesting, that may well be my issue. My only disappointment with the Escape so far is just how hard it is to work on. This thing does a lot of things really well, but I don't know if I'd buy another one. I'm fortunate to have another 45K of powertrain warranty because I got it CPO, but I can see this thing getting expensive in a hurry after that point. Just looked it up, the book rate is 6.6 hours to R+R the front cover.

 

Just got the car back tonight. Looks like they billed for 5.6 hours of labor. The invoice I had to sign to bill Ford had a total of $543 for the job. Of course it would have been higher if I were paying the bill, as the book hours are always higher for customer pay than warranty.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7xcncvyvg057dmt/2017-12-27 Timing Cover - redacted.pdf?dl=0

 

Was underneath last weekend to drain and fill the transmission and the work appeared to be well done. Fresh bead of black silicone around the front cover without any hint of a leak, so I'm happy with the repair. Look around the rest of the car, including the PTU, and saw nothing amiss.

This evening, now that the weather is warmer and the trans would come up to temp, I went to adjust the fluid level of the transmission and I noticed what yous see in the attached photos. Did Ford suddenly forget how to seal powertrain components?

 

With the photographic evidence, can we assume you are taking it back to Ford?

 

Yep, you can certainly assume that! I'll be going in this morning to show them the photo and get something scheduled.

It's crazy...the seal must have self destructed sometime in the last week. Not a small leak considering how recent it is. I'm absolutely certain it wasn't there last Sunday.

 

Looks like I dodged another warranty bullet. They just checked it out, and have ordered a new PTU for it at 57,000 miles.

Not sure how willing I'll be to keep this thing after the 100K powertrain Certified Used warranty is up. This thing seems like a money pit waiting to happen.

 

Dropped the car off yesterday morning, and they had it done just after 12:00. Apparently these are easier than some of the other models they have replaced PTUs on. I was able to scan the warranty invoice that they normally keep and send to Ford, so it actually has the cost of the service.

$1,044 paid by warranty. Customer-pay would have been a bit higher at 5.5 hours of labor instead of 4.7, plus sales tax.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9v1k9933svwnau7/2018-01-19 PTU Replacement - redacted.pdf?dl=0

 

Just got under there to take a look at their work. Shiny!

Interesting how the seal design for the new PTU is visibly different:

My only beef with their work is some wrench damage to the turbo oil return line. Looks like he was whacking it with his wrench when he was unbolting the PTU.

I'm not convinced it will be a problem, but that oil line doesn't look fun to replace. I'll bring this up with the dealer and let them know I'll expect them to fix it if this leaks in the future.

 

I have a 13 escape w/ 158k miles. Dealer says PTU seals leaking. Repair including ptu estimate $2300.00. For a local driver is this “worth it”? Is this a safety risk? I do not have a mechanical bone. Is dealer pulling my chain? Thanks.

 

my 2013 AWD replaced ptu seal . there is a TSB for a new improved seal
replaced at 100,000 miles. part cost less than $20.00
labor $225.00