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Driveline Noises in 2020 Escape Hybrid

3080 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  etbar8302
Driveline noises and vibration from front end of 2020 Titanium Escape Hybrid. A low pitched pulsating sound continues to come from the front end. Definitely rotational. Accompanied by detectable slight vibration in steering wheel. Left foot on floorboard can sometimes detect vibration with noise. History-when new, very quiet. At 500 miles, noise, with no detectable vibration noted. At 1200 miles taken to dealer for investigation. Was told this is normal for the hybrid. No work performed. This forum advised wait for the service procedure to reprogram the computer/transmission to address noises. Reprogram done in May, soon after announcement , at 1800 miles. Still no improvement. Now at 2500 miles, sounds and slight vibration more apparent. Tried to record sound with no success, to demonstrate to dealer. Called dealer to drive an identical 2020 Titanium Hybrid to hear if these noises are "normal". None available, including 2021 model. To elaborate, the noises are not tire or road noise, which can be discerned. Balanced, presssures ok .This is not engine exhaust noise, which can be discerned. The noise/sounds are usually apparent when cold, however become more apparent after driving for 5 minutes, cold or hot weather. Left hand turns intensify the sound, but you have to be listening. Rolling at constant speed sometimes produces the sound, with no acceleration or braking. Acceleration brings on the sound but it is not exhaust sound. I am thinking along the lines of driveshaft,cv joints, transfer case, electrical generator. Something rotating-speed doesn't change much with vehicle speed.
Other than driving me nuts for the past 10 months, the car is great. Occasionally get 63 mpg on 20 min trip, lots of battery use. Going back to the dealer again to try and get some answers. I just don't think this is "normal". Have had other brand hybrid, no noises. Comments from 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid owners encouraged .
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Driveline noises and vibration from front end of 2020 Titanium Escape Hybrid. A low pitched pulsating sound continues to come from the front end. Definitely rotational. Accompanied by detectable slight vibration in steering wheel. Left foot on floorboard can sometimes detect vibration with noise.
Possibly a deformed front tire... Is the transmission still noisy upon cold starts?
I dont think its the same problem but whenever the vehicle shifts from ice to EV or Ev to ICE, you can feel it kind of jerk pretty good. I know the switch happened without even looking at the dash. At slow speeds when coming to a stop it actually jerks as if you are hitting the brakes hard but your not. Just today it did it at about 40mph and for the first time it sounded like metal on metal :/. Minus the vibration is it similar to what you are seeing?
Just a suggestion. To eliminate the possibility of tire noise, rotate tires front to back.
Here is an update regarding the driveline noise. Tire issues were eliminated early on. Thanks for the suggestions. Appointment and investigation/test drive with dealer completed yesterday. Test drive revealed noise, however no trouble lights lit or problems show on computer. The dealer reported the noise as a matter of record for future service under warranty. I requested and dealer agreed, comparison with another 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid is needed to see if this is normal wear. No other cars could be found. When they locate one, we will compare. To review, this is driveline noise that always occurs when cold, comes and goes when battery charging is engaged, results in some vibration hard to detect but present for sure. Not tires. Only 2500 miles, easy to demonstrate. I really need to hear from other 2020 Titanium Hybrid owners regarding this.
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I have about 37000 miles on mine and it has started to have a high pitched squeal when the electric motor starting and assisting.
Mine does it going from a stop and turning. Dealer will look at it next week. I’ve looked through the pin point tests and the tests are vague. Seems like it too 3 years and 45k miles for it to happen. I’m gonna see if an alignment changes anything also. I’d hold tight and see. I’ll let people know if an alignment does anything. I’ve also been thinking of changing the diff and ptu fluids soon.
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