Ford · Vehicle Guide

Ford Escape Transmission Fluid

Which transmission fluid the Ford Escape uses by model year and transmission, and how to check the level.

Quick answer

Motorcraft Mercon LV on 6-speed (6F35) models; the 2020+ 8-speed may specify a different fluid (Mercon ULV) — confirm for your vehicle and engine. Dipstick: No. Confirm the exact fluid for your model year and engine before topping up. Fill capacity and change interval depend on your exact year, engine and transmission, so they are not listed here — use your owner's manual.

Updated October 24, 2026

Confirm your exact version. The Ford Escape was sold across several model years and more than one transmission. What is shown here is general guidance and has not been verified for every individual configuration. Before buying fluid or servicing, confirm the fluid spec, capacity, and check procedure for your exact model year and transmission using the owner's manual or a dealer parts lookup for your VIN.

Fluid specifications

Fluid (confirm for your year): Motorcraft Mercon LV on 6-speed (6F35) models; the 2020+ 8-speed may specify a different fluid (Mercon ULV) — confirm for your vehicle and engine
Transmission: 6-speed (6F35) or 8-speed automatic (2020+)
Capacity and interval: Not listed — varies by year, engine and transmission. See your owner's manual.
Dipstick: No
Applies to: 2013–present

This is general guidance for the Ford Escape. Always confirm the exact fluid spec and capacity for your model year in the owner's manual before servicing. Official source: Ford owner resources.

How to check it

Because the Ford Escape is sealed, the fluid is checked from underneath at the fill/level plug with the vehicle level and the fluid at a specified temperature. See our step-by-step guides:

Frequently asked questions

What type of transmission fluid does the Ford Escape use?+

For the Ford Escape: Motorcraft Mercon LV on 6-speed (6F35) models; the 2020+ 8-speed may specify a different fluid (Mercon ULV) — confirm for your vehicle and engine. Always confirm the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual before topping up or changing fluid — using the wrong fluid can damage the transmission.

Does the Ford Escape have a transmission dipstick?+

Most Ford Escape models are sealed and do not have a transmission dipstick, so the fluid is checked from a fill/level plug at a specified temperature.

How often should Ford Escape transmission fluid be changed?+

The interval depends on your model year, transmission and how the vehicle is used, so we do not publish a single number for the Ford Escape. Your owner's manual or maintenance schedule gives the interval, usually with a shorter one for severe service such as towing, extreme heat or stop-and-go driving.

Not sure how serious it is?

Run the free symptom checker and get an instant urgency read.

Run the symptom checker →

More Ford guides