P0729 on FORD ESCAPE — Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio

Q: "What does P0729 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0729 indicates: Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 2 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0729 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0729 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0729?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0729 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0729 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2016-2017. Most reports come from the 2016, 2017 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train (100.0% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"TRANSMISSION FAILURE warning came up on dash. I saw the RPMs go up to over 120. I had no previous problems with the car before this incident. CAR RAPIDLY LOST ACCELERATION while driving 60MPH on State Road 80 in Labelle FL."

— 2016 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 04/28/2021

"1. Transmission failure, it is available for inspection up until time of repair. 2. The vehicle lost power while driving, had incidents of jerking forward without warning, and shifter would get stuck. 3. Yes, independent service center. 4."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 02/06/2026

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 100%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0729 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0729 indicates: Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 2 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0729 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0729 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0729? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0729 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on FORD ESCAPE