P0731 on FORD ESCAPE — Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio

Q: "What does P0731 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0731 indicates: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0731 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Unknown Or Other. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0731 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 3 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 P0731?"

"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 P0731 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0731 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2014-2017. Most reports come from the 2014, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train (66.7% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a humming noise and the vehicle inadvertently slowed down while the accelerator pedal was depressed."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 09/26/2022

"Vehicle was driving on interstate when it started hesitating and rpms revving up and down chaotically. no check engine or service lights were on. vehicle towed home, and driven to dealership next day."

— 2016 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 10/12/2020

"Vehicle warning indicated to restart car. Pulled over and car did not restart. Dealership indicated that the power steering belt broke the crank sensor on the motor and if the sensor was broke it would not start."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 06/03/2022

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'14

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 66.7%

UNKNOWN or OTHER 33.3%

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 P0731 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0731 indicates: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0731 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Unknown Or Other. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0731 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 3 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 P0731? ▾

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.

P0731 on Other Vehicles

FORD MUSTANG

2 reports

→ All codes reported on FORD ESCAPE