P0741 on FORD ESCAPE — Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

Q: "What does P0741 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0741 indicates: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. This is a transmission code. 6 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0741 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0741 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 6 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 P0741?"

"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 P0741 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0741 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

6 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2007-2017. Most reports come from the 2013, 2014 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train (83.3% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"While driving escape at approx 70mph the overdrive sensor ses light came on and engine was making a whining noise. stopped and borrowed a scan tool from a local garage we know. codes p0741 and p1744 for tcc were found. drove home approx 40 miles."

— 2007 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 11/13/2020

"Code p0741 (torqur converter clutch circuit performance stuck off) comes up. transmission slams when putting into drive or reverse and then almost stalls."

— 2013 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 12/10/2020

"Check engine light has been on since the beginning of 2014, always for the same code p0741. car does not drive properly at highway speeds as the torque converter does not lock up as intended. this in turn causes much lower fuel economy than the vehicle is capable and advertised to get. (23."

— 2013 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 11/05/2014

"The transmission torque converter failed on the 2014 Ford Escape. Transmission is causing safety issue by not properly accelerating when gas pedal is pressed. This slowed movement could cause traffic crashes. Engine revs to high RPM but torque converter does not engage properly."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 07/09/2023

"The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a stop light, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the vehicle with the Transmission Fault Service now message displayed on the instrument panel with DTC: P0741 (Powertrain Control Module)."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 09/10/2022

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'07

2

'13

2

'14

1

'17

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 83.3%

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16.7%

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 P0741 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0741 indicates: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. This is a transmission code. 6 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0741 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0741 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 6 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 P0741? ▾

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.