--- title: "Ford Escape Transmission Fluid & Coolant" description: "How the Ford Escape fluids specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the Ford Escape takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5-4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service.. Coolant: Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended.." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/fluids" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Escape Fluid Types and Capacities The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ford Escape fluids specification changed by year? | Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/fluids) | 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5-4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service. | Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended. | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years | | [2013-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013-2019/fluids) | 6F35 6-speed automatic, Mercon LV. Total fill ~9 qt; a pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-5 qt. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (sooner if shuddering). | Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2), pre-diluted. Capacities: 2.5L ~11.3 qt; 2.0L EcoBoost ~8.5 qt; 1.5L EcoBoost ~12.5 qt. Do not top the 1.5/1.6 off and ignore a dropping level, investigate (coolant intrusion). | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2) | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/fluids) | 6F35 6-speed automatic: Mercon LV. Drain & fill takes roughly 4.5 qt (owner-reported); no dipstick on later units. Check level per service manual. Hybrid uses an eCVT transaxle (Mercon LV service fill). | Motorcraft Gold (yellow-colored, WSS-M97B51-A1). Hybrid also has a separate motor-electronics cooling loop. Do not mix systems. | DOT 3 brake fluid | ## Full specifications by generation The fluids on a Ford Escape is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Ford Escape Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/fluids) - [2013-2019 Ford Escape Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013-2019/fluids) - [2012 Ford Escape Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/fluids) ## Ford Escape fluids: common questions ### What transmission fluid does a Ford Escape take? 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5-4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure. ### What coolant does a Ford Escape use? Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended.. ### What brake fluid does a Ford Escape take? Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years. ## Sources - [Ford owner's manual, 2020 Escape 1.5L capacities (5.3 qt, Mercon ULV, 8F35)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6854&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G2092357&ProcUid=G2092359&userMarket=usa&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Escape 2.0L (5W-30) and 2021 2.5L hybrid (0W-20, 5.7 qt)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2021/ford/escape/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-z-99z-z/) - [Ford, 25S76 cracked fuel injector recall FAQ (2020-2022 Escape)](https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/recall/recalls-and-faqs/25s76-bronco-sport-2021-2024-and-escape-2020-2022-cracked-fuel-injector-and-underhood-fire-risk-recall/) - [NHTSA, Part 573 report, recall 22V-859 (cracked fuel injector)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V859-3756.PDF) - [NHTSA, consumer alert, 2020-2023 Escape hybrid engine-failure fire recall](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-important-ford-and-lincoln-fire-risk-recall) - [Center for Auto Safety, 2020 Escape recalls/complaints (21V-922, 8F35 shudder TSBs)](https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2020-ford-escape/) - [AutoZone, Escape battery groups by year (96R → H6/48 for 2020+)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/ford/escape) - [Ford Escape forum, 2020 hybrid 12V battery location and Group 48 AGM upgrade](https://www.fordescape.org/threads/2020-ford-escape-hybrid-replace-12-volt-battery-with-larger-group-48-agm.117248/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Escape / Hybrid / PHEV EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Escape.shtml) - [Mavis / tiresize, 2023 Escape OE tire sizes (225/65R17, 225/55R19)](https://www.mavis.com/vehicle/ford/escape/2023/) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2020/2021 Escape wiper sizes 24/20/11](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/ford/escape/2021) ## Find your exact Escape - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012) More Ford Escape guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/brakes) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.