Hi Toby99,
I agree with you that the transmission issue is not normal and shouldn't happen. I was very disappointed when it started happening, even more disappointed when I noticed that it was happening to my Escape as well. It's issues like these along with other issues like coolant leaks into the previous years escape engines that has made me decide to buy the Ford ESP so that I am hopefully covered for any major breakdown. I know that the ESP is an extra cost that I shouldn't have to pay but unfortunately I look at it as a necessary cost of buying a car these days. I buy my cars and try to keep them for a long time.
It is funny that you commented on selling the vehicle and making sure the engine has warmed to operating temperatures. The is exactly what the salesman did when I took the car out for a test drive so I didn't notice the surging and bucking right away. I am sure he knew how the vehicle would drive cold.