2005 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 1,584 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 44 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemSep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Campaign 14V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintApr 7, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 06V111000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
169 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2012
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR STALLS OUT OF NOWHERE. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE, OIL, AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ALL LIT UP. AFTER ABOUT 20 MIN I TRIED STARTING UP THE CAR AGAIN AND IT STARTED UP AND SLOWLY MADE IT HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY IT HAPPEN AGAIN! LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. IMMEDIATELY LOOKED ONLINE DESCRIBING THE ISSUE TO SEE IF I COULD FIND OUT WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS, AND COME TO FIND OUT AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING! THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE RESULT COULD HAVE DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. IT IS APPALLING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOW ISSUE AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SAFETY OF IT'S CUSTOMERS. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 11, 2012
DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND CAR BEGAN TO LURCH AND BUCK. CAR SHUT OFF 3 TIMES IN BUSY INTERSECTION WITH NO WARNING AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND LEARNED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO MANUFACTURERS USING INCORRECT SPARK PLUGS. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM, AND CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE, DOING ANY SPEED! THE COMPUTER SYSTEM MUST BE REPLACED AND IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2012
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLS. THE MECHANICS SAID THERE IS A TSB TSB 09-2-6 OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD INSTALLED BAD PLUGS THAT SHORT OUT THE COIL PACKS AND THEN FRIES THE COMPUTER COSTING THE POOR CONSUMER AROUND $2000 DOLLARS GIVING CODES PO351-PO354. I WAS A FORD PERSON FOR LIFE BUT NOT ANYMORE THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL THIS IS BAD BUSINESS. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 12, 2012
DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE 2005, 35MPH, HEARD A THUMP/BANG THEN VERY LOUD RATTLING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. ARRIVED HOME, FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK, SHOCK MOUNT, AND A DINNER-PLATE-SIZED CHUNK OF WHEEL WELL HAD PUNCHED UP INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. OPENED THE LIFTGATE, SAW THE SHOCK MOUNT FLOPPING AROUND INSIDE THE CAR AND A DANGLING CLUSTER OF WIRES THAT HAD BEEN SHREDDED BY THE JAGGED METAL. ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR COMPARTMENT HAD BEEN SHOVED UP 10CM. HUSBAND WAS SHOCKED, SURE I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING, BUT I HAD NOT. RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT UNDERNEATH THE UNDERCOATING. COULD NOT SEE THE RUST FROM THE OUTSIDE, SO DID NOT KNOW IT WAS HAPPENING. CHECKED LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL, SAW NO RUST, BUT UNDERCOATING LIFTS RIGHT OFF TO REVEAL TERRIBLE RUST UNDERNEATH AS WELL. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, NO SHOCK, WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS WOULD FLY RIGHT UP INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE HUGE HOLE. THIS KIND OF DAMAGE IS INCREDIBLE. ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR FROM DEALERSHIP (BRONDES FORD, TOLEDO) WAS $5752.34. CERTAINLY CAN NOT AFFORD THAT. RESEARCHED ONLINE FOR REPAIR ALTERNATIVES AND FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME TYPE OF DAMAGE TO THE SAME VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. REPORTED THE DAMAGE TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP HOTLINE, WAS INFORMED THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON, FREQUENT, OR WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT CONSIDER IT A DEFECT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. MY CHILDREN WERE AFRAID WE WERE GOING CRASH. EASILY COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER, MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, DRIVING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, ETC. I AM CERTAIN, HOWEVER, THAT ONCE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REALIZES THE POTENTIAL HARM THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE TO LIFE AND PROPERTY, THEY WILL BE DETERMINED TO DO RIGHT BY THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2012
WAS ON AN ACCESS ROAD ONTO INTERSTATE 4 IN TAMPA, CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO BARELY STEER IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SINCE IT WAS A LARGE OVERPASS I HAD MORE THAN TYPICAL ROOM TO GET THE CAR STOPPED. LATER I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT COILS WERE DAMAGED AND PCM COMPUTER WENT OUT. I CHECKED CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE WITH COST TO FIX IT FROM $1300 TO $2700. EVIDENTLY FORD IS AWARE OF THIS TOTAL ENGINE SHUT DOWN PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSED BY A COMPUTER FAILURE. IN MOST CASES PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT COMPLETELY STALLS WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING AND MINIMAL MANEUVERABILITY. I WAS FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED ON THE OVERPASS AND NOT ON THE BUSY INTERSTATE. *JS
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2012
MY ESCAPE BEGAN MISSING AND THEN DIED AT 65MPH, NARROWLY AVOIDED ACCIDENT. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP: BAD COILS, BAD COMPUTER. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THESE ITEMS. PROBLEM QUICKLY RETURNED. THIS TIME MORE BAD COILS. (SOME BAD COILS ARE SAME ONES THEY JUST REPLACED). DEALERSHIP REPLACED SPARKPLUGS THIS TIME. PROBLEM RETURNED THE NEXT DAY. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD VEHICLE A WEEK AND A HALF THIS TIME AND HAS NO CLUE HOW TO REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CAR SHOOK AND DIED. I PULLED INTO THE TURN LANE AND SOME HELPFUL PEOPLE ASSISTED ME IN PUSHING MY CAR TO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE MY ENGINE COILS AND PLUGS REPLACED AND THAT FORD HAD PUT OUT A BULLETIN EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THEY FIXED THAT, I LEARNED THAT I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE COMPUTER REPLACED BECAUSE THE ENGINE COILS AND PLUGS CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. I DECIDED TO SEARCH THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND MANY WEBSITES AND FORUMS EXPLAINING THE VERY SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN OTHER 2005 FORD ESCAPES. IT SEEMS THAT IF THIS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM (ENOUGH FOR FORD TO PUT OUT A BULLETIN EXPLAINING HOW TO FIX IT), THEN FORD SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. FROM THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DOES NOT SHOW UP UNTIL WELL AFTER THE WARRANTY IS NO LONGER GOOD. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS OCCURRING TO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE EXACT SAME CAR AND FORD SHOULD DO MORE THAN EXPLAIN HOW TO FIX IT. A RECALL IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS THE CAUSED BY FAULTY MANUFACTURING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2012
WE WERE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE WERE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. WE COASTED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER WHO STATED THE COMPUTER (PCM), ALL THE COIL OVER PLUGS (COP) AND SPARK PLUGS WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS IT IS DESCRIBED EXACTLY IN FORD SERVICE BULLETIN TSB 09-2-6. THE SPARK PLUGS IN THE 2005 AND 2006 CAUSE RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE WITH THE PCM WHICH DAMAGES THE PCM AND THE OTHER COMPONENTS. THE LEAST FORD COULD HAVE DONE WAS NOTIFY US THAT REPLACING THE SPARK PLUGS COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THE PROBLEMS DON'T END THERE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR WE WERE AGAIN ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 50MPH. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD DEALER WHO STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (THERE ARE 3 OF THEM) WERE CLOGGED DUE TO RAW FUEL COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE CONVERTERS PROBABLY DUE TO THE PREVIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE COST TO FIX THE CONVERTERS IS EVEN MORE THAN THE COST OF THE INITIAL REPAIR. WE'VE DECIDED TO NOT HAVE THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS THE TOTAL COST OF ALL THE REPAIRS WOULD EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. WE CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WERE OF NO HELP IN THIS SITUATION. I THINK FORD SHOULD COVER THE COSTS OF THESE REPAIRS FOR AN ISSUE KNEW EXISTED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS I SEE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER 2005 ESCAPES LISTED IN YOUR DATABASE. I IMAGINE WE WILL MORE OF THESE FAILURES AS THESE VEHICLES AGE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 20, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAR JUST QUIT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP ONLY TO FIND OUT THE COMPUTER SHORTED OUT WHICH ALSO DESTROYED ALL THE COILS. I JUST PRINTED OUT 13 PAGES OF THIS HAVING HAPPENED TO OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS AND THAT A FORD SERVICE BULLETIN (09-2-6) WAS AT ONE TIME ISSUED--- THIS WILL COST A TON OF MONEY TO CORRECT FOR A PROBLEM FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. WHEN MINE QUIT I HAD SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO THERE WAS A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE AND JUST QUITTING WITH NO WARNING-- WHY HAS FORD NOT HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION? *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 3, 2012
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. JUST GOT INTO THE PASSING LANE AND THE WHOLE THING DIED RIGHT THERE IN THE PASSING LANE. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS VERY CLOSE TO ME AND THAT THERE WAS A POLICEMAN COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND SAW ME. HE PULLED BEHIND ME TO BLOCK THE LANE. THIS WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. IF SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN CLOSE IN BACK OF ME, THEY WOULD HAVE ASS-ENDED ME OR WOULD HAVE HAD TO QUICKLY GET IN ANOTHER LANE OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE GARAGE. REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, ALL 6 COILS AND THE COMPUTER WAS FRIED. AFTER A BIT OF RESEARCH ONLINE, I SAW THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS UNSAFE ISSUE WITH THE 2005 ESCAPE. SOME SUDDENLY STOPPING ON THE INTERSTATE. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, IT IS DUE TO THE SPARK PLUGS FORD INSTALLED IN THE 2005 ESCAPE. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION, THAT FORD CAN STOP BY PUTTING OUT A RECALL. WOULD THEY RATHER HAVE A LAW SUITE WHEN SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE THAT CAN BE PREVENTED. THIS WAS A QUITE AN EXPENSIVE BILL THAT I HAD TO PAY WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF FORD WOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING ANOTHER FORD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 3, 2012
I WAS HEADED HOME FROM WORK AND GOT ON THE FREE WAY I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE MY CAR WOULD START SHAKING. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID TO TRY AND MAKE IT HOME WHEN MY CAR DIED TWICE BUT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN TO MAKE IT HOME. I GOT A DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON IT TO FIND OUT THAT THE COMPUTER HAD BURNT OUT ALONG WITH 4 OF THE 6 COILS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2012
MARCH 2011. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE ACTED LIKE A HICCUP OR MISFIRE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MILES LATER THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN, IT STARTED CHUGGING REALLY BAD AND EVENTUALLY DIED. IT WAS AFTER MIDNIGHT ON A VERY LOW TRAVELED AREA AND I HAD MY TWO YEAR OLD IN THE CAR WITH ME. LUCKILY IT STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE A FEW MORE MILES (THANK GOD) TO A HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED 45 MINUTES EARLIER. I WOULD HAVE BEEN AN HOUR TO THE NEAREST TOWN! NOT A GREAT FEELING WITH A TODDLER IN THE CAR, AN UNFAMILIAR ROAD, AND AFTER BUSINESS HOURS. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE COIL PACKS AT FIRST, SO WE REPLACED TWO OF THEM LIKE THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED. THEN THEY CALLED AND SAID THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND WE NOW NEEDED A NEW COMPUTER. NOT KNOWING ANY DIFFERENT, WE REPLACED THE COMPUTER. JUST LAST FRIDAY THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME. SO THIS WOULD BE SIX COIL PACKS AND TWO COMPUTERS IN A YEAR. NOT HAPPY! WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP MAKING REPAIRS LIKE THIS. NOT A HUGE FORD FAN AT THIS POINT...AND VERY SICK TO MY STOMACH TO READ SOOOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR SITUATIONS FROM OTHERS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THERE ARE A LOT OF HARD WORKING PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS LIKE WE'RE HAVING. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY WITH THIS UNCERTAIN PROBLEM OCCURRING! PLEASE DO SOMETHING! *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 4, 2012
SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. TOLD BY MECHANIC IT WAS A "FRIED" COMPUTER CAUSED BY INCORRECT SPARK PLUGS (ORIGINAL FACTORY-INSTALLED). WILL HAVE TO REPLACE PCM, COILS AND PLUGS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2012
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HWY AND THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN .THE PROBLEM THE PCM THAT CONTROLS THE ENGINE GOES OUT. FORD KNOWS THIS BUT THEY DONT FEEL ITS A SAFTY ISSUE. I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT DRIVING AND HAVING YOUR CAR SHUT OFF SCARES ME. THANK GOD THE TRACTOR TRAILOR WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE OTHER SIDE.THE REPAIR WILL COST 2500 DOES NO GOOD IF NOBODY MAKES THEM FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 29, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT ON DASHBOARD,I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER,AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE NEEDED TO BE CHANGED,FEW MONTHS AGO I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID A COMPLETE DIAGNOSE AND NOTHING WAS WRONG,I SEARCH ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,AND FOUND OUT THAT SO MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME TYPE OF CAR HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME COMPLAINT,IT SEEMS THAT FORD MOTOR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER TYPE OF CARS ON THE SAME ITEM(FUEL RAIL PRESSURE) AND HAD A RECALL ON THESE CARS,WHY NOT ON FORD ESCAPES??? *TR
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2012
THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE FAILED, ALONG WITH THE COILS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE SITTING IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012
MY WIFE WENT TO ON A TRIP AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MISFIRE, WENT TO A FORD DEALER, MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM; IGNITION COIL #4 FAILED. SHE ASKED WHAT NEEDED DONE TO FIX PROPERLY SO SHE WOULD BE SAFE AND HAVE NO MORE TROUBLE. HE SAID TO REPLACE COIL, PLUGS, AND WIRES. THAT WAS DONE. ON THE WAY HOME IT HAPPENED AGAIN, CAR SHUT OFF W/O WARNING ON I95 @65 MPH. PROBLEM PERSISTED AND FINALLY WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED FORD SRB 09-2-6. A PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY FORD BUT NOT MADE PUBLIC. I CONTACTED DEALER; HE WAS AWARE OF SRB BUT DID NOT ACT ON IT OR INFORM US ABOUT IT. WE ARE NOW FACED WITH A BILL 2X LARGER THAN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF DEALER WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED SRB. HE PUT MY WIFE AT RISK (NEARLY HAD A FEW ACCIDENTS) AND FORD AND THE NHTSA ARE PUTTING PEOPLE AT UNDUE RISK BY NOT MAKING THIS INFO. PUBLIC AND SPECIFIC TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. A FAILURE OF THIS MAGNITUDE, IDENTIFIED AS A PROBLEM FROM THE FACTORY SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FORD SHOULD COMPLETE REPAIRS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 14, 2012
AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT ITSELF OFF. AT THE SAME TIME, A DASHBOARD READOUT DISPLAYED THE MESSAGE "STOP SAFELY NOW." IN ORDER TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD I WAS FORCED TO CUT ACROSS A LANE OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT POWER. NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS OR SIGNALS DISPLAYED. HAD THERE BEEN NO SHOULDER, I COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN A HIGH-SPEED CRASH. THE ENGINE STARTED AGAIN AS SOON I TURNED THE KEY AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, BUT STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS OR EXPLANATIONS DISPLAYED. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES DURING A 3-HOUR TRIP ACROSS MARYLAND, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN ONCE ON THE RETURN TRIP TWO DAYS LATER. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD HYBRIDS, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED TO REMEDY THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2012
MY WIFE GOT INTO HER ESCAPE TO RETURN HOME AND IT WOULD NOT RUN PROPERLY. IT WAS MISSING BADLY AND LACKED ADEQUATE POWER TO PULL ITSELF. I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS APPAULED BY THEIR FINDINGS. I AM GOING TO QUOTE DIRECTLY FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT I RECEIVED. "SOME ESCAPE/MARINER VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/3/2005 , EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH TWO OR MORE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) FOR COIL ON PLUG (COP) PRIMARY CIRCUIT FAULTS (P0351-P0356). THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE COP AND POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REACTING TO RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE FROM THE SPARK PLUGS." MY REPAIR TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VEHICLES LIKE MINE. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND ONE PERSON WHOSE ESCAPE DIED WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE AND DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND PLENTY OF OTHERS WITH SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. I SUPPOSE I WAS LUCKY BECAUSE MY PROBLEM HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO REPLACE MY POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND ALL SIX COILS AT A COST OF OVER $1200. I SAVED LABOR COSTS BY DOING THE WORK MYSELF, BUT OTHERS I READ ABOUT DIDN'T HAVE THE SAME FATE. MY TECHNICIAN ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND THAT I SHOULD SAVE MY RECEIPTS BECAUSE FORD MAY ISSUE A RECALL. MY VEHICLE WENT FROM RUNNING PERFECTLY TO NOT RUNNING AT ALL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS SAME VEHICLE AT ONLY 37000 MILES, BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM EXTREMELY DISSAPPOINTED. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2012
THE FIRST ISSUE I HAD WITH MY CAR WAS IN DECEMBER OF 2010. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO A REPAIR PLACE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COILS AND THE PLUGS WERE OUT AND THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I ASSUMED THAT THIS WAS JUST TIME TO GET THIS REPAIRED BECAUSE MY CAR WAS RIGHT OVER THE 100,000 MILE MARK. EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE UNTIL MAY OF 2011 WHEN THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THIS TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER. THIS TIME I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WOULD RUN OK UP TO ABOUT 35 MPH AND THEN AFTER THAT SPEED IT WOULD START JERKING. IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT STOPS, BUT IF I LEAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY. I HAVEN'T TAKEN MY CAR ANYWHERE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE OVER 45MPH BUT RECENTLY I NOTICED THAT IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE PAST 35, THAT INSTEAD OF JERKING TO TURN MY CAR OFF, THE HARDER I PUSH THE GAS, IT FEELS LIKE I AM PUSHING THE BRAKE WITH THAT SAME INTENSITY WHEN I HAVEN'T EVEN TOUCHED THE BRAKE. IM AFRAID THAT WHILE PUSHING THE GAS, THE CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE AND THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS GOING TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR AND HURT MY 2 YR OLD SON IN HIS CARSEAT IN THE BACK. I AVOID DRIVING THIS CAR UNLESS I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME CAR I HAVE ARE HAVING THE SAME OR A SIMILAR ISSUE. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE CHECKED INTO BECAUSE FORD IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BUT WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT BEFORE THE ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SMOKE AND STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE SPARK PLUGS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,200. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REAIRED. UPDATED 02/13/12
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, OIL, AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE COILS AND PCM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 8, 2011
DASHBOARD BACK LIGHTING FAILED CAUSING LEFT SIDE DASH BLACKOUT OF TEMPERATURE GAUGE & LEFT SIDE OF SPEEDOMETER. RADIO BACK LIGHTING FAILED CAUSING A BLACKOUT OF THE LEFT SIDE RADIO BUTTONS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 7, 2011
IN MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT V6 3.0L ON 11/16/11, I WAS DRIVING EAST BOUND ON I55 TOWARDS CHICAGO AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED BAD MISFIRING AND THE COMPLETELY DIED (NO POWER OR ENGINE). WITH NO POWER STEERING AND NO BRAKES, I ATTEMPTED TO STEERED TOWARD THE SHOULDER. I WAITED ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND TRIED TO RESTART AND WAS UNABLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ROESCH FORD 333 W GRAND AVE BENSENVILLE, IL 60106. I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING ON 4 OF THE 6 CYLINDERS AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE PCM, 6 COILS, 6 PLUGS AND CALIBRATE, TOTAL $2,114.21. I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE MULTIPLE TSB: TSB 05-11-1,TSB 09-02-06 TSB 09-02-06 AND TSB 10-18-10. THE PROBLEM IS: THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WERE INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THIS COMBO OF WRONG PLUGS CAUSES THE COILS TO SEND EMI/RFI BACK TO THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) BURNING OUT THE PCM.EMI/RFI IS EMITTED FROM SPARKING DEVICE,IN THIS CASE A SET OF BAD SPARK PLUGS. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO MISS-FIRE, LOSE POWER, OR IN MANY CASES, HAVE TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. WRONG SPARK PLUGS/BAD COP'S/UN-SHIELDED PCM BOX/POORLY ENGINEERED & UN-TESTED, MULTI-CHANGED, RARE PCM AND IT'S THE $12.50 RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE DEVICE. MULTIPLE ONLINE COMPLAINTS/PROBLEMS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2005/ELECTRICAL/POWERTRAIN_CONTROL_MODULE_PCM_FAILURE.SHTML HTTP://WWW.FORDFORUMSONLINE.COM/FORUM/FORD-ESCAPE/643-2005-FORD-ESCAPE-PCM-ECM-COMPUTER-FAILURE.HTML HTTP://WWW.YELLOWBULLET.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=199403 REPAIRED. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. NOW IT NEEDS 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS $2,500 BECAUSE OF PCM/COIL. TOTAL $4,500 NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2011
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS BOUGHT NEW. THE FIRST SITUATION OCCURRED IN 2007. CAR STARTED MISFIRING ON MAJOR NYC HIGHWAY AT 50 MILES AN HOUR AT NIGHT AND FINALLY STALLED OUT. MADE IT TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY AND WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. THAT SITUATION COST ME A NEW COMPUTER COILS AND WHATEVER ELSE WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO REPAIR CAR ADDING UP TO 1300. AFTER THAT AND AT THE PRESENT TIME, NOVEMBER 20011 I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL STALLINGS ON HIGHWAYS LEAVING ME IN UNSAFE SCENARIOS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I HAVE REPLACED COUNTLESS COILS, PLUGS, HAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES, ALONG WITH ALARM TRIPPING, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS GOING OFF FOR NO REASON AND NOW AFTER A TRIP FROM NY TO VA MY CAR LET ME DOWN AGAIN. DELAYING MY TRAVEL HOME AND HAVING TO STAY IN VA FOR REPAIR FINDING OUT I NEED ANOTHER COMPUTER. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT AND A MONEY PIT. ATTENTION HAS TO BE BROUGHT TO THIS MATTER AND THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SITUATION. FORD HAS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS AND MOVE IN A DIRECTION TO REMEDY THEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IT'S NOT ONE CAR FAILING ON THE HIGHWAY IT'S MULTIPLE AND THE EVIDENCE IS IN THE REVIEWS. THE CAR HAS 92,000 MILES AND WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY I HAVE DUMPED INTO IT I SHOULD HAVE A LUXURY AUTOMOBILE SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY. I CAN NO LONGER PUT UP WITH THIS AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO ESCAPE FROM MY FORD ESCAPE. IT'S NOT SAFE! AND I DEMAND ACTION BE TAKEN AND WANT TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONTACTED. *TR