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: engine
251 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 10, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID CAR HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO HISTORY OF BRAKE TROUBLE. COMING DOWNILL THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH AN ALARM AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF THE BRAKES. HAD TO USE MECHANICAL EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP. CALLED DEALERSHIP NEXT MORNING TO TOW IT IN, THEN READ ON LINE TO TRY RESTARTING THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE GONE. CAR STARTED, NO BRAKE ISSUES APPARENT (NO LIGHTS, BRAKES FUNCTIONAL) SO DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REVIEW/REPAIR. TOOK COPIES OF ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS THE REAR AIR CONDITIONER (HOLE IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE) - THEY HAD REPAIRED THE AC 4 MONTHS PREVIOUSLY, WHICH ONLY LASTED FOR 6 WEEKS. PLANNED TO HAVE THEM REPAIR IT AT THE 65,000 MILE SERVICE ANYWAY. PAID $1033. DROVE CAR HOME THAT NIGHT AND THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS WENT ON, ALARM SOUNDED BUT THIS TIME NOT A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. INSTEAD WHENEVER PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES AND SHUDDERING THROUGHOUT THE CAR. PLAN IS TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP AFTER THE WEEKEND AND BRING LATEST RESEARCH SHOWING FAULTY HCU UNITS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE AN UNDERLYING CAUSE, WHICH FORD IS DENYING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 8 MPH. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED ACROSS THE ROAD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE; AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME TRAVEL NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A NEW WATER PUMP AND A TIMING CHAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,089.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2010, fire
VEHICLE FIRE ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE (VIN [XXX]) ON 3/23/2010, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY (WHEN DRIVING) BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. (LIKE A SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED). WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (FOR BROKEN BELTS AND THE LIKE) NO OBVIOUS ISSUE WAS OBSERVED. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. IMMEDIATELY I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND CONTACTED A SERVICE GARAGE. I WAS ON MY WAY TO TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO SERVICE WHEN I NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL. I PULLED INTO THE NEXT GAS STATION, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED A SMALL FIRE LOCATED AT THE #1 CYLINDER COIL PACK. I USED THE GAS STATION FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. CAR WAS TOWED THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE GARAGE. CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN NO MORE THAN 10 MILES AFTER FIRST SIGN OF FAILURE. FIRE WAS SMALL ENOUGH TO NOT INVOLVE POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENTS, SO NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. GARAGE SAID THAT IF I HAD LIMITED THE DAMAGE BY EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE WHEN I DID. GARAGE REPLACED COIL PACK, WIRE PIGTAIL (MELTED), AND INTAKE MANIFOLD (ALSO MELTED BY FIRE). OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. CAR WAS REPAIRED BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AFTER 50 MILES. CARE WAS IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND WILL BE TOWED BACK TO GARAGE. FAILURE CODE IS P0351. (SAME COIL THAT WAS REPLACED IS SHOWING BAD AGAIN) CAR HAD APPROX 117,000 MILES ON IT WHEN FIRE TOOK PLACE. NO OTHER MAJOR SERVICE EVENTS IN ITS LIFETIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2009
OVER THE PAST YEAR, MY VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHAKE, STUTTER, AND HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED AND I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO BE SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP, IT REQUIRED A NEW COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUG. DEPENDING ON WHICH ONE OF 6 FAILED, THE COST FOR REPAIR VARIED GREATLY. I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S NOT WORTH REPLACING ALL 6 AT ONCE, TO WAIT UNTIL EACH INDIVIDUAL ONE SHOWED SIGNS OF HAVING AN ISSUE OR NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THEN, ONE DAY, I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN I NOTICED THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE AS MUCH PEP OR PICK-UP AS USUAL. AS I WAS EXITING FROM THE LEFT LANE ONTO AN ON-RAMP FOR A TOLL, THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. WITH NO WARNING, NO INDICATIONS, NO STUTTERING AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, NOTHING - IT JUST DIED. THIS REQUIRED ALL 6 COILS AND PLUGS TO BE REPLACED (INCLUDING THE 3 NEW WITHIN THE PAST YEAR) IN ADDITION TO THE PCM (POWER CONTROL MODULE). I AM TOLD ONE OF THE COILS/PLUGS FAILED, SENT OUT A RADIO FREQUENCY, AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 60 MPH THE OVERHEAT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HIS RISK OF A SERIOUS INJURY WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 10/29/09 *CN THE PUMP FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 10/29/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 23, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT THAT HAS 46000 MILES ON IT AND I HAD BOTH TONE RINGS REPLACED AND I THINK THE ONE IS BAD AGAIN AND IT IS ONLY A YEAR OLD. I ONLY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE PAVED ROADS AND MY SHORT DIRT ROAD. I AM NOT HARD ON THE VEHICLE AT ALL. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM FOR ALMOST $400 PARTS/LABOR. THE PART IS ONLY $55 AND THE REST IS LABOR. RIDICULOUS! OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS A 6YR/75000. AM I GOING TO HAVE TO FORK OUT THIS MONEY EVERY YEAR, BECAUSE THESE THINGS BREAK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS? I THINK THE FOR COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM REPLACED, BECAUSE APPARENTLY THEY ARE CHEAPLY MADE AND LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM... THE 1ST ONE WAS REPLACED ON 8/4/08 WITH 36735 MILES AND THE SECOND ONE WAS REPLACED ON 1/8/09 WITH 40560 MILES AND I THINK ONE IS BAD AGAIN, BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND IS FLASHING SERVICE BRAKES/4X4. APPARENTLY THESE THINGS ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THE ABS SENSING RING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLES..ALOT OF GOOD THAT DID. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2009
2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH 43,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE HAS A BAD PISTON,LIFTER OR VALVE KNOCKING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING LOUD, HORRIBLE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE ENGINE WOULD FALL APART. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED BECAUSE THE CONNECTION ROD SHATTERED IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS CONVINCED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WELL MAINTAINED; THEREFORE, THEY DID NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED BY HER HUSBAND AND REPLACED WITH A NEW ENGINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE ENGINE FAILED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2008
2005 FORD ESCAPE 94,000 MILES, CATALYTIC CONVERTER PLUGGED, OUT OF 8YR 80,000 MILE WARRANTY, ABOUT $2000 TO FIX. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2008
WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON FREEWAY ON WAY TO HOSPITAL, GETTING OFF FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF BY ITSELF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ROAD TO AVOID GETTING HIT. IF STILL ON FREEWAY, WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND UNABLE TO RESTART. HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP DUE TO COMPUTER SHUTDOWN AFFECTING SPARK PLUGS AND COILS. COST TO ME FROM DEALERSHIP IS $2200. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 6, 2008, fire
ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO, MY WIFE CALLED ME AT WORK TO REPORT HER 2005 ESCAPE "MADE A FUNNY NOISE" WHEN SHE TRIED TO START IT. WHEN I GOT HOME THAT AFTERNOON, I WENT TO INVESTIGATE IT. WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN AND TURNED IT ON, IT EXPLODED. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DISENTERGRATED AND SCHRAPNEL FROM IT SEVERED WIRING HARNESS, KNOCKED PARTS OFF ETC. HAVING 39K MILES ON IT I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL TOP RATED MECHANIC. AFTER THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE MECHANICAL DAMAGE, HE SENT IT TO BEACH FORD FOR A PCM ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE PCM (UNDER FORD WARRANTY, ADMITTING THAT THE COMPUTER WAS ?FRIED? AND THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHER ESCAPES) BUT ABSOLVES ANY KNOWLEDGE OR RESPONSIBILITY AS TO WHY THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED IN THE FIRST PLACE BECAUSE A ?THIRD PARTY PERSON? REPAIRED THE CAR BEFORE BEACH FORD SAW IT. A ?MIKE? AT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO BASED ON CONVERSATIONS WITH BEACH FORD, SAID THAT REPAIRS BY A THIRD PARTY PRECLUDES FORD FROM ANY RESPONSIBILITY AS TO WHY THE CAR EXPLODED IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY MECHANIC HAS DONE INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND OTHER REPORTS OF PCM ISSUES WITH THE ESCAPES CAUSING PROBLEMS FROM FAILURES TO EXPLOSIONS. A TECH AT THE FORD DEALER SAID IT HAS TO DO WITH STRAY VOLTAGE BEING INDUCED INTO THE WIRING AND GOING BACK UP INTO THE PCM, BUT THEN FORD AND THE SERVICE DIRECTOR DENIED ANY KNOWLDEGE OF THIS. FORD SAID THE CAR IS REPAIRED (AT MY EXPENSE) AND WASHED THEIR HANDS OF THIS SITUATION LEAVING ME WITH A CAR THAT HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT AND EXPLODED IN MY DRIVEWAY CAUSING SEVER DAMAGE, AND NO ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE WHY IT HAPPENED. I HAVE ALL THE DAMAGED PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED AND TOLD FORD THAT. NO ONE WILL ADDRESS WHY IT EXPLODED IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED AT 55 MPH VICE IN MY DRIVEWAY, OR MY WIFE WAS HOME AND I OPENED THE HOOD AND HAD HER START THE CAR SO I COULD LISTEN FOR THAT NOISE SHE SAID? PLEASE HELP ME OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 12, 2008
ENGINE GOES DEAD (WILL NOT IDLE) WHEN IN GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE)... NO ACCIDENT YET, BUT AM AFRAID I WILL GET "REARENDED" WHEN IT GOES DEAD IN TRAFFIC... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 28, 2008
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS MISSING BAD. FORD REPLACED CAP AND PLUG, THEN CALLED ME TO SAY THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM IT WAS "LACK OF MAINTENANCE" AND WANTS ME TO PAY 400.00 TO FIX IT. FIRST OF ALL, MY HUSBAND USED TO WORK FOR FORD DEALERSHIP AND HE TAKES CARE OF ALL MAINTENANCE FOR ME. WHAT GOOD IS A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY THEN? ALSO IT WILL BE A WEEK OR MORE BEFORE I RECEIVE MY VEHICLE BACK. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS" THIS IS RIDICULOUS" THEY WILL NOT GIVE ME A LOANER CAR WHILE MINE IS BEING FIXED AND MY VEHICLE WASN'T THAT BAD UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVED IT. I FEEL THEY MESSED UP MY CAR AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT WHEN I HAVE A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2008
I BOUGHT A USED 2005 ESCAPE WITH 40K MILES. IT HAS BEEN PAMPERED AND NOW HAD JUST OVER 50K ON IT. I WENT TO START IT ON A COLD MORNING AND IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER IT WARMED UP I TRIED AGAIN AND IT FIRED, BUT NOT RUNNING ON ALL CYLINDERS. IT TURNS OUT THE IGNITION COILS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND I NEED TO REPLACE THREE OF THE SIX IGNITION COILS? THIS CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CAR KEPT STALLING AND HAD A TOP SPEED OF AROUND 30MPH ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. I AM DISGUSTED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2007, fire
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2007, fire
THIS CASE INVOLVES AN ENGINE FIRE TO A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS BEING OPERATED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS IN URBAN DRIVING IN THE GREATER ATLANTA, GA AREA. SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS BURNED AFTER OPENING THE GLOVE BOX TO INVESTIGATE THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST TOTALLY CONSUMED BY THE FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2007
I HAVE HAD MY OIL PAN FIXED 3 TIMES AND I ONLY HAVE 21,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. TODAY IT IS IN FOR THE THIRD TIME. ALSO NOW I HAVE TO GET OIL SPOTS OFF MY DRIVEWAY. I NEVER THOUGH I WOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE LEAKING OIL ON MY DRIVEWAY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND LATER STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, THE FIRST FEW TIMES THE STALLING OCCURRED, HOWEVER THE LAST TIME IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/18/2006 - *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jul 11, 2006
NEW 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS NUMEROUS ISSUES THAT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY MULTIPLE DEALER SHOPS: - INTERMITTENT STALLING, SIMILAR TO PROBLEM CAUSING RECALL OF 2001 - 2003 ESCAPES. CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STERRING AND BRAKES. DEALER CANNOT REPRODUCE, SO WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. - GASOLINE SMELL AND LOUD KNOCKING FROM ENGINE IN HOT TEMPERATURES. - EXTREMELY LOW GAS MILEAGE, ALMOST 50% BELOW ADVERTISED MILEAGE. THESE COMPLAINTS APPEAR IN OTHER REPORTS AS WELL, SO THIS IS NOT ISOLATED. FORD IS DOING ITS BEST NOT TO ADDRESS ANY OF THESE ISSUES AND TELLING PEOPLE TO JUST DEAL WITH IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 19, 2006
ENGINE PINGS (PRE-DETONATION) WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS OVER 85 DEGREES AND SPEED IS OVER 40 MPH. DEALER SAYS NO CODES ARE THROWN BUT SUGGESTED THE LATEST PCM REFLASH AND INJECTOR CLEANING AT 44,800 MILES MIGHT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. A $278 CHARGE AND NO DIFFERENCE. NO REFUND SINCE THEY NOW TELL ME THIS IS A MAINTENANCE ITEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP ALSO MENTIONS THEY'VE SEEN A LOT OF THESE ISSUES WITH THE NEW E10 GAS IN THE OZONE NON-ATTAINMENT REGION. I EXPLAINED I DO NOT USE E10 SINCE THE COUNTY IN WHICH I RESIDE DOES NOT SELL E10. THEY SUGGEST TRYING DIFFERENT GAS BRANDS WHICH DOESN'T HELP. AFTER EXPLAINING I HAVE ANOTHER BRAND OF VEHICLE WITH A SIMILAR SIZE ENGINE THAT DOES NOT PING, THEY STATE FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2006
THIS REPORT IS FOR THE THIRD OCCURRENCE (THERE HAVE BEEN 2 PRIOR OCCURRENCES IN THE PAST 6-8 WEEKS). THIS VEHICLE HAS ROUGHLY 17,900 MILES AND KEEPS SHUTTING ITSELF DOWN WITHOUT MUCH (IF ANY) WARNING. THIS TIME, I HAD ABOUT 2-4 SECONDS WARNING (WHICH WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATE IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY OR BUSY ROAD). I WAS IN A PARKING LOT ABOUT TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC WHEN THE YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. BEFORE I COULD DO ANYTHING, THE VEHICLE SHUT ITSELF OFF. AT ABOUT 16,000 MILES, THE "HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE" WARNING CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND GET IT TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A BAD ELECTRIC WATER PUMP AND REPLACED IT. (I WAS LATER TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE WATER PUMP THAT FAILED WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT FORD - APPARENTLY A TRUCK CARRYING THESE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND BOXES OF THESE PUMPS LITERALLY FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK. FORD SUPPOSEDLY TESTED THEM AND DECIDED TO USE THEM ANYWAYS). ABOUT A WEEK LATER, I COULD TELL THERE WAS STILL SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. (IT HAD BEEN "SURGING" FORWARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT WARNING AND HAD MANY OTHER NOISES/ISSUES THAT WERE A SIGN THAT SOMETHING WAS STILL WRONG). I BROUGHT IT BACK - AND AFTER THEY EXAMINED IT THEY ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE "HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE" LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. MY HUSBAND GOT OFF AT THE FIRST EXIT AND TRIED TO GET IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT WAS 2 BLOCKS AWAY. UNFORTUNATELY, WITHOUT WARNING, IT POWERED ITSELF DOWN RIGHT IN FRONT OF A CITY TRANSIT BUS. THIS TIME, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE WATER PUMP AND FUSE AGAIN AND REPLACED BOTH. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK, I WAS STILL CONCERNED SINCE THIS SEEMED TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE (HAVING IT POWER DOWN IN FRONT OF A CITY BUS IS ENOUGH TO SCARE THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF YOU). THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 12, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED IT WAS THE SPARK PLUGS. ALSO THE COIL PACK MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *AK *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2005
TWO TIMES WHEN I WAS DRIVING UNDER SLOW CONDITIONS (IN PARKING LOTS) THE ENGINE ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT LURCHED FORWARD ACCELATORATING ON IT'S OWN. THE FIRST TIME I HAD JUST RELEASED THE BRAKE AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER IN A BANK PARKING LOT. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVED UP HIGH AND THE VEHICLE "TOOK OFF". I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH AFTER A COUPLE SECONDS SEEMED TO KNOCK THE ENGINE BACK DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE. THE SECOND TIME, AGAIN I WAS COASTING IN A PARKING LOT, ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE, WHEN THE ENGINE REVED UP HIGH AND THE VEHICLE AGAIN TOOK OFF. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE. BUT FOR THE LUCK OF NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE AROUND WHEN THE INCIDENTS HAPPEND, NO ACCIDENTS OCCURED. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR FOR THE TECHNICIAN, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. I AM REPORTING THIS, BECAUSE I KNOW THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, NOT ONCE BUT TWICE AND IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2004
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE STALLED. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY INDICATE A LOOSE BATTERY CABLE WAS THE CAUSE. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE. THE DEALERSHIP IS LOOKING AGAIN AND HAVE CALLED FORD'S ENGINEERING FOR ADVICE, SINCE THEY HAVE YET TO FIND THE CAUSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IF I CANNOT GET TO THE EMERGENCY LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. IT DOES START AGAIN ONCE I PULL OVER. *AK