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: service brakes
136 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jun 29, 2016, crash
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF BRAKING OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WITH THE 3RD OCCURRENCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION ON JUNE 28, 2016 ON A CITY STREET. VEHICLE HAS HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES, AND WARNING LIGHTS EVENTUALLY RESET WITH NO ADDITIONAL ACTION TAKEN. BRAKE SYSTEM HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 19, 2016
AFTER DRIVING EVEN SHORT DISTANCES, THE VEHICLE IS REAL REAL HOT.HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON AND THEY STILL SQUEEL
Service brakes, Jun 7, 2016
BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER FLEXIBLE BRAKE LINES FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS AT LOW SPEED, HOOKING UP MY TRAILER AT THE TIME. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE BRAKE FLUID DUMPED ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH FRONT TIRES.
Service brakes, Jun 4, 2016
IN NORMAL DRIVING, WITH NO WARNING, "BRAKE" AND "ABS" WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ALONG WITH "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" DISPLAY. CONSIDERABLE EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND STOPPING DISTANCE IS 2-3 TIMES NORMAL. I ENDED UP IN A DITCH BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME.
Service brakes, Apr 28, 2016
BRAKE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ON AND BRAKES DO WORK RIGHT, I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID SOME KIND OF PUMP IS BAD AND IT COST $5000 TO FIT IT. LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THOSE CARS FOR SAFETY. I DON'T THINK NO BRAKES SHOULD COST $5000 TO FIT. I M SCARE TO DRIVE IT.
Service brakes, Mar 31, 2016
COMPUTER CONTROLLING THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION. I WAS ON A STATE HYWAY WHEN THE DASH LIGHT CAME ON TO WARN OF BRAKE FAILURE, AND A COUPLE OF SECONDS LATER I HAD NO BRAKES. I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF AND BACK ON, AND I HAD BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED OFF AND ON UNTIL I WAS ON LADSON ROAD GOING TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND BE TOWED HOME. THIS SCARES ME AND I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT IS FIXED. FORD SAYS IT WILL COST 5000.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE TO GET MY SON TO CARRY EVERYWHERE. I AM 82 YEARS OLD AND NEED MY CAR !!!!....UPDATED 06/15/16 *BF
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2016
I WAS ON LADSON ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HYWAY AND NO BRAKES. THE LIGHT CAME ON JUST BEFORE MY BRAKES WENT OUT. I HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TAKE ME HOME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. TEN YEARS I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE. I HAVE TO HAVE MY SON TAKE ME ANYWHERE I HAVE TO GO. IT IS NOT VERY GOOD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE REPORTED TO YOU ABOUT THIS SITUATION. THE NUMBER YOU GAVE ME #14V526000. REPORT #7695006-V3DOZ3.
Service brakes, Jan 7, 2016
ON LADSON, SC ROAD MY BRAKE LIGHT WARNING CAME ON AND I HAD NO BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE, BUT I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF THEN TURNED BACK ON AND BRAKES WORKED. THIS TIME ON LADSON ROAD, I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKES TO WORK, AND I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE CAR HOME. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR, AND FEEL STRANDED AT HOME. I AM AN 82 YEAR OLD WIDOW. I HAVE TO GET MY SON TO TAKE ME WHERE I NEED TO GO. HE HAS TO GET OFF WORK TO DO THIS. I NEED MY CAR. PLEASE HELP. ACCORDING TO THE FORD COMPANY IT COSTS $5000.00 TO FIX. I DO NOT HAVE $5000.00. I LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME.
Service brakes, Hybrid propulsion system, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V526000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE REMEDY AND PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,912. UPDATED 11/19/15*LJ
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2015
THE SUB-FRAME RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO TOE OUT AND ALSO TO CAMBER IN AT THE TOP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO TRIGGERED. THE STEERING NOW PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THERE IS TIRE SQUEEL EVEN ON GRADUAL RIGHT HAND TURNS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE FORD ESCAPE MODEL YEARS 2001-2004. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I VERIFIED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL. I THEN CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS IN THEIR OTHER RECALL - THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE SO IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS FAULTY.
Service brakes, Jul 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TONE RING MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,736.
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2015
ABS AND BRAKE LAMP ON. NO ANTILOCK BRAKES BEARLY STOPS.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jun 14, 2015
THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH AND FELL OFF WHICH CUT MY BREAKLINE WHICH COULD'VE LED TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. I ALSO HAVE A CHILD, THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE SYSTEM CHECK AND ABS LIGHT NEVER CAME ON EITHER.
Service brakes, May 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT WOULD EXPERIENCE A SPORADIC LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL. THE ABS AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED . THE MECHANIC THEN STATED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD ALSO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2015
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE TOOK IT TO A SHOP TODAY BECAUSE OF THE BANGING FROM THE SUSPENSION. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT HE SAW THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. THE EXTRA STRESS ON THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAUSED THE BOLT ON THE TOP TO BREAK OFF. THE STRESS ALSO CAUSED THE REAR BREAK LINE TO FRAY ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BREAKING COMPLETELY. THIS CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. I AM JUST HAPPY THAT MY BREAK LINE DIDN'T BREAK WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. I DO NOT REALLY KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE WITH THE CAR SINCE IT IS THE ONLY CAR I OWN AND I HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO GET TO AND FROM WORK. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 26, 2015
FIRST, SPORADIC LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL; VERY BRIEF; THEN, ABS AND BRAKES LIGHTS CAME ON. DASH SAID "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM." BROUGHT IT TO LOCAL DEALER, WHO SAID IT NEEDS A NEW MASTER CYLINDER & HCU. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE FAST LANE AT 60MPH AND A CAR CUT ME SHORT AND BRAKE SO I APPLIED MY BRAKE MY WHEEL HAD YANKED TO THE LEFT AND I TRIED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL BY PULLING IT TO THE RIGHT BUT IT YANKED AGAIN TO THE LEFT CAUSING ME TO HIT INTO THE MEDIAN DUE TO THE IMPACT MY CAR TURNED OVER AND DRAGGED ACROSS THE OTHER 3 LANES AND TITLED BACK OVER. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS TOTALED I SUSTAINED MINOR INJURY TO MY NECK AND LEFT SIDE. ALSO MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 26, 2015
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY, A CAR SWERVED INTO OUR LANE CUTTING US OFF. WE HIT THE BRAKES, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES ONLY WORKED WHEN WE SLAMMED ON THEM! HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. MECHANIC SAID IT NEEDED A NEW ABS CONTROL MODULE. ORDERED THAT PART TWICE. TOOK CAR TO CAR COMPUTER SPECIALIST - SAID CAR WAS COULD NOT BE REPROGRAMMED. BILL IS NOW OVER $2,000 AND IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 WEEKS. MECHANIC CALLED FORD (LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE). THEY SAID THEY COULD TRY TO REPROGRAM IT, BUT IT COULD TAKE UP TO 10 HOURS AND MAY NOT WORK. FORD SAID THE LAST PROBLEM THEY SAW LIKE THIS DIDN'T WORK AND THE OWNER HAD TO TRADE IN FOR A NEW CAR! NOT ONLY COULD THIS INCIDENT HAVE SERIOUSLY HARMED MY FAMILY, BUT NOW I'M OUT OF A CAR AND $2,000!
Service brakes, Feb 22, 2015
I WAS STOPPED AT A DRIVE THRU LINE MY CAR MADE A NOISE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DESCRIBE ACCURATELY WITH WORDS. I LOOKED DOWN AND MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON AND THE BRAKE SERVICE NEEDED WAS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN ON. ALL THE SAME WARNINGS WERE STILL THERE. I PULLED FORWARD SLOWLY AND WHEN BRAKING I STILL DIDN'T STOP IN A REASONABLE TIME AND ALMOST COMPLETELY MISSED THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW. NEEDLESS TO SAY A DRIVE HOME AT 10-15MPH STILL FELT LIKE I WAS IN DANGER OF HITTING SOMEONE BECAUSE I COULD NOT JUDGE STOPPING DISTANCE EVEN WITH MY FOOT APPLYING FULL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES. FROM ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND ON LINE THIS SEEMS A VERY APPARENT CASE OF SOMETHING FORD SHOULD BE MAKING A RECALL ISSUE OF HIGH IMPORTANCE. I AM HOPING MY REPORTING IT HERE MAY HELP IN PREVENTING SOMETHING VERY DANGEROUS FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 8, 2015
I HAD TO HAVE TONE RINGS REPLACED ON ABS SYSTEM ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT WHEELS. HAD THE WORK DONE AT FORD DEALERSHIP 2 MONTHS AGO. YESTERDAY I WAS PULLING OUT ON TO MAIN ROAD AND LOST ALL BRAKES. *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Service brakes, Oct 19, 2014
I GOT AN 'ABS' LIGHT ON, AND THE PANEL TOLD ME 'SERVICES BRAKE SYSTEM'. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 16, 2014
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AND DECELERATING BELOW 40MPH THEY GASOLINE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF AS THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING CHARGES THE HYBRID HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY. ON A RARE OCCASION DURING THIS BRAKING, THE GASOLINE ENGINE WILL TURN BACK ON GIVING A BRIEF SURGE WHICH REQUIRES PRESSING THE BRAKE HARDER. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2014
HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSES. THE RF FAILED ON 3/15/2012 AT 82553 MILES, THE LF FAILED ON 11/7/2013 AT 98681, THE RR FAILED ON 8/28/2014 AT 111325, THE LR WAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED ON 8/29/2014, SINCE A SEVERE CRACK WAS FOUND. IN ALL 3 CASES, THE HOSE FAILURES LED TO A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 16, 2014
THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE CAR. AT FIRST IT LOCKED AND THEN THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I DIDN'T HIT THEM AGAIN AND COASTED TO A STOP FINALLY PUTTING ON THE PARKING BRAKE. THEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT FIVE WEEKS LATER AND THIS TIME IT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME BUT, I HIT THE BRAKES A THIRD TIME AND THE CAR STOPPED. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE MECHANIC TRIED TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND COULD NOT. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED A FEW YEARS AGO AND WE REPLACED -- AT GREAT EXPENSE -- THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. I THINK THIS IS A DEFECT IN THIS CAR. *TR