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, Jan 20, 2013
I RETURNED HOME FROM A LOCAL TRIP. PARKED MY FORD ESCAPE IN THE GARAGE. WHEN MY SON ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE WITH THE CAR ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS LITTLE BRAKING POWER. HE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE GARAGE AND WE NOTICED A LEAK AROUND THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. WHEN I INSPECTED THE LEAK UNDERNEATH THE CAR, AND HAD MY WIFE PUMP THE BRAKES, I SAW THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKE LINE CONNECTION OF RUBBER TO METAL UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. I LOOKED ONLINE AND READ SEVERAL ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME ISSUE, WITH THE BRAKE LINE FAILING ON THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I WILL BE HAVING MY ESCAPE BRAKE LINE ISSUE REPAIRED THIS WEEK. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,500. UPDATED 02/26/13*LJ UPDATED 03/1/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Jan 13, 2013
IN AUG 2012 WE WERE ON OUR WAY BACK FROM A VACATION AND OUR ABS LIGHT CAME ON, ALONG WITH A FLASHING 4X4 LIGHT. WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS OR WHAT TO DO. THE VEHICLE DROVE FINE AND STOPPED FINE, EXCEPT FOR A COUPLE OF TIMES IT FELT AS IF THE ABS ENGAGED ON DRY CEMENT. WE STOPPED TO EAT AND SHOP FOR A FEW HOURS AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF WHEN WE GOT BACK IN THE VEHICLE. THEY DIDN'T COME ON AGAIN UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO (JAN 2013). HOWEVER, I HAD BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY HUSBAND RECENTLY THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK RIGHT. I HIT ICE AND THE ABS DIDN'T ENGAGE ..NO LIGHT EITHER..BUT THE GRINDING SOUND ONCE IN AWHILE WAS STILL THERE. SO WE TOOK IT IN AND PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. CAME BACK WITH 2 CODES U2023 AND C1234. WHICH MEANS THE RIGHT FRONT TONE RING IS BAD. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. ALSO GOT UNDER THE TRUCK AND SURE ENOUGH THE TONE RING IS CRACKED AND SPINNING AROUND LOOSELY. THE SAFETY ISSUE HERE IS THE ABS WILL LOCK UP RANDOMLY ON DRY CEMENT WHEN YOU START TO APPLY YOUR BRAKES. WHICH THEN YOU CAN'T COMPLETELY CONTROL YOUR VEHICLES DIRECTION AND IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BREAK TO CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE, THEN YOU MAY HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL THE INFO I HAVE FOUND SO WHEN IT GETS REPAIRED THEY CAN'T SCREW ME OVER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2012
I WAS DRIVING UP TO A STOP LIGHT SO I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS AND TO THE BRAKE, BEFORE I COULD GET TO THE RED LIGHT IT CHANGED TO GREEN, I WENT TO PRESS ON THE GAS AND THE PEDAL WAS STUCK. IT WOULD NOT GO DOWN NOTHING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE BUSY HIGHWAY KEPT TRYING TO PRESS IT AND IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINS OF JUST SITTING THERE I TRIED IT AGAIN AND IT WENT DOWN WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN THE PRIOR YEARS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE 2004 AND BELOW. HOWEVER MY 2005 IS NOT RECALLED. IT IS NOW AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND I AM WAITING ON A COST ESTIMATE. THE VEHCILE DID TEND TO DO THIS FROM TIME TO TIME ONLY WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO BE REPAIRD AND WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT, IT WOUDN'T STICK FOR THEM SO NO ISSUE WAS FOUND FOR THEM TO REPAIR. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 12, 2012
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I WAS GETTING READY TO STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PAD "STUCK." THE PAD WOULDN'T DEPRESS AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP. AFTER ADDITIONAL EFFORT, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, BUT I WAS ALREADY AT A REDUCED SPEED SINCE I WAS COMING TO A STOP. I THOUGHT MY CAR MAT HAD JAMMED MY BRAKES, SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I MADE THE PURCHASE. THEY KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR A WEEK TO "REPRODUCE" THE PROBLEM, WHICH THEY DID. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE PARTS ALONE WOULD COST $3,000, BUT THAT THE ENGINEERS AT FORD CORPORATE SUGGESTED THAT THE MECHANICS PERFORM AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL BRAKE BLEED, WHICH SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DID NOT. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS, BUT WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I ACTUALLY CALLED FORD HQ ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE PERSON WITH WHOM I SPOKE OFFERED NO REAL RESOLUTION, AND SHE SEEMED UNAWARE OF THINGS. FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW--NOT A MECHANICAL FAILURE COVERED BY A WARRANTY. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. HYBRIDS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND THEREFORE THE MANUFACTURERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE FORCED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN FLAWS THAT ARE AS DANGEROUS AS BRAKE FAILURE. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MY BRAKES FAIL AND I END UP IN A TERRIBLE CRASH, EITHER KILLING MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. EVEN IF I SPENT $7,000 ON A NEW SYSTEM, IT'S GOING TO FAIL AGAIN BECAUSE IT HAS THE SAME DESIGN FLAW OF THE CURRENT BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS IS WHY FORD NEEDS TO REDESIGN THIS BRAKING SYSTEM AND RECALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID FROM DRIVER'S WORLD IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, AND FOUND SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES THE MINUTE I DROVE OFF THE LOT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRST STOP SIGN LEAVING THE USED CAR DEALERSHIP, I GENTLY PRESSED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND FELT AS THOUGH THE ABS WAS LOCKING UP PREVENTING ME FROM EVEN SLOWING DOWN. WHEN I LET OFF OF THE BRAKES AND PRESSED THEM AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE JUST FINE. I FIGURED IT MAY HAVE BEEN A FLUKE, SO I CONTINUED DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS FROM VIRGINIA BEACH TO MIDLOTHIAN. I STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT IN MIDLOTHIAN WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT BOTH CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ROLLING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR 2 MILES IN THIS CONDITION OF HAVING TO PRESS THE BRAKES EXTREMELY HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND THE PROBLEM HAD GONE AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DRIVER'S WORLD 36 HOURS LATER. DRIVER'S WORLD KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AND CLAIMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER THEIR 30DAY/1000MILE WARRANTY THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS OR GIVE A REFUND. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM DRIVER'S WORLD, AND AT THE FIRST STOP LIGHT I CAME TO THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO DRIVER'S WORLD, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND ERROR CODES C1471 AND C1472, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY MEANT SO THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ON THE WAY TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE WAS ONE OCCASION WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND FELT AGAIN THAT THE ABS WAS LOCKING UP PREVENTING ME FROM EVEN SLOWING DOWN. I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PRESSED IT AGAIN, AND I STOPPED JUST FINE. AT THIS TIME FORD STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AND IS ATTEMPTING TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2012
BRAKES BECAME VERY "SOFT" AND BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" LIGHT APPEARED. PARKED CAR FOR 5 HOURS, AND WHEN I RESTARTED, THE BRAKES SEEMED FINE AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. TOWED CAR TO SHOP AND HAD BRAKES REPLACED (@ 5%, SO THOUGHT THIS WAS THE "ONLY" PROBLEM). 2 WEEKS LATER, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. REPAIR SHOP DID MORE DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH, AND DISCOVERED THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER / HCU ISSUE THAT IS FREQUENTLY REPORTED ON-LINE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 29, 2012
ON AUGUST 18TH 2012 I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM GROCERY SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN HAMILTON MT WHEN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND WOULD NOT STOP. I MANAGED TO DODGE TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE AND PUT IT IN PARK AND HOLD MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE BUT IT KEPT SPEEDING. IT CONTINUED TO RACE DOWN THE STREET ABOUT MILE OR MORE UNTIL I CAME TO A PLACE I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE STREET INTO A PARKING AREA WITH A CORRAL WHICH HAD AN IRON GATE ON THE FENCE THAT I FELT WOULD STOP ME. IT FINALLY SLOWED DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE KEY AND STOP; THANK GOD WITHOUT HITTING OR HARMING ANYONE STILL IT WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 27, 2012
MY BRAKES HAVE A VERY HARD PEDAL FROM TIME TO TIME. REQUIRING ME TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP. MY FORD DEALER TELLS ME IT IS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WILL COST $3000.00 TO REPAIR. THEY ALSO STATE THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. (REMEMBER THIS IS A HYBRID AND BRAKES ARE DIFFERENT) SECOND ISSUE IS THE ELECTRIC DRIVE TRAIN DOES NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN UNDER 30 MPH LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO DUE UNDER 30 MPH. AT TIMES THIS REQUIRES EXTRA BREAKING BECAUSE THE ENGINE DOES NOT IDLE DOWN LIKE IT SHOULD. FORD SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS FORD HAS DONE VERY LITTLE TO ASSIST THE CUSTOMERS, OR TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 28, 2012
HAD LIGHT WARNING OF BRAKE FAILURE. INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED BROKEN RING WITH TEETH ON FRONT AXLE THAT SENSES WHEEL ROTATION. PART IS CALLED "TONE RING" FORD PART #7L8Z-2C182-B. THIS CAUSES A FAILURE OF THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWED THIS AS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL YEAR FORD ESCAPES AND IS A VERY BAD DESIGN. THIS $32 PART CAUSES A $300 PARTS AND LABOR COST SINCE RECOMMENDED FIX IS TO REPLACE A PERFECTLY GOOD AXLE. IT APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE RING AND RUST BETWEEN THE AXLE AND THE PRESSED ON RING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 2012
AS I DROVE MY FORD ESCAPE 2005 DOWN A HILL THE BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RUPTURED, CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK WHICH QUICKLY RESULTED IN NO BRAKING ABILITY. I MANAGED TO STOP MY CAR BY DOWN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR AND USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR BEFORE GOING THROUGH A STOP SIGN, FORTUNATELY, NO CARS OR PEDESTRIANS WERE IN THE WAY. THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE PROBLEM REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES, AS THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS CLOSE TO RUPTURING, TOO. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LINSE BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,406 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,506. UPDATED 05/31/12*LJ
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 20, 2012
THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. A FEW MINUTES LATER WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS AND SERVICE BRAKES LIGHT CAME ON. I DROVE THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL TWO DAYS LATER. I WAS TOLD THE BRAKE HOSES NEEDED REPLACING. I REPLACED THEM. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE WORKING. A FEW DAYS LATER, I GOT THE SERVICE BRAKES WARNING, AS WELL AS THE SERVICE 4X4 WARNING IN THE INFO SCREEN. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE WORKING. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSOR AT THE DEALER. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD WHEN INITIALLY PRESSED AND SOFTENED WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE SERVICE BREAKS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE BRAKES ONLY WORKED IF I PRESSED REALLY HARD TO THE FLOOR AND THEN IT WAS JERKY. I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO RETURN FROM WHERE I STARTED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I TURNED IT ON AGAIN A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF AND I HAD BRAKING POWER AGAIN. I DROVE A FEW MILES TO THE DEALER AND WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT TO PARK, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS WAS A SUNDAY. THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE ON MONDAY AND NOTICED THE HARD BRAKE PEDAL, BUT HE LIGHTS WERE NOT ON. THEY LOOKED AT THE COMPUTER SERVICE CODES AND INFORMED ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT/ABS MODULE AND POSSIBLE THE MASTER CYLINDER AT A PRICE TAG OF $4300 - $5500+. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE INTERMITTENT, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A 2005 HYBRID THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THIS MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR CONSUMER DOES NOT OWN THE VEHICLE ANYMORE. IT WAS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO SHE HAD A BRAKE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO COLLISION. UPDATED 6/8/18*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2012, crash
THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE BRAKE LINE TO THE BRAKE CALLIPER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARST A HOLE IN THE BRAKE HOSE CAUSING THE SUV TO LOOSE ALL BRAKE FLUID AND TO SMASH INTO TO VAN INFRONT OF US. THE HOSE BROKE AT THE TOP HALF OF THE HOSE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE BRAKE HOSE STRUT MOUNT. THE OUTER RUBBER BRAKE HOSE COATING LOOKS TO HAVE DRY ROTTED AND THE INNER LINE THEN BROKE SOMETIME LATER. THE HOSE LOOKS TO HAVE SEVERAL OTHER SPOTS THAT ALSO LOOK ROTTED. I REPLACED FRONT BRAKE LINE AND WAS BLEEDING THE BRAKE LINES WHEN I FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE LOOKED LIKE IT WAS READY TO BEARST AT ANY TIME INCLUDING SEVERAL ROTTED SPOTS AT THE UPPER PART OF THE HOSE. I REPLACED BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES IN THE FRONT. TWO DAYS AFTER BUYING THE BRAKE LINES, I RETURNED TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE TO PURCHASE PARTS FOR ANOTHER TRUCK WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME THE NEXT DAY AFTER I BOUGHT THE BRAKE LINES THAT ANOTHER PERSON HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS ESCAPE. THE SALESMAN WAS NOT SURE OF THE YEAR THAT FORD ESCAPE WAS. I SAVED THE BRAKE LINES FOR FURTHER INSPECTION/INVESTIGATION AS TO THE REASON THEY FAILED. I FEEL BRAKE BRAKE HOSE FAILURE IN A 05 SUV IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2011
THE ABS SENSOR RINGS ON MY FRONT BRAKES KEEP GETTING CRACKS IN THEM. THIS IS DISABLING THE ABS ON MY VEHICLE. I GET IT FIXED AND THEN A YEAR AND 2 MONTHS LATER IT CRACKS AGAIN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD PROVIDED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2011
LEFT FORWARD RUBBER BRAKE LINE FAILED. MECHANIC HAD TO RPLACE THEM ALL DUE TO SEVERE WEAR. IMMENANT FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 27, 2011
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START. I RECEIVED WARNINGS ON THE DASH AND THE INFORMATION PANEL STATING TO SLOW TO A STOP AND SERVICE THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING OPERATED NORMALLY. AFTER GETTING HOME AND RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS EVERYTHING CAME BACK NORMAL. LATER THAT DAY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN WITH THE SAME WARNINGS AND IT WAS MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE WORKING AGAIN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE 12V BATTERY SEEMED TO BE LEAKING SO I INSPECTED AND CLEANED IT. THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY) I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE LEAKING BATTERY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE 12 V BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID MY PROBLEMS SHOULD BE FIXED BUT THEY WOULD CHECK FOR FAULT CODES. THE DEALER FOUND ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM BUT COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. THE CAR WAS LEFT FOR ANOTHER DAY AND EVENTUALLY I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) WITH WAS APPROXIMATELY A $4500 PART. I HAVE READ STORIES ONLINE THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR ESCAPE HYBRID AND FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT OTHER THAN MAKING THE OWNERS BUY $4500 REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2011
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON HEARD A BEEP AND HAD NO BRAKES WHAT SO EVER . I EVENTUALLY STOPPED BY ENTERING THE CAR IN TO NEUTRAL AND HITTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I TURNED ON AGAIN IT WENT AWAY, MY MECHANIC SAYS ITS GOING TO COST $1000 MASTER CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THANKS FORD FOR YOUR ASUPPORT WITH THIS OBVIOUS ISSUE YOU NEED TO ADDRESS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 7, 2011
PURCHASED 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN MARCH 2007 WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. WITHIN THE MONTH, THE ABS LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY COME ON. IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER 2011 AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AND HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. HAD OBD II DIAGNOSTIC CODES TESTED. NO CODES FOUND WHILE LIGHT IS ON OR OFF. MANUALLY TURNING OFF THE LIGHT IS ONLY TEMPORARY. THERE ARE NO PHYSICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. FORD SHOULD HAVE THIS RECALLED. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN ABS LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS CLICKING THAT CAN BE HEARD AND FELT THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE BRAKING. THE VEHICLE IS SLOW TO STOP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTI BRAKING SYSTEM COMPUTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,137. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/23/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 19, 2011
WE HAVE OWNED SEVERAL GOOD FORD VEHICLES IN THE PAST, UP UNTIL NOW. THE SUBJECT: 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID AND PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS. WE NOW UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER IS DEFECTIVE IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH ALL OF THE FORD'S HYBRID ESCORT LINE...DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW THAT FORD REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE. THE COST OF REPAIRS CAN RANGE FROM $1500-4000 AND AS A CONSUMER'S RIGHTS ADVOCATE I WON'T HESITATE TO BLOW THE WHISTLE ON THIS ONE...MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, AND SHE ALMOST HAD WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS IF NOT A FATAL ACCIDENT...;NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP.. AND WE CAN'T AFFORD FOR HER NOT TO CONTINUE TO GO TO COLLEGE, AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY HER A NEW CAR. WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE...THE ONLY RESPONSE EVER FROM THEM TO ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM, HAS BEEN A WEAK APOLOGY. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION TO INITIATE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A RESPONSIBLE REPLY FROM FORD. I CAN'T EVEN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SELLING THIS CAR TO ANYONE ELSE UNTIL THIS DEFECT IS RESOLVED. AT LEAST TOYOTA DID WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO WHEN THEY HAD THE "STUCK" ACCELERATION ISSUE...BUT FORD - AN AMERICAN (?) COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME...WITH SHABBINESS LIKE THIS IT'S NO WONDER OUR TECHNOLOGIES BEING CONSTANTLY "SOLD (OUT)" ) AND EXPORTED OVERSEAS. ON BEHALF OF ALL AMERICANS WHO PREFER TO PURCHASE USA MADE PRODUCTS AND EXPECT THE QUALITY WE DESERVE, I EXPECT A RESPONSE FROM YOU THAT ADDRESSES THIS HORRENDOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH ON THE HIGHWAYS, IF NOT ALREADY...IT SURELY WILL IN TIME. HOW EFFECTIVE AND INFLUENTIAL IS YOUR ORGANIZATION, OR IS IT ANOTHER FACADE THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO MAKE US THINK OUR SAFETY RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED FROM THE FLAWS OF BIG BUSINESS WHEN THEY REALLY A? FORTUNATELY, I KNOW SEVERAL CONGRESSMEN WHO WILL NOT LIKE TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE BUT ULTIMATELY WILL. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 5, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE "TONE RING" ON THE AXEL THROWS OFF THE ABS AND IT ENGAGES AT THE TAP OF THE BRAKES. GRABBING THE BRAKES, EITHER SLAMMING ON BRAKES OR NO BRAKES AT ALL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS FROM 01-10 ESCAPES. DEALERS ARE CHARGING FOR AXEL AND RING TO BE REPLACED WHEN ALL THAT NEEDS REPLACED IS THE 15$ RING. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT CAUSES VEHICLES TO FLIP OVER AND ALSO TO NOT STOP. MY VEHICLE HAS 90,XXX MILES ON IT AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN NOT BRAKE AT ALL! I HAVE HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OFF OF ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN ABS LIGHT WAS NOT ON! I FEEL THIS IS A PERFECT DEFECT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH A MAJOR PROBLEM THE BRAKES. PLEASE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS. I HAVE JUST SPENT 800 DOLLARS FIXING THIS AND THE MECHANIC SAID ITS VERY VERY COMMON. GOOGLED IT AND FOUND THIS TO BE VERY VERY COMMON. THANK YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Apr 14, 2011
STARTED CAR AND RED BRAKE LIGHT AND YELLOW ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. MESSAGE TO SEEK BRAKE SERVICE ASAP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Apr 6, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 127,000 "I-95" MILES (IT STILL AVERAGES 34.3 MPG) GREAT, RELIABLE, LOW REPAIR COST VEHICLE, UNTIL RECENTLY: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING APPEARS ON DASH INTERMITTENTLY. CAVALIER FORD IN CHESAPEAKE, VA QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF $3900.00 TO REPLACE THE ABS MODULE AND HCU MODULE ($3200.00 PARTS, $700.00 LABOR). AFTER CALLING AROUND THE NORFOLK, VA AREA, APPARENTLY THE HCU MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH FORD (WHAT A SURPRISE), AND NO OTHER REPAIR SHOP WILL "TOUCH" OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID TO REPLACE THE ABS MODULE. WOW, THAT'S GREAT TO HEAR...THAT MEANS THAT I'M BASICALLY A PRISONER TO FORD???? *TR