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, Hydraulic, Nov 6, 2007
IN 2006 I EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF MY CAR TO OPERATE ONE MORNING. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT I HAD MADE THE ERROR SINCE I HAVE A MANUAL VEHICLE I OCCASIONALLY TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL; I HAD NO IDEA WHY THE CAR HAD STOPPED RUNNING RIGHT AFTER I STARTED IT AS I BEGAN TO PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE CAR STOPPED A COUPLE OF TIMES WHICH CONCERNED ME SO I CONTACTED THE DEALER IN NEW JERSEY WHERE I WAS LOCATED AT THE TIME FOR HIM TO LOOK AT THE CAR FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE ASSURED ME THAT THE PARTS WOULD WORK AND ALL WAS RIGHT AGAIN AS I LEFT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, NEW 5L8Z-2C053-BA AND YL8Z-19048-AA PARTS INSTALLED. ONE YEAR LATER, NOVEMBER 3, 2007 THE SAME PROBLEM BEGAN TO HAPPEN AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE CABLE AND THE FOOT PEDAL VACUUM WERE NO LONGER OPERATING (5L8Z-2C053-BA AND YL8Z-19048-AA) AS WAS THE CASE THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND THAT HE HAD TO WAIT FOR A NEW PART IN ORDER TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. I ASKED WHY THIS HAD HAPPENED AGAIN, AND WHAT I WAS TOLD HORRIFIED ME. THE MANUFACTURER MOST LIKELY HAD NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM OF THE PAST AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE PARTS. I ASKED WHY THERE WAS NOT A MORE LIFE SAFETY SOLUTION TO THIS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN OFTEN IT WAS NOT DEEMED A REAL ISSUE. THE RATIONALE IS APPALLING. HOW AM I EXPECTED TO BE SAFE WITH THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE CONDITION IS NOT RESOLVED IT IS JUST PROLONGED, WITH FAILURE LOOMING OVER ME? HOW DO I DRIVE MY CHILD AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN A VEHICLE THAT CAN STOP OPERATING AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT?? MY COMPLAINT IS IN REGARD TO LIFE SAFETY AND VALUE OF RECIPROCITY. SINCE THERE IS NO DEATH AS OF YET, I MUST WAIT FOR THE FAILURE? THIS IS EMOTIONALLY STRESSFUL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2007
THE BRAKES HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING (EXCEPT FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKE) 3 TIMES IN ONE MONTH, 4 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 10, 2007
ABS LEFT SENSOR FAILED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 29, 2007
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS ON THE INTERSTATE - 65 MILES AN HOUR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS A BEEP. THERE WERE THEN NO BRAKES AT ALL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COAST TO A STOP. TURNED OFF THE TRUCK AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT HAD BRAKES. ON THIS LAST INCIDENT, THE SAME THING IN THE SAME ORDER HAPPENED. THANKFULLY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COAST TO A STOP WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE OR ANYTHING. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT IS INTERMITTENT THUS MAKING IT HARD TO DIAGNOSE. *JB CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN 2015. UPDATED 6/8/18*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 18, 2006
PURCHASED 05 ESCAPE AT 40,096 MILES IN JULY '06. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, ROTORS WERE WARPED SO DEALER REPLACED THEM FOR FREE. ABOUT 10,000 MILES LATER THEY WERE WARPED AGAIN AND THEY "TURNED" THE ROTORS. ABOUT 4,000 MILES LATER THEY WERE WARPED AGAIN SO THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AGAIN. NOW LESS THAN 5,000 MILES LATER, THEY ARE WARPED AGAIN. DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR AND REFUSED ANY REPAIRS, ONLY NOTING THAT THERE IS *NOTHING* WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM, ONLY THE ROTORS ARE WARPED, WITH NO KNOWN REASON EXCEPT IT MUST BE "THE WAY I AM DRIVING". JUST TODAY NOW THE ABS LIGHT IS STEADY ON, WITH NO REASON THAT I CAN NOTICE FROM MY OWN DRIVING. MY OWN RESEARCH TELLS ME THAT IT MAY BE A "TONE RING" ON THE AXLE, WHICH REQUIRES A REPAIR FOR OVER $1,000 FOR EACH AXLE, AS THE ENTIRE AXLE MUST BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE "TONE RING". *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 27, 2006
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS GO OUT OF ROUND. ONE DEALER RESURFACED, WARR, NOT THERE LONG AFTER OUT OF ROUND AGAIN. REPLACED WITH NEW, AGAIN OUT OF ROUND . ANOTHER DEALER REPLACED ROTORS TWICE. AGAIN OUT OF ROUND. VEHICLE PULSATES WHILE STOPPING. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2006
HAVE READ ON YOUR SITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE FORD 2005 ESCAPE ENGINE AND THE PROBLEM THAT IT SPEEDS UP DURING BRAKING. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS THE DRIVER !! IF YOU ARE LARGE PERSON OR HAVE LARGE FEET. DURING BRAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES LOWER THAN THE GAS PEDAL AND YOUR SHOE TOE CATCHES THE GAS PEDAL AND ACCELERATES THE ENGINE, THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE GAS PEDAL HAS VERY LITTLE RESISTANCE AND YOU ARE NOT AWARE THAT YOUR SHOE IS PUSHING IT DOWN. IT APPEARS ALSO THAT THE PEDALS ARE CLOSER TOGETHER THAN NORMAL. I HAVE OTHER VEHICLES AND HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND THIS IS THE FIRST I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AT ANY PARTICULAR SPEED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 14, 2005
I HAD A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS 2WD. I NEEDED 4WDS SO WE PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE XLT BASED ON PREVIOUS GOOD EXPERIENCE. WHAT HAS FORD DONE TO THIS PREVIOUSLY EXCELLENT VEHICLE? WE HAVE TWO MAJOR COMPLAINTS, BUT NHTSA DOES NOT CONSIDER FOUR ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR AC THAT IS LEAKING FREON INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WORTHY OF A COMPLAINT. SO WE WILL ADDRESS COMPLAINT #2. VEHICLE BRAKES IRRADICALLY, MAKES GRINDING NOISES, AND BRAKES CONSTANTLY HUM. WE THOUGHT THIS WAS DUE TO BEING A 4WD, BUT AFTER VISITING YOUR WEBSITE FIND THIS TO BE A PREDOMINATE PROBLEM ON ALL 2005 ESCAPES.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 19, 2005
WHEN BRAKING AT A STOP SIGN OR A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD CONSTANTLY GO TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL UNDETERMINED.*AK A SEVERE GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS GETTING SOFT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TC...*AK
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Jun 21, 2004
BRAKES ARE MAKING NOISE INTERMITTINGLY. IT SOUNDS LIKE BLOWING IN A BOTTLE. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. THEY KEEP GRINDING DOWN THE ROTORS AND IT'S NOT HELPING. APPARANTLY FORD CORP. IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE TRYING TO FIND A CURE. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT. ALSO, STEALTH SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED IN FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP.