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: structure
459 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 4, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WHEN I STARTED HEARING A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BANGING GOT LOUDER AND MY ESCAPE SEEMED TO BE HITTING HARD IN THE BACK LIKE MY SHOCK WASN'T WORKING. WHICH MY HUSBAND HAD CHANGED THEM ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS PRIOR SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. AFTER DRIVING HER TODAY AND THE BANGING GETTING WORSE I HAD MY HUSBAND LOOK AT MY BACK FENDER WALL. WHEN WE DID WE SEEN IT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CAN TOUCH THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. BUT THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT IS WHAT HOLDS MY SHOCK IN PLACE AND IT IS ALL GONE. I CAME INSIDE FRUSTRATED AND DECIDED I WOULD SEE IF THERE ARE PARTS TO FIX IT BEFORE MY SHOCK DECIDES IT IS GOING TO GO FOR A FREE RIDE AND DESTROY EVERYTHING UNDER THERE. TO MY SURPRISE I HAVE NOT FOUND A FIX NOR A RECALL BUT I DID FIND NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MADE FORD RECALL THE ESCAPES AND FIX THIS ISSUE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING 70 MPH WHEN THIS BROKE AND THE DAMAGE IT COULD DO TO NOT ONLY MY ESCAPE BUT MY FAMILY, MYSELF, AND OTHER DRIVERS IF I LOST CONTROL OF IT BECAUSE MY SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO MY SUV? I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT IS IN CHARGE OF RECALLING VEHICLES. THEY HAVE PUT MY FAMILY, ME, AND ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD IN DANGER AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. MAYBE I SHOULD BUY A TOYOTA BECAUSE AT LEAST THEY RECALL THEIR VEHICLES AND FIX THEM WHEN THEY HAVE AN ISSUE. FORD DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT ANYONE'S SAFETY. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Dec 4, 2014
REAR WHEEL WELL TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY AND SHOCK WAS BANGING WHEN TRIED TO FIND PART FROM JUNK YARD ALL 2005 ESCAPE HAD RUSTED OFF WHEEL WELLS THE OTHER SIDE IS NOW GOING TO DO THE SAME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD JUST DONE MANY REPAIRS WAS PLANNING ON KEEPING IT BUT NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SEEMS TO ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IF IT IS HAPPENING TO MANY ESCAPES OF THIS YEAR CAN ANYTHING BE DONE THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR UNTIL NOW THIS PROBLEM IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Nov 29, 2014
COMPLAINT ONE: EXCESSIVE RUSTED PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT, STRUT MOUNT BROKE AWAY. COMPLAINT TWO: RUSTED ENGINE CRADLE CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT HALF SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM CENTER OF THE CAR CAUSING THE TO STOP MOVING FOREWORD AND LOSS OF STEERING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Nov 25, 2014
SEVERE RUST RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 23, 2014
SEVERE RUSTED OUT REAR WHEEL WELLS CAUSING THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TO BREAK. CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED NO RECALL FOR 2005 JUST THRU 2004 AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. STILL OWE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND NOT SURE WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST FOR LARGE REPAIR. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. LOOK UP THIS GOOGLE AND YOU WILL FIND TONS OF THIS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 16, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THIS ESCAPE IS COMPLETELY ROTTED. A LARGE PIECE OF THE BODY IN THE WHEEL WELL HAS BROKEN AWAY (AROUND 8X8) WITH THE SHOCK ATTACHED. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL HAS BEEN BOUNCING IN AND OUT OF THE INDOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT. I NOW HAVE NO SHOCK ABSORPTION ON THAT WHEEL. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE THAT SHARE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. FORD HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR PROBLEM. I WILL BE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH THE DEMAND THAT THIS BE FIXED AT A REASONABLE PRICE, CONSIDERING THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT THIS EFFECTS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 13, 2014
RIGHT BACK SHOCK CAME THROUGH WHEEL WELL AND BROKE THROUGH INTERIOR OF CAR. CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO RUST. *TR
Structure, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCHBACK WINDOW, THE SCREW ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE HINGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 6, 2014
SEVERE RUST IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL- WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS. SHOCK IS ABOUT TO PUSH THRU THE RUST INTO THE INSIDE OF CAR. RUST WAS DISGUISED BY UNDERCOATING BY PREVIOUS OWNER OR DEALER. LOUD NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, ETC. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER QUARTER PANEL AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 30, 2014
HAD MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE IS SEVERE RUST ON UNDERCARRIAGE AND REAR WHEEL WELLS. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTING THROUGH. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THAT ONLY THE 2001-2004 MODELS ARE COVERED UNDER THE NEW RECALL AND TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS FOR ANY WORK I HAVE DONE TO FIX IT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH NO ACCIDENTS AND UNDER 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. *TR
Structure, Oct 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 28, 2014
I BEGAN TO HEAR A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS IN DANGER OF BREAKING LOOSE WHICH COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AND INVESTIGATED I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. MY SHOCK IS NOT LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT SLAMS INTO THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 25, 2014
WE WERE DRIVING OUR ESCAPE ON CITY ROADS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY WENT THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WE CAN SEE THE PAVEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL YET. WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD CARS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY, HOWEVER, WE MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER NEXT TIME. WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE ISSUE FIXED AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 24, 2014
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS BANGING AGAINST THE INNER INTERIOR MOLDING WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ENTIRELY FROM THE WHEEL WELL LEAVING THE SUSPENSION ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COMPROMISED. THE WHEEL WELL ON THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS IN TACT. *TR
Structure, Oct 24, 2014
DURING A MOVE IN WHICH WE WERE TOWING A TRAILER, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT PRETTY BAD WHEN WE COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND FROM THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP I STARTED TO HEAR A REPEATING "THUD". MY FIANCE AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT COULD BE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND AS SOON AS I STARTED TO EXPLAIN THE SOUND AND WHERE IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM...HE KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HIS BROTHER WHO ALSO HAD AN ESCAPE HAD JUST HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD CONTINUED TO CORRODE AND RUST, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO BREAK. HE REFERRED ME TO A PLACE THAT DID THE NECESSARY REPAIR/WELDING. THEY RE-MOLDED THE WELL AND REPLACED THE SHOCK. A $750 JOB. SAID THAT THEY HAD SEVERAL...I THINK THEY SAID AT LEAST 6 ESCAPES IN FOR THE SAME THING JUST IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR
Structure, Oct 20, 2014
WHILE DRIVING - AT ANY SPEED - A RATTLING SOUND STARTED FROM THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. RATTLE GOT LOUDER OVER TIME AND BECAME A LOUD BANGING SOUND EVERY TIME WE HIT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH; THE ONLY THING HOLDING IN THE SHOCK ON THAT SIDE IS LIGHT PADDING / INSULATION. MECHANIC INDICATED CAR WAS NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING, AS WE COULD FACE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE FOUND A BODY SHOP WHO QUOTED US AT $1200 FOR THE REPAIR. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE SAME ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS FROM 2001-2004. WE WILL BE HOLDING ON TO ALL RECEIPTS, WITH THE HOPE THAT FORD WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL / REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 14, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK IS BARELY ATTACHED. THIS IS SUSPECT BECAUSE NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE CORROSION LIKE THIS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THROUGH A RUSTED HOLE INTO THE REAR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE UNDERBODY WAS RUSTED, THE REAR SHOCK WAS RUSTED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, AND A LARGE HOLE NEAR THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR SHOCK, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Structure, Oct 7, 2014
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL HOUSE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY FASTENING BRACKET EXHIBIT SEVERE CORROSION AND POSSIBLE DETACHMENT FROM VEHICLE BODY. SUCH AN INCIDENT IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AT CRUISING SPEED. PREVIOUS REPAIRS PERFORMED BY PRIOR OWNER. BODY SHOP CONSULTED AND REPLACEMENT OF AFFECTED PARTS IS NOT ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 4, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNT HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE BODY, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE.. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT LOOKS LIKE NEW...NO SIGN OF RUST. LOOKING ONLINE AT FORD FORUMS, THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPE WERE RECALLED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 2, 2014
I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SHOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE. IN DOING SO THE AUTO REPAIR FATALITY SHOWED ME THAT THE ENTIRE CENTER OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AWAY, LEAVING BIG HOLE. THE GARAGE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OF THIS MODE (2001-2007) I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF DEALERS THAT TOLD ME THE SAME THING. ONE EVEN TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 30, 2014
OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A SAFETY ISSUE SO BAD THAT IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY TO BREAK FREE. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER WHO DRIVES A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN THEY TOOK A LOOK IN HIS FENDER, THEY FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER THAT HAS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND IT HAS THE START OF THE HOLE. WE HAVE TALKED TO FORD, THERE IS NO RECALL OR REPAIR CAMPAIGN FOR IT. THEY OFFERED US AN X PLAN TO TRADE IT IN OR THEY WOULD FIX IT AT FULL PRICE. WE HAVE SENT PICTURES TO THE FORD FACTORY REP. HE TOLD US THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW PROCESSES ON THE PRODUCT LINE TO FIX IT. HE SHOWED THE PICTURE TO THE ESCAPE ENGINEERS AND THEY AGREED THAT IT IS A DESIGN FAULT AND FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNSAFE STATE THAT IT'S IN. UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THEM WILL PUT IT IN WRITING, IN FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS. WE ALSO WROTE AN EMAIL TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN WASHINGTON DC AND STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. WE GOT QUOTES FROM DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS IN THE AREA, BOTH AT $1200.00. AND THEY HAVE REPAIRED OTHER FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE FROM THE INSIDE TO REPLACE THE FENDER WELL. THUS ALL THE INTERIOR TRIM HAS TO BE REMOVED AND WELDING BLANKET USED SO THEY DON'T BURN YOUR VEHICLE UP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR