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, Sep 29, 2014
I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT AFTER TAKING THE ABOVE CAR TO A BODY SHOP WHEN I NOTICED SOME RUSTING IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA. THE BODY SHOP (X3) EXPLAINED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD (PRIOR TO THE 2001-2004 RECALL). I CONTACTED FORD VIA E-MAIL, AND FILED A COMPLAINT HERE. THE WHEEL WELLS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE PEELING, AND I WAS TOLD THE SHOCK MOUNT WOULD EVENTUALLY PUNCH THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THIS WEEKEND, THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED. FORD HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED MY ISSUE, AND I NOTICED THE COMPLAINTS ON DIFFERENTLY ONLINE FORUMS HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS WELL-CARED FOR WITH ALL APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED. THE BODY SHOPS I WENT TO DID NOT WANT TO FIX MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY FELT FORD NEEDED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Sep 24, 2014
EXCESSIVE WHEEL WELL RUST SUCH THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS DISCONNECTED. *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,300.
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Sep 17, 2014
RIGHT REAR WELL CORRODED EXTENSIVELY. 4 INCH HOLE EXPOSING HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY IN TRUNK TO WATER, SALT, SNOW. DEALER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF COLLAPSE OF STRUTS AND RISK OF EXPLOSION/FIRE FROM HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY EXPOSURE. QUOTES MORE THAN $4000 TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 59,510 MILES. REAR BUMPER AND REAR SUSPENSION BOTH COMPROMISED. REAR BUMPER HAS NO SUPPORT ON RIGHT SIDE RISKING PASSENGER INJURY IN ACCIDENT. REAR SHOCK STRUT COLLAPSING. REQUEST INVESTIGATION AND RECALL ACTION. *TR
Structure, Sep 15, 2014
A SEVERE RATTLE STARTED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. A BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD NEARLY COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED DUE TO RUST AND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. AN INTERNET SEARCH PERFORMED BY THE SHOP REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL MANUFACTURED IN THE YEARS AROUND 2005 AND THAT IT OCCURS ONLY THE IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL IS INTACT AND SOLID. *TR
Structure, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A HARD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED ALONG WITH PART OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 6, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING IN VIRGINIA LAST SUMMER ON I-81, THE BODY END OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK-ABSORBER CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. WE STOPPED SHORTLY AFTER WE FELT AND HEARD SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY ABNORMAL AND A MECHANIC TOLD US THE CAR WAS SO RUSTED IN THAT WHEEL WELL THAT THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HAD NOTHING TO HOLD TO. WE WERE ON A LONG TRIP, SO WE HAD THE SHOCK CUT OUT UNTIL WE GOT HOME. NONE OF THE OTHER UNDERBODY AREAS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT RUST, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS WE CONSULTED, SO WE SUBSEQUENTLY PAID SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE A NEW WHEEL WELL FABRICATED AND INSTALLED ALONG WITH NEW REAR SHOCKS ON BOTH SIDES. WE SEE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ON THE WEB WE QUICKLY FOUND SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL CAR DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM - THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A DESIGN ISSUE? CERTAINLY IT'S SIGNIFICANT A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE AREA OF SEVERE RUST WAS NOT APPARENT FROM LOOKING AT THE CAR. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE IS SHOWING SIGNIFICANT EXTERIOR RUST AT THE LIP OF THE WHEEL WELL, SO WE WILL BE SENDING IT IN TO HAVE OUR MECHANIC SEE IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. HELP! THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 6, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK BROKE LOOSE AS A RESULT OF EXTREME RUST IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK TOWER. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 4, 2014
RIGHT, REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SHOCK HAS BECOME DETACHED. LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHOCK POKING THROUGH TO THE TRUNK. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 1, 2014
THERE STARTED TO BE A BANGING NOISE IN RIGHT REAR AREA OF VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD SEPARATED ITS MOUNT FROM THE WHEEL WELL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. *TR
Structure, Aug 31, 2014
FORD ESCAPE 2005 WAS UP FOR INSPECTION/EMISSIONS IN PA. IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION TO BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS, NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO PASSING INSPECTION. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN FOUND REPEATEDLY WITH 04-06 MODELS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS GONE UNNOTICED, CAN CAUSE THE SHOCKS TO BREAK THROUGH WHILE DRIVING. THE EXPENSE OF REPAIR IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $1400. THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL BY FORD, YET, THEY ARE NOTED TO HAVE IMPLEMENTED BODY CHANGES TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON SUBSEQUENT MODEL ESCAPES. AN OTHERWISE 'HEALTHY' LOW MILEAGE VAR COULD BE DEEMED "TOTALED" DUE TO SUCH DAMAGE, YET NO RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 31, 2014
NOTICED A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. LOOKED FROM OUTSIDE AND SAW A LARGE CRACK IN THE FRAMEWORK OF WHEEL WELL. REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL AND FOUND THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND AROUND THE STRUT. STRUT IS ONLY HELD BY LOWER SECTION OF METAL BUT FLEXES ENOUGH GOING DOWN THE ROAD THAT IT BANGS ON THE INTERIOR PANEL WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY I KNEW I HAD AN ISSUE. IF I DID NOT STOP AND LOOK I MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THE STRUT COULD HAVE BROKE COMPLETELY FREE WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 30, 2014
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE HAPPENED WHEN SHE WAS HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, I NOTICE A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL TO DISCOVER THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION!. I THOROUGHLY CHECKED ALL OF THE OTHER SHOCKS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS AREA IS THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED. *TR
Structure, Aug 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT TOWER BROKE FREE FROM THE WHEEL WELL. UPDATED 03/12/2015 *JS
Structure, Aug 29, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WE NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE WHEEL VEERING WAS BAD, THOUGH HE COULD NOT CHANGE IT DO TO THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION WE NOTICED SEVERAL LOCATIONS ON THE FRAME ARE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. *TR
Structure, Aug 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 26, 2014
I WAS DRIVING WHEN VERY LOUD BANGING START IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. I THOUGHT IT WAS A WORN SHOCK. IT WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THAT. THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE TRUNK AREA WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE TIRE FROM INSIDE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 25, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE 2005 ESCAPE A NOISE WAS STARTING TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING WHEN EVER A BUMP OR EVEN SLIGHT CHANGE IN THE ROAD OCCURRED. ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD IT WAS SO SUDDEN. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS COMING THROUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, BUT IT CONTINUED. FINALLY I HAD SOMEONE LOOK IT OVER CLOSELY AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON THE CAR AS THERE WAS NOTHING FOR IT TO CONNECT TO. TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS TO CHECK ON THE REPAIRS NEEDED ONE QUOTED $3-$5,000 THE OTHER SAID AT LEAST $3,000. BOTH SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH! WHAT IS GOING ON? THE FORD DEALERSHIP ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. COME ON! SOMETHING IS UP. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD FORDS, ALL OF OUR VEHICLES ARE FORDS AND UNTIL RECENTLY WE HAD NOT HAD ANY ISSUES. NOW WE ARE QUESTIONING OUR LOYALTY, BIG TIME. *TR
Structure, Aug 25, 2014
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WE HEARD LOUD BANGING NOISES COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHENEVER WE WENT OVER A BUMP. WE INSPECTED OUR ESCAPE AND DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. WE WERE EXTREMELY UPSET TO REALIZE OUR SON HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR AND COULD HAVE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY DUE TO THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT. WE RESEARCHED THIS AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. WITH NO OFFICIAL RECALL, WE ARE FORCED TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE REPAIR; HOWEVER, EVEN IS WE REPAIR THIS VEHICLE, WE ARE NOT SURE WE WOULD PUT OUR SON OR OURSELVES BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Aug 23, 2014
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WITHIN THE PAST WEEK, THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WALL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. WHEN I DROVE MY CAR, IT SOUNDED LIKE A SERIES OF SMALL BOMBS WERE GOING OFF IN THE BACK ANYTIME I HIT A HOLE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO GET FIXED, IT COST $1064.62. FORD WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR A PENNY OF THIS. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE FACING THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS A FACEBOOK PAGE DEDICATED TO IT: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108 THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR FORD BUT BASICALLY THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT IS UP TO THE NHTSA TO DEMAND A RECALL OF THIS AND TO GET IT FIXED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IF MY CAR WOULD HAVE COLLAPSED AS I WAS DRIVING IT? SO MANY PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE PICTURES/RECEIPTS TO PROVE EVERYTHING I SAID ABOVE. *TR
Structure, Aug 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCKS STEEL METAL CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, WE HEARD A HOLLOW THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE WHEEL WELL WHENEVER WE WENT OVER A SMALL BUMP. AFTER EXTERNALLY INSPECTING THE WHEEL WELL, WE DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED, AND APPEARED TO BE IN DANGER OF COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATING. MEDIUM-SIZED PIECES WERE FLAKING OFF WITH ONLY A SLIGHT TUG. AN IDENTICAL ISSUE CAUSED THE RECALL OF FORD ESCAPE MODELS FROM THE YEARS 2001-2004, BUT FORD REPRESENTATIVES TO WHICH I HAVE SPOKEN HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERING A RECALL FOR THE 2005 MODEL YEAR. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND COULD CAUSE CRASHES IF SHOCK OR AXLE SUPPORTS FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW, SINCE THIS MODEL IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 111,000 MILES. OTHERS HAVE INDICATED THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 12, 2014
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN MAKING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT OVER BUMPS, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. I WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY. QUICKLY THE SHOCK TOWER HAS GONE THROUGH MY TRUNK LEAVING A HOLE IN MY TRUNK INTO THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE. I LEARNED OF THIS WHEN I WAS WALKING TO MY VEHICLE AND SAW SOME CLOTHES FROM MY TRUNK HANGING OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THROUGH MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ESCAPES FROM 2001-2004 HAVE HAD THESE SAME ISSUES, BUT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY THE 2005S HAVE NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT COULD LITERALLY FALL THROUGH THE VEHICLE FROM INSIDE. THIS WEBSITE, HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2005/BODY_PAINT/EXCESSIVE_WHEEL_WELL_RUST.SHTML, DESCRIBES THE SAME ISSUES I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 11, 2014
I DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. IT IS ALSO RUSTING THE FRAME OF MY FORD ESCAPE. RUST SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 01-04 MODELS. NOT SURE WHY 05 IS BEING IGNORED. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MY SHOCK DOES NOT APPEAR TO EVEN BE CONNECTED AT THIS POINT. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I DID TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK PICTURES AND CAN SEND THEM TO THE PROPER PERSON. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I REALLY HAVE NO CHOICE AT THIS POINT. IF SOMETHING TERRIBLE WAS TO HAPPEN THEN I GUESS MY NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO TALK TO A LAWYER. I HOPE THAT THIS MATTER IS LOOKED INTO ON THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND THE PROPER RECALL IS PLACED IMMEDIATELY. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THE RUST AND CORROSION ISSUE ON THE ESCAPES, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE 2005 MODELS ARE JUST AS DAMAGED AS THE 2001-2004 MODELS. I AM VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT I ALSO HAVE TO GO TO WORK TO MAKE A LIVING AND PAY FOR THE CAR. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO THE RIGHT PERSON AND I HOPE IMMEDIATE ACTION IS TAKEN. A WRECK, INJURY, OR FATALITY CAN BE PREVENTED IF SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS NOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PICTURES OF MY WHEEL WELL AND RUST ON THE CAR. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE SOON. *TR
Structure, Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCKS TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.