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
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, May 16, 2011, crash
THE COMPUTER SHORT, BECAUSE A WATER LEAK IN THE COMPUTER, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE BRIDGE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jan 10, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! THE SOUND IT MADE WAS A LOUD POW, AND SOME GLASS SHARDS FELL ONTO MY SEATS. THERE WERE NO LARGE TRUCKS AROUND OR SIGHT OF DEBRIS FLYING MY WAY. I HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR THE GLASS TO BE SHIPPED FROM FORD BEFORE I CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED, AND I HAVE TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE OF $500 THROUGH MY INSURANCE, AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING IN FORDS, AND IT'S NOT LIKELY THAT A ROCK CAN CAUSE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE ON TOP OF A CAR. FORD SHOULD BE PROVIDING WARRANTIES FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 25, 2010
SUNROOF SHATTERED IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE FOR NO REASON. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT. WHEN CHECKING ON LINE THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCLUDING TIMES WHEN THE GLASS BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ORDERED NEW GLASS FOR SUNROOF AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR
Structure, Oct 2, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE BUMPER HE NOTICED THAT THE BASE WAS LOOSE, THE BRACKET WAS BROKEN, AND IT WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Structure, Oct 15, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2005 ESCAPE NEW AND JUST RECENTLY (OCT 2008) I NOTICED ON TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WHERE BOTH OF THE HINGES ARE THE PAINT IS PEALING OFF AND GETTING WORSE ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED OUT VERY SMALL RIGHT WHERE THE EDGE OF THE GATE IS ON TOP. BUT WITH TIME HAS STARTED TO PEAL OFF ON TOP OF THE LIFT GATE AS WELL. I HAVE SINCE STARTED LOOKING AT ALL THE 2004-2006 ESCAPES THAT I SEE PARKED AND EVERY SINGLE ONE, REGARDLESS OF COLOR, WITHOUT FAIL HAS THE PAINT PEALING AWAY IN THE SAME SPOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY REFUSE TO HANDLE IT. *TR
Structure, Sep 26, 2007
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO SHUT AFTER SEVERAL TRIES IT SHUT . AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DOOR FLEW OPEN . *TR
Structure, Nov 26, 2005
I JUST LEFT THE RESTAURAUNT AND WALKED OVER TO MY ESCAPE. WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR THE REAR TOP EDGE WAS RAKED BACK FAR ENOUGH TO HIT MY GLASSES, BENDING THEM AND THEN THE UPPER MOST CORNER PIERCED THE SKIN JUST BELOW THE EYE. 1/2" BY 1/2" CUT. A LITTLE CLOSER AND I WOULD HAVE SEVERLY DAMAGED MY EYE. THE TOP REAR CORNER EDGE OF THE DOOR EXTENDS TOO FAR BACK. SINCE THAT INCIDENT I HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE STANDING FURTHER BACK THAN USUAL TO AVOID ANOTHER INJURY. LAST NIGHT MY SON-IN LAW HIT HIMSELF IN THE FOREHEAD JUST ABOVE HIS GLASSES WITH THE REAR MOST TOP EDGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. CAUSING A CUT AND BLEEDING. STAND TOO CLOSE AND THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT DOORS OF THE 05 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 LIMITED CAN CAUSE INJURY. THANK YOU BILL KOHNKE. *NM
Structure, Apr 15, 2005
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE RECALL. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER STATING THAT IT WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. CONSUMER DROVE HOME AND PULLED INTO THE GARAGE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIFTGATE POPPED OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING IT TO BREAK. CONSUMER NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATED THE THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE WHEN A PRIOR APPOINTMENT WAS SET.*AK
Structure, Dec 11, 2004
ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM PICKING UP MY FORD ESCAPE, I NOTICED CABIN NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT TOOK 6 SERVICE VISITS TO JIM KEIM FORD TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE THAT WAS CAUSED BY LOOSE CLADDING ON THE PASSENGER DOOR. FURTHER, I BEGAN GETTING A TICKING NOISE AT SLOW SPEEDS AND BUMPY ROADS DURING THE RESOLUTION OF THE CLADDING PROBLEM. JIM KEIM SPRAYED SILICONE SPRAY ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR MOLDING TO RESOLVE THIS. THE TICKING NOISE RETURNED WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS AND KRIEGER FORD PUT ANTI-RATTLE TAPE ON THE A ARMS IN THE CABIN TO RESOLVE THIS ON 2 OCCASIONS. IN ALL, I'VE HAD 8 SERVICE CALLS ON THIS BRAND NEW $26000.00 ESCAPE. I'VE DRIVEN HUNDREDS OF MILES IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THESE NOISE ISSUES TO DATE. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT A VEHICLE I GENUINELY LOOKED FORWARD TO HAVING HAS BECOME A VEHICLE THAT I'VE ALREADY EXPLORED TRADING IN AND GOING WITH ANOTHER MAKE BECAUSE I FEEL I HAVE BEEN TREATED POORLY HAVING TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR NOISE ISSUES 8 TIMES. *JB