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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,584

Of the 2005 reports, 44 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernSuspension489 reports · 31% of complaints
Owner complaints1,584Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Suspension489
  2. Structure459
  3. Electrical system169
  4. Vehicle speed control152
  5. Engine148
  6. Service brakes136
  7. Power train126
  8. Wheels107

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  1. Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 4, 2018

    THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, LARGE HOLE IN BODY, SHOCK WENT RIGHT THREW THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED EXTREMELY FAST, I JUST PUT NEW TIRES AND BRAKES ON THE CAR. THIS DEFECT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND POISED A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN. THE CAR CAN'T BE SOLD OR TRADED IN AND NOW HEADED TO THE JUNKYARD

  2. Suspension, Structure, Oct 26, 2018

    REAR FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AS WELL AS PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER,RUSTED SO BAD CAN SEE THROUGH TO OUTSIDE IN 2 SPOTS WHICH ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE ,COULD CAUSE EXPHIXIATION TO OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO REAR OF VEHICLE GIVING WAY AND BREAKING IN TWO ON A ROADWAY,DAMAGE WASN'T VISIBLE UNTIL IT TOTALLY BUSTED THROUGH WHILE DRIVING! FORD SHOULD RECALL DUE TO SAFETY AS THE 2004 WAS.

  3. Structure, Oct 9, 2018

    TAKATA RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE BACK OF THE FRAME/BODY METAL SNAPPED, WHEN DROVE THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH SEVERELY BAD POT HOLES. RUST ON CAR WAS AVERAGE FOR AGE AND WAS STILL DRIVE ABLE. BUT HAVEN'T DRIVEN IN MONTHS BECAUSE SCARED OF SAFETY RISK. I FEEL LIKE THE FRAME SHOULDN'T BE HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY 13/14 YEARS OLD. THE CORROSION OF THE METAL ON THE CAR IS VERY EXCESSIVE. THIS IS MY SECOND FORD ESCAPE IN 3 YEARS AND THEY ALL HAVE HAD BODY ISSUES WITH FAST METAL CORROSION. THE PHOTO ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS TAKEN TODAY AFTER MONTHS OF SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT.

  4. Suspension, Structure, Oct 3, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD NEAR THE AREA OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST IN THAT AREA, WHICH WAS AFFECTING THE SHOCKS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  5. Suspension, Structure, Aug 21, 2018

    OF COURSE I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS MOST FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE WITH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING COMPLETELY OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT ONLY EFFECTS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF THESE VEHICLES AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF UNADDRESSED OWNER COMPLAINTS. FORD STILL WILL NOT DO A RECALL NOR WILL THEY DO ANYTHING FOR THEIR THOUSANDS OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS. I DO HOPE THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT I CAN JOIN BECAUSE FORD JUST WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I JUST HAD MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE GOING OUT-OF-STATE TO VISIT MY DYING FATHER WITH MY KIDS BUT NOW I CAN'T EVEN GO DUE TO THIS UNEXPECTED DEFECT WHICH FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHICH HAS LEFT ME WITH A VEHICLE I CANT DRIVE THAT I'M STILL PAYING FOR. I CAN'T EVEN TRADE IT IN BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE! THANKS FORD! I WILL MAKE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE I CAN ABOUT FORD'S INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS ITS CUSTOMERS AND I WILL NEVER BUY FORD ANYTHING EVER AGAIN!

  6. Suspension, Structure, Aug 19, 2018

    PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH, SHOCK TOWER IS BANGING AGAINST INNER FRAME, CHUNKS OF RUST DISLODGING AND SCRAPING AGAINST TIRE. THIS IS OCCURRING WHILE DRIVING. I PUSHED THE CHUNK BACK AND IT SEEMS TO BE STAYING OFF THE TIRE FOR NOW. FORD AUTO REPAIR SHOP QUOTED $5000 TO REPAIR. MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK IS ACROSS TWO MAJOR CITIES VIA A HIGH-TRAFFIC MAJOR HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL TO BE A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS CONDITION SINCE IT AFFECTS NOT ONLY SUSPENSION BUT COULD CAUSE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS PUNCTURING THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND EXPOSING PEOPLE IN THE CAR TO EXHAUST AND FRIGID WEATHER (MINNESOTA) IN THE WINTER. THIS RUSTING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH FORD - THEY RECALLED THIS MAKE AND MODEL UP THROUGH 2004 FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.

  7. Suspension, Structure, Aug 1, 2018

    REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT DUE TO IMPROPER POWDER COATING. STRUT MOUNT RUSTING AND SEPARATING FROM VEHICLE FRAME.

  8. Structure, Jul 24, 2018

    DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD AND HEARD A BAD RUBBING NOICE AND STEERING WENT LOOSE, PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS PUSHED IN TO THE WHEEL WELL. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKE AND THE CV AXLE WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE MOTOR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I CALLED FORD BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I SAW FOR THIS SAME ISSUE ON 2005 MODELS, AND BECAUSE OF THE RECALL FOR THE 01 TO 04 FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR. I EXPLAINED THAT I KNOW THIS, BUT I SAW HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR 05S HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE AND THAT IT'S NOT NORMAL OR SAFE TO BE DRIVING ALONG AND HAVE THE SUBFRAME JUST BRAKE LIKE THIS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 113K MILES. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT, THEY WILL CALL FORD WITH THERE FINDINGS. I HAD TO FLAT BED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT. THE MECHANIC CALLED FORD AND TOLD THEM THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKE, THEY SAID THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THE CAR! OBVIOUSLY!!! WE ALREADY WENT OVER THIS! SO NOW I'M IN THE BOAT I FIRST WAS, FORD TELLING ME THAT THERE'S NO RECALL ON MY CAR!!!

  9. Structure, Jul 18, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR DOOR SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS ATTACHING THE HINGES TO THE BODY WAS THE DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM OR DOOR SHOCKS. THE DEALER (SUBURBAN FORD OF STERLING HEIGHTS, 40333 VAN DYKE AVENUE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48373) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,385.

  10. Suspension, Structure, Jul 11, 2018

    (RECOMMENDING THIS COMPLAINT BE DELETED; SAME VEHICLE AS 11110799) TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RIDING ROUGH IN THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT A REPAIR FACILITY DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER HAD EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION AND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK FRACTURED SO THE SHOCK TOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE A REMEDY, DID NOT SUGGEST THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE MAY BE REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. DYD

  11. Suspension, Structure, Jul 4, 2018

    THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS CORRODED VERY SEVERELY. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS PUSHING INTO THE INTERIOR WHEEL COVER, CAUSING IT TO BECOME DISLODGED. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ABOUT 35 MPH, WHEN I HEAR A LOUD SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF MY ESCAPE. I NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR WHEEL COVER WAS DISLODGED AND MOVING AROUND. I PULLED OVER INTO A LOCAL PARK TO EXAMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE VERY LOUD SCRAPING SOUND. I COULD SEE THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AREA WAS VERY RUSTED AND FLAKY. I DROVE HOME ABOUT 10-15 MPH, ALL THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD BUMPING AND SCRAPING SOUND. I CONSULTED A FORD MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THE MANY HUNDREDS OF FORD ESCAPES THAT HAVE RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELLS, THAT CAN CAUSE SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE SHOCK ABSORBER PUSHES INTO THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE COLLAPSES ONTO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL.

  12. Structure, Jun 18, 2018

    VEHICLES SUBFRAME RUSTED AND BROKE AT PASSENGERS FRONT CONTROL ARM WHILE DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROADWAY IN A CITY DURING NORMAL CONDITIONS. CAR IS A 2005 WITH ONLY 55000 MILES. VIRTUALLY NO RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON BODY. I FOUND THE EXACT PROBLEM AT THE IDENTICAL LOCATION ON 2002-2004 UNDER A RECALL AND BELIEVE THAT THE 2005 SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS WELL

  13. Structure, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2018

    I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD BUMPING NOISE... MY BACK PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, WHICH HAS AFFECTED MY SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKET. EVERY LITTLE BUMP CAUSES IT TO SHAKE AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE BRACKET ACTUALLY WENT THROUGH THE PLASTIC AND THERE IS A HOLE INSIDE THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I SEE SO MANY IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS AND ITS VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I KNOW THAT THE FORD ESCAPE 2001- 2004 WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE AND ITS DISCONCERTING THAT THEY ARE IGNORING THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 2005-2008 ESCAPE. HOW MANY MORE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR THEM TO AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THIS UNSAFE, REOCCURRING ISSUE?! HOPEFULLY , SOMETHING WILL BE DONE SOON BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED.

  14. Suspension, Structure, Jun 2, 2018

    RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. I DO *NOT* LIVE IN THE RUST BELT. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED AREA WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP. THE NOISES INCREASED DURING DRIVING FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS. I FINALLY GOT UNDER THERE TO LOOK AT IT AND FOUND THE SHOCK TOWER MOUNT HAD NEARLY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETED ROTTED AND DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION.

  15. Suspension, Structure, May 14, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK LEANING AGAINST THE WHEEL AND A HOLE WHERE THE MOUNTED BRACKET WAS LOCATED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOVELAND FORD (999 E EISENHOWER BLVD, LOVELAND, CO 80537, (970) 744-7101) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

  16. Structure, Apr 30, 2018

    RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT BAD

  17. Suspension, Structure, Apr 3, 2018

    AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD LOUD NOISES STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. AFTER GETTING HOME I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BODY. I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE ISSUES IDENTICAL TO THIS IN AN ONLINE SEARCH. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 ESCAPE AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. THERE ARE EXISTING RECALLS ON 2001-2005 FORD ESCAPES FOR RUST ISSUES.

  18. Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Mar 10, 2018

    DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TRUCK STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE BACK. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND MAJOR RUSTING IN PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. SHOCK COMPLETELY RUSTED FREE AND BOUNCING UP TO HIT THE PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO BODY SHOP MECHANIC AND UPON INSPECTION, HE SHOWED US THAT THE FRAME ITSELF IS RUSTED THROUGH AND VEHICLE CANNOT LEGALLY BE FIXED AND IS TECHNICALLY NOT EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE. LESS THAN 133,000 MILES AND BOUGHT USED 2 YEARS AGO, WE ARE VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND SHOULD HAVE BE RECALLED. THEY RECALLED YEARS 2001-2004 FOR THE SAME ISSUES, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2005. SHAME ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SUCH POOR WORKMANSHIP! PLEASE HELP!!!

  19. Suspension, Structure, Mar 2, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A WHISTLING NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE INNER WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL, AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,250.

  20. Structure, Feb 20, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY LOUD NOISE AS IF GLASS WERE BREAKING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WALKED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TOWER WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE WELL OF THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DANGER OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING POSTED ON THE INTERNET AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

  21. Structure, Feb 20, 2018

    HEAR A LOUD BANG WHILE DRIVING. I FOUND EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. I CHECKED THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS AND THE OTHER THREE ARE FINE, NO ISSUES. THIS CAR IS A LITTLE OLDER, BUT THERE SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT VEHICLE AND IS NOT OUT IN THE ELEMENTS ALL THE TIME.

  22. Suspension, Structure, Feb 17, 2018

    THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER HAS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE.

  23. Suspension, Structure, Feb 15, 2018

    PURCHASED VEHICLE IN APRIL 2017 2 MONTHS LATER HEARD A BANGING NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD CAME THROUGH. I CONTINUED DRIVING IT BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AND IT WAS MY ONLY CAR NOW THERE IS NO WHEEL WELL LEFT AND HAD TO REMOVE THE SHOCK.

  24. Structure, Service brakes, Jan 27, 2018

    BACK WHEEL RIGHT WHEELWELL AROUND SHOCK RUSTED OUT, SON DROVE HOME FROM SCHOOL SAID BACK WHEEL MAKING NOISE, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION TOOK OFF BACK PANEL RIGHT SIDE, FOUND WHEELWELL RUSTED OUTBY SHOCK AND CAN SEE DAYLIGHT WHEEL WAS MAKING NOISE WHEN HE DROVE HOME, HAD BRAKE MAN LOOK AT FOUND DEBRIS FROM PANEL IN WHEEL WHERE BRAKES ARE. FIXED AND CLEANED, CHECKED BRAKES, PUT BACK TOGETHER. WHEELWELL RUSTED OUT . WANT FORD TO DO SOMETHING. ALSO HAD CAR 1 YR BOUGHT FROM COLUMBIANA FORD WENT BACK TOLD DEALER THEY SHOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT THIS ISSUE MY SON COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR ME.

  25. Suspension, Structure, Jan 15, 2018

    2005 FORD ESCAPE. HEARD BUMP FOLLOWED BY NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED CAR, FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKEN, UPPER ATTACHMENT PLATE FOR SHOCK ABSORBER NOW IN VEHICLE INTERIOR. APPEARS THAT WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE: HIDDEN FROM OUTSIDE BY UNDERCOATING IN WHEEL WELL AND HIDDEN FROM INSIDE BY VEHICLE INTERIOR PANELS. 04 AND EARLIER MODELS RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM. WHY NO RECALL ON 05 AND NEWER? MANY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS PROBLEM.