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, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2015
HEARD A NOISE NEAR REAR WHEEL HOUSE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL HOUSE ON THE PASSENGER REAR WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE SHOCK WAS JUST BARELY HANGING ON. THE REPAIR WOULD COST MORE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON SAME ISSUE THAT FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS OR CORRECT. SHOULD BE COMPENSATION AND/OR A RECALL. ALSO LOOKS LIKE THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER SIDE. NICE JOB FORD!
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2015
WAS DRIVING ALONG CITY STREET WHEN I WENT OVER A SMALL BUMP, HEARD A LOUD THUD! THE WHEEL WELL ON BACK PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE STRUT CONNECTS. OR WHERE IT WAS ONCE CONNECTED... 155,673 MILES, THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY IN.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 19, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS ONLY. WE COULD NOT LOCATE THE NOISE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. (IT SOUNDS LIKE THE GLASS OR THE TIRE JACK, WERE NOT SECURE.) THE AUTO SHOP EXPLAINED, THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE SHOCK, AND IT ALONG WITH EXHAUST IS COMING IN THROUGH THE TRUCK AREA. EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A 'DEATH TRAP' IF HIT FROM BEHIND, THE VEHICLE THAT HIT THIS ONE WOULD GO RIGHT THOUGH THIS VEHICLE. ACCORDED TO THE AUTO SHOP, THE ISSUE IS NOT FIXABLE.
Structure, Nov 15, 2015
TOTAL RUST IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 10, 2015
2005 FORD ESCAPE REAR LEFT INNER WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND SHOCK SUPPORT BROKEN LOOSE IT HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT.
Structure, Nov 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 1/12/16 *CN
Structure, Oct 30, 2015
I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AFTER GETTING FED UP WITH SUBARU'S NOTORIOUS HEADGASKET ISSUES ONLY TO FIND OUT NOW MY TEN YEAR OLD FORD WITH ONLY 100K MILES ON IT HAS COMPLETELY ROTTEN REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT THEY LET DOWN WITH SHODDY MATERIALS. SHAME ON THEM! NOW I HAVE TO EITHER HAVE THE DEALER FIX IT KNOWING IT WILL FAIL OR RETURN IT AND HAVE NO VEHICLE AND LOOSE MY JOB THANKS FORD.
Structure, Oct 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ON AN UNEVEN ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED SEVERE RUST ON THE WHEEL WELL ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 26, 2015
MY PASSENGER REAR END IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAS COME THRU MY VEHICLE. IT SOUNDS HORRIBLE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS THE SHOCK ISN'T CONNECTED TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE NOW. IT WILL COST MORE THEN IT'S WORTH, AND THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE ME AND MY FAMILY AROUND IN.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 24, 2015
AFTER HITTING POTHOLE A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM REAR STORAGE AREA ON PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERVICE SHOP AND WAS SHOWN THAT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT LEADING TO SHOCK TOWER BREAKING LOOSE FROM BODY AND PROTRUDING INTO THE REAR CABIN AREA. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS LIKELY DUE TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF BODY INTEGRITY IN THAT AREA AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS ON OTHER 2005 FORD VEHICLES (WINDSTAR VAN). GIVEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BODY THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE AFFECTED PORTION WOULD NEED TO BE CUT OUT AND CUSTOM FABRICATED TO REPLACE THE CUT OUT AREA, LIKELY COSTING NEARLY AS MUCH AS THE VEHICLE IS WORTH.
Structure, Oct 23, 2015
YOU KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITHOUT ME TELLING YOU. TELL ME NOBODY HAS GONE ONLINE AND SEEN COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT AND PHOTO AFTER PHOTO OF RUSTED FENDER WELLS? WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU GUYS GETTING PAYED FOR BY LETTING FORD GET AWAY WITH THIS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT AND IT'S TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE!
Structure, Oct 22, 2015
LOUD NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR WHEN DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION, SHOCK MOUNT IN WHEEL WELL IS BADLY RUSTED. THE TOP OF THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY LOOSE. UNSAFE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 21, 2015
WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, I BEGAN TO HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. IT HAPPENED EVERY TIME I HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP OR CRACK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP, THEY DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS CORRODED; RUST/ROT HAS CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNT TO BECOME NEARLY COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND BODY SHOPS WON'T EVEN PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS AS THE DETERIORATION IS TOO EXTENSIVE, AND THEY CAN'T FIX IT. A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH 2005 ESCAPES, AND MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR SAFETY. THE BODY SHOP OWNER TOLD ME NOT TO TAKE THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE IF I WERE TO HIT A BUMP AT 65 MPH, I WOULD BE "ASKING A LOT OF THIS CAR TO HOLD TOGETHER." THE CLUNKING SOUND IS NOW CONSISTENT NO MATTER WHAT SPEED OR SURFACE I AM DRIVING ON.
Structure, Oct 19, 2015
UPON THE OPENING OF REAR GLASS HATCH, RH HINGE SNAPPED OFF AND GLASS SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE. LUCKILY, OTHER SIDE REMAINED INTACT. SUPPORT HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED FROM RUST.
Structure, Oct 19, 2015
UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM TRIP, HUBBY SAID HE HAD HEARD LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE'S REAR END FELT FUNNY. INSPECTION TURNS UP A COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 15, 2015
WHEEL WELL ROTTED OUT CAUSING SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE AND CREATE UNSAFE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN IT FINALLY LET GO AND SAW DEBRIS FALL ALL OVER ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF CAR.
Structure, Oct 13, 2015
MY WIFE CAME HOME AND MENTIONED IT WAS MAKING NOISE IN THE BACK. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT BOTH FENDER WELLS HAVE RUSTED AWAY AND PULLED AWAY FROM BODY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 100,000 MILES AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. GOING ONLINE I READ WHERE MANY OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE AND AFTER 2005 ARE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M FROM OHIO AND I'M FAMILIAR WITH SURFACE RUST BUT THIS IS BOTH EXTREME AND DANGEROUS. HOW MANY YEARS AND COMPLAINTS HAVE TO PASS BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING. FORD NEEDS TO BE MADE TO OWN UP TO THIS AND FIX THIS. I HAVE A VEHICLE I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX OR DRIVE BECAUSE THE BACK SHOCK MOUNTS HAVE ROTTED AWAY.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 12, 2015
OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED THROUGH BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. WE HEARD LIKE A LOUD BANG WHEN DRIVING IT AND FOUND THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED AND BROKEN AS IS THE SHOCK TOWER AND THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT HAS ITS WIRES CUT DUE TO THE BROKEN FRAME. WE OWE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE CANNOT DRIVE IT RIGHT NOW. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD WITH ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 11, 2015
2005 FORD ESCAPE, HAVE HAD A LOT OF CLUNKING IN BACK OF CAR, AND THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL IS FALLING/RUSTING APART (OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE NOT, JUST REAR PASSENGER SIDE) RIGHT WHERE SHOCK ABSORBER IS MOUNTED. LARGE RUSTED OUT HOLE IN WHEEL WELL, AND IF I PRESS AROUND THE WHEEL WELL, THE BLACK COATING CRUMBLES REVEALING CRUMBLING RUST BEHIND IT. MANY OTHER 2005 ESCAPE OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. I HAVE NO MONEY TO FIX THIS; THIS IS A DANGEROUS FLAW SHOULD IT BREAK THROUGH WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY FORD. IT CAN'T BE SAID THIS IS JUST "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WHEN ONLY THE ONE WHEEL WELL IS CONSISTENTLY THE ONE THAT IS RUSTING WHILE THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS DO NOT. I HAVE 125K ON MY ESCAPE, BUT WHO KNOWS HOW LONG THE HOLE HAS BEEN THERE.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 7, 2015
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETETLY ROTTED/RUSTED AND INVOLVES SHOCK MOUNT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. I HEARD RATTLING WHEN I WENT OVER A BUMP AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE REAR CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE I SAW THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY RUST.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Oct 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND THE FRAME, WHICH CAUSED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO RUST PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS, THE FRAME AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Oct 1, 2015
HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE ESCORT WHILE DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR ON A CITY STREET. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP, THEY SAID THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WAS RUSTED THROUGH, IT IS UN FIXABLE AND TO LOOK FOR A NEW CAR. THEY ALSO SAID IT IS A COMMON THING TO HAPPEN TO THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. NO RECALL, FORD DOES NOT CARE.
Structure, Oct 1, 2015
MY 2005 ESCAPE WAS PARKED ON 9/28/2015 WHEN I NOTICED A LARGE PIECE OF METAL RESTING ON TOP OF THE TIRE. LOOKING CLOSER, I NOTICED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT, YOU CAN SEE INTO THE INTERIOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT. THE RUST CRACK CONTINUES UP AND AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT ALLOWING IT TO MOVE/FLEX. THE PIECE OF METAL THAT FELL OFF WAS UNDERCOATED ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL, HIDING THE RUST THAT FORMED UNDERNEATH. I WAS NOT AWARE THE CONDITION WAS SO BAD, BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION.
Structure, Sep 30, 2015
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING THRU. WAS REPLACING A TIRE AND THE AUTO SHOP WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRE WITHOUT FIXING THE RUSTED THRU WHEEL WELL AS THEY WERE CONCERNED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THE WHEEL WELL COULD FALL APART AND THE SHOCK/STRUT COULD DETACH.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 25, 2015
REAR RIGHT SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING THROUGH . K-FRAME ROTTED THROUGH RIGHT FRONT SIDE