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, Sep 14, 2015

    WHEN TRAVELING AT 40MPH, A THUMPING NOISE COULD BE HEARD IN THE REAR OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, EXPOSING THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE MOUNT OF THE SHOCK SUSPENSION IS CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK IS NOWHERE ATTACHED TO THE BODY AND IS WHAT CAUSES THE THUMPING SOUND AS IT PUSHES UP INTO THE CAR INTERIOR. NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LEVEL OF CORROSION.

  2. Structure, Sep 3, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,719....UPDATED 10-13-15 *BF UPDATED 3/28/16*JS *CN

  3. Steering, Structure, Sep 1, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

  4. Structure, Aug 24, 2015

    THE HINGE ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ROTTED OUT AND THE BACK GLASS FELL DOWN ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2013. WE HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF OVER $70. CURRENTLY THE HINGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE BACK GLASS ON THAT SIDE FELL DOWN. WE HAD TO REPLACE THAT ONE AT A COST OF OVER $80. THIS IS UNSAFE IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON THE ROAD AND FALL OUT AND ONTO THE ROADWAY.

  5. Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 20, 2015

    FORD ESCAPE 2005 PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOLTS ONTO FRAME AND NOW THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAS NOTHING TO BOLT ONTO ANYMORE. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME ANYMORE AND NOW HITS THE FRAME OF THE SUV MAKE VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUNDS.

  6. Steering, Suspension, Structure, Aug 17, 2015

    WE NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, WE DISCOVERED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE STRUT IS BARELY ATTACHED. THE RUST HOLES ARE SO LARGE, THAT INSULATION IS SHOWING, AND THE STRUT IS HITTING THE PLASTIC PIECE GOING INTO THE TRUNK SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY A MECHANIC. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME AREA (REAR PASSENGER SIDE) AND IS CAUSING SAFETY HAZARDS, SUCH AS RUPTURED TIRES AND UNSTABLE STEERING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEEDS TO RECALL!

  7. Suspension, Structure, Aug 16, 2015

    WHY IS IT THAT NHTSA IS IGNORING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2003 TO 2007 IN REGARDS TO THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNTS THAT ARE RUSTING OUT IN WHICH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AS THE SHOCK COULD HIT THE INNER WHEEL OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE? NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE, BUT YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE FROM THE ATTACHED VIDEO THAT THERE IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9_OZK8IGK5S REPAIRS ARE COSTING THE CONSUMERS ON THESE VEHICLES NEARLY $2000.00 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. HOW CAN FORD DO THIS ON THESE VEHICLES AND CURRENT MODELS. I HAVE A 2011 FORD ESCAPE AND IT IS STARTING TO RUST OUT IN THE SAME PLACE. WHY?????????????????? MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. INSTEAD OF THE CONSUMER HAVING TO GET RAKED OVER THE COALS FROM THE AUTO BODY SHOPS OR YOUR LOCAL FORD DEALER.

  8. Suspension, Structure, Aug 15, 2015

    I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANE ON EVERY SUBSEQUENT BUMP. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PROPERLY EXAMINE IT I REALIZED THAT THE METAL THAT CONNECTS THE SHOCK TOWER TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. IN AUGUST OF 2012, WITH 154,523 MILES ON THE CAR, I REPLACED THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT THAT TIME OF THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPING. THE METAL ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS RUSTING IN OTHER AREAS AS WELL, SUCH AS THE FUEL FILLER NECK, THE BOTTOMS OF THE REAR DOORS, THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE OUTER EDGES OF THE REAR WHEEL OPENINGS, AND AT THE BASE OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR.

  9. Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 9, 2015

    OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN JUST A MATTER OF WEEKS DEVELOPED A BASKETBALL-SIZED HOLE OVER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. IT COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE OPENING TO THE SHOCK AND THE TIRE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, WHICH MAKES THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD. WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR SON TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK ANY LONGER, AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO PROVIDE HIM WITH A SAFE CAR SINCE THE REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK ARE VERY HIGH. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER DRIVERS. WE ALL HAVE THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT ON WHERE THE DAMAGE OCCURS (RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL) AND THE EXTENT OF THIS DAMAGE (THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE). FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

  10. Suspension, Structure, Aug 8, 2015

    THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT IS BANGING IN THE INTERIOR PANEL AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK LOSE FROM THE FRAME. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO IT STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL UNDERCOATING ON IT, IT WAS RUSTING FROM BEHIND THE UNDERCOAT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MY MECHANIC TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE FORD, KNOWING THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND IS EXTENSIVE, WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE TO FIX THERE POOR DESIGN.

  11. Suspension, Structure, Jul 29, 2015

    I HEARD A LOAD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. AFTER STOPPING TO LOOK AT IT MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT WERE COMPLETELY CRUMBLED AND MY STRUT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. I KNOW MY VEHICLE IS 10 YEARS OLD, BUT THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT EVER ON A CAR THAT OLD. HE HAS BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 40 YEARS. AFTER RESEARCHING A LITTLE IT SEEMS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ALL ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THESE COMPLAINTS RANGE FROM DIFFERENT STATES AND EVEN OTHER COUNTRIES. TO ME IF MANY MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THEN IT SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT IN THE PARTS. I JUST THANK GOD I WASN'T GOING AT A HIGH SPEED AND HIT A POT HOLE OR SOMETHING. SOMETHING SHOULD REALLY BE DONE ABOUT THIS.

  12. Steering, Structure, Jul 22, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN POSITION AND VEERED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCKS AND WHEEL HOUSE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

  13. Structure, Jul 20, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS A HOLE THAT LED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 11/04/15*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN

  14. Structure, Jul 14, 2015

    PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TOWER BROKE AWAY FROM THE BODY OF CAR, DUE TO RUST.

  15. Structure, Jul 8, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED ENTIRELY, CAUSING WIRING DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

  16. Structure, Jul 5, 2015

    ENTIRE BODY IS RUSTED. HUGE GAPING HOLE NOW PRESENT ON TOP OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WHATEVER IS LEFT OF THE SHOCKS IS CONNECTED TO NOTHING. A QUICK SEARCH TURNS UP THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS AND SURPRISINGLY NO RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE RUST HAS NOW SPREAD ALL OVER THE BODY. THIS CAR NOW RIDES ON AIR. IT'S A SERIOUS HAZARD AND UNFORTUNATELY ACCORDING TO FORD I HAVE TO SWALLOW THE LOSS. UNLESS THEY GET THE GM IGNITION TREATMENT IN TEN YEARS FROM NOW. I WONDER IF I'LL EVER GET COMPENSATION AS THERE'S NO WAY I'M PAYING THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REBUILD THIS VEHICLE, SO IT'S OFF TO THE JUNKYARD I GUESS. IT'S SCANDALOUS THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING A FAULTY, HAZARDOUS VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THE FLAWS

  17. Suspension, Structure, Jul 3, 2015

    INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE STRUT/SHOCK MOUNTS HAS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY

  18. Structure, Jun 29, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP, WHICH STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

  19. Structure, Jun 26, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL AND THE STRUT HOUSING WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

  20. Steering, Structure, Wheels, Jun 23, 2015

    WHILE DRIVING, I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT WAS LIKE THIS UNTIL I WAS ALREADY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN I STOPPED, I CHECKED MY TIRES AND THOUGHT THAT THEY LOOKED SLIGHTLY OFF. IT SEEMED AS IF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS POINTED SLIGHTLY OUTWARD. THE CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND IT APPEARED TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK MY CAR OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT EACH TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL, THE TIRES SCREECHED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP AND AFTER GIVING IT AN EVALUATION, THEY SAID THAT THE CONTROL ROD WAS RUSTED AND STARTING TO BREAK. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, IT LOOKED LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT I WAS HAVING.

  21. Structure, Jun 18, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SUBFRAME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

  22. Suspension, Structure, Jun 16, 2015

    RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED OUT THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE BODY. DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT.

  23. Structure, Jun 12, 2015

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET AND HIT A SMALL BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE ON THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I THEN THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD NOT SHUT THE BACK DOOR OR BACK HATCH PROPERLY. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED AND SHUT BOTH AND RESUMED DRIVING TO WORK. I CONTINUED TO HEAR THE BANGING NOISE AS I DROVE AND WAS VERY CONCERNED. UPON ARRIVING AT WORK I ASKED A CO-WORKER TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT FOR ME. IT WAS THEN THAT HE POINTED OUT TO ME THE RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ONLY HANGING ON BY A SMALL PIECE OF RUSTED METAL AND MY ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD ROTTED AWAY AND I COULD SEE THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. WE LOOKED AT THE REST OF THE WHEELS AND THERE WAS NO RUST AT ALL ON ANY OTHER WHEEL WELL. I FEEL VERY UN-SAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, AS I HAVE CHILDREN AND I ALSO AM REQUIRED TO DRIVE CLIENTS AROUND FOR WORK. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND WAS BAFFLED AT THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS. I WAS ALSO BAFFLED BY THE FACT THAT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY TO 2005 AND IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT IS AFFECTED. I WENT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND AS SOON AS I TOLD THEM THE MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR OF MY VEHICLE, THEY STATED "LET ME GUESS...RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT" AND IT WILL COST $1200 TO FIX. I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR NOTIFICATION ON THIS AS I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO AND AM STILL PAYING ON IT. THE SAD FACT IS THAT I AM UNABLE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO FOR TRAVEL FOR WORK AND MY CHILDREN. I NOW AM PAYING ON A VEHICLE THAT IS JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I KNOWN OR WAS TOLD OF THIS RECURRING ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE, BUT THEN AGAIN WHY WOULD FORD DO THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD BE THEM LOSING MONEY; INSTEAD IT IS THE CUSTOMERS THAT ARE AT A LOSE. *TR

  24. Structure, May 29, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS FRACTURED AND EXPOSED THE SHOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

  25. Structure, May 28, 2015

    THE REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE SO RUSTED OUT THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO HOLD THE SHOCK AND SHOCK ABSORBER IN PLACE. THE AREA YOU PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IS ALSO RUSTED OUT. WHEN WILL FORD START BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCTS???