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, Mar 12, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, WHENEVER WE WOULD HIT A BUMP OF ANY KIND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR MADE A HORRIBLE RATTLING/BANGING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE PART THAT CONNECTED THE SHOCK TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD PRETTY MUCH RUSTED AWAY AND WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE SERVICE WRITERS AND THE BODY MAN ALL SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL. THEY CONJECTURED THAT SINCE WE GET SNOW IN PITTSBURGH THE ROADS ARE SALTED. SINCE THE ROADS ARE SLANTED TO THE RIGHT TO HELP DRAINAGE, THAT SIDE IS BATHED IN SALT WATER. HOWEVER I AM ALSO DEVELOPING RUST ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE BODY PANEL ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. WHY THEN IS THIS NOT HAPPENING TO OTHER MODEL YEARS? SINCE IT IS NOT DRIVABLE I HAVE HAD TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIRS I AM GOING TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY GONE OVER BY THE DEALERS MECHANICS AND BODY MAN TO VALIDATE THE CONDITION AND DOCUMENT ANY FURTHER REQUIRED REPAIRS. THIS IS A TOTAL ENGINEERING SCREWUP BY FORD AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR AND EITHER REPAIR THEM AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OR REIMBURSE THE OWNERS WHO ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN? IS NO ONE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS IN TODAY'S SOCIETY? *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE REAR OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,230.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND DETERIORATED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNT TO PUNCTURE THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 25, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK PLUNGED THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL (RUSTED AWAY) AND RATTLES AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING PULLS TO LEFT AND SHAKES.
Structure, Feb 23, 2015
I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE INNER WHEEL HOUSE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. IT BECAME UNDRIVEABLE AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE, AND I WAS FORCED TO REPAIR THE AREA. THE FORD CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT PART COST ME AROUND $130, AND THE SERVICE TO REPAIR IT COST AROUND $880. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE STARTED TO MAKE THE SAME SOUNDS, AND WAS BEGINNING TO RUST OUT THE SAME AS THE OTHER SIDE. I ALSO REPAIRED THIS SIDE, TO A COST OF $650, ALSO USING A FORD CERTIFIED PART. NOW NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS LATER, BOTH CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE BEGINNING TO SPLIT APART DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE SHOCK THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS FLIMSY METAL. THE TRUCK HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND I'M BEING FORCED TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. I'VE BEEN READING AROUND THE INTERNET, AND THIS ISSUE FOR EXTREMELY COMMON ON THIS YEAR OF THE FORD ESCAPE. I AM ASTONISHED AND DISGUSTED THAT FORD WILL NOT MAKE IT RIGHT ON PART OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Structure, Feb 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM AND THE BALL JOINT TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Structure, Feb 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FENDER WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 13, 2015
HAD REAR SHOCKS REPLACED ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WAS TOLD THAT MOUNTS FOR THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OUT. THE SHOCKS ARE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO POOR DESIGN BY FORD. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE SHOCK BOUNCES INTO THE REAR INTERIOR WHEN MOVING. THERE IS A RECALL FROM 2001 - 2004 ESCAPES BUT NOT 2005! FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! *TR
Structure, Jan 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MAY POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO THE CORROSION, WHICH WAS AFFECTING OTHER COMPONENTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK FRACTURED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RUST RELATED BUT RATHER THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 22, 2015
RIGHT REAR WHEEL RUSTED APART AND SHOCK ABSORBER IS NOT ATTACHED ANY LONGER. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE TO SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Structure, Jan 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Structure, Wheels, Jan 5, 2015
THE ENTIRE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT & IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE; POSSIBLE STEERING CONTROL. 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. *TR
Structure, Jan 1, 2015
I HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR AREA OF MY CAR. UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH, WAS DISMAYED TO SEE THE BODY OF THE CAR BY THE TIRE CRUMBLING WITH RUST. APPARENTLY THE BANGING IS FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAVING BROKEN THRU THE WHEEL WELL, AND IS NOW HITTING THE BACK HATCH AREA. ALSO, DURING AN OIL CHANGE, THE SERVICE COMPANY REMOVED A BRACKET THAT HOLDS MY EXHAUST IN PLACE. UPON INSPECTING THAT BRACKET THAT WAS JUST HANGING THERE AND RATTLING, SAW A CHUNK OF CAR ATTACHED TO THE BRACKET. THEY SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE UNDERNEATH OF MY CARE HAD NOT BEEN SPRAYED WITH RUSTPROOFING WHEN MANUFACTURED. I STILL OWE MONEY ON THIS CAR, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO EXCHANGE CHARGE OR GET REPAIRED. HAVE HAD FORD CARS MOST OF MY LIFE, AND I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2005 MODELS. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR, SO I DON'T HAVE MUCH CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT, EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT SAFE. LUCKILY, I ONLY HAVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO TRAVEL TO WORK. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR DESIGN. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2014
WE NOTICED A RATTLING/BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE, MY WIFE RODE IN THE REAR SEAT AND COULD FEEL THE SHOCK MOUNT HITTING AGAINST THE BACK OF THE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL. LOOKING INTO THE WHEEL WELL, WE COULD SEE WHERE THE WHEEL HOUSING HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, REVEALING THE INTERIOR. THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT CAN BE WIGGLED BY HAND. TODAY 12/31/2014, I WENT TO SEE MY "FRIENDS" AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE WRITER SAID I WAS IN "LUCK" AS HE REMEMBERED RESEARCHING THE SAME ISSUE FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER. HE FOUND A DIAGRAM WITH THE REPLACEMENT PANEL & WHEEL HOUSE, PART# 7L82-7827886-A, WITH A LIST PRICE OF $150, THEN WE WENT TO TALK TO ANOTHER "FRIEND" IN PARTS, HE SAID THAT THE PRICE HAD RECENTLY INCREASED AND NOW LISTED AT $700. THEY OFFERED TO HAVE ME TALK TO ANOTHER "FRIEND" IN SALES, BUT I INFORMED THEM MY WIFE REFUSED TO BUY ANOTHER FORD, AND IF WE WERE TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE IT WOULD BE A TOYOTA. WITH THAT SAID, MY "FRIENDS" SUGGESTED TO UNLOAD (TRADE) IT AT A TOYOTA DEALER. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS "UNSAFE" TO DRIVE. I WENT TO OUR LOCAL BODY SHOP TO GET HIS RECOMMENDATION. HE SAID, THEY HAD JUST DONE ONE, IN 10/2014 FOR JUST UNDER $900 AND HE GOT THE PART FROM MY "FRIENDS" AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $120. IN APPARENT DISBELIEF HE CALLED OUR "FRIENDS" AND THEY CONFIRMED THE PRICE INCREASE. WE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY 7L82-7827886-A FOR $20-$180, AFTER ORDERING FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT VENDORS, EACH VENDOR CANCELLED THE ORDERS FOR VARIOUS REASONS; UNAVAILABLE, PART NUMBER CHANGE AND IS MORE EXPENSIVE, DUE TO THE SIZE AND FRAGILE NATURE WE ARE UNABLE TO SHIP, NOT AVAILABLE,ETC. WHAT IS FORD'S OBJECTIVE WITH THIS PRICE INCREASE ? ? ? THERE WAS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND/OR MATERIALS, THAT CREATED THIS SEVERE DEFECT IN SAFETY OF THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE ! ! ! *JS
Suspension, Structure, Dec 31, 2014
RATTLING, BANGING, RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED LOOSE, COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY FROM WHEEL HOUSE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Dec 29, 2014
I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED TODAY AND HAD THEM LOOK AT AN ISSUE OF A BANGING SOUND I WAS HEARING IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE AREA. THE MECHANIC FOUND EXTENSIVE RUST AND ROT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE STRUT WAS ALMOST READY TO COME OFF. THE MECHANIC COMMENTED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS MODEL. I SEE THAT FORD RECALLED 2001 TO 2005 MODEL YEARS, BUT NOT THE 2005. FROM DOING RESEARCH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM 2005 OWNERS. I KEEP MY CAR WASHED AND ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO WASH SALT OFF IN THE WINTER. MY MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT I NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE BECAUSE THE STRUT WAS READY TO COME OFF AND COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO BEND OUTWARD. HOW CAN FORD NOT RECALL THIS YEAR WITH ALL THE OBVIOUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE? MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR AND IMAGINE HER GOING 65 ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TIRE BENDS! AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR SINCE THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUES WITH RUST AND ROT IN THE WHEEL WELLS WITH PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS. THE ISSUE WAS NEVER CORRECTED A,NO CONTINUED PAST MODEL YEAR 2004. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 28, 2014
BEAUTIFUL, WELL-MAINTAINED 05 FORD ESCAPE - RARE 5 SPEED MANUAL, 4 CYL, AWD. ALWAYS GARAGED AND CLEANED. OPENED PLASTIC BIN IN REAR COMPARTMENT, PASSENGER SIDE, TO STORE TOOLS. NOTICED SMALL CRACKS AND DAYLIGHT IN WHEEL WELL. JUST BELOW AND BEHIND SHOCK MOUNT. APPLIED LIGHT PRESSURE. ENTIRE SECTION PUSHED THROUGH. COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. HELD IN PLACE ONLY BY RUBBERIZED UNDERCOATING. 119K. BASED ON ALL THESE COMPLAINTS, SAME LOCATION, SAME EVENT, I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY IT DIDN'T FAIL WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I'M GOING TO SHOW THE DEALER TOMORROW. CURIOUS WHAT HIS REACTION WILL BE. MY GUESS IS SYMPATHY BUT NOTHING TO DO ABOUT IT WITHOUT FORD SUPPORTING THE DEALER. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 24, 2014
I'VE RECENTLY STARTED NOTICING A LOT OF CREAKING AND POPPING IN THE STRUCTURE / SUSPENSION OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK A FLASHLIGHT AND CRAWLED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST/ROT IN MY FRONT SUBFRAME OF MY VEHICLE. I SEE FORD HAS A RECALL FOR 2001 TO 2004 MODELS, BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO COVER ALL YEARS OF THIS CHASSIS DESIGN, AS MY 2005 SHOWS SIGNIFICANT ROT. THE RECALL SHOULD ALSO COVER REAR WHEEL WELL RUST/ROT (INCLUDING SHOCK MOUNTS), AS THIS AREA IS ALSO HEAVILY RUSTED. DEFINITE DESIGN FLAWS AND POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED ON THE FRAME/SUBFRAME. A 2005 SHOULD NOT BE RUSTING OUT THIS BAD, EVEN IN THE "SALT BELT". NOTHING HAS BROKEN FROM RUST YET, HOWEVER JUDGING BY THE RATE OF DECAY, IT'S NOT GOING TO LAST MUCH LONGER. FORD SHOULD EXPAND THIS RECALL IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Structure, Dec 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE IN THE BACK. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE STORAGE AREA. IT APPEARS THE SHOCK IS IN DANGER OF COMING LOOSE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 16, 2014
WHILE DRIVING A LOUD THUD WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING A CONTINUED BANGING WAS HEARD, UPON INSPECTION WE NOTICED THE INNER WHEELHOUSING OR INNER FENDER HAD A LARGE DIAMETER HOLE WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTED TO IT, THE HOLE IS LARGE ROUGHLY 10 INCHES ACROSS AND UPON SEARCHING I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND ROAD SALT COMBINED TO CAUSE THIS, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE BUT NO ACTION FROM ANYONE ON THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS A POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE LOADED COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
Structure, Dec 15, 2014
REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMPS, HOLES, THOUGHT IT WAS THE SHOCKS BUT IT WAS THE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED OUT AND NEEDS REPAIRED. $1400 TO REPAIR, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE FORD ESCAPES AND THERE IS NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME RAIL AND THE FUEL FILLER NECK WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 14, 2014
MY VEHICLE HAS SEVERE CORROSION IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE. THE CORROSION HAS ALLOWED THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO FAIL TO EFFECTIVELY DAMPEN THE SUSPENSION MOVEMENT (ITS PURPOSE). THE PROBLEM IS VERY PREVALENT ON FORD ESCAPES, MERCURY MARINERS, AND MAZDA TRIBUTES. FOR NHTSA TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY ISSUE, YOUR WILL NEED TO SECURE A 01 - 06 ESCAPE, REMOVE ONE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (WORSE CASE FOR THE FAILURE OF MY VEHICLE) AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON A ROUGH ROAD. PLEASE HANG ON TIGHT WHEN DOING SO. THE FAILURE OF THE BODY AROUND THE MOUNTING POINT OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF A SUSPENSION SYSTEM PUTS THE GENERAL POPULATION AT RISK AS THEY SHARE THE ROADS WITH THE ESCAPE/MARINER/TRIBUTE DRIVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT RESULTS IN FAILURE OF STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND CANNOT BE IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY WHICH IS CHARGED WITH PREVENTING MANUFACTURER SAFETY DEFECTS FROM ENDANGERING PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ROADS. THIS DEFECT IS VERY WELL DOCUMENT ON THE INTERNET .REMEMBER...TO PROTECT AND SERVE! ME AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD....NOT FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 8, 2014
HEARD THUMPING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR. TOOK IT TO CHECK IT OUT AND WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR