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: suspension
489 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Aug 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, WE HEARD A HOLLOW THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE WHEEL WELL WHENEVER WE WENT OVER A SMALL BUMP. AFTER EXTERNALLY INSPECTING THE WHEEL WELL, WE DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED, AND APPEARED TO BE IN DANGER OF COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATING. MEDIUM-SIZED PIECES WERE FLAKING OFF WITH ONLY A SLIGHT TUG. AN IDENTICAL ISSUE CAUSED THE RECALL OF FORD ESCAPE MODELS FROM THE YEARS 2001-2004, BUT FORD REPRESENTATIVES TO WHICH I HAVE SPOKEN HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERING A RECALL FOR THE 2005 MODEL YEAR. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND COULD CAUSE CRASHES IF SHOCK OR AXLE SUPPORTS FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW, SINCE THIS MODEL IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 111,000 MILES. OTHERS HAVE INDICATED THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Suspension, Aug 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,238.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 12, 2014
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN MAKING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT OVER BUMPS, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. I WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY. QUICKLY THE SHOCK TOWER HAS GONE THROUGH MY TRUNK LEAVING A HOLE IN MY TRUNK INTO THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE. I LEARNED OF THIS WHEN I WAS WALKING TO MY VEHICLE AND SAW SOME CLOTHES FROM MY TRUNK HANGING OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THROUGH MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ESCAPES FROM 2001-2004 HAVE HAD THESE SAME ISSUES, BUT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY THE 2005S HAVE NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT COULD LITERALLY FALL THROUGH THE VEHICLE FROM INSIDE. THIS WEBSITE, HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2005/BODY_PAINT/EXCESSIVE_WHEEL_WELL_RUST.SHTML, DESCRIBES THE SAME ISSUES I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 11, 2014
I DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. IT IS ALSO RUSTING THE FRAME OF MY FORD ESCAPE. RUST SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 01-04 MODELS. NOT SURE WHY 05 IS BEING IGNORED. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MY SHOCK DOES NOT APPEAR TO EVEN BE CONNECTED AT THIS POINT. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I DID TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK PICTURES AND CAN SEND THEM TO THE PROPER PERSON. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I REALLY HAVE NO CHOICE AT THIS POINT. IF SOMETHING TERRIBLE WAS TO HAPPEN THEN I GUESS MY NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO TALK TO A LAWYER. I HOPE THAT THIS MATTER IS LOOKED INTO ON THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND THE PROPER RECALL IS PLACED IMMEDIATELY. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THE RUST AND CORROSION ISSUE ON THE ESCAPES, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE 2005 MODELS ARE JUST AS DAMAGED AS THE 2001-2004 MODELS. I AM VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT I ALSO HAVE TO GO TO WORK TO MAKE A LIVING AND PAY FOR THE CAR. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO THE RIGHT PERSON AND I HOPE IMMEDIATE ACTION IS TAKEN. A WRECK, INJURY, OR FATALITY CAN BE PREVENTED IF SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS NOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PICTURES OF MY WHEEL WELL AND RUST ON THE CAR. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE SOON. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 7, 2014
THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST ESPECIALLY IN THE WHEEL WELLS. THIS RUST WAS SO EXCESSIVE THAT IT CAUSED THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE CAR BODY ITSELF. MULTIPLE BODY SHOPS AND CAR DEALERS INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO REPAIR THE CARD SINCE THE RUST DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO CORRECT THE DAMAGE. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2014
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL SHOCK SUPPORT AND UNI-BODY FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS SHOWING UP ON THIS ALL IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, AND AT THE SAME MILEAGE RANGE. THIS IS DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD BEFORE DEATHS START HAPPENING. *TR
Suspension, Aug 2, 2014
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, I SLOWLY ACCELERATED TO AROUND 25MPH AS I USUALLY DO WHEN LEAVING MY HOME. MY VEHICLE, WHICH NORMALLY QUIETLY GLIDES OVER SMALL DENTS IN THE ROAD, WAS NOW MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE WITH EVERY BUMPY ENCOUNTER, AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS NO SHOCK ABSORPTION WHATSOEVER ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. AT THE TIME, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE WHEEL WELL, JUST UNDERCOATING, SO I DROVE ON THINKING IT MAY BE A STRUT IN NEED OF REPLACING. THE NOISE NEVER STOPPED AFTER THAT DAY, AND I REALIZE NOW AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS OF THE ESCAPE AND THE WINDSTAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR THIS VERY REASON (DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND ASSEMBLY, INVOLVING RIGHT RUSTED STRUT MOUNT) BUT FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, FORD HAS NOT YET PLACED A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2005 ESCAPE. I SPOKE ABOUT THIS DEFECT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE SAME DEALERSHIP FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE AS A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT AGREED THAT FORD HAS NOT YET PUT OUT AN OFFICIAL RECALL, WHICH MEANS I MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIR. WHAT'S MORE UPSETTING IS THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOW IN NEED OF INSPECTION AND I UNDERSTAND IT WON'T PASS WITHOUT THIS REPAIR BEING MADE. I FEEL THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AS IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT IS ALSO A DANGEROUS ONE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2014
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL SHOCK MOUNT SUPPORT HAS RUSTED AWAY AND NOW THERE IS A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK. SAME ISSUE THAT IT APPEARS MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE HAVING. $2200 IS THE ESTIMATE TO GET THIS FIXED. BACK LEFT WHEEL WELL IS JUST FINE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 22, 2014
CPSC: I1470151A. 2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND THE SHOCK FELL OFF. THE OTHER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND APPEARED TO BE FALLING OFF, AS WELL.
Suspension, Jul 19, 2014
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL SHOCK MOUNT SUPPORT HAS RUSTED AWAY AND NOW THERE IS A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK. WAS CURIOUS AS TO IF FORD WAS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY A 188,000 MILES ON IT NOW. *TR
Suspension, Jul 16, 2014
A FEW WEEKS AGO WE STARTED TO HEAR A FAINT NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE DAYS WENT ON THE NOISE STARTED TO GET LOUDER AND IT SOUNDED LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WASN'T SHUTTING. AFTER TAKING IT INTO THE SHOP THE MECHANIC HAD TOLD US THAT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE SHOCK WAS GOING UP AND DOWN PRETTY MUCH SHAKING RIGHT THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THE SHOCK HAD COME THROUGH THE INSIDE PLASTIC OF THE TRUNK (NOW WE HAVE A HUGE HOLE) AND WE HAD TO PARK IT UNTIL WE CAN FIX IT. THE FIRST THING THE MECHANIC TOLD US IS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT GOING TO COST HUNDREDS TO RE-FABRICATE. THIS SHOULD DEFIANTLY BE ON THE RECALL LIST AS WE HAVE READ SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 16, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, LOUD BANG SOUND HEARD WHEN GOING OVER BUMBS. REVIEW OF THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) REAR WHEEL WELL INDICATED SEVERE RUSTING. AFTER TAKING TO DEARLERSHIP AND BODY SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETLY RUSTED THROUGH AND FRAME WAS DETACHED FROM SHOCK. BODY SHOP INDICATED THAT REPAIRS ARE ESTIMATED AT $5,000 TO THE SUB FRAME . AFTER CONDUCTING RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR ESCAPE. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SINCE 2005 MODEL WAS NOT PART OF APRIL 2014 RECALL NOTICE (2001-2004 ONLY), THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY ALSO INDICATED NO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS EXISTED FOR THIS ISSUE. ESCAPE MILEAGE IS 130,000. *TR
Suspension, Jul 15, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY ESCAPE I NOTICED THAT IF I HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I STOPPED TO CHECK IT OUT AND SEEN THAT THE REAR PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH LEAVING MY SHOCK WITH VERY LITTLE SUPPORT. IT SEEMS TO BE A FLAW / SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE ESCAPES WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALL. TRUCK PARKED NO SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 11, 2014
FOUND RUST HOLE IN INNER FENDER ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL..THEN HEARD NOISE SUCH AS DOOR NOT SHUT.REINSPECTED TO SEE SHOCK NOT ATTACHED AS RUST ATE AWAY THE SUPPORT.ALL ESCAPES OF THIS YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM..FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS AND ANY DAMAGE THAT OCCURS.VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 11, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ALONG I NOTICED A LITTLE RATTLE WHEN I RODE OVER BUMPS, ASSUMED IT WAS REGULAR RANDOM NOISES FROM UNEVEN ASPHALT. MAKE IT TO THE CORNER OF MY STREET AND THE RATTLE IS ANNOYING NOW. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING SO I CONTINUE ON HOME AS SOON AS I PULL IN I HEAR A BIG CLUNK. GET OUT AND WHAT IS APPARENTLY MY SHOCK MOUNT IS LYING ON THE GROUND. LOOK UNDER CAR NEAR WHERE ITS LAYING AND THE COMPLETE WHEEL WELL AT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT THE MOUNT HAD NOTHING TO HOLD TO. I CAN COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE HATCH. WITH 3 KIDS, 2 UNDER 6 YRS OLD I CAN NOT TRANSPORT MY KIDS SAFELY AND IM STUCK BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT CAR THIS FEB,4 MONTHS AGO AND IM STILL PAYING A CAR NOTE. TO EXPENSIVE TO FIX WHEN SOMEONE ACTUALLY SAYS THEY CAN FIX IT. CHECKED ONLINE AND YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM SAME SIDE AND ALL. THIS CAN NOT BE A COINCIDENCE AND FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THIS VERY THING FOR YEARS 2001-2004 SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM HOWEVER THEY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS BEFORE A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED. IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT. *TR
Suspension, Jul 10, 2014
PASSENGER REAR WHEELHOUSE TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH. NO SUPPORT FOR SHOCK MOUNTING. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 6, 2014
PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNT BROKE LOOSE DUE TO A CORRODED WHEEL WELL. *JS
Suspension, Jul 5, 2014
I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE AT THE END OF MAY 2014 WITH ONLY 73333 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS RUNNING GREAT. THEN A MONTH LATER I STARTED HEARING A LOUD BANG UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AREA AFTER GOING OVER A FEW NORMAL LITTLE BUMPS IN THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS.(LIKE CRACKS OR SEWER LID) I CHECK IT OUT THERE WAS SOME EXCESSIVE RUST IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA. I DROVE IT FOR ANOTHER WEEK WITH THIS ANNOYING SOUND THEN IT GOT WORSE MAKING LOOSE CLANKING AND SQUEAKING NOISE CONSTANTLY WITH THE BANGING NOISE. I SEARCHED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IN THE WHEEL WELL, IT'S COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE SHOCK/STRUT? ARE MOUNTED TO NOTHING BUT CRUMBLING RUST. IT IS JUST FREE FROM THE WHEEL WELL NOW. I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT. FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I CAN SEE THIS WILL NOT BE AN EASY FIX NOR DOES FORD COMPANY RECOGNIZE THIS IS A FAULTY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EARLY CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELL AREAS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 3, 2014
THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK IS STICKING INTO THE REAR OF THE BACK OF THE CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS AND FORD HAS A RECALL ON 2000 - 2004 FOR THIS ISSUE NOT THE 2005. *TR
Suspension, Jul 1, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 124,714. PAM
Suspension, Jun 30, 2014, crash
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RATTLED AS THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRUTS HOUSING WAS DECAYED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Suspension, Jun 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR SHAFT WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 23, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I STARTED HEARING LOUD BANGING NOISES FROM THE REAR OF MY ESCAPE WHENEVER I WENT OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMP. ONCE HOME, I LOOKED AROUND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEELHOUSE PANEL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY ESCAPE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND DETERIORATING. THERE WERE SEVERAL LARGE HOLES IN THE METAL. THE WHEELHOUSE PANELS AROUND THE OTHER THREE WHEELS LOOK FINE WITH MINIMAL TO NO SIGNS OF RUST. I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE DAMAGE WOULD COST ME $2,350 TO HAVE THEM FIX IT, BUT THAT THEY COULD NOT GET TO WORK ON IT FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I CHECKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2004 - 2006 ESCAPES. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT NO RECALL IS UNDERWAY TO FIX WHAT, TO ME, IS A PROBLEM DUE TO SOMETHING THAT FORD WAS DOING WRONG FROM 2004 TO 2006, AND THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP TO FIX FREE OF CHARGE. I'VE TAKEN MY ESCAPE TO SEVERAL BODY SHOPS TO RECEIVE OTHER ESTIMATES ON THE COST OF THE WORK. SEVERAL OF THOSE BODY SHOP EXPERTS SAID THAT THERE IS NO WAY THAT A NINE YEAR OLD AUTO SHOULD HAVE AS MUCH RUST AND DETERIORATION AS MINE HAS, FURTHER STRENGTHENING MY BELIEF THAT THIS DUE TO A SCREW UP BY FORD. I'VE MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ONE OF THOSE BODY SHOPS TO HAVE THE WORK DONE THIS WEEK FOR ABOUT $800, ABOUT A THIRD LESS THAN FORD WANTED ME TO PAY TO FIX THEIR SCREW UP. BEFORE THIS, I WOULD HAVE RECOMMENDED A FORD TO ANYONE. IN ADDITION TO MY ESCAPE, I'VE ALSO BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER AND A FORD ESCORT FOR MYSELF AS WELL AS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE FOR MY DAUGHTER. BUT, IF FORD IS THE KIND OF COMPANY THAT WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS MISTAKES AND WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS, I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER OF THEIR AUTOMOBILES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 22, 2014
(CASE# [XXX]) (FORD ESCAPE 2005 SUB-FRAME DEFECT) I WISH TO REPORT AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION THAT HAS OCCURRED WITH MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I HAVE NOTICED A LOUD METAL-SOUNDING BANGING NOISE WHENEVER THE CAR GOES OVER EVEN A SLIGHT BUMP/CRACK IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TWICE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT. FIRST TIME, FORD REPLACED THE LINKS (?), WHICH DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME, I POINTED OUT TO SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THROUGH. SERVICE TECHNICIAN REMOVED INTERIOR COVERING TO FURTHER INSPECT DAMAGE, AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS STICKING UP INTO THE VEHICLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN REFERRED VEHICLE TO THEIR (FORD DEALERSHIP) BODY SHOP, WHO'S TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WOULD COST AT LEAST $6000 TO REPAIR. I DECLINED THEIR REPAIR OFFER, AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH (VEHICLE SAFETY AND RECALL WEBSITES), I WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF 2005 FORD ESCAPES ARE EXPERIENCING AND REPORTING THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND ARE FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY THAT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED BY FORD. THESE VEHICLES ARE ONLY NINE YEARS OLD, ARE NOW TOTALLY WORTHLESS, AND ARE EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO FIND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION, WHICH IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND EXPENSE FOR ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Jun 18, 2014
YOU HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND TO OUR PREVIOUS POSTS. WE STILL AWAIT YOUR REPORT ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS DISINTEGRATED LEAVING THE SHOCK ABSORBER UNCONNECTED TO ANYTHING AT THE TOP. IT HAS BEEN REMOVED TO PREVENT IT CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE OR DAMAGE TO THE BREAK LINES. SEARCH ON FACEBOOK UNDER 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THERE ARE LOADS OF VEHICLES WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS WEEK SOMEONE REPORTED THEIR BRAKE LINE HAD BEEN DAMAGED BY THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEED TO ADDRESS URGENTLY. *TR