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, Feb 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 26, 2014
I HAVE AN 05 ESCAPE THAT HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM (SO MUCH SO THAT THERE IS A FACEBOOK GROUP AND A MESSAGE BOARD ON FORD FORUMS) THE MODELS EFFECTED FORD MODELS 2004-2006. SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE PUT INTO RECALLING THEM. HTTP://WWW.FORDFORUMS.COM/F59/2005-ESCAPE-SHOCK-MOUNT-RUSTED-OUT-177762/ HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 25, 2014
ON 2/20/14 I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON STATE ROUTE 219 IN BOSTON, NY, WHEN A LOUD BANGING NOISE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO OCCUR IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THIS NOISE SCARED ME AND FORCED ME TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE EXPRESSWAY TO INSPECT THE REAR AREA OF MY VEHICLE (WHILE TRAFFIC CONTINUED AT 65 MPH). I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING AT THAT TIME SO I SLOWLY AND CAUTIOUSLY DROVE MY VEHICLE HOME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR(PASSENGER) SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD BECOME TOTALLY DETACHED FROM THE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT INNER WHEEL WELL AND WAS PROTRUDING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. EXCESSIVE RUST COULD BE SEEN ALONG WITH SEVERAL HOLES THAT HAD ONCE BEEN PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. MY VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND IS TOO COSTLY TO FIX. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! FORTUNATELY, THIS DEFECT DID NOT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF MY VEHICLES SUSPENSION. THIS 'DEFECT' NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR BECOMES SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 24, 2014
ENTIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND DISINTEGRATED. SECTION IS GONE AND SHOCK CAME THROUGH THE INTERIOR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 23, 2014
NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND MOST OF THE REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS TO BE RUSTED, AND PARTS OF THE METAL ACTUALLY GONE. THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS BASICALLY NOT ATTACHED TO ANY STRUCTURE, AS THE METAL AROUND THE MOUNT HAS COMPLETED RUSTED. COULD SEE THE BACKSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED AWAY. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 20, 2014
NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A RURAL ROAD ABOUT 50 MPH. WHEN ARRIVED AT DESTINATION, NOTICED SEVERE RUST IN WHEEL WELL NEAR SHOCK MOUNT AND THROUGH TO STORAGE COMPARTMENT. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR OWNERS YET. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2014
I WENT TO FORD FOR SERVICE, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER WHERE MOUNTED TO WHEELHOUSE WAS ROTTED AWAY. ONLY RUSTED ON RIGHT SIDE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IF THE PART LETS LOOSE, THE CAR BODY WILL SAG AND A CRASH WILL OCCUR. I HAVE TAKEN TO BODY SHOP AND THE COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE $1500 OR BETTER. THERE ARE NO RE-CALLS ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE, AND CALLS TO FORD ARE ANSWERED "SORRY THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO". THEY SEEM TO NOT GIVE A CARE IF PEOPLE ARE INJURED AND MAIMED FROM THIS FLAW IN MANUFACTURE. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME TODAY THAT THE WHEELHOUSE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER, AND THAT THERE ARE 500+ ORDERS WAITING FOR THESE PARTS. FORD NOTES THAT THEIR SUPPLIER IS WAITING FOR PARTS TO MANUFACTURE THESE REPLACEMENT PARTS. MY CAR IS SEVERE AND CAN'T BE OPERATED. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. GUESS THE FIRST THING IS FINDING SOMEONE WHO CARES. I ALSO THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A SERIOUS CRASH OCCURS. I HAVE BEEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR 30+ YEARS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING QUICK TO SAVE LIVES AND INJURY. PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Suspension, Feb 10, 2014
THIS IS FOR A FORD 2005 ESCAPE. THE SUV'S PASSENGER REAR SHOCK WHERE ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED. THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE THE AREA THAT THE SHOCK ATTACHES TO. IN READING THE FORD FORUM, THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS YEAR FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED FORD ON THIS AND THEY DO NOT SEE ANY ISSUES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 8, 2014
I HAD BEEN HEARING RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. ON AROUND JANUARY 28TH I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I LATER DISCOVERED A LARGE CRACK AND HOLE ON THE INSIDE PASSENGER PANEL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD A WHOLE SECTION MISSING AND THE SHOCK I CAN MOVE WITH MY HAND. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT SEVERAL 2004/2005 ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 7, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR PANEL WHEN THE SHOCK ATTACHES TO THE UNDER PART HAS COMPLETELY RUSHED AWAY. WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS OVER THOUSANDS OF VEHICLE THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD COLLISION SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NOT EVEN STARTED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, HE STARTED THAT HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLE COME INTO THE SHOP THAT ARE FORD ESCAPE THAT THE WHOLE BACK UNDER SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY RUSHED OUT. *TR
Suspension, Feb 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UUPDATED 07/08/14 MA
Suspension, Feb 7, 2014
LIKE MANY OTHERS, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT SO SIGNIFICANTLY THAT THE STRUT MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY DETACHED. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND DIFFICULT TO DETECT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE. IT'S OBVIOUS FROM SPEAKING WITH BODY SHOPS AND FORD REPS THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE. I CAN'T REITERATE ENOUGH THAT THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF 1) THE SUSPENSION CAN COLLAPSE ONTO THE TIRE AND 2) IT'S DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY UNTIL THE STRUT MOUNT COLLAPSES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 6, 2014
THIS IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK, FORD FORUMS, THIS AGENCIES OWN WEBSITE ETC. THE REAR RIGHT INNER WHEEL WELL HAS TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED LEAVING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER UNCONNECTED TO ANYTHING. FORD HAVE NOT CARRIED OUT A RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION THOUGH APPARENTLY THE PARTS INVOLVED WERE MODIFIED ON NEWER VEHICLES TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING. THE PROBLEM APPEARS WORSE IN NORTHERN STATES WITH BAD WINTERS WHERE SALTY WATER BECOMES TRAPPED INSIDE THE WATERPROOFING SEALANT AND THE WHEEL WELL ACCELERATING THE RUSTING PROCESS. UPDATED 04/16/14
Suspension, Structure, Feb 3, 2014
I AM HERE TO WRITE AN INCIDENT ABOUT MY MY RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION BREAKING AWAY FROM THE STRUT TOWER SUPPORT BRACKET. IT WAS ALL RUSTED OUT. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR IS FINE. I HAVE SEEN QUITE A LOT OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET. WHEN WE TOOK OUR CAR IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED IT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CAR WAS UNSAFE TOO DRIVE. WE FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND, THE PUBLIC. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE HOUSING AND REAR SHOCKS WERE CORRODED AND SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 30, 2014
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE 87,00 MILES, GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. SO I HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND TAKE IT INTO A SHOP TO GET CHECKED OUT. SHOP CALLS ME IN AWE? HE SAID THAT RIGHT SIDE INTER FENDER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND IS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE?HE ALSO SAID YOU CAN SEE TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID IN ALL HIS YEARS, HES NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. HE SAID THAT A 1990 CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS DAMAGE. SO I START TO GOOGLE AND LOW AND BEHOLD HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING. IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH 2004, 2005 AND SOME 2006 FORD ESCAPE MODELS AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL OR MAKE GOOD ON THEIR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AND SPOKE TO A REPAIR MANAGER WHO SAID HE WILL CALL ME BACK?SO AFTER A FEW HOURS (HE GOOGLED HIMSELF), HE CALLS AND SAYS TOUGH LUCK?HAVE A NICE DAY. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PICTURES ON THE NET THAT LOOK LIKE MY CAR?.I TOOK MY OWN PICTURES BUT THIS IS APPALLING AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELP ACCOUNTABLE. THIS IS A STRUCTURE PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS AS THE DON'T WANT THE LIABILITY (ESPECIALLY SEEING I HAVE 2 CAR SEATS IN MY VEHICLE.) *TR
Suspension, Jan 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR FENDER WHEEL WELL EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE REAR WHEEL NOT BEING SECURED AND COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jan 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR EXTERIOR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED AND THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUPTURED. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT AND WHEEL HOUSE ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Wheels, Jan 23, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND THE "SERVICE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON THEN ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER THE "STOP SAFELY" LIGHT CAME ON AND MY VEHICLE SHUTDOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT HAD TO BE RESET (SHUTDOWN WAS TO PROTECT THE HYBRID BATTERY). ONCE FORD FIXED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO GET CAR TO START AGAIN, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER HAD FULLY DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL HOUSE AND WAS BASICALLY A DANGLING PIECE. FORD COULD OFFER NO HELP "THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT OR CAPABILITY TO FIX" AND SAID I HAD TO GO TO A AUTO BODY SHOP TO HAVE THE PIECE WELDED BACK TO THE FRAME. TURNS OUT THERE IS NOTHING THERE TO WELD, THE ENTIRE CONNECTION HAS ROTTED OUT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FROM WHAT I CAN FIND ONLINE THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE ON 2005 FORD ESCAPES AND FORD REFUSES TO DEAL WITH IT. CARS WITH THESE ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT I WAS ONLY DRIVING 35MPH ON A SIDE STREET, IMAGINE WHAT COULD'VE HAPPENED IF I WAS TRAVELING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE PIECE JUST FELL OUT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FIX THAT FORD OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE THE BURDEN OF DEALING WITH FINANCIALLY ON A CAR THAT IS LESS THAT 10 YEARS OLD. MY CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS A LOT OF LIFE LEFT IN IT, BUT NOW THIS FIX IS GOING TO COST CLOSE TO $2500. THIS SHOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED SO FORD HAS TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE! HAS ANYONE CONSIDERED FILING A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR DEFECTIVE CAR PARTS??? *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 22, 2014
REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER DISCONNECTED TO FRAME. RUSTED OUT FENDERWELL. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 21, 2014
THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE-WELL RUSTED OUT. IT RUSTED WHERE THE SHOCK IS ATTACHED. THIS ENTIRE PIECE RUSTING CAUSED THE SHOCK TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO MY VEHICLE. WE LATER DISCOVER THE ACCELERATED CORROSION WAS FROM FAULTY DRAINS IN THE VEHICLE. FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THE DRAIN PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EXPEDITED RUSTING. WITH FAULTY DRAINS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE OTHER TIRE-WELL ALSO RUSTS OUT. LUCKILY I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WHEN I DID, I HAD BEEN PLANNING ON TOWING A UHAUL CROSS-COUNTRY TWO DAYS OUT. IF I HAD BEEN TOWING AND THE SHOCK GAVE OUT, THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED TO ROLL. *TR
Suspension, Jan 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SHOCKS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING AND SHOCK MOUNTS NEEDED THE BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *TR
Suspension, Jan 21, 2014
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HIT A BUMP AND HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE IN THE BACK RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHCILE (RATTLED VERY LOUD). WHEN WE GOT HOME, I CHECKED ALL INSIDE THE CAR, NOTHING WAS LOOSE, I CHECKED UNDER THE CHECK THINKING A SHOCK ABSORBER HAD BROKEN AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN THROUGH. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I TOOK THE CARE TO A BODY SHOP AND THE MAN TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF THIS PROBLEM ON 2005 FORD ESCAPES WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD BEEN HITTING ON THE WHEEL WELL UNTIL IT FINALLY BURST THROUGH. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE HAD ONLY SEEN IT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE CHECKED ALL THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS AND THEY ARE FINE.THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND WITH NO GUARANTEE OF HOW LONG THAT WILL HOLD. HE SAID TO GET IT FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO RUST ON THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAVE HAD WITH ANY BODY/SUSPENSION ON THE CAR THAT WE HAVE OWNED SINCE 2006. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 20, 2014
LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL SOUNDING LIKE LOOSE MUFFLER UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE INNER WHEEL WELL WITH THE SHOCK MOUNT TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. TRYING TO GET IT FIXED AND NO ONE CAN PUT A PRICE ON THE REPAIR AND MOST BODY SHOPS ARE AFRAID TO DO IT. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM AND THEY DON'T WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 20, 2014
AFTER SEEING POST FROM FRIEND THAT HER RIGHT REAR WELL ON HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS RUSTED THROUGH, IT MADE ME GO LOOK IN THE GARAGE AT MY SAME VEHICLE. UPON REVIEW I HAVE A LARGE HOLE INTO MY SPARE TIRE TOOLS BOX. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUSTING AND CRACKS IN AND AROUND THE SHOCK AS WELL. LEFT REAR WELL DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE SAME ISSUE. *TR