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
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 31, 2011
LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE FROM RIGHT FRONT END. TOOK TO MECHANIC. THEY SAY BOTH FRONT GREASE BOOTS ARE CRACKED WHICH ALLOWS DIRT, DUST, ETC. TO GET IN AND UP AROUND THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES. THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD GONE BAD DUE TO THIS BOOT CRACK SO WE HAD TO REPLACE IT. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING BOTH TIE RODS, BOOTS AND BALL JOINTS, BUT WE COULD ONLY AFFORD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS BAD AT THIS TIME BECAUSE WE JUST SPENT $3350 PUTTING A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! WHAT IS FORD BUILDING THESE CARS WITH??? I SUSPECT THE CHEAPEST PARTS THEY CAN GET REGARDLESS OF THEIR QUALITY SO THEY CAN MAKE MORE MONEY. IN THE MEANTIME THE AVERAGE WORKING FAMILY HAS TO PAY TWICE FOR A VEHICLE'S PARTS THAT SHOULD NOT GO BAD SO QUICKLY. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 5, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE "TONE RING" ON THE AXEL THROWS OFF THE ABS AND IT ENGAGES AT THE TAP OF THE BRAKES. GRABBING THE BRAKES, EITHER SLAMMING ON BRAKES OR NO BRAKES AT ALL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS FROM 01-10 ESCAPES. DEALERS ARE CHARGING FOR AXEL AND RING TO BE REPLACED WHEN ALL THAT NEEDS REPLACED IS THE 15$ RING. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT CAUSES VEHICLES TO FLIP OVER AND ALSO TO NOT STOP. MY VEHICLE HAS 90,XXX MILES ON IT AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN NOT BRAKE AT ALL! I HAVE HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OFF OF ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN ABS LIGHT WAS NOT ON! I FEEL THIS IS A PERFECT DEFECT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH A MAJOR PROBLEM THE BRAKES. PLEASE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS. I HAVE JUST SPENT 800 DOLLARS FIXING THIS AND THE MECHANIC SAID ITS VERY VERY COMMON. GOOGLED IT AND FOUND THIS TO BE VERY VERY COMMON. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 4, 2010, crash
WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY WE HIT A DEEP GROOVE IN THE ROAD AND THEN PROCEEDED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WITHIN 10 SECONDS THE CAR WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR WEAVED AND BOBBED FOR ABOUT 200 FEET UNCONTROLLABLE. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING RACK AND TIE ROD SNAPPED. WE HIT SOMEONE WHILE OUR CAR SPUN AROUND INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC AND WE FLEW INTO THE GUARD RAIL AT SUCH FORCE THE CAR LIFTED AND GOT LODGED ON THE GUARD RAIL. THIS PROBABLY SAVED OUR LIVES BECAUSE AT THAT POINT WE HAD DONE A 180 AND WERE FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. CAN NOT GET AN HELP FROM FORD. *TR
Suspension, Jul 12, 2010
I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE TONE RING THAT IS LOCATED ON THE FRONT AXLE OF THE FORD ESCAPES AND THAT IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE THE ABS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE GOES OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FORD FORUM. COM IS WHERE ITS LOCATED AND I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED IN AT. THE WORRIES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT HOWE SOME PEOPLE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE PIECE. *TR
Suspension, Apr 24, 2010
HAS BEEN A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF VIBRATION ON THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND I NEEDED A NEW WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 32,393 MILES ON IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S A 2005. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT HARD. WARRANTY, OF COURSE, RAN OUT 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
Suspension, Nov 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES INVOLVING THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,800.
Suspension, Sep 6, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED TO FAIL @35,000 MILES.DEALER SAID NOISE WAS HALF SHAFT BEARING AND REPLACED IT.THEY SAID NOISE AFTER REPAIR WAS ROAD NOISE AND 18,000 MILES LATER THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE NOISE WAS GONE.SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES AND BEEN UNDER WARRANTY BUT INSTEAD WE HAD TO PAY $700 OUT OF POCKET DUE TO POOR JUDGEMENT ON DEALER MECHANIC. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 16, 2008
NOTICED A RATTLING IN FRONT END, CREAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING TOWARDS THE RIGHT, AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEM TELLING ME IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, I TOOK IT TO A FRONT-END SPECIALIST IN MY TOWN. THE PASSENGERS SWAY BAR LINK HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW 3 MONTHS LATER, SAME NOISE DIFFERENT SIDE. TOOK IT TO THE SAME PLACE AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE SWAY BAR LINK. THE FRONT END PLACE COMMENTED THAT THEY FIX A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE ON ESCAPES, MORE THAN ANY OTHER CAR. CURRENTLY THE PARTS CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT FROM FORD, WHICH MEANS THEY WILL GO BAD AGAIN IN 2 1/2 YEARS! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 28, 2006
2005 FORD ESCAPE. NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED. HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON THREE SEPARATE APPOINTMENTS FOR THE SAME THING. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE. THE SECOND TIME THEY BLAMED IT ON TIRE ROTATION NEED. THE THIRD AND FINAL TIME TO THIS PARTICULAR SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID IT WAS IN NEED OF A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT THE NOISE WOULD STILL BE PRESENT. THE VEHICLE DID NOT PULL LEFT OR RIGHT. I REFUSED THEIR SERVICE THIS TIME BUT THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT LOSING A CUSTOMER. THAT WAS THEIR DEMEANOR EVERYTIME I WENT THERE. *NM
Suspension, Oct 20, 2006, crash
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A CLEAR, SUNNY DAY, MY FORD ESCAPE PULLED TO THE LEFT, CROSSING THE CENTER LINE, CRASHING INTO A SEMI-TRUCK TWICE, HITTING TWO ADDITIONAL CARS AND FLIPPED ONTO ITS SIDE. I HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND WAS AIRLIFTED TO A TRAUMA CENTER. I SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BROKEN RIBS AND BRUISING ALL OF MY BODY. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS KILLED, BUT MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAR HAD BEEN PULLING TO THE LEFT ON OCCASION, BUT ON THOSE OCCASIONS I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT IT QUICKLY. *NM
Suspension, Dec 16, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. IT FELT AS IF THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE SERVICE DEALER THREE TIMES. IT WAS DETERMINED THHAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. THE SERVICE DEALER COMPLETED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THEY SAID THEIR ENGINEERS WERE AWARE THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND WERE WORKING TO FIND A SOLUTION. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK UPDATE 1/4/2006 - *NM
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS CONSISTED OF: BALANCING THE TIRES ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND WHEELS, BALANCING OF THE NEW TIRES, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVESHAFT. AFTER THESE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE, THE DEALER CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE VIBRATION WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
Suspension, Aug 15, 2005
THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A TENDENCY TO NOSE DIVE AS THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND ALSO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING. THERE IS ALSO A PERSISTENT RATTLE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT FORD SAYS IS COMMON TO ALL FORD ESCAPES AND THUS FAR HAS NOT FIXED. *NM
Suspension, Apr 2, 2005
BOUGHT A 2005 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED 11,312 MILES AGO. HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER SIX TIMES BECAUSE IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE LEFT (INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC). THEY HAVE ALIGNED, OVER ALIGNED AND REPLACED THE TIRES. TO THIS DAY, IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. SINCE IT PULLS TO THE LEFT, A "HEAD-ON COLLISON" IS BOUND TO HAPPEN. THE FORD DEALER, MAC HAIK, DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE OR HAS NO INTEREST IN FIXING THIS POTENTAL DANGEROUS SITUATION.*AK