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, Wheels, Mar 10, 2018
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TRUCK STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE BACK. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND MAJOR RUSTING IN PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. SHOCK COMPLETELY RUSTED FREE AND BOUNCING UP TO HIT THE PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO BODY SHOP MECHANIC AND UPON INSPECTION, HE SHOWED US THAT THE FRAME ITSELF IS RUSTED THROUGH AND VEHICLE CANNOT LEGALLY BE FIXED AND IS TECHNICALLY NOT EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE. LESS THAN 133,000 MILES AND BOUGHT USED 2 YEARS AGO, WE ARE VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND SHOULD HAVE BE RECALLED. THEY RECALLED YEARS 2001-2004 FOR THE SAME ISSUES, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2005. SHAME ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SUCH POOR WORKMANSHIP! PLEASE HELP!!!
Suspension, Power train, Mar 7, 2018
2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE CAUSED THE COILS TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERE WAS A TSB FOR THE FAILURE AND BELIEVED THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A PARKING LOT. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Mar 2, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A WHISTLING NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE INNER WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL, AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,250.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 22, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON CITY ROADS MY DAUGHTER NOTICE THAT THE CAR WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHIKE SKING WHILE DRIVING. SHE ALSO NOTICED INCREASE RPM. THE SYMPTOMA KEPT GETTING WORSE UNTIL WE TOOK IT TO LES SCHWAB FOR DETAILED INPECRION.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 17, 2018
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER HAS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 15, 2018
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN APRIL 2017 2 MONTHS LATER HEARD A BANGING NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD CAME THROUGH. I CONTINUED DRIVING IT BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AND IT WAS MY ONLY CAR NOW THERE IS NO WHEEL WELL LEFT AND HAD TO REMOVE THE SHOCK.
Suspension, Jan 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LASCO FORD (2525 OWEN RD, FENTON, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WENT THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 15, 2018
2005 FORD ESCAPE. HEARD BUMP FOLLOWED BY NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED CAR, FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKEN, UPPER ATTACHMENT PLATE FOR SHOCK ABSORBER NOW IN VEHICLE INTERIOR. APPEARS THAT WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE: HIDDEN FROM OUTSIDE BY UNDERCOATING IN WHEEL WELL AND HIDDEN FROM INSIDE BY VEHICLE INTERIOR PANELS. 04 AND EARLIER MODELS RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM. WHY NO RECALL ON 05 AND NEWER? MANY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2017
RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT AREA RUSTED OUT AND CRACKED. HOLES AND CRACKS IN RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT WHEEL WELL AREA. LOTS OF NOISE AND METAL SHIFTING FROM THAT AREA.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 7, 2017
WAS DRIVING AT 40 MILES AN HOUR HIT SLIGHT BUMP IN ROAD.SOUNDED LIKE WHOLE BACK END FALLING OFF WITH LOUD BANG. STOPPED GOT OUT CHECKED BACK END ON RIGHT REAR SUBFRAME HOLDING STRUTT TOWER HAD SEPERATED FROM FRAME CAUSING SHOCK AND HOUSING TO COME UP INSIDE OF CAR. THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO FORDS ATTENTION. AN THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO FIX THIS AS MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING FORCED TO GET RID OF A GOOD VEHICLE THAT WOULD STILL BE DRIVABLE IF THIS WAS REPAIRED. WE SHOULDN;T BE FORCED TO GET RID OF A GOOD CAR BECAUSE THEY DON;T WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT LIKE MANY OTHERS HAVE I HOPE YOU JUST DON'T FILE IT AWAY. THEY HONORED THIS PROBLEM IN 2001-2004 BUT THEN AFTER THAT ENDED RECALLS FOR IT THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
Suspension, Service brakes, Oct 18, 2017
SHOCK TOWER ON BACK PASSENGER SIDE RUSTING OUT. LEARNED OF THIS FROM DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS AGO.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Sep 29, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL PROTRUDED OUTWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WENT TO THE SCENE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 19, 2017
WHEN I WAS DRIVING I HEARD SOME LOUD NOISE AND WHEN I STOPPED I FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT SHOT UP THRU THE BACK INTERIOR OF THE CAR.THIS WAS DUE TO THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT.I ALSO WAS DRIVING ANOTHER TIME WHEN THE FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE.I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND SEEN THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE FACING SIDEWAYS.THE TIE ROD BROKE.I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED.
Suspension, Sep 18, 2017
FRONT SUBFRAME (CRADLE) RUSTED THROUGH DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE FRONT MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. PURCHASED FROM PALLOTTA FORD IN WOOSTER, OHIO. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. FORTUNATELY, IT WAS AT LOW SPEED AS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL JAMMED INTO THE REAR OF THE WHEEL WELL AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT HALT. HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE WHERE I INSPECTED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND THEREBY OBSERVED THE WASTAGE OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME.
Suspension, Structure, Seats, Jul 31, 2017
RUST CAUSED THE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY USED IN A SALT-BELT STATE. THE ISSUE BECAME EVIDENT AFTER A SMALL POTHOLE CAUSED THE REAR FRAME TO PUNCTURE THROUGH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEELHOUSE INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL AND STEERING DIFFICULTIES..
Suspension, Jul 28, 2017
BOUGHT CAR USED. SHOCKTOWER RUSTED OUT.NOT REPLACED
Suspension, Structure, Jul 17, 2017
THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS ROTTED OUT, LEAVING THE SHOCK HANGING FREELY ABOVE THE WHEEL, UNATTACHED. I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, WHERE I HEARD A LOUD BANG IN THE BACK RIGHT OF THE CAR, AND THE NOISE CONTINUED AS THE CAR WENT OVER BUMPS. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE DAMAGE THE RUST WAS CAUSING TO THE AREA UNTIL THE SHOCK MOUNT CAME FREE, AS THE SEALANT USED IN THE WHEEL WELL HID THE DAMAGE-- APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-6 MONTHS I EXAMINE THE CAR FOR RUST AND NOTICED NO EXTREME DAMAGE TO THIS AREA PREVIOUSLY.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 16, 2017
THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO A FORD DEALER TO INSTALL A "KIT" AND WELD THE STRUT BRACKET TO THE WHEEL WELL. I FOUND THE PROBLEM AFTER HEARING SIGNIFICANT CLUNKING NOISE IN THE BACK AS I DROVE.
Suspension, Wheels, Jul 6, 2017
HEARD A BANGING IN THE TRUNK AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, CHECKED IT OUT AND THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT, THE SHOCK WAS BARLEY ON. I WAS ON A CITY STREET. TOOK IT TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTAMET OF $1,145.99. I AM WONDERING WHY THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED IN A RECALL.
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 28, 2017
DRIVERS SIDE REAR SUDDENLY BEGAN BANGING WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. REAR STRUT MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT SO THE STRUT IS LOOSE AND BANGING ON THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO SURFACE RUST ON THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS WOULD TAKE PLACE. MANUFACTURER DID NOT ATTACH THE STRUT SECURELY - ONLY SURFACE MOUNTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 19, 2017
I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, TURNED AT THE CORNER, HIT A SMALL BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND LIKE THE REAR GATE DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED, STOPPED AT THE CORNER PUT IT IN PARK, GOT OUT AND OPENED THE REAR GATE AND RECLOSED IT, GOT BACK INTO MY VEHICLE, TURNED LEFT HIT ANOTHER SMALL BUMP, AND HEARD THE LOUD BANGING NOISE AGAIN, STOPPED AT THE 4 WAY CORNER STORE, PARKED AND GOT OUT AND WALKED AROUND MY VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT, AND NOTICED THE RUST ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE, SOME OF IT HAD FALLEN OFF AND I COULD SEE THE STYROFOAM ON THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE WELD.I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I AM PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID I COULD TAKE IT TO THEIR GUY TO LOOK AT IT, TOOK IT TO HIM AND HE SAID THAT I HAD A REAL PROBLEM AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE WELDED, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I COULD TAKE IT TO THEIR GUY TO FIX, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY COULD GET ME IN FOR AN APPOINTMENT. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, AND HE STILL HAS IT, TRYING TO LOCATE THE REAR END OF ANOTHER FORD ESCAPE TO FIX IT.
Suspension, Apr 14, 2017
PASSENGER REAR TOP STRUT/SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OUT. MAKES VEHICLE KIND OF USELESS. BEEN TOLD THIS SEEMS TO B A COMMON PROBLEM.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK ABSORBER BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME OF THE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2017
MARCH 20, 2017. FRONT END PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE CAUSING SEVERE STEERING ISSUES. THIS FAILURE IS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURES THAT RESULTED IN THE 2004 AND BEFORE MODEL YEARS TO BE RECALLED BY FORD. THIS ISSUE STILL PERSISTS IN NEWER MODEL YEARS.
Suspension, Mar 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 42 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN AFTER BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.*DT *TR