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, Jun 7, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL/SHOCK MOUNT BECAME BADLY CORRODED, RESULTING IN THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AND SUSPENSION BEING CONNECTED TO A THIN PIECE OF METAL, AND THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER HITTING AGAINST A PLASTIC INTERIOR BODY PANEL. HAD THE THIN PIECE OF METAL CORRODED ENTIRELY, A SEVERE ACCIDENT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE RESULTED. VARIOUS ONLINE SITES REPORT THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE (2005 FORD ESCAPE), BUT NO RECALLS, AS THEY HAVE BEEN FOR OTHER FORD VEHICLES AND OTHER YEARS OF THE ESCAPE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERE PROBLEM.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD KNOTTING IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE, GOING OVER MINOR BUMPS. LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL FOUND TOP OF SHOCK RUSTING LOOSE FROM WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED. IF THIS BREAKS LOOSE COMPLETELY IT COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BOUNCE AND SWEVE RADICALLY CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL.
Suspension, Jun 3, 2015
PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING TOTAL DETACHMENT OF SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT TOWER ORIGINALLY PART OF BODY/FRAME.
Suspension, May 31, 2015
THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND NOW THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OFF.
Suspension, May 27, 2015
VEHICLE DEVELOPED LOUD BANGING NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT SEVERE CORROSION HAS OCCURRED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL, SEPARATING THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ASSEMBLY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, AFFECTING HANDLING OF THE CAR. AFTER SEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB, IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THIS CORROSION IS A WIDESPREAD AND ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, AND A KNOWN ISSUE TO FORD MOTOR CORP. WHO HAS TO DATE DECLINED TO TAKE ANY ACTION TO RECTIFY THIS MAJOR STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY ISSUE.
Suspension, Structure, May 22, 2015
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL CRACKED. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS HARDLY ATTACHED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF IT FALLS OFF IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Structure, May 17, 2015
HEARD A THUDDING FROM REAR END. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AS NOTHING LOOSE IN THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS VERY RUSTED. NO SUPPORT FOR SHOCKS. THERE WAS AN UNDERCOATING WITH DEBRIS UNDER IT. TOOK OUT A LOT OF SLUDGE/RUST/DEBRIS FROM UNDER THAT COATING. BODY SHOP SAYS $5000 TO FIX IT PROPERLY, AND THE OTHER SIDE IS STARTING TO RUST AS WELL (DRIVER REAR WHEEL WELL).
Suspension, May 17, 2015
HAVE HEARD THIS NOISE LIKE A WINDOW OR DOOR RATTLING FOR AWHILE AND COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. FINALLY LOOKED AT IT REALLY GOOD ONE DAY AND FOUND THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND JUST SITTING THERE. UNSAFE TO DRIVE SO WE TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED IT. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT FOR MY GRANDAUGHTER AND HER BABY TO BE A SAFE CAR FOR HER AND NOW WE HAVE TO PARK IT AND FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO BECAUSE WE STILL OWE ON THIS VEHICLE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY IT OFF OR GET ANOTHER ONE RIGHT NOW
Suspension, Structure, May 12, 2015
HEARD LOUD NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. REMOVED INSIDE PANEL TO FIND THAT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING SHOCK MOUNT TO TEAR THROUGH FRAME AND WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO FRAME. CONSULTED WITH FORD, NO RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR,,,BUT FOR PREVIOUS YEAR AND FOLLOWING YEAR?!! TOOK VEHICLE TO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. VEHICLE FOR KIDS AND DEEMED UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS FOR THEM. FORD...I BUY A LOT OF VEHICLES FROM YOU...YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RIGHT FOR US!
Suspension, Structure, May 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.
Suspension, Structure, May 5, 2015
RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER IS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH,WHILE THE LEFT SIDE LOOKS BRAND NEW.A MECHANIC SAID HE HAS FIXED AT LEAST 20 OF THESE.THE PRICE FOR THE FIX QUOTED TO ME WAS BETWEEN $800.00 AND $1000.00.THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.WE THE ESCAPE BUT THIS JUST IS NOT FAIR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 4, 2015
PURCHASED JUNE 2005 AS A USED VEHICLE W/ 18,000 MILES. ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT. NOTICED A POPPING NOISE FROM THE PASSAGE REAR. INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE INNER WHEEL WELL. AREA WERE THE SHOCK BOLT'S TO HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. READ OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME ISSUES ON THE INTERNET. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL REPAIRED. WILL CONSULT A BODY SHOP ON REPAIRS. FORD NEEDS TO MAN UP AND OFFER A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE! *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AND CAUSED THE SHOCKS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Suspension, Apr 26, 2015
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT WHERE THE SHOCK IS MOUNTED HAS BROKEN FREE OF THE INNER FENDER WELL CAUSING HANDLING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I REALLY THINK AN AREA OF THIS GREAT IMPORTANCE SHOULD NOT EVER RUST OUT LET ALONE IN JUST 10 YEARS. I FEEL THIS IS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM ON FORD MOTOR COMPANIES PART. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. WERE DO I GO NEXT AND I CAN SEE THIS BEING A COSTLY REPAIR AS WELL. HELP!!! *TR
Suspension, Apr 22, 2015
WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR END. ONCE I INSPECTED IT, THE WHOLE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF, SENDING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK THROUGH THE FENDER INSIDE COVER. INSPECTING THE DRIVERS SIDE, IT'S RUSTED ALL THE WAY AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, ONLY BEING HELD ON BY THE BOTTOM WELD. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE'S A REAL THICK MEMBRANE SMEARED UNDER FENDER WELL. OTHERWISE, THE VEHICLE IS IN REAL GOOD SHAPE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE POOR ENGINEERING THAT WENT INTO THIS VEHICLE. OH YEAH, WE JUST PAID IT OFF IN MARCH THROUGH FORD MOTOR CREDIT. IT'LL COST MORE TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEN WHAT I COULD GET OUT OF IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW A FORD DEALER COULD POSSIBLY NOT SEE THIS BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO US. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 19, 2015
ONE DAY I NOTICED THAT SOME OF THE UNDERCOATING IN THE REAR RIGHT WHEN WAS GONE, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY PROBLEM IS NOT AS SERIOUS AS SOME OF THE STORIES I READ, I STILL FEEL THAT IT IS SAFETY ISSUE AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. AS TIME GOES BY THE RUST WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AND I'M AFRAID OF THE CONSEQUENCES. I CALLED FORD TO VOICE MY CONCERN, BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. JUST LIKE EVERYONE, I WANT PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HOPEFULLY FORD WILL REALIZED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 18, 2015
WE STARTED TO NOTICE A "CLUNKY" NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB. UPON INSPECTION, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB IS OVER 50% RUSTED OUT. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HUB IS INTACT. WE CAN NOT DRIVE VEHICLE FEARING A STRUCTURAL FAILURE WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL, AND OTHER FORD MODELS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2015
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE TOOK IT TO A SHOP TODAY BECAUSE OF THE BANGING FROM THE SUSPENSION. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT HE SAW THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. THE EXTRA STRESS ON THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAUSED THE BOLT ON THE TOP TO BREAK OFF. THE STRESS ALSO CAUSED THE REAR BREAK LINE TO FRAY ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BREAKING COMPLETELY. THIS CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. I AM JUST HAPPY THAT MY BREAK LINE DIDN'T BREAK WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. I DO NOT REALLY KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE WITH THE CAR SINCE IT IS THE ONLY CAR I OWN AND I HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO GET TO AND FROM WORK. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INNER REAR FENDER AND THE REAR SHOCKS DETERIORATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE RUSTED AND COULD FRACTURE AT ANY MOMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Suspension, Apr 10, 2015
I HAD BEEN HEARING A LARGE CLUNK ON MY PASSENGER SIDE IN THE BACK. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY SHOVEL HITTING. HOWEVER, I FINALLY REALLY TOOK A LOOK AT THE ENTIRE BACK AND WHEEL AND NOTICE IT COMPLETELY ROTTED UNDER AND EVEN BROKE THROUGH MY TRUNK. I TOOK IT TO 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUSPENSION/SHOCK THAT HAS RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY. IT WASN'T SUPPOSE TO DO THAT. I HAVE A WELDER PRICING IT OUT BECAUSE BOTH OTHER GARAGES SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX. I FEEL COMPLETELY UNSAFE DRIVING THINKING THE CAR COULD GO FLAT OUT ANYTIME. THE CAR IS IN REALLY GOOD CONDITION OTHERWISE, AND FROM THE SOUND OF IT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2004 AND 2005 ESCAPES. IF THIS KEEPS HAPPENING SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. AND IT SHOULD BE FORDS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 9, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING APPROX. 40 MPH, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM BY BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE NOISE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE WHEEL WELL THAT SUPPORTS THE BACK SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE SHOCK HAD BROKE THROUGH THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL AND WAS PRESSED UP AGAINST THE INSIDE INTERIOR OF MY CAR. THE REST OF MY WHEEL WELLS ARE IN FINE CONDITION. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, THERE ARE MANY, MANY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH 2005 FORD ESCAPES. IT IS ONLY THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 9, 2015
I WAS DRIVING AND BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE I STOPPED AND LOOKED, THE FENDER WELL HAD FALLEN HALF WAY OFF. IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND STILL CANNOT USE MY CAR BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS PART. SHOULDN'T FORD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS IT IS A FLAW IN THE BODY. *TR
Suspension, Mar 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK WAS FRACTURED AND RUSTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,400.
Suspension, Mar 31, 2015
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR A LOUD CLUNCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I CAME TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT'S WHAT WAS MAKING ALL OF THAT NOISE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IF THIS IS A PROBLEM NO ONE CAN FIX! I'VE BEEN READING AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE 2003-2007 ESCAPES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE! THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!! *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 30, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, I DROVE IT AND HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNKING SOMEWHERE IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE SHOCKS WERE BAD. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT, HOPING TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS. RECENTLY THE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD AND DISTURBING. I LOOKED AT THE SHOCK AREA AND DISCOVERED THE WHOLE AREA ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT ARE RUSTED THROUGH AND BREAKING APART. THE LEFT SIDE IS FINE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT THIS WAY AND BELIEVE IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A MULTITUDE OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS OF 2005 FORD ESCAPES. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, FORD WILL ONLY FIX 2001-2004 ESCAPES, BUT NOT 2005. WHY NOT? IT CLEARLY IS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. IT HAS RUSTED PREMATURELY AND CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SAFETY SITUATION. IF THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, I WOULD UNDERSTAND. BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED, IT HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPES. *TR