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: vehicle speed control
152 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2009
ACCELERATOR PEDAL KEEPS GETTING STUCK. WHILE DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING I TURNED THE CORNER PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WAS UNDER THE PEDAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO JUST GLIDE TO THE CURB BEFORE GETTING STRUCK BY A BUS. SCARED THE "BLEEP" OUT OF BOTH OF US. IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, USUALLY IT HAPPENS IN THE WINTER AFTER SITTING OVERNITE. HELP WHAT IS THE PROBLEM SO I CAN GET THIS FIXED. THIS IS VERY, VERY, VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 27, 2009
ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK. WAS OKAY UNTIL ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING, COULD NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR. WAS IN AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GOT HIT. COULDN'T EVEN PRESS IT IF I "STOMPED" ON IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2009
1. THE PAST THREE WINTERS MY VEHICLE HAS GROWN WORSE WITH THE GAS PEDAL STICKING IN THE COLD / RAINY MONTHS. 2. IT OCCURS DURING THE COLD / RAINY MONTHS 3. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP. BASED ON THE RESEARCH I HAVE CONDUCTED I AM SHOWING QUITE A DEAL OF MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE ARE HAVING THIS IDENTICAL ISSUE -- THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I FEEL IF NOT RECALLED SOMEONE IS GOING TO BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED IF NOT DIE FROM THIS. I AM HAVING MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT FOR IN THE PAST TWO DAYS ALONE I HAVE ALMOST HAD FIVE ACCIDENTS AS THE GAS PEDAL STICKS DURING THE FIRST 20 MINUTES OR SO OF WARMING UP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 30, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE SHE LIGHTLY APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION. BRAKE APPLICATION WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CRASHED INTO CABLES OF A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT SHOULD WOULD HAVE TO PAY UP TO $2000.00 IN REPAIRS. THE MODEL YEAR WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000.THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER REPEATEDLY APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR TWENTY MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE MORNING VS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE BEGINNING RENTAL MILEAGE WAS 99,386.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-55 MPH, THE THROTTLE WILL STICK AND THE CONTACT MUST WIGGLE THE PEDAL TO GET IT LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT CARBON BUILDS UP IN THE THROTTLE BODY AND CAUSES IT TO STICK. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE HIGH ACCELERATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 26, 2009
THE ACCELERATOR STICKS WHEN REVVING THE ENGINE WHILE LETTING OUT THE CLUTCH. AFTER EXERTING AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF PEDAL PRESSURE, IT SUDDENLY UNSTICKS, AND THE ENGINE OVERREVS. THIS RESULTS IN A JACK RABBIT START. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY, WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2009
2005 FORD ESCAPE GAS PEDAL STICKING, TO THE POINT WHERE I WENT TO GET IN MY CAR AND DRIVE AND THE PEDAL WOULD NOT BUDGE. HAD THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AND EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER IT IS DOING THE SAME THING. TRIED WD-40 TO NO AVAIL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 6, 2008
ON 9-9-08 I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION, APPROXIMATELY 40MPH, AIRBAG DID DEPLOY, HOWEVER THE POWDER THAT CAME OUT WITH THE AIRBAG MADE MY FACE AND EYES BURN. MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE 4CYL. SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE ($5000.00). IT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO FIX, WHICH WAS NO BIG DEAL. YESTERDAY, 10-4-08, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY ESCAPE WAS RUNNING FINE UNTIL I TURNED AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO GET UP TO SPEED (40MPH), MY ESCAPE TOOK THE PEDAL FROM MY FOOT AND LOCKED IT TO THE FLOOR, I HAVE BEEN ASKED BY SEVERAL PEOPLE IF I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE CRUISE, AND ALL I REPLY WITH IS "IT DOESN'T HAVE CRUISE!" AS MY CAR STARTED TO SPEED UP I TRIED TO STOP, MY BRAKES WOULD ONLY KICK BACK OUT AT ME AND SINCE I WAS JUST IN A WRECK I WAS A LITTLE SCARED. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT AND DROVE IN CIRCLES UNTIL I COULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO STOP IT. I TRIED MY EBRAKE BUT IT DIDN'T WORK, I TRIED PULLING THE PEDAL UP, NO GOOD, I TRIED PUNCHING THE PEDAL WITH MY FOOT, NO GOOD. I DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANY DAMAGE TO THE TRANNY SO I DIDN'T TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR, FINALLY I DECIDED TO TRY SHUTTING IT OFF, IT SHUT OFF AND IS RUNNING FINE NOW. I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM MAINLY BECAUSE I HAVE READ ALL OF THE POSTINGS FOR THIS CAR AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS IN THIS AREA. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING DONE TO FIX IT, I WILL GET RID OF IT AND STOP BUYING FORDS ALL TOGETHER. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT NO REAL ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN WITH SO MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 5, 2008
2005 FORD ESCAPE, 4CYL, AWD. BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVE 70,000 MILES ON IT. GAS PEDAL KEEPS STICKING. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER TEDD BRITT FORD THREE TIMES (WHICH HANDLES ALL OF MY SERVICE). THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 16, 2008
CRUISE CONTROL WOULD TAKE OVER WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT THE SWITCH BEING DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE. AT TIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DROP OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD BE ENGAGED BY MERELY SLIDING THE THUMB ACROSS THE SWITCH WITHOUT DEPRESSING IT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALPIN FORD IN DEWEY, AZ FOR REPAIR. THE PROBLEM WAS EXPLAINED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED WITHOUT REPAIR. THE SERVICE REP SAID THEY HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR A TEST DRIVE AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT HOME I READ THE INVOICE IN DETAIL AND FOUND A NOTATION FROM THE MECHANIC THAT STATED THE SWITCH NEEDED REPLACED. I VISITED THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE PARENT DEALERSHIP, GALPIN FORD OF PRESCOTT, AZ AND INDICATED MY DISPLEASURE WITH A DANGEROUS PROBLEM NOT BEING CORRECTED. HE STATED THE DEFECT HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED YET BUT PROMISED IF IT DID GET RECALLED IN THE FUTURE, THEY WOULD REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED 1/15/08 AT A COST OF $69.34 PARTS AND 133.58 LABOR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2008
GAS PEDALS STICKS. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR 2001-2004 VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE IS A 2005. THIS IS STILL AN ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 18, 2006
GAS PEDAL STICKS WHEN FOOT IS LIFTED OFF PEDAL THEN IT IS PRESSED AGAIN. AT TIMES, THE PEDAL STICKS SO BAD THAT THE CAR REVVES HIGH AND LUNGES FORWARD. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 5, 2006
2005 ESCAPE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AT IDLE. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC. IT WAS STOPPED BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY FIVE TIMES HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - THE ACCELERATOR BECOMES STUCK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR FROM PARK. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE A 4 CYLINDER AND MY GAS PEDAL IS ALWAYS GETTING STUCK IN A POSITION AND I HAVE TO TAP IT HARD TO UNSTICK IT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I'VE BOUGHT THE TRUCK - AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WAS MY SHOES, OR MY IMAGINATION, BUT WHEN I FINALLY LET MY HUSBAND DRIVE MY ESCAPE, HE UNDERSTOOD WHAT I MEANT. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS BECAUSE I HAVE TO TAP HARD TO UNSTICK THE PEDAL AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2006
THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A VERY SHARP CUTTING EDGE ON IT RESULTING IN INJURY. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STOPPED FORWARD MOTION WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED BRAKE PRESSURE. ALSO, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE KEY IS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. IN SPITE OF THE ONGOING PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2006
HAVE READ ON YOUR SITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE FORD 2005 ESCAPE ENGINE AND THE PROBLEM THAT IT SPEEDS UP DURING BRAKING. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS THE DRIVER !! IF YOU ARE LARGE PERSON OR HAVE LARGE FEET. DURING BRAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES LOWER THAN THE GAS PEDAL AND YOUR SHOE TOE CATCHES THE GAS PEDAL AND ACCELERATES THE ENGINE, THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE GAS PEDAL HAS VERY LITTLE RESISTANCE AND YOU ARE NOT AWARE THAT YOUR SHOE IS PUSHING IT DOWN. IT APPEARS ALSO THAT THE PEDALS ARE CLOSER TOGETHER THAN NORMAL. I HAVE OTHER VEHICLES AND HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND THIS IS THE FIRST I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE FULLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL, HOWEVER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE MOTOR TURNED OFF. THIS STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 05/02/06. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2006
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WILL ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD SLAM TO THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE AND THE CAR WOULD SPEED UP AND THE PEDAL WOULD IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO THE UP POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIME IN THE LAST YEAR. THE LAST TWO TIMES LISTED BELOW I FIND THAT THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE INTERNET IN VARIOUS SITES, SOME RESULTING IN CRASHES. THIS DOES NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 8, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SURGED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE SERVICE ENGINEER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AT ANY PARTICULAR SPEED. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 2, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ACCELERATOR CABLES ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE.*MR AS THE CONSUMER WAS ON HER WAY TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS NEARLY KILLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AS WELL. THE CONSUMER SHE BELIEVED SHE WAS CHARGED FOR OTHER THINGS THAT THE DEALER CLAIMED NEEDED TO BE TAKEN OF. THE DEALER PERFORMED A FUEL INJECTION SERVICE AND CHANGED THE FUEL AND AIR FILTERS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2005
VEHICLE ACCELERATED CONSTANTLY. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES VERY HARD, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT HIGH RPMS. *AK