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: wheels
107 reports, newest first. Show all
Wheels, Mar 18, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DRIVEN DUE TO POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. JS
Structure, Wheels, Mar 7, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF WHEN YOU DRIVE OVER A MANHOLE COVER. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS TYPICAL ON THIS TYPE OF CAR. ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, NEVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Mar 1, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, I HIT A POT HOLE THAT CAUSED MY RIGHT REAR STRUT TOWER TO BREAK THROUGH THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE, RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE. MY COLLISION REPAIR MAN HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE POT HOLE WAS NOT THE ONLY CULPRIT AND THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS SO ROTTED AND RUSTED THAT IT COMPROMISED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAD THE AREA NOT BEEN RUSTED, THE POT HOLE WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE. HE ADVISED ME THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO POOR DESIGN IN THE 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPES AND THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THEY HAVE RECALLED 230,000 OF THEIR MINIVANS FOR OVER RUST ISSUES (IN 2011), BUT NOT ANY OF THE ESCAPES. BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, AND NOT JUST A POTHOLE, MY INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER THE $1500 IN REPAIRS. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTIFY ME THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE, AND THE LEMON LAW PERIOD HAS PASSED. *TR
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, 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, 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, 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
Structure, Wheels, Jan 20, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO FLOAT FREELY. THERE IS A SECTION APROX 24 INCHES LONG BY 2-6 INCHES WIDE WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS COMPLETELY GONE. THIS VEHICLE MAKES A HARD SLAM WHENEVER DRIVEN OVER SMALL BUMPS. THE SHOCK HAS COME THROUGH THE PLASTIC PANEL AND PUT A LARGE CRACK/HOLE IN IT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND EXCESSIVELY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE IS FROM MICHIGAN. *TR
Wheels, Nov 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND HEARD A BANGING NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER'S REAR WHEEL WELD WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/30/13*CN
Wheels, Oct 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COLLIDE WITH THE PLASTIC PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Structure, Wheels, Sep 29, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL ROTTED LEAVING THE REAR SHOCK SUPPORT UNSECURED MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE VEHICLE. DOES NOT APPEAR THAT FORD WANTS TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY MANUFACTURING AND/OR MATERIALS. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Sep 20, 2013
NOTICED A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. LOOKED IN WHEEL WELL AND IT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. YOU CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH THE CAR. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN MANY EXACT SCENARIOS. SHOCK IS ATTACHED IN A WAY THAT IT RUBS AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING CORROSION.. NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE AND IT IS STORED IN THE GARAGE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE GIVEN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. IN LOOKING FURTHER IN TO THIS IT IS A COMMON COMPLAIN. CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. A RECALL IS NEEDED AS THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE WHEEL CAN FALL RIGHT OFF = AND THAT WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 29, 2013
AS WE ARE DRIVING ALONG WE HEAR A VERY LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.WHEN WE GET OUT TO INSPECT THE AREA WE FIND THE REAR PASENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS EXTREMELY RUSTED THRU AND CHUNKS OF THE WELL ARE ACTUALLY FALLING OUT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED!!!! BY THE FORD DEALER....THEN WE TOOK IT TO SEVERAL AUTO BODY SHOPS THAT SAID THEY CANNOT FIX THIS! SEVERAL PLACES SAID FORD USED FAULTY METAL OR UNDERCOATING AND THAT IS WHY IT RUSTED SO BADLY.THE CAR HAS ONLY 50000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN HIGHLY MAINTAINED...I FINALLY FOUND AN AUTOBODY SHOP THAT WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AND THEER WILL BE NO GUARANTEE IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN OR TO ANY OF THE OTHER WHEELS!!! I FEEL TOTALLY RIPPED OFF! I READ ONLINE THAT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.
Wheels, Aug 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER WHEEL HOUSE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER AND COULD NOT YET BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Structure, Wheels, Jul 31, 2013
I HAD BEEN HEARING SOME LOUD NOISES FROM THE BACK END OF MY CAR FOR A WEEK OR SO, WE HAD THOUGHT THE SPARE TIRE AND EQUIPMENT HADN'T BEEN PUT BACK PROPERLY SO WE RE-ADJUSTED IT AND THOUGHT WE HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SOUND STARTED BACK UP. THEN IT GOT REALLY LOUD AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT IN A PERFECT CIRCLE AROUND THE SHOCK. THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THIS HAD BEEN RECALLED ON THEIR MINI-VANS FOR THE SAME YEAR. FORD BODY SHOP STAFF INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY RUST ON MY VEHICLE AND THIS RUST WOULD NOT BE CAUSED BY MIS-TREATMENT OF THE VEHICLE NOR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF ANY CAR. FORD IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO GET THE WHEEL HOUSE TO FIX THE CAR AND IT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR "MONTHS". ONCE I RESEARCHED THIS A LITTLE MORE, IT APPEARS TO BE A HIGHLY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPES. THE CAR IS NOT CURRENTLY FIXABLE OR DRIVE ABLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jul 25, 2013
THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK BROKE LOOSE AND WAS BANGING AROUND. BASICALLY THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND WILL NOT HOLD THE SHOCK ANY MORE. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL. WHEN I SEARCHED ONLINE I FOUND MANY WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE, AND EVEN A FACEBOOK PAGE. I'M DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD ISN'T TAKING CARE OF THIS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jul 18, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND SLOWED DOWN TO GO OVER SOME RAILWAY TRACKS. AS I WENT OVER THE TRACKS I HEARD A "THUD" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SOUND CONTINUED AS I WENT OVER BUMPS, AND I DISCOVERED ONCE I ARRIVED HOME THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS UNATTACHED AT THE TOP. SINCE THEN THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HAS PIERCED THROUGH THE INTERIOR CABIN WALL. *TR
Wheels, Jun 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL HOUSE WAS CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Mar 27, 2013
FORD ESCAPE 2005 REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. I NOTICED SLIGHT STRUT SOUNDING NOISE IN THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL FOR A WEEK. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE NOTHING WAS RATTLING IN THE TRUNK OR WHERE THE JACK MOUNTS. AFTER OPENING THE PLASTIC ACCESS COMPARTMENT TO THE JACK, THERE WAS A HOLE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND. I INSPECTED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND SAW THE ENTIRE THING RUSTED OUT CLEAR ABOVE THE SHOCK/STRUT MOUNT. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THERE WAS NO RECALL YET THE VEHICLE CAN ESSENTIALLY BE DEEMED UN-DRIVABLE AND A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE ROAD. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Dec 26, 2012
INNER AND OUTER WHEEL HOUSES, AND QUARTER PANELS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED/CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SHOCK WAS PUSHING THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LOUD BANGING NOISES AND WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE LED TO INSPECTION BY PROFESSIONALS. VISIBLE HOLES IN THE WHEEL HOUSE AREA WERE DISCOVERED AT THIS TIME. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WAS JUST AS BADLY RUSTED/CORRODED. ALL PARTS LISTED ABOVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS BOTH SHOCKS, WHICH WERE ALSO DAMAGED DUE TO THEIR DETACHMENT FROM THE RUSTED AREAS. ALL WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, IMMEDIATELY, DUE TO THE DANGER OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE ANY FURTHER, THUS AVOIDING A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE EXPENSES WERE $3402.08. FORD WILL NOT COVER THESE EXPENSES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CAR ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES, AND IS OTHERWISE IN TOP CONDITION. THE DAMAGES SEEM EXCESSIVE AT THIS MILEAGE AND AGE. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER REPAIRS.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 11, 2012
TOOK ESCAPE TO MECHANIC AFTER LOUD BANGING HEARD. RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS LARGE HOLE IN IT AND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED THROUGH, SOURCE OF THE BANGING. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM MOST LIKELY BEGAN PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF CAR. FORD FAILED TO INFORM US OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER MULTI-POINT INSPECTION 5 MONTHS AGO. CAR HAS HAD TWO OWNERS WITHIN SAME FAMILY. FORD QUOTED $2500 REPAIR WILL NOT REIMBURSE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT EVEN BE COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY, BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE "BODY" OF THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 11, 2012
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD A LOUD BANGING IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAS ASSUMED THAT THE STRUT NEEDED REPLACED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION MY MECHANIC AND I NOTICED A TERRIBLE AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION TO REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL THAT HAS BOLTS ATTACHED TO STRUT. YOU CAN SEE INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE. I RESEARCHED RECALLS OF THESE PROBLEM AND FOUND NONE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ALTHOUGH HAS ME WORRIED ABOUT OTHER COMPLICATIONS THAT COULD ARISE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE THAT THE FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD ADDRESS POST HASTE. I FEAR THAT MY FAMILIES AND OTHERS LIVES ARE AT STAKE IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF SOON. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 12, 2012
THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE CABIN, AND THE SHOCK/STRUT IS MOUNTED TO NOTHING AND IS POKING INTO MY TRUNK. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE MOUNT (OR WHERE IT SHOULD BE MOUNTED) IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BEING COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND THE SURROUNDING METAL IS STAMPED SO THIN TO BEGIN WITH THAT IT IS PLIABLE. THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE, AND MY CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB OF SAFETY ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTEDFORD SEVERAL TIMES, AND FORD CANADA IS DENYING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY OR QUALITY ISSUE AND HAVE TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY; THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY CAR. I CANNOT FIND A RECALL AT PRESENT, HOWEVER THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES, 6 ALONE ON [XXX] AND 5 ON [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 25, 2012
STARTED HEARING LOUD RATTLING SOUNDS FROM REAR OF CAR , LOOKED AND SAW PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL/SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED FROM REST OF VEHICLE. *TR