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
1,584 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ..UPDATED 05/23/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS SOLID WHEN ATTEMPTED TO BE DEPRESSED. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PRESS. THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSE BUILD UP OF CARBON. UPDATED 12/4/2017*JS
Structure, Mar 27, 2017
PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL WELL HAS DEVELOPED EXCESSIVE RUST. SUPPORT FOR SHOCK/STRUT ASSEMBLY INTEGRITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO BE DRIVEN WITHOUT REPAIR. RUST DAMAGE WAS CONCEALED UNDER RUST PROOFING MATERIAL.
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2017
MY CAR IS RUSTED OUT ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. MY SHOCK ARE BANGING WITH A LOUD BANK. THE WHOLE INSIDE IS NOW RUSTED OUT AND THE IS A HOLE THAT GOES TO THE TRUNK AREA. PRICE ARE JUST FALLING OUT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 15, 2017
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE LTD WITH 122K MILES WITH NO WARNING STALLS WHEN I COME TO A STOP, OR WHEN I'M GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS DONE THEN SAME THING WHEN I WAS DRIVING 65 ON MY WAY TO LAX, HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND WAS ALMOST SIDE SWIPED AND REAR ENDED BY CARS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, NOR CAN THE MECHANIC FIND ANYTHING WRONG. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I'VE COME TO LEARN THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THIS YEAR AND MODEL, YET FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH A RECALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS, I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS VEHICLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. FORD IS IN THE KNOW. I'D LIKE TO SEE SOME ACTION BEING DONE.
Suspension, Mar 10, 2017
ROTTED OUT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY, MECHANIC DECLARED CAR UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED. FORD RECALLED THIS PROBLEM 2001-2004 BUT DID NOT EXTEND TO 2005. FORD DEALER REFUSED TO WORK ON VEHICLE.
Structure, Mar 3, 2017
DESPITE MANY, MANY OWNER COMPLAINTS, FORD HAS NEVER BEEN MADE TO RECALL THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THERE ARE RUST ISSUES IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT COULD LEAD TO UNSAFE OPERATION. ONE EXAMPLE IS SHOCK ABSORBERS THAT COULD COME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. FORD HAS ISSUED SUCH A RECALL FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS, SO THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY NEVER MADE ANY REPAIRS TO THE 2005 ESCAPE MODELS. I CONTACTED THEM AND THEY REFERRED ME TO YOU (THEY WERE QUITE HATEFUL). PLEASE HELP. I AM ON DISABILITY AND WE CANNOT AFFORD THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS AND WE BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THANK YOU.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 2, 2017
PASSENGER REAR IS RESTED SHOCKS STRUTS DETACHED
Suspension, Jan 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED THROUGH THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ...UPDATED 05/17/17 *BF *CN
Suspension, Structure, Jan 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RUST BETWEEN THE SHOCK AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. THE SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2017
ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING; ALMOST $4,000 IN REPAIRS HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Jan 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
Suspension, Jan 16, 2017
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND RECENTLY BEGAN HEARING A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS NOW COMING THROUGH THE REAR WELL INTO MY CAR. THIS HAS MADE MY CAR COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD AS WELL AS ON HERE IN HOPES THAT FORD WOULD DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND TAKE CARE OF IT. IT IS QUITE OBVIOUSLY FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IS REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IT IS HARD TO MISS THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. NOT TO MENTION FORD HAS ALREADY RECALLED THE 2001-04 FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. FOR THE ABSOLUTE RIDICULOUS AMOUNT THAT IT COSTS TO FIX THIS ISSUE, I PERSONALLY WOULD FEEL MUCH SAFER PUTTING MY TIME AND MONEY INTO A NEW VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY, THAT VEHICLE WILL NOT BE A FORD.
Power train, Engine, Jan 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE, STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL SIX EMISSION COILS FAILED AND FRACTURED THE PCM. THE SIX EMISSION COILS, POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE, AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. ..UPDATED 02/09/17 *BF *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 4, 2017
NOTICED UNDERCOATING PEELING OFF IN WHEEL WELL(REAR PASSENGER SIDE). PULLED OFF AND ALSO FOUND A 3IN. CIRCLE OF METAL LOOSE. HAVE SEEN OTHER(300+) REPORTS OF THIS RUST PROBLEM ON THIS WEB PAGE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE AND HAS LESS THAN 70K MILES. THERE ARE NO HANDLING OR NOISE ISSUES YET.
Suspension, Jan 4, 2017
PASSENGER REAR INNER WHEELHOUSE THAT HOLDS SHOCK ABSORBER ROTTED AND SHOCK FELL OUT FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE UPDATED THE PART WITH A LATER MODEL ESCAPE PART SO TO DENY THERE IS PROBLEM WHY DID THEY UPDATE THE PART AND DISCONTINUE MAKING THE PART THAT CAME ON 2005 ESCAPE
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 31, 2016
WE STARTED TO HEAR A VERY LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHEN WE DROVE OVER EVEN THE SMALLEST BUMP. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THOUGH (YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR) AND THE WHEEL COULD FALL OFF AT ANYTIME. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH OUT A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE AND THAT 2001-2004 ESCAPES WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
Engine, Dec 16, 2016
ENGINE PCM (COMPUTER) FAILS DUE TO A DEFECT, CAUSING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WHICH THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO RECALL, REPAIR, OR WARRANTY. FAULTY SPARK PLUGS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY, ALONG WITH DEFICIENT DRIVER TRANSISTORS IN THE PCM, LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WHICH STALLS THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED, AND EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. *TR
Power train, Engine, Dec 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS HOOKED UP TO A HANDHELD DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND DISPLAYED, "BAD PCM AND BAD COILS". THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY REDUCED SPEED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2016
THE GAS PEDAL WILL GET STUCK DOWN. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. I WOULD HAVE TO USE MY FOOT TO TRY TO LIFT THE ACCELERATION PEDAL UP. SOMETIMES IT WOULD POP INTO PLACE QUICKLY WHILE OTHER TIMES, I HAD TO KEEP LIFTING IT UP WITH MY FOOT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE FREEWAY AND OTHER CARS WERE COMING FULL SPEED BEHIND ME, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK IN MOTION IN A SPEEDY MANNER. THIS HAS OCCURRED EARLY MORNING, MIDDAY, AND NIGHT. IT HAS BEEN ON THE CITY STREET AND THE HIGHWAY. I RESEARCHED AND SAW THAT FORD HAD A RECALL FOR 2001 - 2004 FOR THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUE WHICH IS DUE TO THE STICKING ACCELERATION PEDAL. WHEN I WENT TO FORD, THEY SAID THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NOR THE CONSUMER APPRECIATION FOR CERTAIN MODELS ALTHOUGH IT WAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WERE MANY CARS THAT CAME IN WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT THE SALES WOMAN PRETENDED AS IF SHE NEVER HEARD OF THE ISSUE. I PAID ALMOST $1,000 TO FIX AN ISSUE THAT OTHER VEHICLES HAD FIXED IN A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Dec 7, 2016
SIMILAR TO THE 2008-2011 MODEL RECALLS, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE IN MOTION. THE WHEEL WAS BEING TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN IMMEDIATELY THE WHEEL FELT HEAVY AND THE POWER STEERING CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD SYSTEM. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES AND WET.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 27, 2016
2005 FORD ESCAPE. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED/BROKEN. WHEEL WELL AND FENDER COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT WHILE THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST AT ALL. WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED THE 2005 ESCAPE, AFTER SEEING THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE
Structure, Nov 15, 2016
BACK PASENGER WHEEL WELL IS ALL RUSTED OUT, THE BO;TS EVEN RUSTED OUT AND ARE MISSING THE TRUCK IS UNDRIVABLE AND IS NOT SAFE. I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED ALOT OF BANGING, PULLED OVER THINKING THE BACK DOOR WASNT CLOSED PROPERLY. BUT FOUND THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL. I CAN PUSH ON THE WELL AND IT JUST CRUMBLES! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED!