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.
Engine, Aug 21, 2016
THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND DIE WHILE DRIVING. BEFORE THE INCIDENT NO PREVIOUS WARNING SIGNS HAD BEEN PRESENT. THE DAY THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH DURING A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE, UNTIL THE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND THEN OFF (ENGINE, TIRE PRESSURE..) AND THE VEHICLE SPEED BEGAN TO REDUCE. AFTER A MOMENT THE SPEED RETURNED TO NORMAL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DIED ON A CITY STREET. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND RESUMED DRIVING, BUT WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON/OFF AGAIN AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND DIED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN AN 30 MINUTES AS I DROVE TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER. ON THE 3RD TIME THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND BEGAN TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH, AND STARTED TO LOSE POWER. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I BEGAN TO TURN THE VEHICLE IT AGAIN LOST POWER. AFTER THE 1ST POWER LOSS I HEADED TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER WHICH WAS LOCATED 5 MILES AWAY. THE VEHICLE DIED 3 TIMES BEFORE I REACHED THE SERVICE CENTER. THE SERVICE CENTER DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY.
Steering, Aug 18, 2016
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND THE SUB FRAME BEING ROTTED COLLAPSED AND MY TIRE KINKED OUT.
Equipment, Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ONLY BLEW OUT HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Engine, Aug 11, 2016
ITS DRIVING OK AND THEN IT STARTS LOSING POWER TO 20 MPH AND IT WONT SPEED MORE FROM THERE UNTIL ITS TURN OFF FOR HOURS THEN IM DRIVING AGAIN AND IT KEEPS DOING THE SAME THING.
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2016
WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM CALL LOT TOLLED THEM BRAKES WERE GOING OUT HE TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID THEY WERE FINE SO I TOOK HIS WORD THEN A FEW DAYS LATER MY WATER RATETERAVOTER HOSE BUSTED I HAD TO GET THAT THEM FIXED AND THEN THEY CHARGED ME TO FIX IT THEN A FEW DAYS LATER I HERE A THUMP ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE THE WHOLE BACK OF MY WHEEL AREA BY THE WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT THERE NO PROTECTION ON THE WHEEL AND THE STRUSTS WHERE BUSTED THEY HAD STUFF STUFFED IN IT SO YOU COULDN'T TELL WENT TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT IT THEY SAY THIS HAPPENS THERE NOTHING THEY COULD FOR ME BUT TO CHARGE ME FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX IT I DONE NOTHING BUT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THIS ISN'T THE FIRST ONE I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ARE SELLING VEHICLE WITH SAFE HAZARDS I PAID OUT 1000.00 OUT ON A CAR TEST DROVE IT AND GUESS I SHOULD OF TEST DRIVE IT LONGER BUT I DIDN'T I BOUGHT IT AND WAS ON MY WAY TO PUT GAS IN IT AND THE MOTOR BLOW UP. I HAD STATE POLICE WAIT WITH ME ME AND MY 16 YEAR OLD WAS STUCK IN HIGH TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE MOTOR BLOW STATE POLICE SAID HE HAD TO GET THERE AND TOLL THE CAR AND HE BOUGHT A TRAILER WITH A FLAT TIRED TO TRY AND TOLL IT OFF THE STATE POLICE MADE HIM LEAVE AND CALLED FOR A TOLL TRUCK THE CAR LOT REFUSED TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK SO I COULD GO SOME WHERE ELSE SO I BOUGHT A ANOTHER CAR IT WAS IN FAIR CONDTION BUT WHEN WATER STATED HITTING MOTOR IT ENDED UP GETTING TOTAL BY INSURANCE COMPANY SO STILL COULDN'T GET MONEY BACK MADE ME PAY OUT ANOTHER 600.00 OUT FOR THE VEHICLE AND AFTER I GAVE HIM THE MONEY HE WROTE OUT SOLD AS IS AND COULD NOT TRADE VEHICLE OR GET MY MONEY BACK SO I FEEL LIKE HE KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HE DIDN'T WRITE THIS ON THE LAST TWO VEHICLES.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 9, 2016
MY WELL MAINTAINED 2005 ESCAPE HYBRID DEVELOPED A RATTLING SOUND ON JULY 26, 2016. AT FIRST THE RATTLE IN THE RIGHT REAR HAPPENED ONLY ON BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY CAR JACK COMING LOOSE IN ITS COMPARTMENT. I CHECKED THAT AND THE JACK WAS ALL SECURED, NOT RATTLING. I CONTINUED DRIVING HOME AND THE RATTLE BECAME A BANGING SOUND, AND THE RIGHT REAR INSIDE WHEEL AREA STARTED TO RATTLE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE INTERIOR AS I DROVE. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED AROUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AREA AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE HOW EXTREMELY RUSTED IT IS. THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS SHOW VERY LITTLE RUST. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON A FORD OWNERS WEBSITE AND FOUND THAT MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE REPORT THAT THE RUSTED OUT SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BREAKS LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE BODY COLLAPSES ONTO THE WHEEL, SENDING THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS COMMON PROBLEM IN THE '05 ESCAPE HYBRID VEHICLES. I CANNOT DRIVE MY WELL MAINTAINED CAR BECAUSE OF THE MECHANICAL BANGING, THE HIGH POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND PERSONAL INJURY. I'M ATTACHING PHOTOS OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL TO SHOW THAT THERE IS A DEFINITE DEFECT IN THE RIGHT REAR. PLEASE GIVE THIS COMPLAINT YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, AND ALERT OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS OF THIS IMMINENTLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 9, 2016
THE BRAKES ARE HARD, RUNS ALL THE WAY TO STOP THIS HARD .EL WHEEL CAN NOT TURN EASILY TO THE SIDES. IT GIVES ME THE CODE U0418, U0413. IS IS NOT DUE TO WEAR IS A MANUFACTURER FAILS
Structure, Aug 3, 2016
I BOUGHT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP 15 MONTHS, AND 6000 MILES AGO. I NOTICED THAT IT JUST ALWAYS FELT "RICKETY", AND HAD IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT THREE TIMES DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS, AND NEW TIRES, AN "EXCITER RING" AND SWAY BARS DIDN'T SEEM TO REALLY DO MUCH. OVER THE COURSE OF THE LLAST MONTH, I NOTICED A LOUD "KNOCKING SOUND" COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE GATE WASN'T SHUT ALL THE WAY. THAT WASN'T IT. I STARTED DRIVING WITH THE SEATS DOWN IN THE BACK, TRYING TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I LOOKED UP UNDER THE WHEEL WELL, AND WAS SHOCKED AT THE CORROSION, AND TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL MUFFLER MAN. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS "EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE", AND THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I DID. I WAS SENT TO A BODY SHOP AND TOLD TO "RAISE HELL WITH FORD", BECAUSE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT. I GOT A QUOTE OF $8000 TO FIX IT. I STILL OWE $6000... I OPENED A CASE WITH FORD MOTORS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE "GIVING THE DEALERSHIP THE GREEN LIGHT TO MAKE IT RIGHT", AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS OBLIGATED TO TAKE PHOTOS. NO PHOTOS WERE TAKEN, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE RESPONDED TO MY CASE, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT WAS GOING TO BE DONE. AND THAT "EVEN IF ONE OF THE BODY SHOPS IN TOWN WOULD WORK ON IT, IT WOULDN'T BE UNTIL AT THE EARLIEST NOVEMBER". HE THEN SMIRKED AT ME, AND SAID "SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO"? WELL. HERE WE ARE. THIS WAS JULY 25, 2016. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND THAT IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, THAT MY INSURANCE WOULDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE OF THE SHOCK TOWER COMING UP THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ( THAT STARTED JULY 22, THE DAY I STOPPED DRIVING IT, EXCEPT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP) THAT I NOW KNEW ABOUT BUT CANNOT FIX.
Engine, Jul 31, 2016
THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT BREAKS ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS OF REGULAR ROUTINE DRIVING. GOING ON REPLACEMENT NUMBER 4
Structure, Jul 29, 2016
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS EXCESSIVE FENDER WELL RUST, A DEFECT THAT CAUSES THE SHOCK TOWER TO DISLODGE FROM THE FRAME, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. IT HAPPENS FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND WHEN A THUNKING NOISE BEGINS, IT'S TOO LATE. $8000 TO REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT I WAS TOLD BY EVERY LOCAL BODY SHOP, WOULDN'T EVEN REALLY CORRECT IT. IT'S A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. THE SHOCK TOWER IS NOW COMING THROUGH THE CARGO AREA OF MY CAR
Engine, Jul 21, 2016, fire
THE 2.3 LT THAT WAS IN THIS BEGAN USING OIL AROUND 75000 MILES AND THE DEALER DONE ALL THE OIL CHANGES SINCE IT WAS NEW.. THEY COULD NOT FIND WERE IT WAS GOING.. WE'LL AFTER ABOUT 3 YEARS OF CONSTANTLY WATCHING THE OIL,, IT FINALLY LET GO. THE MOTOR WAS JUNK NO GOOD. PUT A DIFFERENT MOTOR IN IT WITH AROUND 50000 MILES.. WELL THAT ONE DID NOT MAKE IT TO A 100000 MILES.. I TAKE CARE OF MY AUTOS, SO I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS.
Structure, Jul 20, 2016, crash
THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY OTHER ONE I HAVE SEEN HAS HAD THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUST OUT AND HAVE THE SHOCK GO UP THROUGH THE SHOCK TOWER..IT DOES NOT MATTER THE BRAND EITHER.. FORD CHEVY OR DODGE, THEY ALL DO IT.. WHY CAN'T YOU GUYS HELP US OUT, AND MAKE THESE CAR COMPANIES STAND BEHIND THERE SHEET METAL FOR AT LEAST A 100 THOUSAND MILES.. WE PAY ENOUGH FOR THESE VEHICLES.. I AM NOT RICH YOU KNOW..
Power train, Jul 20, 2016
WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION FROM 14000 MILES, WE REPORTED TO DEALER AND THEY NEVER NOTED IT IN THERE COMPUTER.. WE COMPLAINED 6 TIMES WITH IT ONLY GOT PUT IN THE COMPUTER AT THE DEALER TWICE.. FINALLY AFTER IT RAN OUT OF WARRANTY, IT ALMOST KILLED OUR WHOLE FAMILY.. THE TRANY WHEN WE CAME UP TO A STOP SIGN COMING OFF THE FREEWAY STAYED INGAGED AND THROUGH US IN TO A BUNCH OF TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING A HE'LL OF A ACCIDENT.. WE'LL IT ENDED UP RUINING THE TRANSMISSION CAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKED UP AND CAUSED IT NOT TO DISENGAGE.. I ENDED UP SPENDING 3500.00 AND HAD THE DEALER PUT A OWN REBUILT IN. LATER I FOUND OUT FORD HAD 4 UPDATED TORQUE CONVERTERS.. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL WHEN IT ALMOST KILLS PEOPLE.. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS WENT ON WITH THIS VEHICLE.. I AM WILL TO JOIN ANY KIND OF LAWSUIT OVER GETTING THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE MORE AVASIVE MOVE TO HELP AND PROTECT THE CONSUMER, INSTEAD OF HELPING THESE BIG COMPANIES BEND PEOPLE OVER.. WE PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR THESE VEHICLES, AND WE GET TREATED LIKE DIRT..
Suspension, Structure, Jul 20, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: PASSENGER REAR PANEL RUSTED OUT INSIDE WHEEL WELL
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2016
ENTERING AND ACCELERATING FROM A MAIN STREET THAT TURNS INTO A FREEWAY THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER VERY SUDDENLY, ABS LIGHT ENGAGED, THEN DIED AS EXITING THE FREEWAY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WITH CHILDREN IN CAR AND NO WARNING WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MECHANIC TO LOOK INTO PREVIOUSLY. EXITING THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE DIED BUT RESTARTED WITH ABILITY TO DRIVE AT 10 MPH (IN A BAD AREA) WITH ENGINE LOSS AND NOISE. AT SHOP, I WAS TOLD THE SPARK PLUGS, COILS AND PCM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN THAT ORDER ($795), THEN THE COILS ($600), THEN THE PCM ($1400) NOT INCLUDING LABOR. A EX-FORD MASTER TECHNICIAN SAID FORD NEW OF PROBLEM AND REPLACED THOSE COMPONENTS WHEN THE CARS CAME INTO THE SHOP. FORD HAS A SEPARATE SOFTWARE CHECKING PROGRAM ONLY DESIGNED FOR FORD ESCAPES TO TEST THE PCM FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY FAULTY PLUGS. APPARENTLY A RECALL OCCURRED FOR SOME VINS, WHEN I CONTACTED FORD HEADQUARTERS I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT MADE AT A PARTICULAR PLANT ERGO MY BURDEN TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. RECALL WAS IN 2014 FOR ESCAPES WITH 80,000 MILES OR LESS WHILE IN WARRANTY. THIS IS A COMMON WELL-DOCUMENTED ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURE WHICH OCCURS AFTER 80,000 MILES.
Suspension, Jul 18, 2016
THE SHOCK MODULE ON THE RIGHT REAR PASSANGER SIDE HAS DETERIORATED AND HAS BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAS MADE THE SUV UNDRIVABLE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A NEWLY PAVED ROAD, GOING OVER A GENTLE HILL. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVER THE HILL, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANK AND THE VEHICLE SERVED SLIGHTLY (THANKFULLY NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS PRESENT). UPON DRIVING HOME THERE IS AN EVIDENT CLANKING HEARD IN THE REAR AND THE SUV CAN BE FELT TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THIS OCCURRENCE HAS ONLY HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND IS NOT EVIDENT IN ANY OTHER WHEEL WELL. IF ROAD SALT OR WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE TO BLAME, EQUAL DISTRIBUTION AT ALL 4 WHEEL WELLS WOULD BE EVIDENT, BUT THE OTHER 3 ARE FINE WITH NO RUST OR DETERIORATION PRESENT. SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, ALONG WITH PICTURES AND THE DAMAGE ALL APPEARS TO BE THE SAME - AND ALSO APPLIES TO MODEL YEARS 2004, 2005, AND 2006.
Suspension, Jul 18, 2016
LAST MONDAY MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE CARGO AREA ITEMS STARTED BUMPING SEVERELY WHEN GOING OVER ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. BY FRIDAY THE SUSPENSION WAS SHIFTING WHEN DRIVING OVER SAME IMPERFECTIONS. I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE BACK END AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED COMPLETED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. I ONLY HAVE 114,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND LIKE SO MANY OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THE MECHANIC I HAD LOOK AT IT SAID THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AND SURELY THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON IT. WHEN I CHECKED THE INTERNET, NO RECALL. I'M VERY NERVOUS DRIVING, BUT HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS AT THIS POINT.
Structure, Jul 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNER FENDER WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAD RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE AXLE TO BE UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE INNER FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Structure, Jul 18, 2016
RUST FRAME ON WHEEL WELLS AND OTHER FRAME ISSUES ...
Steering, Jul 16, 2016
WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILS. ONCE STOPPED AND THE CAR IS RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK OK UNTIL IT FAILS AGAIN AT AN UNKNOWN TIME. THE CAR IS NEARLY ALWAYS IN MOTION BUT HAS FAILED UPON STARTUP WHILE IN PARK. FREQUENCY IS RANDOM OVER THE LAST SIX OR MORE YEARS. THE LAST TWO TIMES WAS TODAY. TURNING CAR OFF AND ON USUALLY RESETS THE FUNCTION BACK TO OPERATING.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2016, crash
TRAVEL NORTH ON SOUTHFIELD SERVICE DRIVE THE TRUCK SPEED UP I GOT IT TO STOP BEFORE HITTING A TRUCK A HEAD OF ME. THE LIGHT CHANGE CROSSING GRAND RIVER MAKING A RIGHT ON TO FENKELL THE TRUCK SPEED UP AGAIN UNDER ABLE TO STOP. I HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR I WAS HOSPITALITY OVER NIGHT.
Structure, Jul 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,475.
Service brakes, Jul 8, 2016
BRAKES GO STIFF AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING FOR NO PRESENTED REASON AND CAUSE A SHOCK TO DRIVER AND HAVE TO LET GO OF BRAKES THEN PRESS DOWN TO SEE IF THEY WILL WORK. HAPPENS IN MOST IF NOT ALL KIDS OF CONDITIONS, NOT JUST ONE SPECIFIC KIND OF SITUATION. HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.
Suspension, Jul 7, 2016
VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED MAKING A BANGING SOUND SO I TOOK VEHICLE INTO OUR MECHANIC. APPARENTLY THE PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND THE SHEET METAL IN THE WHEEL WELL HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT IN WHICH THE SHOCK TOWER HAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME. I WAS REFEREED TO A AUTO WELDING SHOP BY MY MECHANIC AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THERE WERE TWO OF THE SAME VEHICLES AT THE FACILITY HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RESOLVED. THE MECHANIC AT THIS WELDING SHOP SAYS THAT HE IS REPAIRING PERSONALLY 3 FORD ESCAPES PER WEEK FOR THE EXACT ISSUE AND HE WAS ABLE TO SHOW ME THE TWO THAT HE HAD JUST REPAIRED OVER THE PAST TWO DAYS. I AM NOW MORE SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THERE ARE OVER 500 COMPLAINTS WITH THIS EXACT SAME COMPLAINT JUST AT THIS NHTSA.GOV SIGHT AND THAT THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SAFETY ISSUE. THE FACT IS THAT THE LOUD BANGING NOISE IS ENOUGH TO CAUSE MOST OWNERS TO PAUSE AND TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND THUS TYPICALLY THIS ISSUE DOES NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, SAFETY ISSUES AND RECALLS SHOULD NOT ONLY INVOLVE ACCIDENTS OR CASUALTIES. THIS IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM IMPACTING EVERY SINGLE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND COSTING CONSUMERS HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS THAT FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE.
Suspension, Jul 4, 2016
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY BECAUSE OF RUST...EARLY YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM