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 and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SPEED SUDDENLY DECELERATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE MASTER VEHICLE ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING AND THE ENGINE ELECTRIC COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Service brakes, Hybrid propulsion system, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V526000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE REMEDY AND PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,912. UPDATED 11/19/15*LJ
Suspension, Structure, Sep 14, 2015
WHEN TRAVELING AT 40MPH, A THUMPING NOISE COULD BE HEARD IN THE REAR OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, EXPOSING THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE MOUNT OF THE SHOCK SUSPENSION IS CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK IS NOWHERE ATTACHED TO THE BODY AND IS WHAT CAUSES THE THUMPING SOUND AS IT PUSHES UP INTO THE CAR INTERIOR. NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LEVEL OF CORROSION.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2015
A WEEK AGO I BEGAN TO HAVE A RATTLING IN THE RIGHT REAR OF MY ESCAPE. AFTER TIGHTENING DOWN AND REMOVING ANYTHING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE THAT COULD BE "THUNKING" , THE NOISE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. I INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THE SHOCK HAD BROKEN FREE WITH A LARGE CHUNK OF WHAT USED TO BE THE WHEEL WELL/FRAME. I BEGAN RESEARCHING FOR A RECALL NOTICE AND FOUND THAT FORD MINIVANS FROM 2004-2007 ALSO HAD WHEEL WELL RUST PROBLEMS THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL...BUT NOTHING FOR THE ESCAPE. MY MECHANIC SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL FIXED BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I FURTHER LOOKED AT COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS (AT LEAST 50 POSTED ON LINE) AND HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS EXACT SAME RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL CORROSION ON THE 2005 MODEL IS COMMON, DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR (MY ESTIMATES RANGE FROM $1000 BUT THE FRAME SHOP WILL NOT COMMIT UNTIL THEY BEGIN WORK ON IT- THEY DID STATE THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM ON FORDS - THEY HAVE REPAIRED OTHERS) . FORD SEEMS TO BE DISMISSIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE APPROACHED THEM, STATING THERE IS NO RECALL SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IS ANYONE LOOKING INTO THIS?
Suspension, Sep 6, 2015
RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER PUNCHED THROUGH HORRIBLY RUSTED WHEEL WELL INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. IT JUST RUSTED THROUGH AND TOTALLY FAILED. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Engine, Sep 3, 2015
WHILE DRIVING, RECEIVED A "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN. SECOND TIME IN THREE WEEKS SUCH INCIDENT OCCURRED AND THIS IS AFTER SUPPOSED "SAFETY RECALL" WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS BACK. PREVIOUS TO THE RECALL, THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUTDOWN NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED ON MAJOR INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON, THE GAS PEDAL IS NO LONGER RESPONSIVE AND YOU HAVE TO HOPE YOU CAN COAST OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE YOU STOP SAFELY AND TURN OFF THE CAR, AFTER WAITING 5-10 MINUTES, THE CAR USUALLY COMES BACK ON, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS DUE TO SOME SORT OF OVERTEMP CONDITION.
Structure, Sep 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,719....UPDATED 10-13-15 *BF UPDATED 3/28/16*JS *CN
Steering, Structure, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Suspension, Aug 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STRUT WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SHOCKS ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2015
EVERY MORNING FOR THE PAST YEAR THE CAR ALARM IS TRIGGERED AND GOES OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINS OR UNTIL I PRESS THE "ALARM" BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. IT HAPPENS ROUTINELY AT APPROXIMATELY 9AM-10:30AM EVERY MORNING. WHEN RESEARCHING ONLINE WHAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSE IS, I SAW THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE OWNERS OF FORD ESCAPES FROM YEARS 2005-2007 THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE STATED THAT IT IS A FAULTY DOOR SENSOR THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. SOME PEOPLE REPORTED SPENDING UPWARDS OF $800 TO GET THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND THEN FAULTY SENSORS IN VARIOUS DOORS REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING "ISSUE" IT IS HIGHLY INCONVENIENT TO MYSELF, AND THE NEIGHBORS IN MY AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF ANNOYANCE. AS THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE REPORTING THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE, IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2015
THE SUB-FRAME RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO TOE OUT AND ALSO TO CAMBER IN AT THE TOP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO TRIGGERED. THE STEERING NOW PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THERE IS TIRE SQUEEL EVEN ON GRADUAL RIGHT HAND TURNS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE FORD ESCAPE MODEL YEARS 2001-2004. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I VERIFIED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL. I THEN CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS IN THEIR OTHER RECALL - THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE SO IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS FAULTY.
Structure, Aug 24, 2015
THE HINGE ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ROTTED OUT AND THE BACK GLASS FELL DOWN ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2013. WE HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF OVER $70. CURRENTLY THE HINGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE BACK GLASS ON THAT SIDE FELL DOWN. WE HAD TO REPLACE THAT ONE AT A COST OF OVER $80. THIS IS UNSAFE IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON THE ROAD AND FALL OUT AND ONTO THE ROADWAY.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 20, 2015
FORD ESCAPE 2005 PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOLTS ONTO FRAME AND NOW THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAS NOTHING TO BOLT ONTO ANYMORE. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME ANYMORE AND NOW HITS THE FRAME OF THE SUV MAKE VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUNDS.
Suspension, Aug 19, 2015
RIGHT REAR SHOCK/STRUT RUSTED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IS NOT ATTACHED ANYMORE
Suspension, Aug 19, 2015
DRIVING TO WORK ON AUG 3, 2015, I HEARD LOUD RATTLING AND CLANKING FROM THE REAR OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THINKING THAT IT WAS MY TOOLS ON THE BACK, I REMOVE THEM THE TOOLS, BUT THE RATTLING PERSISTED. I WALKED AROUND AND DID A VISUAL INSPECTION, AND SAW NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION OR WHEEL WELL AREA. THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL, HOWEVER, HAD A LARGE HOLE WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO THE BODY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEMATIC AREA FOR MANY OWNERS OF MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT FORD WILL VERBALLY ADMIT THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE, THOUGH WILL NOT EXPLAIN IN WRITING WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND MAKE THEIR VEHICLES SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. FORD WILL BE NOTIFIED BY WAY OF THEIR INTERNAL COMPLAINT FORMS OF THIS ISSUE.
Seat belts, Aug 18, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER CHEST THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Aug 17, 2015
WE NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, WE DISCOVERED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE STRUT IS BARELY ATTACHED. THE RUST HOLES ARE SO LARGE, THAT INSULATION IS SHOWING, AND THE STRUT IS HITTING THE PLASTIC PIECE GOING INTO THE TRUNK SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY A MECHANIC. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME AREA (REAR PASSENGER SIDE) AND IS CAUSING SAFETY HAZARDS, SUCH AS RUPTURED TIRES AND UNSTABLE STEERING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEEDS TO RECALL!
Suspension, Structure, Aug 16, 2015
WHY IS IT THAT NHTSA IS IGNORING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2003 TO 2007 IN REGARDS TO THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNTS THAT ARE RUSTING OUT IN WHICH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AS THE SHOCK COULD HIT THE INNER WHEEL OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE? NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE, BUT YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE FROM THE ATTACHED VIDEO THAT THERE IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9_OZK8IGK5S REPAIRS ARE COSTING THE CONSUMERS ON THESE VEHICLES NEARLY $2000.00 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. HOW CAN FORD DO THIS ON THESE VEHICLES AND CURRENT MODELS. I HAVE A 2011 FORD ESCAPE AND IT IS STARTING TO RUST OUT IN THE SAME PLACE. WHY?????????????????? MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. INSTEAD OF THE CONSUMER HAVING TO GET RAKED OVER THE COALS FROM THE AUTO BODY SHOPS OR YOUR LOCAL FORD DEALER.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 15, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANE ON EVERY SUBSEQUENT BUMP. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PROPERLY EXAMINE IT I REALIZED THAT THE METAL THAT CONNECTS THE SHOCK TOWER TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. IN AUGUST OF 2012, WITH 154,523 MILES ON THE CAR, I REPLACED THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT THAT TIME OF THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPING. THE METAL ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS RUSTING IN OTHER AREAS AS WELL, SUCH AS THE FUEL FILLER NECK, THE BOTTOMS OF THE REAR DOORS, THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE OUTER EDGES OF THE REAR WHEEL OPENINGS, AND AT THE BASE OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR.
Suspension, Aug 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY SLIGHTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 9, 2015
OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN JUST A MATTER OF WEEKS DEVELOPED A BASKETBALL-SIZED HOLE OVER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. IT COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE OPENING TO THE SHOCK AND THE TIRE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, WHICH MAKES THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD. WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR SON TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK ANY LONGER, AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO PROVIDE HIM WITH A SAFE CAR SINCE THE REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK ARE VERY HIGH. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER DRIVERS. WE ALL HAVE THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT ON WHERE THE DAMAGE OCCURS (RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL) AND THE EXTENT OF THIS DAMAGE (THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE). FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Wheels, Aug 9, 2015
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSING ROT CREATING UNSAFE VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE ESCAPE HYBRID 2005; SEE WEBSITE: WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2005/BODY_PAINT/EXCESSIVE_WHEEL_WELL_RUST.SHTML SEVERAL PEOPLE INCLUDING MYSELF HAVE DOCUMENTATION REGARDING THE ISSUE. IT IS ONLY THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL HOUSING, I HAVE RECEIPTS, PICTURES OF THE PARTS AND FROM THE FORD DEALER WHO DID THE REPAIRS. WHEN THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE SHOP IT WAS DEEMED A DRIVING HAZARD. WE ARE LUCKY IT WAS NOTICED BEFORE A PERSONAL INJURY OCCURRED. REPAIRS WERE $2,000.00.
Steering, Aug 9, 2015
MID DAY, MILD WEATHER IN THE 70'S, POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING, ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I WAS IN A TURN, IT'S REALLY HARD TO TURN THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE?
Suspension, Aug 9, 2015
WHEN DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS I STARTED HEARING A LOUD RATTLE FROM PASSENGER REAR AREA. I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING LOOSE IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD MAKE THAT SOUND. I LOOKED UP INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SAW THAT THE UPPER PORTION OF WHERE THE SHOCK BOLTS TO THE BODY IS RUSTED OUT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE SHOCK CONNECTION AREA. I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. COME ON FORD, WE CAN'T ALL AFFORD TO SCRAP A VEHICLE EVERY TEN YEARS. THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM HERE AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THEIR SHORTCOMINGS.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 8, 2015
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT IS BANGING IN THE INTERIOR PANEL AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK LOSE FROM THE FRAME. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO IT STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL UNDERCOATING ON IT, IT WAS RUSTING FROM BEHIND THE UNDERCOAT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MY MECHANIC TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE FORD, KNOWING THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND IS EXTENSIVE, WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE TO FIX THERE POOR DESIGN.