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.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 8, 2014
HEARD THUMPING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR. TOOK IT TO CHECK IT OUT AND WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 4, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WHEN I STARTED HEARING A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BANGING GOT LOUDER AND MY ESCAPE SEEMED TO BE HITTING HARD IN THE BACK LIKE MY SHOCK WASN'T WORKING. WHICH MY HUSBAND HAD CHANGED THEM ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS PRIOR SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. AFTER DRIVING HER TODAY AND THE BANGING GETTING WORSE I HAD MY HUSBAND LOOK AT MY BACK FENDER WALL. WHEN WE DID WE SEEN IT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CAN TOUCH THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. BUT THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT IS WHAT HOLDS MY SHOCK IN PLACE AND IT IS ALL GONE. I CAME INSIDE FRUSTRATED AND DECIDED I WOULD SEE IF THERE ARE PARTS TO FIX IT BEFORE MY SHOCK DECIDES IT IS GOING TO GO FOR A FREE RIDE AND DESTROY EVERYTHING UNDER THERE. TO MY SURPRISE I HAVE NOT FOUND A FIX NOR A RECALL BUT I DID FIND NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MADE FORD RECALL THE ESCAPES AND FIX THIS ISSUE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING 70 MPH WHEN THIS BROKE AND THE DAMAGE IT COULD DO TO NOT ONLY MY ESCAPE BUT MY FAMILY, MYSELF, AND OTHER DRIVERS IF I LOST CONTROL OF IT BECAUSE MY SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO MY SUV? I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT IS IN CHARGE OF RECALLING VEHICLES. THEY HAVE PUT MY FAMILY, ME, AND ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD IN DANGER AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. MAYBE I SHOULD BUY A TOYOTA BECAUSE AT LEAST THEY RECALL THEIR VEHICLES AND FIX THEM WHEN THEY HAVE AN ISSUE. FORD DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT ANYONE'S SAFETY. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Dec 4, 2014
REAR WHEEL WELL TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY AND SHOCK WAS BANGING WHEN TRIED TO FIND PART FROM JUNK YARD ALL 2005 ESCAPE HAD RUSTED OFF WHEEL WELLS THE OTHER SIDE IS NOW GOING TO DO THE SAME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD JUST DONE MANY REPAIRS WAS PLANNING ON KEEPING IT BUT NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SEEMS TO ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IF IT IS HAPPENING TO MANY ESCAPES OF THIS YEAR CAN ANYTHING BE DONE THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR UNTIL NOW THIS PROBLEM IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Nov 29, 2014
COMPLAINT ONE: EXCESSIVE RUSTED PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT, STRUT MOUNT BROKE AWAY. COMPLAINT TWO: RUSTED ENGINE CRADLE CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT HALF SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM CENTER OF THE CAR CAUSING THE TO STOP MOVING FOREWORD AND LOSS OF STEERING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Nov 25, 2014
SEVERE RUST RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 25, 2014
2005 ESCAPE. LOAD BANGING IN RH REAR OVER EVEN VERY SMALL BUMPS. FOUND SHOCK TOWER IN WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED AWAY. TOP OF SHOCK NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING; MOVING AROUND FREELY. LOUD BANGING NOISE IS FROM THE TOP OF SHOCK HITTING THE BODY WHILE DRIVING. UNDRIVEABLE, SHOCK COULD PUNCH THROUGH THE BODY. LOCAL FRAME SHOP HAS REPAIRED SIX 2005'S IN THE PAST YEAR. COST WILL BE $1200, HOWEVER, PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. VEHICLE PARKED UNTIL THE PART CAN BE OBTAINED AND FIXED. *TR
Engine, Nov 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 23, 2014
SEVERE RUSTED OUT REAR WHEEL WELLS CAUSING THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TO BREAK. CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED NO RECALL FOR 2005 JUST THRU 2004 AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. STILL OWE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND NOT SURE WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST FOR LARGE REPAIR. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. LOOK UP THIS GOOGLE AND YOU WILL FIND TONS OF THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND POWER LOSS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2014
GAS PEDAL IS "FROZEN" LIKE WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND WILL NOT GO DOWN WHEN PUSHED ON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2014
GAS PEDAL STICKS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 16, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THIS ESCAPE IS COMPLETELY ROTTED. A LARGE PIECE OF THE BODY IN THE WHEEL WELL HAS BROKEN AWAY (AROUND 8X8) WITH THE SHOCK ATTACHED. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL HAS BEEN BOUNCING IN AND OUT OF THE INDOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT. I NOW HAVE NO SHOCK ABSORPTION ON THAT WHEEL. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE THAT SHARE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. FORD HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR PROBLEM. I WILL BE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH THE DEMAND THAT THIS BE FIXED AT A REASONABLE PRICE, CONSIDERING THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT THIS EFFECTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2014
HAVE TAKEN AUTO TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAVE GOTTEN A LOT OF DIFFERENT RESULTS. HAVE PAID QUITE A BIT STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AUTO COASTING THEN STALLING & CONKING OUT ALL TOGETHER. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN RECALL ON ISSUE.. THANK YOU *TR
Seats, Nov 15, 2014
PASSENGER SEAT GETS REAL HOT.,STARTS TO SMOKE HAVE TO SHUT IT OFF. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 13, 2014
RIGHT BACK SHOCK CAME THROUGH WHEEL WELL AND BROKE THROUGH INTERIOR OF CAR. CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO RUST. *TR
Structure, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCHBACK WINDOW, THE SCREW ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE HINGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS RUSTED AND THE SHOCK HAD PENETRATED THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Nov 9, 2014
TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 6, 2014
SEVERE RUST IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL- WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS. SHOCK IS ABOUT TO PUSH THRU THE RUST INTO THE INSIDE OF CAR. RUST WAS DISGUISED BY UNDERCOATING BY PREVIOUS OWNER OR DEALER. LOUD NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, ETC. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER QUARTER PANEL AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Suspension, Oct 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REGULAR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS WERE COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 30, 2014
HAD MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE IS SEVERE RUST ON UNDERCARRIAGE AND REAR WHEEL WELLS. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTING THROUGH. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THAT ONLY THE 2001-2004 MODELS ARE COVERED UNDER THE NEW RECALL AND TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS FOR ANY WORK I HAVE DONE TO FIX IT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH NO ACCIDENTS AND UNDER 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. *TR
Suspension, Oct 30, 2014
I HEARD A RATTLE IN RIGHT REAR OF ESCAPE. WHEN I INSPECTED THE RIGHT REAR, I FOUND THE WHEEL HOUSE AND SHOCK TOWER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE REST OF THE ESCAPE SHOWS NO RUST. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC NOT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. PARTS FOR THIS REPAIR ARE BACK ORDERED AND I CAN,T GET PART UNTIL DECEMBER AT THE SOONEST. *TR
Suspension, Oct 29, 2014
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY FORD ESCAPE 2005 STARTED TO MAKE LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM PASSENGER SIDE, BEHIND THE BACK SEAT. WHEN WE STOPPED THE STRUT HAD COMPLETELY BROKE AWAY FROM CAR BODY AND WAS LOOSE AND BANGING IN THE WHEEL WELL. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME A RECALL WAS DONE FOR 2000-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL IS AVAILABLE FOR THE 2005. FROM RECALL INFORMATION, IT IS THE EXACT SAME WHEEL -REAR PASSENGER SIDE IN ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND UNSAFE. *TR