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.
Structure, Apr 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED AND THE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Suspension, Apr 25, 2014
RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNT DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WELL BECAUSE OF EXTREME CORROSION AND PERFORATION OF WHEEL WELL SHEET METAL. *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILLAGE WAS 84,000.
Structure, Apr 21, 2014
THE REAR WHEELHOUSE SIDE PANEL AND THE STRUT ASSEMBLY AT THE PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED TOTALLY AND BROKE. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT SEEMS THAT THE WHEELHOUSE WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL RECENTLY IT BECAME AVAILABLE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS MOSTLY BEEN USED IN THE GREAT LAKES AREA WHERE SNOW IS HEAVY AND SALT COULD HAVE WORSENED THE PROBLEM, BUT SO MANY CASES OF RUSTED WHEELHOUSE AT THE SAME PLACE INDICATE THAT THIS COULD BE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 21, 2014
RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED COMPLETELY THOUGH ALLOWING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO TEAR AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR
Wheels, Apr 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPX 70 MPH I HEARD A BEEP AND AT THE SAME TIME THE DASH INDICATED A WRENCH, AND MESSAGE TO STOP SAFELY NOW, AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE MESSAGE WAS NO LONGER ON THE DASH AND THE CAR DROVE NORMALLY FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS WENT ON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL I COULD GET TO A PLACE WHERE I FELT SAFE TO STOP. BROUGHT THE CAR IN AND THEY REPLACED THE HYBRID COOLING PUMP. NOW, 1 YR LATER THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING AGAIN. WAS DRIVING APPX 50 MPH AND SAME BEEP, MESSAGE AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THIS TIME I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME TO BE ABLE TO RESTART AND GET HOME SAFELY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2014
TWO REGULAR ONGOING ISSUES......WHEN DRIVING, IF FOOT IS TAKEN OFF GAS PEDAL TO EASE UP SPEED, GAS PEDAL THEN STICKS AS IF SOMETHING IS BLOCKING IT (NOTHING IS BLOCKING), NO AMOUNT OF PRESSING WILL MOVE IT, AFTER SOME SECONDS OR A MINUTE, IT WILL FUNCTION AGAIN. HAPPENS MOST OFTEN WHEN COLD, OR WHEN JUST STARTING OUT. CAR CONTINUES TO DECELERATE UNTIL THE GAS PEDAL BEGINS TO FUNCTION AGAIN. SECOND ISSUE.......ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODE P0455 IS ON MOST OF THE TIME, GAS CAP LOOSE LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON , REPLACING GAS CAP DID NOT HELP. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 18, 2014
REAR WHEEL HOUSE/ STRUT MOUNT TOTALLY RUSTED OFF. I WORK AT A DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF ESCAPES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WE SEE APPROX 5 OF THESE A YEAR OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS. THAT ISN'T COUNTING THE ONES WE CAN'T VISUALLY INSPECT DIE TO THE THICK TAR FORD SPRAYED ON THE WHEEL WELL TO DEADEN SOUND AND PREVENT CORROSION. *TR
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2014
THE ENTIRE SHOCK TOWER ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAD RUSTED OUT. THE SHOCK HAS NOTHING TO HOLD ON TO. I AM TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ON LINE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I THINK THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY.
Structure, Apr 16, 2014
FRONT END K SUB-FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. THIS VEHICLE IS TOO NEW AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL, BUT ALREADY HAS A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME. THIS IS A STRUCTURAL ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS TO SEPARATE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION...UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 07/1/2014 *JS
Structure, Apr 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Wheels, Apr 15, 2014
RIGHT REAR SHOCK BECAME DETACHED FROM UNDERBODY OF CAR CREATING HAZARDOUS CONDITION DUE TO ADVANCED RUST THROUGH.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE SHE DROVE AT 35 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICK TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 48,000.
Structure, Apr 14, 2014
NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT REAR, REPAIR SHOP LOOKS BEHIND TIRE AND FINDS REAR PANEL WHERE SHOCK IS ATTACHED ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. COST TO REPAIR IS 2500 - 3500 DOLLARS. FORD WON'T COVER ANY OF COST. CAR IS NOT EVEN 9 YEARS OLD,UNBELIEVABLE! THIS IS A DANGER, WAITING TO KILL SOMEONE WHEN THE WHOLE THING FALLS OFF. CARS SHOULD NOT RUST THIS BAD, ESPECIALLY IN ONLY ONE SPECIFIC AREA. NOW DECIDING TO GET RID OF MY 2012 ESCAPE BEFORE I HAVE ISSUES WITH IT. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Apr 14, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED. YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FROM REAR FENDER WELL. FRAME IS ALSO BEGINNING TO CRACK IN THIS AREA TOO. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND YEAR. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR FORD TO REALIZE THIS IS A DEFECT. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR EVEN A LOSS OF LIFE IF NOTHING IS DONE. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT WAS DRIVEN DAILY SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Apr 14, 2014
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND NOTICED A BANGING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WE TOOK IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE METAL IN THE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTING AWAY. THE SHOCK MOUNT CAME LOOSE AND UPON FURTHER REVIEW THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS BAD. THE SHOP TELLS ME THEY'VE SEEN MANY SIMILAR ISSUES IN THE 04-06 ESCAPES. OURS IS IN BAD SHAPE AND NOT WORTH THE $5000 IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR. THERE IS VERY LITTLE SURFACE RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. IN LOOKING AROUND I'VE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL. IT'S CRIMINAL THAT THESE VEHICLES ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND INSTEAD OF STEPPING UP AND DOING THE RIGHT THING, FORD IGNORES IT AND ALL OF US OWNER'S ARE OUT A LOT OF MONEY THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. *JS
Structure, Apr 13, 2014
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH ABOUT 100,000 MILES. I STARTED HEARING A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE ENTIRE REAR WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED COMPLETELY OUT AND I THINK THE SHOCKS ARE EXPOSED. I DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT CARS BUT I KNOW THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING. I SEE THAT FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING FOR VEHICLES FROM 2001-2004. 2005 SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THAT RECALL. PLEASE NOTE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND PLEASE REQUEST A RECALL. *JS
Suspension, Apr 13, 2014
DRIVING HIT A SMALL BUMP THEN STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING IN BACK PASSENGER WHEEL. PULL OVER TO LOOK THE HOLE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED OUT. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Apr 12, 2014
WHEEL HOUSE ROTTED OUT SHOCK/SPRING BROKE THRU WHEEL HOUSE HITTING ON HYBRID BATTERY. *JS
Structure, Apr 12, 2014
MY 2005 ESCAPE IS NOW JUNK, ACCORDING TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND ONE BODY SHOP. WHEN I HIT A BUMP THERE WOULD BE A LOUD NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE.THE RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER HAS RUSTED THROUGH BEYOND REPAIR. THE SHOCK TOWER IS ADJACENT TO THIS. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. THE LEFT REAR IS SHOWING SIGNS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS MADE FROM INFERIOR METAL AND/OR A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I HEARD THAT MAZDA MADE THE ESCAPE FOR FORD. THE MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *JS
Suspension, Apr 12, 2014
VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE EVERYTIME YOU HIT A BUMP. WHEN INVESTIGATED FOUND THAT RIGHT BACK WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT SHOCK HAD COME TOTALLY LOOSE. DID INVESTIGATION AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. WONDERING IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE WHY HAVE THESE MODELS NOT BEEN RECALLED? DEFINATELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *JS
Suspension, Apr 11, 2014
RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BROKE AWAY FROM FENDER WELL DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST IN SURROUNDING AREA. *JS
Structure, Apr 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A NEW SUB FRAME WAS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.