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.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Oct 29, 2013
AFTER A RECENT ROAD TRIP, I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CHECKED ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, SPARE TIRE, JACK AND EVEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE BACK SEAT WAS SECURE. CLUNKING NOISE WAS THE SHOCK HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE. THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED, IT WAS RUSTED UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY. SO WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT WAS CLANKING AROUND. VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE SHOCK WOULD BREAK AND CAUSE A TIRE BLOW OUT OR WORSE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE AUTO BODY SHOP WHICH COST ME $900 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL IS DOING THE SAME THING AND I MAY NOT HAVE A FUEL TANK EVENTUALLY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND TAKEN CARE OF. I LOVE MY VEHICLE AND LOVE NOT HAVING A CAR PAYMENT TOO. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2013
HAD CAR IN THE SHOP FOR OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS NOTED BY THE MECHANIC THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING AND DETERIORATION. IN DANGER OF FAILING. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY PREVALENT AND DANGEROUS, WHY HAVE YOU NOT INSTITUTED A RECALL OR FORCED FORD MOTOR CO. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2013
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. IT HAD ONLY ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER HAVE FILLED IT WITH GAS SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE NOTICED THAT WE CANNOT KEEP THE NOZZLE ON FULL BECAUSE THE GAS BACKS UP IN THE FILLER TUBE AND THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUTS-OFF. SOMETIMES WE CAN'T EVEN PUT IT ON THE AUTOMATIC LOW. WE MUST SIT THERE AND KEEP SQUEEZING THE NOZZLE UNTIL IT SHUTS OFF, AND THEN SQUEEZE THE HANDLE AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ON THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT FORD INCORRECTLY DESIGNED THE FILLER TUBE. APPARENTLY IT IS TOO NARROW. SO NOW THEY HAVE A REDESIGNED TUBE THAT IS LARGER IN DIAMETER. BUT SINCE THIS CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, FORD WON'T FIX IT, AND THIS AIN'T SOME EASY INEXPENSIVE FIX...IT COSTS OVER $800 TO DO IT. YOU GOT TO DROP THE TANK. THE NEW CORRECT PART COSTS $300, AND THE LABOR IS ABOUT $500. WHAT YOU NHTSA FOLKS DON'T SEEM TO REALIZE IS THAT IS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD ALLOW CONSUMERS TO BE SPLASHED WITH GASOLINE IF THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILS, BECAUSE FUEL SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILS ALL THE TIME. I HAVE PERSONALLY WITNESSED THIS SEVERAL TIMES...WITH GAS OVERFLOWING OTHER PEOPLES CARS. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE MUST REMAIN AT THE CAR WHILE FILLING IT...THESE AUTOMATIC NOZZLES FAIL ALL THE TIME. THIS FUEL FILLING SYSTEM ISSUE IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, CONSUMERS MUST NOT BE REQUIRED TO RELY ON OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS, BECAUSE THOSE SYSTEMS WILL FAIL. FORD DESIGNED A DEFECTIVE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM, AND NHTSA MUST MAKE FORD FIX THEM, AT FORD'S EXPENSE' IF NHTSA IS UNWILLING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM UNREASONABLE RISK...THEN WHAT GOOD ARE THEY? ANYTHING THAT POTENTIALLY INVOLVES CONSUMERS GETTING SPLASHED WITH GASOLINE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD PERIOD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 25, 2013
1. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE BUT INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. 2. TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR TO LEAVE, THE GAS PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY STUCK LIKE THERE WAS AN INVISIBLE ROCK UNDER THE PEDAL. MY FRIEND FOLLOWED THE GAS PEDAL CABLE UNDER THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE BLACK COVER AND UN-FROZE (UN-STUCK) THE END OF THE CABLE SO I CAN AT LEAST GET THE CAR BACK HOME. I WAS UP-NORTH AT THAT TIME AND VERY SCARED DRIVING THE CAR HOME BECAUSE WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN I'M GOING AT A FREEWAY SPEED. I PROMPTLY LEASED A NEW CAR BECAUSE THESE TWO ISSUES SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. I STILL HAVE THE CAR BUT WOULD LIKE IT TO GET REPAIRED. I CONTACTED FORD HQS ON 10/25/2013 TO COMMUNICATE THE ISSUES I EXPERIENCED AND TO ASSIST IN RESOLUTION AS I DO KNOW THERE WERE RE-CALLS ON OTHER ESCAPES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THEY STATED MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE CARS UNDER RE-CALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I FURTHER EXPRESSED THAT THE CAR SHOULD AS THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH A 2005 ESCAPE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I RESEARCHED THE WEB. SHE STATED IF THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE I WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL. I ASKED IS THERE ANYONE ELSE I COULD ACCELERATE THIS ISSUE TO AND SHE STATED MY ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED IN THE SYSTEM. THE REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE IS VERY EXPENSIVE. WHY IS THE RE-CALL NOT COVERED ON 2005 ESCAPES BUT ON 2004 ESCAPES? MY 2005 ESCAPE WAS ACTUALLY BUILT IN 2004. ACCORDING TO FORD HQS, MY VIN# DOES NOT COME UP FOR THE RE-CALL!!! CAN YOU HELP ME OUT ON THIS AND FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE? JUST SEARCH THE WEB AND YOU WILL SEE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND DANGERS OF THIS. THANK YOU. *TR
Wheels, Oct 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COLLIDE WITH THE PLASTIC PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Structure, Oct 16, 2013
THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CARRIER IS COMPLETELY ERODED WITH THE VEHICLE BEING DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EXTENSIVE STRUCTURAL/BODY WORK TO REPAIR. THIS ISSUE IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO FAULTY MATERIAL USED BY FORD AS THE OTHER WHEEL CARRIERS AND THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE INTERNET BUT FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALLING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A MIRACLE THAT WE WERE NOT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT CONDITION AND ONLY TOOK IT IN WHEN THE ISSUE BECAME KNOWN WHEN A LOUD NOISE STARTED AS THE FRAME WAS COLLAPSING DUE TO THE LACK OF SUPPORT. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AND AS THE ONLY OWNER KNOW THAT NO ACCIDENT OR ISSUE OTHER THAN FAULTY MATERIAL COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CORROSION. FORD IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS NO PLANS TO REVIEW FURTHER OR ISSUE A RECALL TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 15, 2013
DRIVING AT 8AM BETWEEN BOULDER, CO AND LONGMONT, CO, ON OCTOBER 15TH, 2013. THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 30 DEGREES, WHICH IT HAD BEEN AROUND FOR THE WHOLE DRIVE, ABOUT 45 MINUTES AT THAT POINT. I HAD JUST COME DOWN FROM ABOUT 8000FT ELEVATION TO ABOUT 5000FT ELEVATION (WITH A GOOD BIT OF UP AND DOWN AND SOME BUMPY ROADS IN BETWEEN), BUT HAD BEEN AT THAT ELEVATION ON CITY STREETS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THERE HAD BEEN LIGHT SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS, BUT NONE ONCE I WAS ON THE PLAINS. I HAD BEEN RUNNING MY REAR DEFROST OFF AND ON (THOUGH I DIDN'T NOTICE IF IT WAS ON OR OFF AT THE EXACT TIME OF THE INCIDENT), AS WELL AS HEAT AND FRONT DEFROST. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A SMOOTH HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE, THEN SAW THAT MY REAR WINDOW WAS GONE, COMPLETELY SHATTERED. I HAD OPENED THE REAR WINDOW TO LOAD THE CAR BEFORE LEAVING. *TR
Suspension, Oct 11, 2013
A LOUD, STARTLING BANG OCCURRED. THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAD RUSTED OUT, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH NO RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER. THERE IS ALSO A GAPING HOLE PRODUCED THAT EXPOSES THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE TO DANGEROUS ACCELERATED ROAD DEBRIS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 11, 2013
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 50 MPH, THEN WITHOUT WARNING, SIMULTANEOUSLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY QUIT RUNNING. *TR
Suspension, Oct 9, 2013
RIGHT SIDE (PASS) SHOCK MOUNT/INNER FENDER AREA COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. UPPER SHOCK MOUNT DISENGAGED WITH THE VEHICLE CAUSING LOUD BANGING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. UNSTABLE DRIVING AS SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 8, 2013
THUMPING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR OF CARGO DECK. UPON INTERIOR INSPECTION, NO LOOSE ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, NO LOOSE PANELS, AND JACK WAS NOT LOOSE. UPON EXTERIOR INSPECTION NOTICED RUSTED OUT PORTION OF WHEEL WELL. CAN SEE INTO INTERIOR (BACK OF INTERIOR PANEL, CARPETING, ETC.). SEEMS THAT THUMPING IS DUE TO WHEEL OR SUSPENSION PARTS BEING IMPROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO CORROSION OF/IN AREA OF WHEEL WELL. SPECIFICALLY, SHOCK AND/OR LARGE COIL SPRING ARE HITTING INTERIOR PANEL(S) OF VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Oct 8, 2013
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD ESCAPE FOR A FEW MONTHS. GENERALLY WHEN AT A STOP MY ENGINE WOULD REV REALLY HIGH. AFTER THIS WENT ON FOR AWHILE NOW WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE OR AT A STOP THE IDLING GOES SO LOW I'M AFRAID IT'S GOING TO STALL. I HAVE HAD A MECHANIC TEST IT AND PUT IT ON AN ANALYZER BUT THE ANALYZER DOESN'T SHOW A PROBLEM. I FINALLY HAD THE THROTTLE MOTOR REPLACED BUT IT IS STILL IDLING TOO LOW AT TIMES. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND SEEMS TO BE NO RHYME OR REASON WHEN IT WILL START DOING IT. I'M AT A LOSS ON HOW TO FIX IT BUT IT'S PRETTY UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING AT TIMES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 30, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. THIS MAKES IT A HUGE SAFETY FACTOR BECAUSE AT ANYTIME THE SHOCKS CAN BREAK FREE AND BUST UPWARD INTO MY TRUCK. I TOOK MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS HE HAD SEEN 4-5 2005 FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS ALL THE SAME RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS A FACEBOOK PAGE WITH 195000 MEMBERS FOLLOWING IT SO I KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. PROBLEM IS THAT HALF OF THE COUNTRY IS NOT IN AN AREA THAT HAS RUST. SO SOUTHERN FORD ESCAPE OWNERS ARE NOT GOING TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS. THIS CANNOT BE IGNORED BECAUSE NOT ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WOULD SHOW YOU THAT ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPES WOULD HAVE THIS IF PUT TO THE SAME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. THIS NEEDS A RECALL. IT IS AN EASY FIX. FORD ALREADY FIXED IT WITH THE NEWER MODELS. JUST WELD IN A NEW RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THIS IS FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS A REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, BUT THE ENVIRONMENT IS WHAT IS SAVING THIS FROM BEING A NATIONAL ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Sep 29, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL ROTTED LEAVING THE REAR SHOCK SUPPORT UNSECURED MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE VEHICLE. DOES NOT APPEAR THAT FORD WANTS TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY MANUFACTURING AND/OR MATERIALS. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY ESCAPE ON AN EXPRESSWAY IT SUDDENLY STARTED 'CHUGGING' AND DIED. I WAS LUCKY THERE WASN'T A LOT OF TRAFFIC - IT HAPPENED AT 11:30PM. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE IS IN A FORD SERVICE DEALER NOW BEING REPAIRED AT A COST OF $2564. THEY ARE REPLACING THE PCM, COILS AND PLUGS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT THAT FORD DOES NOT COVER. THIS IS COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL FORTUNATE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN DURING RUSH HOUR OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD FOR NOT BACKING THEIR PRODUCT AND WILL NOT OWN ANOTHER ONE. *LN UPDATED 1/10/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2013
ABS LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON AND I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP, THERE WAS NO ABS LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR. MECHANIC SAID THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND POSSIBLY THE HCU. BUT THEY DON'T KNOW IF THAT WILL FIX IT. *JS
Engine, Sep 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, WHICH BEGAN DRIVING ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, COIL ASSEMBLY AND THE SPARK PLUG GASKET WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Structure, Wheels, Sep 20, 2013
NOTICED A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. LOOKED IN WHEEL WELL AND IT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. YOU CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH THE CAR. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN MANY EXACT SCENARIOS. SHOCK IS ATTACHED IN A WAY THAT IT RUBS AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING CORROSION.. NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE AND IT IS STORED IN THE GARAGE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE GIVEN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. IN LOOKING FURTHER IN TO THIS IT IS A COMMON COMPLAIN. CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. A RECALL IS NEEDED AS THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE WHEEL CAN FALL RIGHT OFF = AND THAT WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Structure, Sep 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL, STRUTS AND SHOCKS WERE SEPARATED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Structure, Sep 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE COULD HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT UPON INSPECTION THE CAR WAS CORRODED UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE UNDER BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 125,000. .... UPDATED 10-17-13 *BF UPDATED 10/24/2013 *JS
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 14, 2013
THIS SAFETY ISSUE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY BOTH THE NHTSA AND FORD: 61 NHTSA COMPLAINTS FILED TO DATE: '04- 16; '05- 45. VEHICLE TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. SERVICE NOTIFIED THAT A FORWARD LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FAILING, NO OTHER DEFECTS WERE NOTED IN THE DETAILED VISUAL INSPECTION. IT WAS REPLACED TWO DAYS LATER. THE FOLLOWING DAY OF THE REPAIR, ON A DAILY COMMUTE BETWEEN TOL TO DTW, THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. VEHICLE BEGAN DOG-TRACKING. INITIAL INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL THE HIDDEN DAMAGE CAUSED BY CORROSION AT THE WELDED SEAMS OF THE INNER WHEEL WELL DUE TO AN UNDERBODY COATING. UPON REMOVING THE UNDERCOATING, VERY EASILY BY HAND, TWO LARGE SECTIONS REMOVED, REVEALED THE SHOCK WAS PENETRATING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS NO LONGER BEING STRUCTURALLY SUPPORTED BY THE VEHICLES UNI-BODY FRAME. THE LARGE SECTIONS REMOVED WOULD HAVE CAUSED TIRE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BY PUNCTURE OR HAZARD TO OTHER FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THE SEPARATION OF THE SHOCK TOWER FROM THE BODY, DID CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO JERK AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, CREATING A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND CAUSING POTENTIAL HAZARD AS THE VEHICLE STEERED INTO OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70 MPH). THE VEHICLE IS RENDERED INOPERABLE DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC NATURE OF THE FAILURE. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE REPAIRING THE STRUCTURE AND NOT AWARE OF ANY MANUFACTURE RECALLS. IN CONTACTING THEIR SISTER DEALERSHIP, THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THIS DEFECT, AND CONTINUED ON STATING THIS FAILURE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2004 - 2006 ESCAPES. THE FAILED PANEL IS AVAILABLE, P/N:PART 7L827827886A. A REINFORCEMENT PIECE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. SEE EXAMPLE PICTURE HERE: HTTP://IMAGESHACK.US/A/IMG854/6430/WHEELWELL2.JPG FACEBOOK SITE CONCERNING THIS SAFETY ISSUE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108. *TR
Engine, Sep 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR CENTER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS, COILS, COMPUTER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Sep 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO KNOCK AGAINST THE FRAME. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE ENTIRE QUARTER PANEL AND INSIDE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Engine, Sep 12, 2013
THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN GOT IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. TOLD ME IT WAS THE PCM, 6 COILS AND SPARK PLUGS ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACE ($2K TO FIX). I CALLED FORD THEY SEEM TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. TOLD ME EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS AN 05 IT WAS MADE IN 04 SO THEY COULD NOT HELP. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROGRAM TO FIX THIS ISSUE HAD TO BE WITHIN 8 YEARS AND 80K MILES. BAD SPARK PLUGS ARE TO BLAME. I DISAGREED 05 TO 2013 IS 8 YEARS, THEY SAY NO BECAUSE IT WAS MADE 10/14/04 SO IT WOULD PUT ME AT 9 YEARS 71K MILES. I ARGUED IT WAS SOLD IN 05 AND THAT IS WHAT THEY SHOULD GO BY, THEY DISAGREED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND VEHICLE. *TR
Hybrid propulsion system, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A RED TRIANGLE ILLUMINATED WITH A MESSAGE TO STOP SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERVICE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE BULLETIN, THE PROGRAM INVOLVED INSTALLING A SERVICE HARNESS IN THE HIGH-VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY AND REPROGRAMMING THE BATTERY CONTROL MODULE. UPDATED 11/06/13 UPDATED 11/29/13*LJ