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, Jun 25, 2019
ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE FENDER WELLS AND ON THE AREA AROUND WHERE YOU PUT GAS IN IT FALLING COMPLETELY APART AT A VERY RAPID SPEED, THE FENDER ON THE AREA OF THE GAS CAP IS FALLING APART LOST PART OF THE THIS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK
Suspension, Jun 5, 2019
DRIVING TO A STOP LIGHT, I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND MY FRONT K-FRAME FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AT THE LOWER A-FRAME.
Service brakes, May 31, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JERRY'S FORD ALEXANDRIA (6510 LITTLE RIVER TURNPIKE, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312, (703) 256-5000), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, May 24, 2019
RUSTED REAR SHOCK MOUNT, BAD SUSPENSION CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND ONE OF THE TIRES BECAME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD LINCOLN OF ALEXANDRIA (7400 ALEXANDRIA PIKE, ALEXANDRIA, KY 41001, (859) 448-9400) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Structure, Apr 17, 2019
2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED SUBFRAME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. *JS
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2019
FORD RECALL
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 9, 2019
TAKATA RECALL THE 01 THRU 04 WERE RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM THE FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED IN TO CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO WONDER ALL OVER IF DROVE ANY MORE WOULD HAVE CAUSE A SERIOUS WRECK I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED THAT IT FELT LIKE THE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMING OFF LUCKILY I WAS ONLY A COUPLE MILES FROM HOME THE DAY BEFORE I TOOK MY GRANDSON TO CHARLESTON WV TO MEET HIS MOM IF IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN ON I 77 AT 70 PLUS MILES AN HR COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC IT BEING THE SAME ISSUE WITH EARLY MODELS AND FORD SENT A BAR TO TRY N FIX IT A JOKE JUST LEARN THIS ON INTERNET
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE "STOP SAFELY" WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. MANTECA FORD (555 N MAIN ST, MANTECA, CA 95336, (209) 239-3561) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED IN ORDER TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2019
CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING MESSAGE ON DASH SAYS TO STOP SAFELY NOW CAR WILL START UP AGAIN AFTER WAITING A WHILE. CAR STOPPED WHILE ON FREEWAY BARELY MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 21, 2019
BEGAN HEARING TERRIBLE NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AND FRAME WERE RUSTED OUT. AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT TOWER, STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS DUE TO FRAME BEING RUSTED OUT. NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND IT IS HEADED TO THE SCRAP YARD.
Suspension, Mar 5, 2019
I WAS CHECKING TO SEE IF MY FORD POSSIBLY HAD A RECALL WITH THE ISSUE I AM HAVING AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING. MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL ALSO HAS RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COME LOOSE AND IT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED AND WHILE DRIVING IS MOVING AROUND IN WHAT SOUNDS LIKE MY TRUNK. I HONESTLY CANNOT BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL THESE SAME ISSUES I AM READING THIS IS NOT A RECALL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2019
THERE WERE A FEW INCIDENTS WHERE MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS STATIONARY/ IN PARK AND IT SAID THAT MY CAR WAS IN REVERSE. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE SOMETIMES IT WOULD GO INTO DRIVE. THERE WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT WHERE I WAS IN PARK AND MY CAR RANDOMLY WENT FROM PARK TO REVERSE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO PARK ON ITS OWN. LASTLY, WHEN I TRY TO REVERSE IT WOULD NOT REVERSE AND STAY IN NEUTRAL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 19, 2019
THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE(AND OTHERS ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET) COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH AND IT JUST SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND 2 CARS NARROWLY MISSED ME. IT JUST COMPLETELY KILLED W/O ANY NOTICE WHICH IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION BECAUSE I, OR SOMEONE ELSE,COULD'VE EASILY HAVE BEEN HURT.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN TRAVELING ON AN INCLINE. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHIICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER A FEW MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CABLE CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Service brakes, Jan 29, 2019
WHILE COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL PASS THE STOP SIGN. FLOORING THE BRAKES CAUSED THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN SLOWLY. I ENDED UP PULLING OVER IMMEDIATELY, TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. I SAW NO CLEAR INDICATION OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG. WHEN I TURNED BACK ON THE VEHICLE EVERYTHING WAS FINE, UNTIL THE SAME THING HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FEW CAR SHOPS BUT NO ONE COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE CAR WAS EVEN TAKEN FOR A TEST DRIVE BY THE MECHANIC BUT PERFORMED WITH NO PROBLEMS. ONE OF THE SHOPS RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER OR THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE PROBLEM WOULD NEVER OCCUR AGAIN. I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE PAYING SO MUCH FOR A NON GUARANTEED JOB SO UNFORTUNATELY I AM STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES CONTINUES TO STOP WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES.
Engine, Jan 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 5 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND STALLED LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT COMPLETED THE SAME PROCESS UNTIL SHE WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY ARRIVE HOME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2019
EXCESSIVE WHEEL WELL/SHOCK TOWER RUST LOCATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN DRIVING; BROUGHT IT TO MY GARAGE; THEY SHOWED ME THE PICTURES OF HUGE GAPS IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE WAS A RECALL ON FORD ESCAPES (2001-2004) BUT FORD FORGOT TO DO A RECALL ON THE 2005 ESCAPE MODEL. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE.
Structure, Jan 12, 2019
HEARD A LOUD SCRATCHING NOISE FROM REAR OF CAR. UPON INSPECTION, ENTIRE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND STRUT HAS BEEN PUSHED THROUGH INTO REAR SEAT AREA. IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FORD DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COSTLY TO FIX. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL FORD, AND THEY LISTENED TO MY COMPLAINT AND ISSUED ME A CASE NUMBER. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING. I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT RUNS LIKE A TOP, LOADED WITH FEATURES, NEW TIRES AND IS WORTH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE DEALER TOLD ME HAD SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER 2005 ESCAPES AND THEY ARE COST PROHIBITIVE TO REPAIR. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2000-2004 MODELS BUT NOT 2005. DEALER TOLD ME IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT, EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL WILL BE SUCKED ALL THE WAY INTO THE BACK SEAT-TRUNK AREA AND I COULD BE KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 3, 2019
THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS. HAD 1700 DOLLARS OF WORK TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THE BRAKES WENT OUT ON ME YESTERDAY. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE WORK. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE BRAKES FAILED ON HWY 19 FL. PULLED OVER ,TURNED THE CAR OFF LIKE WHAT I READ ONLINE ABOUT THIS TYPE A VEHICLE, STARTED UP AND THE BRAKES WERE BACK' TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED IT. WHEN IS FORD GOING TO PUT A RECALL ON THIS, WHEN SOMEONE DIES.OF COURSE HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AND IT HAS LOW MILEAGE..
Suspension, Structure, Dec 29, 2018
THE ESCAPE STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS WHILE DRIVING IT ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND WAS BANGING LIKE SOMETHING BROKE LOOSE. WE THOUGHT THE SHOCKS BROKE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION WE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD CAME OFF BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING FOR IT TO ATTACH TO. WE HAVE THE CAR PARKED BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. OUR DAUGHTER HAD JUST PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2017 FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER. I HAVE RESEARCHED BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS AND THERE VERY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES WITH DIFFERENT YEAR ESCAPES.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 29, 2018
THE RIGHT REAR "WHEELHOUSE PANEL" RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BECOME DETACHED AND NON-FUNCTIONAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED RIDE AND HANDLING CONCERNS WHICH AFFECTED VEHICLE SAFETY. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, ~ $1,500.00.
Suspension, Dec 7, 2018
RIGHT REAR STRUT MOUNT SEVERELY RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SHOCK ABSORBER COULD COME THRU RUSTED MOUNT ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE. MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOICE WHEN DRIVING. I TALKED TO BODY SHOP SAID FORD ESCAPES ARE RENOWN FOR WALKER SITTING AND RUSTING OUT THESE REAR RIGHT MOUNTS. THE BODY SHOP SAID TFSTVFORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SERIOUS UNSAFE DEFECT.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2018
DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE MY 05 ESCAPE BEGAN TO SKIP,STALL & DIED, ANTI THEFT LIGHT CAME ON. I DRIVE FOR 20 MILES SLOW WITH IT SKIPPING AND STALLING. WHEN I LEFT OFF ON GAS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN UNTIL I MADE IT TO SAFE PLACE. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FOR REPAIR ON STATE HWY IT STALLED AND WENT DEAD. FORD DEALERSHIP REPROG KEYS- REPAIRED DRIVE OFF, BARELY OFF THE LOT AND IT QUIT AGAIN. NOW I SEE THIS IS A MANUFACTURES ISSUE WITH 05 ESCAPES AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH. NEW FORD DIAGNOSIS- NEW PLUGS & COIL PACK, INTAKE GASKET. 170,000 MILES. MY ALARM RANDOMLY GOES OFF TOO WHICH COULD BE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. FORD MOTOR IS LIABLE IF SOMEONE'S VEHICLE STALLS AND IS KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THEY KNOW ABOUT BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALLED.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2018
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FLEX PIPE AT EXACTLY ONCE A YEAR, EVERY OCTOBER FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS. I THINK THIS MAY BE SOMETHING TO LOOK INTO. ALSO THE REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTING OUT ALONG WITH SHOCKS. I ONCE AGAIN HAVE HOLES IN THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL