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.
Service brakes, Jan 13, 2013
IN AUG 2012 WE WERE ON OUR WAY BACK FROM A VACATION AND OUR ABS LIGHT CAME ON, ALONG WITH A FLASHING 4X4 LIGHT. WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS OR WHAT TO DO. THE VEHICLE DROVE FINE AND STOPPED FINE, EXCEPT FOR A COUPLE OF TIMES IT FELT AS IF THE ABS ENGAGED ON DRY CEMENT. WE STOPPED TO EAT AND SHOP FOR A FEW HOURS AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF WHEN WE GOT BACK IN THE VEHICLE. THEY DIDN'T COME ON AGAIN UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO (JAN 2013). HOWEVER, I HAD BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY HUSBAND RECENTLY THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK RIGHT. I HIT ICE AND THE ABS DIDN'T ENGAGE ..NO LIGHT EITHER..BUT THE GRINDING SOUND ONCE IN AWHILE WAS STILL THERE. SO WE TOOK IT IN AND PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. CAME BACK WITH 2 CODES U2023 AND C1234. WHICH MEANS THE RIGHT FRONT TONE RING IS BAD. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. ALSO GOT UNDER THE TRUCK AND SURE ENOUGH THE TONE RING IS CRACKED AND SPINNING AROUND LOOSELY. THE SAFETY ISSUE HERE IS THE ABS WILL LOCK UP RANDOMLY ON DRY CEMENT WHEN YOU START TO APPLY YOUR BRAKES. WHICH THEN YOU CAN'T COMPLETELY CONTROL YOUR VEHICLES DIRECTION AND IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BREAK TO CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE, THEN YOU MAY HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL THE INFO I HAVE FOUND SO WHEN IT GETS REPAIRED THEY CAN'T SCREW ME OVER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 10, 2013
MY CAR'S GAS PEDAL FELT LIKE IT BECAME STUCK, ALMOST FEELING LIKE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN DRIVE. I WAS ON A HILL. THEN SUDDENLY IT SPED OFF FAST WITH A JOLT. OUR MECHANIC SAID IT NEEDS A NEW THROTTLE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON MY CAR'S MAKE & MODEL, IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING CONCERN. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE 476 CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND WOULD REFUSE TO ACCELERATE OVER 10 MPH. LUCKILY IT WAS EARLY ON A SUNDAY MORNING, AND NOT HIGH-TRAFFIC TIME, WE SUCCESSFULLY PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER. OUR MECHANIC HAS BEEN WORKING ON AND RESEARCHING THE ISSUE. TURNS OUT FORD IS AWARE AND HAS ISSUED A "SERVICE BULLETIN" THAT THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY, AND AFFECTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, SPARK PLUGS, AND COILS. A QUICK SEARCH ON CAR COMPLAINTS TOLD US WE WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES, AND IT APPEARS TO BE A TIME RATHER THAN MILEAGE FAILURE. WHILE MOST ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE MINIMUM $2,000 FIX, WE ARE THANKFUL IT DID NOT CAUSE HARM TO US OR ANYONE ELSE. HOW MANY 2005 FORD ESCAPES ARE ON THE ROADS THESE DAYS? *TR
Structure, Jan 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,319.
Engine, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE, THE CONNECTING COILS, AND SPARK PLUGS WOULD ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 3, 2013
THE GAS PEDAL IS "STICKING." IT WON'T DEPRESS. THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 2, 2013
AFTER LUCKILY JUST EXITING INTERSTATE 70, BUT ENTERING HIGHWAY 40 MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED WITH ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS INOPERATIVE (OBVIOUSLY INCLUDING POWER BRAKES, STEERING, ETC). THIS OCCURRED ON AN UPGRADE WITH A CITY BUS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME WHICH WAS FORCED TO SWERVE INTO THE ADJACENT LANE. AUTO WOULD NOT RESTART AND IT WAS TOWED TO A NEIGHBORING FORD DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ETC. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT AN "ELECTRICAL ENGINE MODULE" HAD BURNED OUT WHICH ALSO COMPLETELY FRIED ALL THE ENGINE COILS. (A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL TUNE-UP,ETC. HAD BEEN PERFORMED ABOUT A YEAR EARLIER). I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF A FORD INTERNAL MEMO INDICATING WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THE MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I HAD JUST EXITED AN INTERSTATE, BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS AND IT SEEMS THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM. THE COST NOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS $2600 AND I HAVE NO ASSURANCE THAT THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN WITH MORE SEVERE SQUEALED. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 2, 2013
I OWN A FORD ESCAPE 2005 FOUR DOOR 4WD THAT HAS BEEN EVERY 2-3 YEARS IN THE SHOP FOR COILS AND COMPUTER DAMAGE. FORD HAS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND THE PROBLEM IS THAT LAST FRIDAY I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JUST DIED WHILE I AM DRIVING IN A 50 MILE ZONED ROAD. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE SPOT. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WILL COST $2700 TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER THAT WAS SHORTED OUT DUE TO THE COILS GOING BAD - I HAD THE COILS CHANGED TWO TIMES SINCE 2007 FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FORD SRB 09.2.6 AND TSB 09-2-6 IGNITION COIL PROBLEM THAT SO MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING WITH THIS CAR - THE CAR STALLS ALWAYS WHEN DRIVING 50 OR MORE ON A MAIN ROAD OR HIGHWAY AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSE POWER ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO EVEN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO GLIDE YOUR CAR SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE TO THE STEERING LOCKING UP BECAUSE THE CAR DIES TOTALLY. THE COMPUTER CODES THAT SHOW UP ARE P0351 -P0354 AND SOME OTHER ONES THAT I DIDN'T WRITE DOWN WHEN I WAS TALKING TO THE THOMPSONS MECHANIC. I CANT BELIEVE THAT THIS YEAR AND MODEL WASN'T RECALLED - ACCORDING TO THOMPSONS, THERE IS A BACK ORDER FOR THE COMPUTER MODULE FOR THIS CAR, TWO WEEKS MINIMUM DUE TO SO MANY ESCAPES 2005 NEEDING THIS SAME COMPUTER BECAUSE IT WAS SHORTED OUT PREMATURELY AND UNSAFELY. IT NEVER HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRIVE LESS THAN 50 SO THIS IS STRANGE AND VERY DANGEROUS.I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REPAY US THE DAMAGES AND COSTS THAT US CUSTOMERS, HAVE DISHED OUT RECURRING EVERY 2-3 YEARS. COILS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED THAT MANY TIMES NOR SHOULD THE PLUGS AND ABSOLUTELY NOT THE COMPUTER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND MAKE FORD DO A RECALL AND RETROACTIVE SINCE THEY ALREADY HAVE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO OR REFUSE TO DO A MASS RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2013
SEVERAL TIMES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK TO THE POINT THAT I COULD STAND ON IT AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. IT HAPPENS MOST FREQUENTLY IN COLDER WEATHER BUT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CAR HAS NO EFFECT. THERE IS NO REAL PATTERN TO WHEN IT WON'T WORK. FORD RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY, HOWEVER AFTER RESEARCHING, THE THROTTLE BODY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS NORMALLY REPLACED AT THIS MILEAGE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2012
I WAS DRIVING UP TO A STOP LIGHT SO I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS AND TO THE BRAKE, BEFORE I COULD GET TO THE RED LIGHT IT CHANGED TO GREEN, I WENT TO PRESS ON THE GAS AND THE PEDAL WAS STUCK. IT WOULD NOT GO DOWN NOTHING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE BUSY HIGHWAY KEPT TRYING TO PRESS IT AND IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINS OF JUST SITTING THERE I TRIED IT AGAIN AND IT WENT DOWN WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN THE PRIOR YEARS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE 2004 AND BELOW. HOWEVER MY 2005 IS NOT RECALLED. IT IS NOW AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND I AM WAITING ON A COST ESTIMATE. THE VEHCILE DID TEND TO DO THIS FROM TIME TO TIME ONLY WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO BE REPAIRD AND WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT, IT WOUDN'T STICK FOR THEM SO NO ISSUE WAS FOUND FOR THEM TO REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Dec 26, 2012
INNER AND OUTER WHEEL HOUSES, AND QUARTER PANELS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED/CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SHOCK WAS PUSHING THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LOUD BANGING NOISES AND WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE LED TO INSPECTION BY PROFESSIONALS. VISIBLE HOLES IN THE WHEEL HOUSE AREA WERE DISCOVERED AT THIS TIME. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WAS JUST AS BADLY RUSTED/CORRODED. ALL PARTS LISTED ABOVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS BOTH SHOCKS, WHICH WERE ALSO DAMAGED DUE TO THEIR DETACHMENT FROM THE RUSTED AREAS. ALL WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, IMMEDIATELY, DUE TO THE DANGER OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE ANY FURTHER, THUS AVOIDING A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE EXPENSES WERE $3402.08. FORD WILL NOT COVER THESE EXPENSES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CAR ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES, AND IS OTHERWISE IN TOP CONDITION. THE DAMAGES SEEM EXCESSIVE AT THIS MILEAGE AND AGE. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER REPAIRS.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 19, 2012
MY DAUGHTERS 2005 ESCAPE STARTED MAKING A POUNDING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. NOT BEING A MECHANIC I THOUGHT IT WAS A SHOCK ABSORBER. AFTER A CLOSER INSPECTION I SAW THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME. I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE IT SLIGHTLY BY HAND. THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IS A HOLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE STORAGE AREA INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER CHECKING THE DRIVER SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT THERE IS ALSO A HOLE IN THE BODY IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT RIGHT NEXT TO THE GASOLINE FILLER NECK TUBE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN.PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO REMEDY THIS UNHEARD OF PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE SURELY TOOK A FEW YEARS TO PROGRESS THIS BAD.SAW A LOT OF OWNERS OF SAME VEHICLE WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 11, 2012
TOOK ESCAPE TO MECHANIC AFTER LOUD BANGING HEARD. RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS LARGE HOLE IN IT AND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED THROUGH, SOURCE OF THE BANGING. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM MOST LIKELY BEGAN PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF CAR. FORD FAILED TO INFORM US OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER MULTI-POINT INSPECTION 5 MONTHS AGO. CAR HAS HAD TWO OWNERS WITHIN SAME FAMILY. FORD QUOTED $2500 REPAIR WILL NOT REIMBURSE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT EVEN BE COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY, BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE "BODY" OF THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Dec 11, 2012
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD A LOUD BANGING IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAS ASSUMED THAT THE STRUT NEEDED REPLACED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION MY MECHANIC AND I NOTICED A TERRIBLE AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION TO REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL THAT HAS BOLTS ATTACHED TO STRUT. YOU CAN SEE INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE. I RESEARCHED RECALLS OF THESE PROBLEM AND FOUND NONE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ALTHOUGH HAS ME WORRIED ABOUT OTHER COMPLICATIONS THAT COULD ARISE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE THAT THE FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD ADDRESS POST HASTE. I FEAR THAT MY FAMILIES AND OTHERS LIVES ARE AT STAKE IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF SOON. *TR
Structure, Dec 7, 2012
WAS DRIVING AND HEARD INCREASING NOISE AND CLUNKING FROM BACK OF VEHICLE. WHEN HOME, PULLED THE RIGHT REAR INSIDE PANEL IN THE HATCH AREA. FOUND RUST PERFORMATION SURROUNDING THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT. THIS RUST WAS EXTENSIVE ON THIS ONE ENTIRE PANEL BUT PERFORATED SURROUNDING THE SHOCK MOUNT AREA. I COULD SEE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SURROUNDING PANELS APPEARED UNAFFECTED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AL PIEMONTE FORD IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL. THE RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $927.97. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL FAILURE FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. I WAS GLAD I WAS NOT ON HIGHWAY WHEN IT FAILED. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 4, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH AT NIGHT WHEN MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE STARTED JUMPING AND THEN COMPLETELY LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING. I IMMEDIATELY PUSHED THE FLASHER BUTTON AND COASTED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK THE VEHICLE BACK UP AND GET TO THE NEAREST EXIT AND CALL FOR HELP. THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND THE # 4 IGNITION COIL HAD BURNED UP. THANK GOD THERE WAS NOT AN 18 WHEELER KNOCKING ON MY BACK DOOR, WOULD NOT BE HERE TO COMPLAIN AND NO ONE WOULD HAVE EVER FIGURED OUT WHAT HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Dec 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A RUMBLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM AROUND THE CONSOLE AREA. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE RUMBLING NOISE THEN CEASED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE RUMBLING NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER AND ALL OF THE GEARS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,104.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 28, 2012
RECURRENT PROBLEM: THE SUDDEN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE BECAUSE THE GAS PEDAL WON'T BUDGE. THE THROTTLE CABLE IS BINDING SOMEWHERE. A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED ON OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE, BREAKING OFF BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE CABIN. (WE HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR THIS HARD-TO-PRESS-GAS-PEDAL PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR WAS VERY NEW, AND AT THE TIME THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT DISCOVER THE CAUSE AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM.) AFTER IT SNAPPED, THE CABLE WAS REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP AT OUR (CONSIDERABLE) EXPENSE. NOW THE GAS PEDAL IS ONCE AGAIN REFUSING TO BUDGE SEVERAL TIMES ON EACH DRIVE, AND WE HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN FOR INSPECTION. THE SUDDEN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF REAR-END COLLISIONS. IF THE THROTTLE CABLE BINDS AS YOU'RE MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, A HIGH SPEED REAR-END COLLISION COULD OCCUR. IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AS YOU'RE CROSSING A ROAD WHERE CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT HAVE TO STOP, YOU CAN BE A SITTING DUCK FOR A BROADSIDE COLLISION. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 26, 2012
DRIVING AT NIGHT ON FOUR-LANE US HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. WARNING LAMP CAME ON WITH STOP SAFELY NOW MESSAGE. SCARY IN TRAFFIC BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO SHOULDER WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AAA TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH DIAGNOSED STUCK OPEN CIRCUIT IN THROTTLE BODY. REPLACED PART 5M6Z*9E926*CA THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASY. PART $376.70 LABOR $262.50 SHOP FEE $2.50 SALES TAX $48.13 TOTAL $ 689.83 VERY EXPENSIVE BUT LUCKY TO NOT HAVE BEEN HURT. *TR
Engine, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, HE NOTICED A TICKING AND BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE NUMBER ONE PISTON WAS HITTING THE VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,939.
Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2012
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON US 41 SOUTH WHEN MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE JUST STARTED TO BUCK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I COULD NOT STEER OR START IT AGAIN AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN 18 WHEEL VEHICLE AND KILLED. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FLASHERS ON AND KEPT RETRYING TO START THE CAR TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND OTHERS THIS MORNING! THIS IS A FORD MOTOR COMPANY MECHANICAL ISSUE AND THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE AND CHOOSE TO NOT RECALL IT!! HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM THIS PROBLEM THAT WE ARE NOT AWARE OF??? I TOOK THE CAR AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THAT FORD ISSUED A BULLETIN ON THIS EXACT ISSUE AND HOW TO FIX IT! ONLY NOW, ITS GOING TO COST ME, THE CONSUMER $2000 OR MORE TO FIX!! I AM SO UPSET FROM IT, I AM ALMOST PAID OFF ON THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND BY THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 18, 2012
PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT IN QUESTION THE CAR HAD A FEW DAYS OF ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR INCLUDING HESITATION AND ROUGH IDLE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON CHRISTMAS EVE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH THE CAR LOST POWER AND ALTHOUGH I WAS TERRIBLY SCARED, I MANAGED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER FAILED (PCM) WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX HENCE THE REASON IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR. I AM A RETIRED WIDOW RAISING MY 12 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER FEELING STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE; NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIRS AND UNABLE TO DO THINGS WITHOUT A CAR. I SEE THAT MANY MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE, PLEASE HELP FORD FACE THEIR NEGLECT WITH REGARD TO THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2012
AFTER STARTING THE CAR, THE GAS PEDAL FELT LIKE IT HAD A BRICK UNDER IT. IT WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER THE CAR WARMED UP, IT WORKED AGAIN. DURING THE LAST MONTH, THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC, FORCING ME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SINCE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, SEVERAL TIMES IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHILE DRIVING RECENTLY, ON THE HIGHWAY, HOURS AFTER BEGINNING MY TRIP, THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK, FOR 2 OR 3 SECONDS, CAUSING ME GREAT CONCERN. NOW, EVERY MORNING I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES FOR THE PEDAL TO FREE ITSELF IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT STICKS OFF AND ON AT LEAST TWICE DURING THE WARM UP PERIOD. I DON'T HAVE EXACT DATES, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS INTERMITTENTLY AND HAS BEEN VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A FEW YEARS AGO, A TIME OR TWO, BUT THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. NOW IT IS A DAILY OCCURRENCE. THE COOLER TEMPERATURE SEEMS TO BE A FACTOR. I AM RELUCTANT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER SINCE I HAVE READ MANY POSTINGS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL GETTING THE PROBLEM CORRECTED, EVEN AFTER SPENDING A SIZEABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY. ADDITIONALLY, I CANT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT FORD HAS ANY IDEA HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 16, 2012
ON WAY HOME, CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING 35 MPH. COILS STARTED TO SMOKE. TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER AND WAS TOLD ALL COILS, PLUGS AND POWERTRAIN MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT $2500. RESEARCHED LEGITIMATE WEBSITES AND FOUND MANY OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM THAT HAD FIXED MORE THAN ONCE AT $2500. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT NHTSA ONLY RECALLS FOR SAFETY & EMISSIONS. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IF GOING A HIGH SPEED ON INTERSTATE AND CAR SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THANKFULLY MY KIDS WERE NOT IN CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH. WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS IT WAS STUCK I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD AND IT WAS STUCK. I HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OVER. *TR