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.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2012
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PRESS AND SOMETIMES CANNOT BE PRESSED DOWN AT ALL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2012
THIS VEHICLE WILL GO INTO "FAIL-SAFE" MODE, WHICH SHUTS THE IC ENGINE OFF WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS VERY INTERMITTENTLY AND NOT IN ANY CONSISTENT PATTERN. ONCE IT HAPPENS, IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR UNLESS THE CAR COOLS OFF COMPLETELY. HAPPENS ONLY WHEN CAR IS USED FOR LONG TRIPS. MULTIPLE FAULT CODES SHOW UP ON THE COMPUTER, AND BASED ON THOSE FAULT CODES, I'VE HAD THE HYBRID COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, THE AIR FILTER FOR THE BATTERIES REPLACED, AND THE FANS THAT COOL THE BATTERY REPLACED. I'VE HAD MULTIPLE TRIPS TO BOTH FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE AND EXCELLENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS (WHO WERE BLOCKED ON THE FORD TECHNICAL WEBSITE, EVEN THOUGH THESE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS SUBSCRIBE, FROM FINISHING THEIR RESEARCH INTO REPAIR OPTIONS) WITH THE FINAL RESULTS THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR IT. OTHER THAN THIS PROBLEM, IT'S A VERY NICE VEHICLE....... BUT, I'M VERY NERVOUS THAT THIS SHUT-DOWN WILL OCCUR IN FAST, HEAVY TRAFFIC WHERE I CANNOT GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND CAUSE A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE...... INCLUDING MY OWN OR MY FAMILY. I CANNOT KEEP THIS VEHICLE LONGER...... BUT, IF I TRADE IT OFF.... IT'S ONLY GOING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE FOR FORD. GO ONLINE, AND YOU CAN FIND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SEVERAL OF WHICH HAVE HAD TERRIFYING EXPERIENCES WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, MOST OF MY DRIVING WITH THIS VEHICLE IS ON 2-LANE STATE HIGHWAYS WHERE I CAN PULL OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IN THE MIDDLE OF 80-MPH LA TRAFFIC ON A 6 LANE FREEWAY..... IN THE MIDDLE LANE...... I SHUDDER TO THINK. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER, 2011, AND WILL BE GIVING SOMEONE ELSE THE PROBLEM SOON, AS I CANNOT CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY ON A VEHICLE THAT NO ONE IS CAPABLE OF FIXING, AND I CANNOT KEEP IT WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 5, 2012
[XXX] 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLS, FWD HAD ISSUE WITH THROTTLE BODY. IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I WOULD HAVE TO STOP THE GAS PEDAL JUST TO MAKE IT ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED STATE. THIS FIRST HAPPENED BACK IN NOVEMBER OF 2011, AND NOW I CAN FEEL IT START TO GET TO THAT POINT AGAIN... I WAS ABLE TO CLEAN IT LAST YEAR WITH B-12 CHEMTOOL WHICH TOOK CARE OF IT RIGHT AWAY. IT WAS COMPLETELY GUNKED BUT WORKED LIKE NEW ONCE I HAD IT CLEANED. GUESS IT IS TIME TO DO THIS AGAIN... I FIGURED I WOULD REPORT THIS AFTER SEEING A NEWS ARTICLE ON ABC REGARDING THE EXACT SAME THINGS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID FROM DRIVER'S WORLD IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, AND FOUND SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES THE MINUTE I DROVE OFF THE LOT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRST STOP SIGN LEAVING THE USED CAR DEALERSHIP, I GENTLY PRESSED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND FELT AS THOUGH THE ABS WAS LOCKING UP PREVENTING ME FROM EVEN SLOWING DOWN. WHEN I LET OFF OF THE BRAKES AND PRESSED THEM AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE JUST FINE. I FIGURED IT MAY HAVE BEEN A FLUKE, SO I CONTINUED DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS FROM VIRGINIA BEACH TO MIDLOTHIAN. I STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT IN MIDLOTHIAN WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT BOTH CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ROLLING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR 2 MILES IN THIS CONDITION OF HAVING TO PRESS THE BRAKES EXTREMELY HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND THE PROBLEM HAD GONE AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DRIVER'S WORLD 36 HOURS LATER. DRIVER'S WORLD KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AND CLAIMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER THEIR 30DAY/1000MILE WARRANTY THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS OR GIVE A REFUND. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM DRIVER'S WORLD, AND AT THE FIRST STOP LIGHT I CAME TO THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO DRIVER'S WORLD, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND ERROR CODES C1471 AND C1472, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY MEANT SO THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ON THE WAY TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE WAS ONE OCCASION WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND FELT AGAIN THAT THE ABS WAS LOCKING UP PREVENTING ME FROM EVEN SLOWING DOWN. I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PRESSED IT AGAIN, AND I STOPPED JUST FINE. AT THIS TIME FORD STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AND IS ATTEMPTING TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2012
BRAKES BECAME VERY "SOFT" AND BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" LIGHT APPEARED. PARKED CAR FOR 5 HOURS, AND WHEN I RESTARTED, THE BRAKES SEEMED FINE AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. TOWED CAR TO SHOP AND HAD BRAKES REPLACED (@ 5%, SO THOUGHT THIS WAS THE "ONLY" PROBLEM). 2 WEEKS LATER, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. REPAIR SHOP DID MORE DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH, AND DISCOVERED THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER / HCU ISSUE THAT IS FREQUENTLY REPORTED ON-LINE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2012
WHILE DRIVING, THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A BRICK UNDER THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WON'T BUDGE. I MASH DOWN ON THE PEDAL AND EVEN STOMP IT. IT WILL DEPRESS AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OR WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE AS THE WEATHER GETS COLDER. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE, I FOUND RECALLS FOR THE 2000 - 2004 FORD ESCAPES EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SPEED CONTROL CABLES), BUT NOTHING FOR MY VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO FOUND, THROUGH A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH, THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPE OWNERS, BUT FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2012
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO START IT, BUT IT WOULD NOT RUN RIGHT FOR THE FIRST 5 MINUTES. AFTER LEAVING IT OFF FOR A HALF HOUR, WORKED FINE. ALSO HAPPENED ON 9/6/2012 AND 9/23/2012. LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL WHEN IT IS SHUT OFF. ASKED FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT WHAT COULD BE DONE, AND THEY JUST WANT ME TO BRING IT IN. NOW IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE ANY WHERE BECAUSE IT WONT EVEN START BACK UP. READ ONLINE HOW THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE, AND ALL THE DEALERSHIP DOES IS TAKE THEM FOR 6000 DOLLARS AND THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GET RESOLVED. *TR
Engine, Sep 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE DRIVER SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Sep 5, 2012
WHILE EXITING HIGHWAY, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON, VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING. FORD DEALERSHIP HOOKED UP TO DIAGNOSTIC AND INDICATED THAT THE PCM HAD "BLOWN" AND TAKEN ALL SIX COILS WITH IT. THUS, RESULTING IN UPWARDS TO $2500 FOR REPAIRS FOR NOT ONLY A NEW PCM BUT ALSO ALL SIX COILS. OF WHICH, I HAD 2 REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. DEALERSHIP ALSO INDICATED THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT IT WAS NOT CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL. WHAT THE HECK AS I READ UP ON INTERNET AND THIS IS INDICATIVE TO A PROBLEM THEY ARE AWARE OF AND ALSO THAT OCCURRED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 29, 2012
ON AUGUST 18TH 2012 I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM GROCERY SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN HAMILTON MT WHEN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND WOULD NOT STOP. I MANAGED TO DODGE TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE AND PUT IT IN PARK AND HOLD MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE BUT IT KEPT SPEEDING. IT CONTINUED TO RACE DOWN THE STREET ABOUT MILE OR MORE UNTIL I CAME TO A PLACE I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE STREET INTO A PARKING AREA WITH A CORRAL WHICH HAD AN IRON GATE ON THE FENCE THAT I FELT WOULD STOP ME. IT FINALLY SLOWED DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE KEY AND STOP; THANK GOD WITHOUT HITTING OR HARMING ANYONE STILL IT WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 27, 2012
MY BRAKES HAVE A VERY HARD PEDAL FROM TIME TO TIME. REQUIRING ME TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP. MY FORD DEALER TELLS ME IT IS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WILL COST $3000.00 TO REPAIR. THEY ALSO STATE THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. (REMEMBER THIS IS A HYBRID AND BRAKES ARE DIFFERENT) SECOND ISSUE IS THE ELECTRIC DRIVE TRAIN DOES NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN UNDER 30 MPH LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO DUE UNDER 30 MPH. AT TIMES THIS REQUIRES EXTRA BREAKING BECAUSE THE ENGINE DOES NOT IDLE DOWN LIKE IT SHOULD. FORD SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS FORD HAS DONE VERY LITTLE TO ASSIST THE CUSTOMERS, OR TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2012
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLS. THE MECHANICS SAID THERE IS A TSB TSB 09-2-6 OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD INSTALLED BAD PLUGS THAT SHORT OUT THE COIL PACKS AND THEN FRIES THE COMPUTER COSTING THE POOR CONSUMER AROUND $2000 DOLLARS GIVING CODES PO351-PO354. I WAS A FORD PERSON FOR LIFE BUT NOT ANYMORE THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL THIS IS BAD BUSINESS. *TR
Engine, Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000.
Structure, Aug 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WHEEL WELL BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS MASSIVE RUST IN THE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 15, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BODY AND FRAME HAS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY LEAVING NO ANCHOR FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES). THIS DEFECT OCCURRED DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING GARAGE KEPT, WELL MAINTAINED AND MAINTAINED ONLY BY A LICENSED FORD DEALERSHIP. HIGHLAND PARK FORD AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWINGLY AND/OR NEGLIGENTLY CONCEALED A KNOWN, MAJOR DEFECT FROM THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO AS TO AVOID HAVING TO REPAIR THE PRODUCT PER FORD'S EXPRESS WARRANTY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK WAS CORRODED WHICH CAUSE THE DRIVER REAR WHEEL WELL TO CORRODE AS WELL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK MALFUNCTION AS A RESULT, OF THE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 09/19/12*LJ UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS
Suspension, Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 12, 2012
DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE 2005, 35MPH, HEARD A THUMP/BANG THEN VERY LOUD RATTLING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. ARRIVED HOME, FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK, SHOCK MOUNT, AND A DINNER-PLATE-SIZED CHUNK OF WHEEL WELL HAD PUNCHED UP INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. OPENED THE LIFTGATE, SAW THE SHOCK MOUNT FLOPPING AROUND INSIDE THE CAR AND A DANGLING CLUSTER OF WIRES THAT HAD BEEN SHREDDED BY THE JAGGED METAL. ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR COMPARTMENT HAD BEEN SHOVED UP 10CM. HUSBAND WAS SHOCKED, SURE I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING, BUT I HAD NOT. RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT UNDERNEATH THE UNDERCOATING. COULD NOT SEE THE RUST FROM THE OUTSIDE, SO DID NOT KNOW IT WAS HAPPENING. CHECKED LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL, SAW NO RUST, BUT UNDERCOATING LIFTS RIGHT OFF TO REVEAL TERRIBLE RUST UNDERNEATH AS WELL. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, NO SHOCK, WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS WOULD FLY RIGHT UP INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE HUGE HOLE. THIS KIND OF DAMAGE IS INCREDIBLE. ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR FROM DEALERSHIP (BRONDES FORD, TOLEDO) WAS $5752.34. CERTAINLY CAN NOT AFFORD THAT. RESEARCHED ONLINE FOR REPAIR ALTERNATIVES AND FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME TYPE OF DAMAGE TO THE SAME VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. REPORTED THE DAMAGE TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP HOTLINE, WAS INFORMED THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON, FREQUENT, OR WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT CONSIDER IT A DEFECT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. MY CHILDREN WERE AFRAID WE WERE GOING CRASH. EASILY COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER, MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, DRIVING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, ETC. I AM CERTAIN, HOWEVER, THAT ONCE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REALIZES THE POTENTIAL HARM THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE TO LIFE AND PROPERTY, THEY WILL BE DETERMINED TO DO RIGHT BY THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED. THE GAS PEDAL STICKING HAPPENED QUITE OFTEN. UPDATED 08/29/12
Suspension, Jul 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,167.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2012
WAS ON AN ACCESS ROAD ONTO INTERSTATE 4 IN TAMPA, CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO BARELY STEER IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SINCE IT WAS A LARGE OVERPASS I HAD MORE THAN TYPICAL ROOM TO GET THE CAR STOPPED. LATER I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT COILS WERE DAMAGED AND PCM COMPUTER WENT OUT. I CHECKED CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE WITH COST TO FIX IT FROM $1300 TO $2700. EVIDENTLY FORD IS AWARE OF THIS TOTAL ENGINE SHUT DOWN PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSED BY A COMPUTER FAILURE. IN MOST CASES PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT COMPLETELY STALLS WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING AND MINIMAL MANEUVERABILITY. I WAS FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED ON THE OVERPASS AND NOT ON THE BUSY INTERSTATE. *JS
Service brakes, Jul 28, 2012
HAD LIGHT WARNING OF BRAKE FAILURE. INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED BROKEN RING WITH TEETH ON FRONT AXLE THAT SENSES WHEEL ROTATION. PART IS CALLED "TONE RING" FORD PART #7L8Z-2C182-B. THIS CAUSES A FAILURE OF THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWED THIS AS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL YEAR FORD ESCAPES AND IS A VERY BAD DESIGN. THIS $32 PART CAUSES A $300 PARTS AND LABOR COST SINCE RECOMMENDED FIX IS TO REPLACE A PERFECTLY GOOD AXLE. IT APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE RING AND RUST BETWEEN THE AXLE AND THE PRESSED ON RING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2012
ENTERING THE INTERSTATE, I SPED UP TO MERGE, BUT COULD NOT PUSH ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO EVEN GET OUT OF OVERDRIVE. (MAKING THINGS WORSE, THE MERGE WAS FROM THE LEFT.) PEDAL WAS FULL DOWN. AFTER DODGING GO HOME TRAFFIC, I LIMPED TO RIGHT HAND LANE AND GOT OFF AT NEXT FORD DEALERSHIP. SERVICE REP AND I LOOKED AT THE DEPRESSION MADE IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING TO THE STEERING COLUMN, WHERE PEDAL HARDWARE HAD INDENTED IT. SERVICE SAID ENGINE APPEARED TO BE OPERATING OK; HE TESTED IT BY REVVING THE ENGINE IN THE GARAGE. HE REMARKED THE VISIBLE SYMPTOM WAS THE PEDAL BEING SO LOW THERE'S NO ROOM FOR TRAVEL. I CONTINUED ON 150 MILES BACK HOME AND CALLED FORD TO LOOK AT THE "SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION" ISSUE. VEHICLE APPEARS TO ACCELERATE OK WITH CRUISE CONTROL; THE PEDAL IS SITTING SO LOW THERE'S NO TRAVEL TO ACCELERATE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS - MERGING IN METRO TRAFFIC IS NO GAME. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2012
MY ESCAPE BEGAN MISSING AND THEN DIED AT 65MPH, NARROWLY AVOIDED ACCIDENT. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP: BAD COILS, BAD COMPUTER. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THESE ITEMS. PROBLEM QUICKLY RETURNED. THIS TIME MORE BAD COILS. (SOME BAD COILS ARE SAME ONES THEY JUST REPLACED). DEALERSHIP REPLACED SPARKPLUGS THIS TIME. PROBLEM RETURNED THE NEXT DAY. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD VEHICLE A WEEK AND A HALF THIS TIME AND HAS NO CLUE HOW TO REPAIR. *TR