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.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CAR SHOOK AND DIED. I PULLED INTO THE TURN LANE AND SOME HELPFUL PEOPLE ASSISTED ME IN PUSHING MY CAR TO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE MY ENGINE COILS AND PLUGS REPLACED AND THAT FORD HAD PUT OUT A BULLETIN EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THEY FIXED THAT, I LEARNED THAT I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE COMPUTER REPLACED BECAUSE THE ENGINE COILS AND PLUGS CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. I DECIDED TO SEARCH THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND MANY WEBSITES AND FORUMS EXPLAINING THE VERY SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN OTHER 2005 FORD ESCAPES. IT SEEMS THAT IF THIS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM (ENOUGH FOR FORD TO PUT OUT A BULLETIN EXPLAINING HOW TO FIX IT), THEN FORD SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. FROM THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DOES NOT SHOW UP UNTIL WELL AFTER THE WARRANTY IS NO LONGER GOOD. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS OCCURRING TO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE EXACT SAME CAR AND FORD SHOULD DO MORE THAN EXPLAIN HOW TO FIX IT. A RECALL IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS THE CAUSED BY FAULTY MANUFACTURING. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I WENT TO ACCELERATE. UPON REACHING 40. I HEARD A SUBSTANTIAL BACKFIRE NOISE, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD CAUSING ME TO BLOCK TRAFFIC AS I COASTED ALMOST INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER COASTING FOR 100+ FEET. AFTER WHICH, THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND RUGGED NEVER BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE ABOUT 30 MPH AND CAUSING MAJOR TRAFFIC PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP (VARSITY FORD IN ANN ARBOR, MI) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS IN TROUBLE. APPARENTLY, MY SPARK PLUG AFTER BEING CLOGGED, CAUSED A BACKFIRE WHICH BLEW MY IGNITION COILS AND SPARKPLUGS AND MY PCM. I AM BEING QUOTED $2,200. AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE (3 MONTHS AGO) VARSITY FORD TOLD ME I WAS GETTING CLOSE TO NEEDING A TUNE UP BUT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY THAT DAY AND THAT I COULD WAIT UNTIL MY NEXT OIL CHANGE. I WAS PLANNING ON GOING THIS WEEKEND BECAUSE I WAS HEADING OUT OF TOWN. HAD I BEEN TOLD THE RISK WAS A $400 TUNE UP VS. A $2,200 BLOWN ENGINE, MAYBE I WOULD HAVE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS. I'M VERY DISTRAUGHT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND NOW AM QUESTIONING WHETHER I WILL EVER BUY A FORD OR WORK WITH A FORD DEALERSHIP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2012
CAR SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WHEN IT IS TURNED ON, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER, THE ACCELERATOR STICKS TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO PUT FULL FORCE TO JAM THE PEDAL DOWN TO TAKE OFF. IF I AM AT A LIGHT AND STOPPED, THE SAME THING HAPPENS. I HAVE THE REPAIR SHOP FIX THIS ISSUE TWICE BUT DECIDED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT BASED UPON NEWS REPORTS. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER ISSUE WITH THE SUV AND I LOVE MY FORD. I AM NOT SURE THAT HIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND OUT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 19, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, MY GAS PEDAL SNAPPED FORWARD BY ITSELF AND ACCELERATED MY CAR. THEN SNAPPED BACK AND HIT MY FOOT IN THE POSITION IT WAS ALREADY IN. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR. (I BOUGHT IT NEW) I IGNORED IT THE FIRST FEW TIMES BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO BEING ON CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THIS WAS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. I SAW ON FOX NEWS THAT THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION; AND CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPAIR MY CAR AND THEY SAID NO. I AM HOPING THEY WILL HAVE A RECALL, BECAUSE I PLAN ON KEEPING THIS CAR FOR AWHILE, AND DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THANKS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL OF THE ACCELERATOR HAD BECOME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. HE HAD TO PLACE HIS FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR FOR IT TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE A SPRING IN THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY REPORT ON THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 82,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
THE VEHICLE SPEEDS UP 10 TO 15 MPH BY ITSELF FOR 5 TO 7 SECONDS WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVATED AND, THEN, SLOWS DOWN TO ORIGINAL SET SPEED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE GAS PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN AND KICK BACK WHEN IT RELEASES AND MAKING SOUNDS WHEN HITS HARD THE SHOE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE NOVEMBER 2011 ONLY WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS BEING USE AND NOT ALL THE TIME. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST 2 EACH MONTH SINCE THEN. IT WAS REPORTED JULY 18 AROUND 9:45AM TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AFTER RECALL NEWS ABOUT FORD ESCAPES 2002-2004 WITH V6 ENGINES (LIKE MINE) SUFFER FROM MECHANICAL FLAW THAT LEADS TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR MY VIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY FOR THE SAME FAILURE WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED AS BEING RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WAS REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE RECENTLY STARTED EXHIBIT THE SAME ISSUES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE SECOND FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE EITHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD. YOU START OUT DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PEDAL WON'T MOVE. YOU CAN'T ACCELERATE AT ALL. THE PEDAL IS STUCK. AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THE CAR WARMS UP THE PEDAL USUALLY WILL START MOVING AGAIN. WE HAVE HAD MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. HOWEVER WHEN THEY GET THE CAR IT'S USUALLY WARM. ONE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL PANEL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. I MADE SURE THERE WAS NO FLOOR MAT INTERFERING TOO. LUCKILY WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE IT WOULD CAUSE A CRASH. WHEN IT HAPPENS, YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAIT FOR THE PEDAL TO FREE ITSELF. *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2012
OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2005. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED BY FORD TECHNICIANS AT FORD DEALERSHIPS EVERY 5,000 MILES, INCLUDING A RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION FLUSH LAST YEAR. ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP, THE SUV'S TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A PROBLEM FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FMC) KNOWS AS ENGINE STALLING ON ENGAGEMENT/STOPPING. ACCORDING TO A SERVICE BULLETIN DATED MARCH 19, 2007, SUVS WITH THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION "EXHIBIT AN ENGINE STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR WHEN ENGAGING THE ENGINE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE CONDITION MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND OFTEN OCCURS AFTER EXTENDED DRIVES. THERE MAY BE NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES STORED. THIS MAY BE CAUSE BY INTERNAL WEAR IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH PREVENTS IT FROM LOCKING." THIS EXACT FAILURE CAUSED US TO BE STRANDED IN DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS FOR HOURS AS WE WAITED FOR HELP. HOWEVER, FMC HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM TRANSMISSION SINCE 2007, YET AS AN OWNER OF A CAR LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD, I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT IT. IF I HAD BEEN INFORMED, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT YEARS AGO FOR REPAIR PRIOR TO GOING ON AN EXTENDED TRIP AND PUTTING MY FAMILY IN DANGER. INSTEAD, FMC KNOWINGLY ALLOWED VEHICLE OWNERS TO DRIVE WITH THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION. FORD-CERTIFIED TECH'S FAILED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE GIVEN THE EXACT SYMPTOMS AND THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE TORQUE CONVERTER. AFTER TECHS TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE, THE STALL OCCURRED REPEATEDLY UNTIL TOTAL FAILURE JUST OVER 1,200 MILES LATER, AGAIN, STRANDING MY FAMILY ON THE HIGHWAY. I BECAME AWARE OF THE FAULT ONLY AFTER A SEARCH OF OTHER DRIVERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. FMC BEHAVED NEGLIGENTLY IN FAILING TO INFORM CUSTOMERS LIKE ME, LIKELY TO SHIELD ITSELF FROM COSTLY REPAIRS. IN 2007, MY CAR ONLY HAD 24,500 MILES??WELL WITHIN WARRANTY LIMITS. A RECALL FOR VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL YEAR SHOULD BE ORDERED AND I SHOULD BE REFUNDED COST OF REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2012
WE WERE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE WERE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. WE COASTED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER WHO STATED THE COMPUTER (PCM), ALL THE COIL OVER PLUGS (COP) AND SPARK PLUGS WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS IT IS DESCRIBED EXACTLY IN FORD SERVICE BULLETIN TSB 09-2-6. THE SPARK PLUGS IN THE 2005 AND 2006 CAUSE RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE WITH THE PCM WHICH DAMAGES THE PCM AND THE OTHER COMPONENTS. THE LEAST FORD COULD HAVE DONE WAS NOTIFY US THAT REPLACING THE SPARK PLUGS COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THE PROBLEMS DON'T END THERE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR WE WERE AGAIN ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 50MPH. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD DEALER WHO STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (THERE ARE 3 OF THEM) WERE CLOGGED DUE TO RAW FUEL COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE CONVERTERS PROBABLY DUE TO THE PREVIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE COST TO FIX THE CONVERTERS IS EVEN MORE THAN THE COST OF THE INITIAL REPAIR. WE'VE DECIDED TO NOT HAVE THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS THE TOTAL COST OF ALL THE REPAIRS WOULD EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. WE CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WERE OF NO HELP IN THIS SITUATION. I THINK FORD SHOULD COVER THE COSTS OF THESE REPAIRS FOR AN ISSUE KNEW EXISTED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS I SEE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER 2005 ESCAPES LISTED IN YOUR DATABASE. I IMAGINE WE WILL MORE OF THESE FAILURES AS THESE VEHICLES AGE. *TR
Power train, Jul 11, 2012
THE VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION IN THE POWER TRAIN AROUND THE 45-55 MPH. THE VIBRATION IS PRESENT DAILY AND CAUSES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 3, 2012
WHILE TRAVELING IN THE HIGH SPEED LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM, THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE POWER WAS REDUCED TO MINIMAL POWER GIVEN BY THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. THIS CAUSED AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED ON A VERY DANGEROUS OVERPASS CURVE OF THE FREEWAY AND NEARLY CAUSED TWO VEHICLES IN THE IMMEDIATE PROXIMITY TO COLLIDE WITH MY VEHICLE AS SPEED RAPIDLY DROPPED AND THE VEHICLE SAID TO "PULL OVER ANDS SHUT OFF VEHICLE SAFELY". THIS PART OF THE FREEWAY HAD NO PULL OVER SPOT NOR DID IT HAVE AN AREA TO REALLY SAFELY PULL OFF THE FREEWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CAR HAS DONE THIS AT HIGH SPEED WITHIN TWO WEEKS. IT HAS DONE THIS APPROXIMATELY 1-0 TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS ON CITY STREETS. THE CAR IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE POWER, LETTING IT SIT, AND THEN RESTARTING THE SYSTEM. THERE IS AN ACCOMPANYING OVERHEATING THAT OCCURTS AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BE UNABLE TO BE EASILY RESTARTED AT THAT POINT. THIS EVENT GIVES NO WARNING OR INDICATION IT WILL HAPPEN AND IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANY DRIVER TO BE THRUST INTO. IF IT HAD BEEN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, I AM CERTAIN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTS AND VEHICLE COLLISIONS AS A RESULT. *JS
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 20, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAR JUST QUIT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP ONLY TO FIND OUT THE COMPUTER SHORTED OUT WHICH ALSO DESTROYED ALL THE COILS. I JUST PRINTED OUT 13 PAGES OF THIS HAVING HAPPENED TO OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS AND THAT A FORD SERVICE BULLETIN (09-2-6) WAS AT ONE TIME ISSUED--- THIS WILL COST A TON OF MONEY TO CORRECT FOR A PROBLEM FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. WHEN MINE QUIT I HAD SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO THERE WAS A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE AND JUST QUITTING WITH NO WARNING-- WHY HAS FORD NOT HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION? *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 2012
AS I DROVE MY FORD ESCAPE 2005 DOWN A HILL THE BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RUPTURED, CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK WHICH QUICKLY RESULTED IN NO BRAKING ABILITY. I MANAGED TO STOP MY CAR BY DOWN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR AND USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR BEFORE GOING THROUGH A STOP SIGN, FORTUNATELY, NO CARS OR PEDESTRIANS WERE IN THE WAY. THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE PROBLEM REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES, AS THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS CLOSE TO RUPTURING, TOO. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Jun 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER REAR WELL AREA, WHICH WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE BOLTS AND STRUTS TO CORRODED AND SEPARATE FROM THE WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED BUT WAS UNAWARE IF THE REPLACEMENT WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WELL WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 07/27/12 *BF UPDATED 08/02/12
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2012
MY CAR STALLED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE PCM. FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, May 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE COILS WERE REPLACED. THE PCM MODULE WAS ALSO REPLACED TWICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED DRIVING 55MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED. TWO CARS THAT WERE BEHIND SWERVED INTO A DITCH IN ORDER TO AVOID COLLISION. UPDATED 10/15/2012 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 3, 2012
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. JUST GOT INTO THE PASSING LANE AND THE WHOLE THING DIED RIGHT THERE IN THE PASSING LANE. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS VERY CLOSE TO ME AND THAT THERE WAS A POLICEMAN COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND SAW ME. HE PULLED BEHIND ME TO BLOCK THE LANE. THIS WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. IF SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN CLOSE IN BACK OF ME, THEY WOULD HAVE ASS-ENDED ME OR WOULD HAVE HAD TO QUICKLY GET IN ANOTHER LANE OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE GARAGE. REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, ALL 6 COILS AND THE COMPUTER WAS FRIED. AFTER A BIT OF RESEARCH ONLINE, I SAW THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS UNSAFE ISSUE WITH THE 2005 ESCAPE. SOME SUDDENLY STOPPING ON THE INTERSTATE. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, IT IS DUE TO THE SPARK PLUGS FORD INSTALLED IN THE 2005 ESCAPE. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION, THAT FORD CAN STOP BY PUTTING OUT A RECALL. WOULD THEY RATHER HAVE A LAW SUITE WHEN SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE THAT CAN BE PREVENTED. THIS WAS A QUITE AN EXPENSIVE BILL THAT I HAD TO PAY WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF FORD WOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING ANOTHER FORD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 3, 2012
I WAS HEADED HOME FROM WORK AND GOT ON THE FREE WAY I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE MY CAR WOULD START SHAKING. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID TO TRY AND MAKE IT HOME WHEN MY CAR DIED TWICE BUT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN TO MAKE IT HOME. I GOT A DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON IT TO FIND OUT THAT THE COMPUTER HAD BURNT OUT ALONG WITH 4 OF THE 6 COILS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 28, 2012
2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH A FORD DEALER ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. FORD MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH AN ISSUE AT LASCO FORD FENTON MI. (FORD EST. TO REPAIR WAS 3400.00) I STOPPED AT A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA AND THEY (KNEW) OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 25 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. MY ESCAPE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 115,000 MILES, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE (IN WHEEL WELL) SHOULD HAVE RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY (RIGHT SIDE ONLY?), LEAVING THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT FLAPPING BACK AND FORTH, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND (NOT) DRIVABLE. THIS PROBLEM ENDED UP COSTING 2005.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THIS WAS THERE RESPONSE: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUST ISSUES ON THE RIGHT REAR FENDER AND SHOCK MOUNTS OF YOUR VEHICLE. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED. I CAN ALSO SEE WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS A MIGHT BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE RESEARCH YOU MADE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, WE SHARE ALL OF OUR VEHICLE CONCERN DOCUMENTATION WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AND FORD ENGINEERING. TOGETHER, WE WORK TO FURTHER DETERMINE IF A RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS (CSP) IS NEEDED FOR COMPONENT FAILURES. IF A RECALL OR CSP BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NHTSA, WHICH IS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER A RECALL OR CSP. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS (RECALLS) / CSPS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35-40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG FAILED TO FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LINSE BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,406 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,506. UPDATED 05/31/12*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2012
OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AT THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THIS CAN BE VERIFIED BY CHECKING THE SERVICE RECORDS AT DALE JARRETT FORD, INDIAN TRAIL, NC. ON 2/25/12, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AN OIL LEAK BETWEEN THE MAIN ENGINE BLOCK AND THE CRANKSHAFT CRADLE. THE SEAL BETWEEN THESE TWO FOUNDATIONAL STRUCTURAL PARTS OF THE ENGINE IS A SIMPLE APPLIED BEAD OF SILICONE SEALANT, RATHER THAN A FIXED GASKET. BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE REPAIR IS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE ENGINE, RATHER THAN INCUR THE LABOR CHARGES OF TOTALLY DISASSEMBLING THE ENGINE TO REPAIR THIS SEAL. THE PROJECTED COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS $4,000.00 TO $5,000.00. WE FEEL THIS IS A PREMATURE AND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A DESIGN COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BY DIRECT COMMUNICATION, HAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN THE REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM, PER THEIR COMPANY POLICY. OUR CONTENTION IS THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP ON THE PART OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WARRANTS A RECALL FOR VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND PCM MODULE FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING WITH A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.