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, Nov 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND HE HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Power train, Nov 21, 2011
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE FAILED, LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET RESTARTED & DRIVE INTO TOWN 10 MILES. ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE 40 MPH WHILE MOTOR SPUTTERED & TRIED TO DIE WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT. TOWED TO AUTO REPAIR LOT & TOLD HAD 3 IGNITION COILS BAD. COMPUTER CHECK LATER REVEALED PCM BAD IN 3 SPOTS & WILL COST $700 TO REPAIR. OTHER MODELS HAVE HAD RECALLS & SO SHOULD THE 2005 FOR THE PCM. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO HAVE SUCH EXPENSE, IF PART IS KNOWN TO FAIL.....NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED ON-LINE ABOUT 2005 FORD ESCAPES. WITH 2 MINOR CHILDREN, I CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, OR WILL HAVE A MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY IN THIS CASE & WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD. IF FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM, PLEASE HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS!! IT WILL TAKE OVER A MONTH TO GET THE PCM REMANUFACTURED & RE-INSTALLED. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DRIVE IN THE MEAN TIME? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD PROVIDED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2011
LEFT FORWARD RUBBER BRAKE LINE FAILED. MECHANIC HAD TO RPLACE THEM ALL DUE TO SEVERE WEAR. IMMENANT FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 12, 2011
THIS 2005 ESCAPE FAILED WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. FORD HAS DOCUMENTED THAT SPARK PLUGS INSTALLED BY FORD AT THE FACTORY CAN CAUSE ALL COILS AND THE PCM TO FAIL AS THEY DID IN THIS CASE. THREE TSB'S HAVE BEEN GENERATED RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 60000 MILES AND THE PLUGS WERE NOT CHECKED AND REPLACED AS REQUIRED IN THE FORD TSB'S. THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE $2300 + REPAIR THAT FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. GOOD FAITH WAS NOT DEMONSTRATED IN SOLVING THIS PROBLEM AND FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2011
STICKING GAS PEDAL. SEEMS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN THE COOLER WEATHER. THE PEDAL WILL LOCK UP AND NO AMOUNT OF FORCE WILL MAKE IT DEPRESS. ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN A BIG TRUCK IS BARRELING DOWN YOU. HAVE LUBRICATED THE ASSEMBLY BUT THIS DOES NOT HELP. ONLY WAY TO FIX ( AND IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY ) IS TO MANIPULATE THE PEDAL WITH MY FOOT AND TRY DIFFERENT PRESSURE POINTS. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2011
THERE WAS A LEAK OF SOME FLUID NOTED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND A REQUEST WAS MADE FOR THE DEALER TO INVESTIGATE DURING THE NEXT ROUTINE SERVICE. NO LEAK WAS FOUND. *TR AT 110,000 MILES, DURING ROUTINE SERVICE, A LEAK WAS NOTICED BY THE MECHANIC, BUT NO SOURCE WAS FOUND. SOME TIME AFTER THAT, A NOISE BEGAN TO DEVELOP IN THE FRONT END. AT 120,000 MILES, THE NOISE WAS SEVERE, AND AN INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT THE PTU WAS FAILING. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PART ARRIVED. THE NOISE GOT WORSE WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED MILES, CHANGED TO A VIBRATION, AND THEN AN OCCASIONAL CLUNKING NOISE. I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART. I HAVE SINCE BECOME AWARE OF TSB 09-4-4 MAR 09 DRIVETRAIN - FLUID LEAK FROM PTU VENT. I FEEL THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE SOURCE OF THE REPORTED LEAK, AND THAT LOSS OF FLUID IN THE PTU LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE PTU, WHICH ONLY HOLDS 12 OUNCES OF FLUID. THIS LEAKAGE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DETECTED BY THE DEALER, AND THE LOSS OF MY PTU MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. THESE PTUS FAIL PREMATURELY, AND ARE CONSISTENTLY ON BACK ORDER. MY DEALER HAD ANOTHER UNIT IN FOR THE SAME PTU REPLACEMENT WHEN I PICKED MINE UP AFTER THE REPAIR, AND ACKNOWLEDGES REPLACING MANY. FORD SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT PTU, A SIMPLE MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THE CAR, CERTAINLY AS LONG AS OTHER DRIVELINE COMPONENTS LIKE THE REAR END, SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES.
Steering, Nov 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND WOULD SPORADICALLY SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 203,481 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,500.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2011
THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. IT CAN NOT BE PUSHED. AT FIRST, IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD & THE TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. NOW IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, REGARDLESS OF TEMPERATURE. IT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE BROKEN TONE RINGS AND OIL LEAKS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. *TGW
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 30, 2011
DRIVING ALONG INTERSTATE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER, WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 20MPH, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND FIRST CATALYTIC CONVERTER COMPLETELY CLOGGED, NUMBER 2 CONVERTER PARTIALLY CLOGGED. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 84,000 MILES. WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 80,000 MILES FOR EXHAUST. REPAIR SHOP THIS HAPPENS A LOT FOR THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 19, 2011
ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE AT THE STOP LIGHT. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, STOMPED IT, AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. I COULD NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND MAKE IT WORK. EVENTUALLY IT UNFROZEN AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, IT HAS DONE IT AT TIMES WHEN I WAS ON THE ROAD AND I COULDN'T MOVE. *TR
Steering, Oct 11, 2011
WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE OR CONCERN, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. UPON EXAMINATION BY A FORD DEALER IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SIMULTANEOUSLY FAILED CAUSING THE ISSUE. DURING ROUTINE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE FULL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LACK OF ADEQUATE STEERING ASSISTANCE. *KB
Power train, Oct 10, 2011
I HAVE @75000 MILES ON MY FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 4WD. I STARTED HEARING A NOISE AND STRONG VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT 50 MPH AND A NOISE AS I SLOW DOWN. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY CAR TO AND THEY EVENTUALLY DIAGNOSED IT AS BEING THE TRANSFER CASE. ON SEPT 15, 2011, THE DEALERSHIP SAID AT THAT TIME TO REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE WOULD BE @$1500-1600. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO SAID IT WAS BACK ORDERED UNTIL OCT 10, 2011. THEY SAID IT OBVIOUSLY WAS A PROBLEM WITH MANY ESCAPES SINCE IT WAS BACK ORDERED AT FORD. I HAVE ASKED FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSFER CASE AND THEY HAVE REFUSED. I WENT ON LINE AND THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE ESCAPE, NOT JUST 2005. ONE OWNER SAID IT HAPPENED AT 60,000 MI. I FEEL IT IS A FLAW AND THAT THEY SHOULD PAY TO REPLACE IT. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 27, 2011
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START. I RECEIVED WARNINGS ON THE DASH AND THE INFORMATION PANEL STATING TO SLOW TO A STOP AND SERVICE THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING OPERATED NORMALLY. AFTER GETTING HOME AND RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS EVERYTHING CAME BACK NORMAL. LATER THAT DAY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN WITH THE SAME WARNINGS AND IT WAS MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE WORKING AGAIN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE 12V BATTERY SEEMED TO BE LEAKING SO I INSPECTED AND CLEANED IT. THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY) I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE LEAKING BATTERY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE 12 V BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID MY PROBLEMS SHOULD BE FIXED BUT THEY WOULD CHECK FOR FAULT CODES. THE DEALER FOUND ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM BUT COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. THE CAR WAS LEFT FOR ANOTHER DAY AND EVENTUALLY I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) WITH WAS APPROXIMATELY A $4500 PART. I HAVE READ STORIES ONLINE THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR ESCAPE HYBRID AND FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT OTHER THAN MAKING THE OWNERS BUY $4500 REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TT
Power train, Sep 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A PCM FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,741 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,743.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2011
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON HEARD A BEEP AND HAD NO BRAKES WHAT SO EVER . I EVENTUALLY STOPPED BY ENTERING THE CAR IN TO NEUTRAL AND HITTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I TURNED ON AGAIN IT WENT AWAY, MY MECHANIC SAYS ITS GOING TO COST $1000 MASTER CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THANKS FORD FOR YOUR ASUPPORT WITH THIS OBVIOUS ISSUE YOU NEED TO ADDRESS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 7, 2011
PURCHASED 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN MARCH 2007 WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. WITHIN THE MONTH, THE ABS LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY COME ON. IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER 2011 AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AND HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. HAD OBD II DIAGNOSTIC CODES TESTED. NO CODES FOUND WHILE LIGHT IS ON OR OFF. MANUALLY TURNING OFF THE LIGHT IS ONLY TEMPORARY. THERE ARE NO PHYSICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. FORD SHOULD HAVE THIS RECALLED. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN ABS LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS CLICKING THAT CAN BE HEARD AND FELT THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE BRAKING. THE VEHICLE IS SLOW TO STOP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2011
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND FLEX PIPE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTION TO CAUSE DRAMATIC POWER LOSS TO THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION CAUSES ABNORMAL BACK PRESSURES IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH ALSO CAUSES MULTIPLE MISFIRES AND SETS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE FLEX PIPE IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND LEAKS. I HAVE OWNED MANY FORD VEHICLES THROUGH THE YEARS. ONE WAS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH OVER 400,000 MILES. ANOTHER WAS A 1998 TOWN CAR WITH OVER 200,000 MILES. NEVER ONCE DID I HAVE TO REPLACE ANYTHING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM,ESPECIALLY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (THE MOST EXPENSIVE PART IN THE SYSTEM). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITIATED TO RESOLVE THIS. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY AND MORAL ISSUE BUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL ON AS WELL. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 1, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WITHIN 12 HOURS BOTH MY REAR DOORS' LATCHES BROKE. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF, REGULAR MAINTENANCE, NO ACCIDENT, ETC. OCCURRED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 31, 2011
LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE FROM RIGHT FRONT END. TOOK TO MECHANIC. THEY SAY BOTH FRONT GREASE BOOTS ARE CRACKED WHICH ALLOWS DIRT, DUST, ETC. TO GET IN AND UP AROUND THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES. THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD GONE BAD DUE TO THIS BOOT CRACK SO WE HAD TO REPLACE IT. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING BOTH TIE RODS, BOOTS AND BALL JOINTS, BUT WE COULD ONLY AFFORD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS BAD AT THIS TIME BECAUSE WE JUST SPENT $3350 PUTTING A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! WHAT IS FORD BUILDING THESE CARS WITH??? I SUSPECT THE CHEAPEST PARTS THEY CAN GET REGARDLESS OF THEIR QUALITY SO THEY CAN MAKE MORE MONEY. IN THE MEANTIME THE AVERAGE WORKING FAMILY HAS TO PAY TWICE FOR A VEHICLE'S PARTS THAT SHOULD NOT GO BAD SO QUICKLY. *TR
Power train, Aug 11, 2011
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. WHILE DRIVING IS NORMAL TRAFFIC AT 35 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR STARTED LURCHING, JUMPING AND MAKING ALL KINDS OF AWFUL METALLIC GRINDING SOUNDS. VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. I TRIED AGAIN A FEW MINUTES LATER AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE IN JUMPS AND JERKS AROUND A CORNER TO GET IT OFF OF A MAIN STREET. TRANSMISSION REPAIR GUY SAID IT IS A COMPLETE FAILURE. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE BROKEN PARTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. WE STILL OWE $10,000 ON IT AND ARE NOW TOLD THAT IT WILL COST $3350.00 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. OF COURSE FORD ISN'T WILLING TO HELP WITH THIS COST EVEN THOUGH IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE RESEARCHING IT THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS THEY ARE USING. BY THE WAY THIS VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED WITH REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND I HAVE THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARD DRIVE IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2011
I TOOK MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID TO THE DEALER ON AUG. 4TH/2011 FOR 30K MAINTENANCE AT A COST OF $715 + $100 COUPON. IMMEDIATELY UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL SLUGGISHNESS ABOUT IT. I DRIVE VERY LITTLE, SO IT TOOK A FEW MORE DAYS (8/4) FOR THE CAR TO BREAK DOWN. IT WAS RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, AND CARS WHIZZED BY ME WITH KAMIKAZE MANEUVERS IN A PSYCHOTIC URGE TO PASS ME, AS MY VEHICLE WAS ONLY GOING A FEW MPH. AS THE FREEWAY BEGAN TO RISE, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN EVEN MORE. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO ROLL BACKWARD. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE AND KILL OTHERS. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE. I HAD TO FEVERISHLY PUMP THE GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. TODAY (8/4/11) THEY CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD GONE BAD. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE, AND IT'S NOT A PART THAT 'GOES BAD'...BUT IT DOES REQUIRE CLEANING. UNFORTUNATELY MAINTENANCE OF THE THROTTLE BODY IS NOT A PART OF FORD'S MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL. I READ MANY OTHER HARROWING STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO HAD NEAR MISSES BECAUSE OF THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION. AT LEAST A COUPLE OF PEOPLE EVEN HAD WRECKS. EVENTUALLY SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THERE WAS SUCH A PART IN A CAR...I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT IF I PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, I DO EXPECT A MECHANIC TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM! IT WAS HORRIBLE AND VERY FRIGHTENING. I'M JUST GLAD THAT I DIDN'T HURT ANYONE. FORD NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A FATALITY. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE FORD MOTOR CO. COMPLAINT LINE, SO HOPEFULLY THEY WILL LISTEN TO US. *TR
Seat belts, Aug 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT UNLATCH WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,850 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.