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.
Wheels, Aug 1, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE. FORD DEALER SERVICE FOR OIL CHANGE, ROTATE TIRES AND BRAKE INSPECTION NOTED FRONT BRAKE PADS NEEDED REPLACED. DECLINED SERVICE, (PRICE) ABLE TO CHANGE FRONT PADS OURSELVES. WE COULD NOT REMOVE WHEEL LUG NUTS. (THE SAME DAY) CHECKED TORQUE AND FOUND DEALER HAD OVER TIGHTENED THE LUG NUTS TO OVER 150 LBS. WITH MUCH EFFORT REMOVED LUG NUTS AND CHANGED FRONT BRAKE PADS. RETURNED TO DEALER TO COMPLAIN AND REQUEST ALL NEW WHEEL STUDS. ALTHOUGH THEY COULD NOT REMOVE THE REAR LUG NUTS WITH THE WRENCH SUPPLIED WITH THE ESCAPE THEY DENIED REPLACING THE WHEEL STUDS. I BELIEVE THE FAILURE WITH WHEEL STUDS ON FORD PRODUCTS IS A DEALER SERVICE PROBLEM. QUESTION: HAVE THE FAILURES ALL HAPPENED AFTER DEALER SERVICE? *KB
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2011
THE PCM MODULE ON THE FORD ESCAPE DIES DURING OPERATION. WHILE DRIVING IN MID TRANSIT THE CAR DIED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE HEARD OTHER STORIES OF PEOPLE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HAVING THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN TO THEM GOING 60,70, AND EVEN 80 MPH. MINE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30, AND NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME. THE MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF DIED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2011, fire
WHILE OUT OF TOWN SUNDAY JULY 10TH 2011, 300 MILES FROM HOME MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE, OD 90046. WE GOT IN THE CAR STARTED IT UP AND THEN WHEN LOOKING AT THE MAP I LOOKED UP AND SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS I JUMPED OUT THE DOOR CAME BACK AND GOUGED MY NOSE OPEN. WHILE BLEEDING ALL OVER THE PLACE I OPENED THE HOOD AND POURED WATER OVER THE FIRE. THE CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE JUST UNDER THE REAR SIDE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. AFTER EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE, I CALLED THE LOCAL SANTA MARIA FORD DEALER, WHO ONLY OFFERED OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER THAT DAY AND WHILE THERE DECIDED TO HAVE MY WIFE LOOK AT A NEW CAR. REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT I PUT THE FLAMES OUT EARLY AND I AS A MAINTENANCE OFFICER WITH 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE I COULD HAVE FIXED THE CAR, I WANTED MY WIFE TO HAVE A NEW CAR SO WHEN I LEAVE HER BEHIND FOR MY NEXT DUTY STATION IN THE MARINE CORPS AND DEPLOY, I WOULD NOT HAVE ANY WORRIES. THE SALES EXPERIENCE WAS WHAT I EXPECTED BUT MY BIGGEST ISSUES WERE THAT, ALTHOUGH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED, OUT OF LUCK, YEA RIGHT, THE SERVICE MANAGER STOPPED BY TO WORK ON HIS RV AND ASSISTED IN THE APPRAISAL OF MY 2005 ESCAPE THEN LEFT BEFORE I KNEW HE WAS THERE. DUE TO THE FORD DEFECT, FIRE DAMAGE, THEY OFFERED MY $2,000 FOR A TRADE IN. I TALKED THEM INTO AROUND $4,200. I HAD A CAR THAT COST ME $28,000 SIX YEARS AGO AND DUE TO A DEFECT I GOT AROUND $4,200 FOR IT IN GREAT SHAPE, EXCEPT THE VERY SMALL FIRE DAMAGE> LUCKILY WE HAD THE FIRE IN A PARKING LOT NOT WHILE ON A BACK ROAD, OFF ROAD, TRAFFIC JAM. FROM RESEARCH EARLIER ESCAPE MODELS HAVE A HISTORY OF ENGINE FIRES, AND SOME OF THE LATER, BUT NOTHING TO DATE ON THE 2005. FORD CORPORATE HAS YET TO CONTACT ME ABOUT MY COMPLAINT, I AM ASKING THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND HOPE THEY WOULD COMPENSATE ME FOR THE LOST VALUE IN MY TRADE IN DUE TO SOME TYPE OF OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT. CASE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Jul 2, 2011
THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AS ABOUT 45MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR TURNED OFF, I IMMEDIATELY PUT IT ON NEUTRAL AND TUNED THE KEY AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING. I PARKED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF AND ON AND IT STARTED MISFIRING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE VERY NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A CHECK UP TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC IN WHICH I WAS TOLD THAT THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS WERE ORDERED AND INSTALLED BUT STILL THE MISFIRE WAS PRESENT. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUED AND AFTER THE SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAM FIG. 43: 3.0L ENGINE PERFORMANCE CIRCUIT PAGE 5 OF 5 FOR 2005 FORD ESCAPE, COIL ON PLUG 3 ( C ) WIRE CONNECTION TO PCM SLOT 24 CDE NOT RESPONDING. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ONLY ONE OWNER AND A VERY SYSTEMATIC MAINTENANCE THROUGHOUT IT?S LIFE SO FAR. ONLINE I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING AND ALL ADVISED THAT THE PCM WAS NON-FUNCTIONING. FORD HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THESE PARTS IN THE PAST BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. PCM SHOULD BE REPLACED BY FORD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTI BRAKING SYSTEM COMPUTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,137. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/23/11
Power train, Jun 28, 2011
LETTER FROM SENATOR CASEY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE CONCERNS ABOUT HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE *TGW THE CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC, HE HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER AND IT GAVE HIM A READING THAT THE CYLINDER WAS NOT FIRING, BUT HE THOUGHT THERE WAS MORE INVOLVED. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PCM WAS DAMAGED. THE PCM WAS SENT TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE ESTABLISHMENT INFORMED THE CONSUMERS MECHANIC THAT FORD RECOMMENDED THAT ALL SIX COILS AND SIX SPARK PLUGS BE REPLACED. THE PCM WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMERS MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT RIGHT AWAY. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE CONSUMER AND INFORMED HER, THAT INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL CIRCUIT B MISFIRING, CIRCUIT C WAS MISFIRING. THE PCM HAD TO BE SENT BACK TO BE REBUILT AGAIN. ALL OF THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED AGAIN, CIRCUITS C,D AND E WERE MISFIRING. THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO FAULTY ENGINEERING. THE PCM WAS PLACED BEHIND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHERE A LOT OF HEAT WAS GENERATED FROM THE ENGINE AND IT INTERFERED WITH THE FREQUENCY OF THE PCM. *JB
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2011
ON SEVERAL AT LEAST 12 OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-65 MPH THE CAR (2005 FORD ESCAPE) STUBBLES AND THE THEFT LIGHT APPEARS. IN ONE CASE WE WERE ABOUT TO PASS A VEHICLE ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BRAKE AND SWERVE SUDDENLY TO AVOID A HEAD-ON COLLISION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND NO CODES WERE FOUND AND THEY HAVE STILL NOT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH WHICH APPEARS THAT THE PCM IS LIKELY DAMAGED DUE TO A RF ISSUE WITH THE INCORRECT SPARK PLUGS BEING INSTALLED ON THE EARLY MANUFACTURED 2005 FORD ESCAPES. UNFORTUNATELY FORD WILL NOT DOING ANYTHING UNTIL THE COMPUTER ACTUALLY IS DESTROYED, WHICH ALSO FRIES THE COILS (APPROX. $3,000). DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR US AND THE CORPORATE OFFICE TOLD US THE SAME. WE NOW HAVE A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE THAT CANNOT BE TRUSTED SAFELY THAT CANNOT BE FIXED WITHOUT SPENDING $3,000+ FOR A PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SEVERAL YEARS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2011
AS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. AFTER 5 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. TEN MINUTES LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, STILL DRIVING THE HIGHWAY @60 MPH. LUCKILY, NO CARS WERE BEHIND, AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THREE TIMES . CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE HAD ANOTHER CAR THE SAME MORNING, WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. DIAGNOSTICS: NEED TO REPLACE BOTH HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY COOLING FANS AND TO REPLACE MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLING PUMP. WHEN DEALER SEARCHED FOR PARTS, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY IN MN, BECAUSE APPARENTLY ALL DEALERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL THEY WOULD GET THE PART FROM CA. FORD IS NOT WILLING TO RECOGNIZE THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND BATTERY COOLING SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. FORD EVEN ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSB 08-24-5 AND TSB 09-17-7) ADDRESSING BOTH ISSUES. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, GIVEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUTS DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE MOVED RIGHT AWAY TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. CAR COULD BE HIT FROM BEHIND FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC, GIVEN THE SUDDEN SPEED CHANGE, AND COULD CAUSE FATALITIES. DON'T WANT TO HAVE FOR ANOTHER FIRESTONE - FORD EXPLORER FIASCO.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2011
NOTHING LET UP TO THE FAILURE. CAR DIED WHILE PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE COIL PACKS GONE BAD. REPLACED THEM. THEN TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BURN OUT WHEN THE COILS WENT. COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS A ISSUE FOR IS AWARE OF ON THE 2005 ESCAPE. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND HAS A HARD TIME GETTING OFF THE ROAD. NO INDICATION IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ON THESE CARS. I HAVE ALREADY PUT OUT CLOSE TO $200.00 AND ITS STILL NOT FIXED. IT ALSO HAS BLOWN UP MY COMPUTER IN THE CAR. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT HIT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR SOME ACTION TO BE TAKEN? SOMEBODY GETTING KILLED BEFORE FORD IS MADE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2011
HIGHWAY DRIVEING 55 MPH JUST SHUT DOWN IN CENTER LANE PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER WARNING LIGHTS ON NO POWER RE STARTED IT WAS OK THIS WAS THE 2 TIME THIS HAS HAPENED IN 3 MO..
Power train, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, CAUSING THE OVER-DRIVE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND AS THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 23, 2011
I AM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AND WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 4.5 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME TO SHOOT A WEDDING I HAD PROBLEMS ABOUT 2 HOURS INTO MY TRIP. I WAS ON INTERSTATE 20 JUST OUTSIDE OF COLUMBIA, SC. I WAS IN THE LEFT HAND LANE BEHIND A SEMI TRUCK, THERE WAS ANOTHER SEMI TRUCK IN THE RIGHT LANE BESIDE ME AND BEHIND ME I HAD A LARGE VAN. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65-70 WHEN SUDDENLY, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING THE STEERING AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS BLINKED ON. I SOMEHOW REGAINED CONTROL OF THE CAR BY SHIFTING IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTING. I HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO REACT AS FAST AS I DID AS THE VAN BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON HIS BREAKS TO KEEP FROM HITTING ME. ONCE THE SEMI TRUCK WAS CLEARED OF THE RIGHT LANE I GOT OVER AND TURNED ON MY FLASHERS. SINCE I HAD IT RUNNING I WAS TOO SCARED TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE. I GOT TO MY NEAREST EXIT AND PULLED OVER. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF EXCEPT THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I RESTARTED AND DROVE ABOUT A MILE TO A MECHANIC. THEY COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG BUT HEARD THE MISFIRE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO CLASSIC FORD IN COLUMBIA, SC. I HAD TO RENT A CAR TO FINISH MY TRIP AS I COULDN'T LET DOWN A COUPLE ABOUT TO BE MARRIED. I JUST GOT THE ESTIMATE TO THE TUNE OF OVER $2700.00. IT'S THE PCM MODULE ALONG WITH COIL, SPARK PLUGS AND A FEW OTHER THINGS. I AM NOW DEBATING ABOUT WEATHER TO FIX IT OR NOT AS ALL THE REVIEWS I HAVE READ IT SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS AFTER IT'S FIXED. IT SOUNDS LIKE FORD REALLY NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO FIX THIS CHRONIC PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN AN ACCIDENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 20, 2011
EMAIL FROM SENATOR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE CONCERNS WITH HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE AUTOMOBILE (DESIGN OF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER). *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A CYLINDER WAS NOT FIRING. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS DAMAGED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 19, 2011
WE HAVE OWNED SEVERAL GOOD FORD VEHICLES IN THE PAST, UP UNTIL NOW. THE SUBJECT: 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID AND PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS. WE NOW UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER IS DEFECTIVE IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH ALL OF THE FORD'S HYBRID ESCORT LINE...DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW THAT FORD REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE. THE COST OF REPAIRS CAN RANGE FROM $1500-4000 AND AS A CONSUMER'S RIGHTS ADVOCATE I WON'T HESITATE TO BLOW THE WHISTLE ON THIS ONE...MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, AND SHE ALMOST HAD WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS IF NOT A FATAL ACCIDENT...;NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP.. AND WE CAN'T AFFORD FOR HER NOT TO CONTINUE TO GO TO COLLEGE, AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY HER A NEW CAR. WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE...THE ONLY RESPONSE EVER FROM THEM TO ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM, HAS BEEN A WEAK APOLOGY. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION TO INITIATE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A RESPONSIBLE REPLY FROM FORD. I CAN'T EVEN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SELLING THIS CAR TO ANYONE ELSE UNTIL THIS DEFECT IS RESOLVED. AT LEAST TOYOTA DID WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO WHEN THEY HAD THE "STUCK" ACCELERATION ISSUE...BUT FORD - AN AMERICAN (?) COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME...WITH SHABBINESS LIKE THIS IT'S NO WONDER OUR TECHNOLOGIES BEING CONSTANTLY "SOLD (OUT)" ) AND EXPORTED OVERSEAS. ON BEHALF OF ALL AMERICANS WHO PREFER TO PURCHASE USA MADE PRODUCTS AND EXPECT THE QUALITY WE DESERVE, I EXPECT A RESPONSE FROM YOU THAT ADDRESSES THIS HORRENDOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH ON THE HIGHWAYS, IF NOT ALREADY...IT SURELY WILL IN TIME. HOW EFFECTIVE AND INFLUENTIAL IS YOUR ORGANIZATION, OR IS IT ANOTHER FACADE THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO MAKE US THINK OUR SAFETY RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED FROM THE FLAWS OF BIG BUSINESS WHEN THEY REALLY A? FORTUNATELY, I KNOW SEVERAL CONGRESSMEN WHO WILL NOT LIKE TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE BUT ULTIMATELY WILL. *TR
Power train, May 18, 2011
TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED IN 2005 FORD ESCAPE (V6, 4WD) XLT. NO ISSUES PRIOR TO ONE DAY DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT SPUTTERED AND SLOWED TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED JUST FINE. BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE, IT ONLY WENT FOR ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE IT SLOWED TO A COMPLETE STOP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE OWNER WAS INFORMED SHE MUST REPLACE TRANSMISSION TOTALING $2477.00. VEHICLE HAS LESS ABOUT 92,000 MILES ON IT WITH ONLY ONE OWNER. CAR WAS PURCHASED SEPTEMBER 2004 FROM FORD DEALER. 3 YEAR WARRANTY IS OBVIOUSLY NO LONGER VALID AND DEALER OFFERED NO ADVICE AS TO WHAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, May 16, 2011, crash
THE COMPUTER SHORT, BECAUSE A WATER LEAK IN THE COMPUTER, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE BRIDGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. IN ADDITION, THE SPARK PLUGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2011
2005 FORD SHUTS OFF AFTER LONG DISTANCE OR NO DISTANCE SHUTTER LIKE YOU ARE PUSHING IN A CLUTCH BUT THIS IS MANUEL DRIVE THAN SHUTS DOWN DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, May 14, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR CUT OUT, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE GARAGE TO BE REPAIRED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SAID IT WAS THE COILS. THE COILS WERE REPAIRED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO MISFIRE. IT WAS LATER KNOWN THAT THE COMPUTER WAS FRIED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SOME INTERNET RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2011
EMAIL FROM THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN REID RIBBLE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT, RE PROBLEMS WITH HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *JB
Seat belts, May 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY FOR THE SEAT BELT AT A COST OF $500. THE DEALER ADVSIED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WERE NO IN STOCK AND WERE ORDERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/13/11 *BF UPDATED 06/16/11
Electrical system, May 8, 2011
WE WERE DRIVING FROM PA TO GA FOR A WEDDING IN MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE 65,000 MILES ON MY ESCAPE. THE ENTIRE CAR LOST ALL POWER...NO POWER STEERING, GAS, ABS, ETC. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE CAR CAME ON AND WE LOST EVERYTHING GOING 75 ON A HIGHWAY IN N.C. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO A SERVICE STATION WHO THEN REPLACED 2 COILS AND 2 SPARK PLUGS. THEN THEY REALIZED THAT THE ENTIRE COMPUTER WAS DEAD, THE "PCM". FORD SAID THEY WERE ON BACKORDER SO IT WOULD BE ABOUT A WEEK, AS THEY "MOVED US TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE". WE HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK WHILE WE WAITED FOR THE PART...FINISHING OUR TRIP TO GA FOR THE WEDDING, THEN BACK UP TO PA THE NEXT DAY (OUR HOME). WE HAD TO GO BACK TO N.C. IN THE RENTAL CAR (ANOTHER 114 HOURS ROUND TRIP) TO EXCHANGE CARS BACK WHEN MINE WAS FINALLY FIXED. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE PCM BUT AT THE SAME TIME SAID THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER COIL BAD...ANOTHER $350 ON TOP OF THE $750 I ALREADY PAID (PLUS $400 FOR THE RENTAL CAR). AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, I HAVE REALIZED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE...AND TO EXPECT THE COILS AND COMPUTER TO GO OUT AGAIN, EVEN AFTER REPLACING THEM. APPARENTLY THE 2005 ESCAPE WAS MADE WITH A FAULTY COIL PACK, AND THEY KNOW ABOUT IT. WHEN CALLING FORD, THEY JUST SAY, "SORRY ABOUT THAT, THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WE CAN DO". THERE ARE 6 COILS IN THE ESCAPE...I HAVE NOW HAD 3 REPLACED...WHEN THE OTHERS GO OUT, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE PCM WILL ALSO GO OUT. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR, AS I DO NOT TRUST IT...I NEVER KNOW WHEN I MAY LOSE POWER. WE WERE "LUCKY" THAT SOMETHING WORSE DID NOT HAPPEN, AS MY SON WAS ALSO IN THE CAR WITH US. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 5, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE "TONE RING" ON THE AXEL THROWS OFF THE ABS AND IT ENGAGES AT THE TAP OF THE BRAKES. GRABBING THE BRAKES, EITHER SLAMMING ON BRAKES OR NO BRAKES AT ALL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS FROM 01-10 ESCAPES. DEALERS ARE CHARGING FOR AXEL AND RING TO BE REPLACED WHEN ALL THAT NEEDS REPLACED IS THE 15$ RING. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT CAUSES VEHICLES TO FLIP OVER AND ALSO TO NOT STOP. MY VEHICLE HAS 90,XXX MILES ON IT AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN NOT BRAKE AT ALL! I HAVE HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OFF OF ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN ABS LIGHT WAS NOT ON! I FEEL THIS IS A PERFECT DEFECT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH A MAJOR PROBLEM THE BRAKES. PLEASE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS. I HAVE JUST SPENT 800 DOLLARS FIXING THIS AND THE MECHANIC SAID ITS VERY VERY COMMON. GOOGLED IT AND FOUND THIS TO BE VERY VERY COMMON. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT TWO OF THE PLUGS AND COILS WERE DEFECTIVE AS A RESULT THE COMPUTER WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 2, 2011
AS WITH MANY REPORTED, MY GAS PEDAL STICKS MORE AND MORE OFTEN - ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD (45 DEGREES OR BELOW). IT WILL HAPPEN ONCE OR TWICE ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO A DRIVE AND THEN NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, BUT CLEARLY SOMETHING IS. ITS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. *TR