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.
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2011
1ST TIME(2008)53,972 MILES, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WAS RUNNING ROUGH TOOK IN DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY COIL, REPLACED COIL & SPARK PLUG FOR $741.00 2ND TIME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, RUNNING ROUGH, MISSING, PARKED CAR FOR LITTLE BIT THEN CAR STARTED UP & RAN FINE, TOOK INTO SERVICE & THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT SUGGESTED WE REPLACE ALL COILS & SPARK PLUGS THIS TIME FOR $1500.00 W, CHARGED US $70.00 WE CHOSE TO HAVE OUR MECHANIC CHECK IT @$40.00 & HE COULDN'T GET ANY READINGS REGARDING REPLACING COILS,- 3RD TIME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AUTO MISFIRING, RUNNING ROUGH, ENGINE QUIT WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH, WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF OF HIGHWAY & PARK IT ON SIDE OF ROAD. CALLED OUR MECHANIC & HE CAME OVER AND DIAGNOSED CAR AS FAULTY PCM $200.00 HAD CAR TOWED AT OUR EXPENSE BACK TO FORD WHERE THEIR TECHS CONFIRMED IT WAS A FAULTY PCM & NOT FAULTY COILS AFTER MANY CALLS WITH FORD, FORD AGREED TO REPLACE PCM CAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS INDEED UNDER WARRANTY WHICH I AT FIRST WAS TOLD IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *LN
Visibility, Jan 28, 2011
2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED INSIDE A SECURED GARAGE OVERNIGHT. AT SOME POINT OVERNIGHT, THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR OR GARAGE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AND THE GARAGE WAS STILL SECURE IN THE MORNING. PEA-SIZE GLASS PIECES WERE FOUND UP TO 10 FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR, AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF GLASS WENT INTO THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE ESCAPE. THE PIECES OF THE GLASS WERE MANUALLY CLEANED UP FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE WINDOW WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW IDENTICAL PART AT A LOCAL AUTO GLASS REPAIR SHOP. THE OWNER OF THE ESCAPE PAID FOR THIS NEW WINDOW COMPLETELY WITH HIS OWN MONEY. DUE TO THE FULLY RANDOM NATURE OF THIS EVENT, I BELIEVE IT TO BE VEHICLE DEFECT WITH THE REAR WINDOW GLASS OR SOME PART SUPPORTING THE GLASS. I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD DIRECTLY AS WELL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE SPARK PLUG, COILS AND MANIFOLD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT WAS LATER TOWED TO A SECOND AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 19, 2011
MASTER CYLINDER ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID FAILED - 73940 MILES ON CAR. MOSTLY CITY & HIGHWAY DRIVING - NO RACING OR OTHER KIND OF DRIVING. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON US HIGHWAY IN THE EVENING, 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT SUDDENLY STARTED VIBRATING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT AND THEN ALL OTHER LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASHED AS VEHICLE LOST POWER BUT WAS ABLE COAST TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TO THE VEHICLES FOLLOWING THIS VEHICLE THAT IT WAS GOING TO SUDDENLY DECREASE SPEED AND STOP. FORTUNATELY VEHICLE FOLLOWING WAS ABLE TO PASS SAFELY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. CODE P0353 WAS INDICATED AND TSB 10-18-10 WAS USED TO SERVICE VEHICLE. ALL 6 COPS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH PCM. VEHICLE STILL DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY AND ON INSPECTION BY TECH, CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FOUND TO BE PLUGGED AND WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND HAD APPROX. 45,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2011
2005 FOR ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION WAS PASSING ANOTHER CAR ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE. HAD TO ALMOST STOP GOING THE WRONG WAY ON A TWO LANE ROAD SO THE CARS GOING THE SAME DIRECTION AS ME COULD PAS SO I COULD GET BACK IN THE CORRECT LANE AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE CODES CHECKED AND TWO OF THE 6 COILS WERE SHOWING UP AS HAVING ISSUES. CODE WERE P0352 PO354 THERE IS A TSB FROM FORD TSB 10-18-10. I HAVE REPLACED THE COILS AND THE ISSUE STILL IS THROUGH THE CODES FOR THE COILS. ACCORDING THE TSB THERE COULD BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE PCM FROM THE COILS AND PLUGS. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE IS THAT IF I HAD NOT BEEN OBSERVANT AND CAUGHT THIS BEFORE ANOTHER CAR COMING AT ME WAS CLOSER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HEAD ON COLLISION BECAUSE OF LOSS OF POWER FROM THIS SITUATION. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE PCM OR HAD AN OSCILLOSCOPE TO CHECK THE PCM AT THIS POINT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 12, 2011
ACCELERATOR PEDAL FREEZING UP WHILE DRIVING OR A STOP SIGN/TRAFFIC LIGHT. ENGINE IS 2.3L, 4 CYLINDER WITH A 3-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH OVERDRIVE, FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, CRUISE CONTROL, POWER STEERING AND A/C. THE TEMPERATURE WAS SIX DEGREES AND IT WAS SNOWING WITH FIVE INCHES ON THE GROUND. STARTED CAR AND THE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVED, AFTER 15 MINUTES OF WARMING IT UP, IT BEGAN TO WORK, BUT KEPT STICKING. GOT TO A STOP SIGN AND WENT TO HIT PEDAL TO GO; NOTHING, I JUST COASTED INTO THE INTERSECTION WITH CARS APPROACHING BOTH WAYS. FINALLY, I LET GO AND WENT. IT DID THE SAME THING AT TWO LIGHTS ON THE WAY HOME. ON THE WAY HOME, WHICH IS 10 MILES FROM WORK, THE PEDAL KEPT FREEZING UP EVERY TIME I GAVE IT GAS. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 65 MPH AND THE ROAD WAS CLEAR AT THE TIME. GOT HOME AND PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO THE GARAGE WHERE I KEEP IT WHEN NOT BEING USED AND TURNED THE HEAT ON AND STARTED TO WORK ON IT. I CLEANED THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND ACCELERATOR AT THE THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION POINT. DISCONNECTED BOTH AND CHECKED THE THROTTLE BODY AND HOOKED IT BACK UP. I PUT WD-40 ON THE CABLE AND IT STARTED TO WORK LIKE NEW. I PUT EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER AND PULLED IT OUTSIDE TO GET COLD AGAIN. THE NEXT MORNING, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE PEDAL WAS FROZEN AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS WORSE THAN BEFORE. AFTER 5 MINUTES IT STARTED TO WORK SOME, I PUT THE VEHICLE BACK IN THE GARAGE. I ARRIVED HOME THE NEXT MORNING, AND IT WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND ALL WAS OK. THIS TIME I WENT UNDER THE DASH AND SPRAYED SOME DW-40 ON THE PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY. I SPRAYED A LONG BURST OF WD-40 ONTO THE CABLE AND IT STARTED TO WORK AGAIN. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CABLE IS FRAYING ON THE SHIELD. UPDATED 02/14/11 *BF
Visibility, Structure, Jan 10, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! THE SOUND IT MADE WAS A LOUD POW, AND SOME GLASS SHARDS FELL ONTO MY SEATS. THERE WERE NO LARGE TRUCKS AROUND OR SIGHT OF DEBRIS FLYING MY WAY. I HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR THE GLASS TO BE SHIPPED FROM FORD BEFORE I CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED, AND I HAVE TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE OF $500 THROUGH MY INSURANCE, AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING IN FORDS, AND IT'S NOT LIKELY THAT A ROCK CAN CAUSE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE ON TOP OF A CAR. FORD SHOULD BE PROVIDING WARRANTIES FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2011
WHILE VACATIONING IN MYRTLE BEACH, MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE RAN SLUGGISH AND WAS MISSING AFTER A HEAVY RAIN. HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CASING FOR THE PCM HAD LEAKED AND WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO THE PCM AND CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSED THE PLUGS AND COILS TO NEED REPLACING. PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND HAD TO WAIT TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIRS. RECEIVED A CALL FROM DEALER SAYING THAT IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ANOTHER 3 DAYS AND THE TOTAL BILL FROM THE DEALER WAS $5,262.38. ALONG WITH A RENTAL CAR FOR 1.5 WEEKS AND TWO ADDITIONAL DAYS IN HOTEL MADE FOR AN EXPENSIVE HOLIDAY. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND THEY WERE NOT EVEN INTERESTED IN MY SITUATION. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD, AND AM NOW DRIVING JAPANESE. *TR
Visibility, Jan 3, 2011
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH AND WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD. THE ROADS WERE COVERED WITH A LIGHT DUSTING OF FLUFFY SNOW, AND IT WAS CHILLY.. ABOUT 21 DEGREES. THE DEFROSTER HAD BEEN ON, BUT I HAD PHYSICALLY TURNED THE DEFROSTER OFF ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE 'EXPLOSION'. I HEARD A HORRIBLE NOISE AND WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED TO SEE THERE WAS VERY LITTLE OF MY REAR WINDOW LEFT. WHAT?!!?! HOW COULD SUCH THINGS HAPPEN? AND WHAT A MESS! THERE WAS GLASS EVERYWHERE, PAINT HAD BEEN CHIPPED, THE SHOCKS WERE HANGING OUT, THE WIPER AND MOTOR WERE AT AN AWKWARD ANGLE...THINGS WERE DANGLING EVERYWHERE. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WAS A SUNDAY AND NOTHING WAS OPEN TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR UNTIL MONDAY. SO FAR, MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT HELPFUL, BUT I'VE STILL HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. WHY DO I EVEN NEED TO PAY ANYTHING FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT CAUSE?? MY CALLS TO FORD HAVEN'T REALLY GOTTEN ME ANYWHERE YET, EXCEPT TO ONLY REITERATE THERE IS NO RECALL FOR SUCH ISSUES. I AGREE THAT WITH THIS MANY VOICED COMPLAINTS, FORD SHOULD AT LEAST ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS AN ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THEN IT FINALLY STARTED. THE FAILURE BEGAN TWO MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE COIL FAILED AND THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,958. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ELECTRONIC BRAKES FAILED TWICE AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO RECALIBRATED THE HYBRID ELECTRONIC BRAKES BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,500.
Visibility, Dec 28, 2010
BACK WINDSHIELD EXPLODING ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2010
THE ISSUE I AM HAVING IS THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN COMPLAINT #10318942. INTERMITTENTLY ON DRY PAVEMENT DURING NORMAL BRAKING, THE ABS WILL ENGAGE (WITH INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHING ON) AND YOU CAN FEEL THE TYPICAL ABS ON/OFF PULSING OF THE BRAKES IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT APPEARS THE CAR IS ALSO TAKING LONGER TO COME TO A FULL STOP WHEN THIS OCCURS. I HAVE REPORTED IT MULTIPLE TIMES AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THIS HAPPENS TO ME REGULARLY (A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK).
Visibility, Dec 27, 2010
THE REAR WINDOW IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 5 DEGREES CELSIUS AND IT WAS RAINING. I WAS USING THE WINDOW DEFOGGER AND THE REAR WIPER. THE EXPLOSION SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF GLASS FLEW INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO GLASS ON THE REAR BUMPER. MY DAUGHTER AND TWO OF HER FRIENDS WERE IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND GLASS FLEW IN TOWARD THEM. I MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS QUITE STARTLED BY THE LOUD EXPLOSION! THE DRIVER'S SIDE HYDRAULIC LIFT WAS HANGING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE LIFT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO A CHUNK OF GLASS AND IN PLACE IN THE FRAME OF THE WINDOW. MY GUESS IS THAT THE HYDRAULIC LIFT FAILED, EXERTED PRESSURE ON THE WINDOW, AND CAUSED THE EXPLOSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN ENGINE COIL FAILED AND THE PCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Dec 22, 2010
ON 3/17/2009, AFTER WASHING THE VEHICLE AT A CAR WASH, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE LATER STOPPED RUNNING AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD IT FOR 3 DAYS AND SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE WERE CHARGED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. ON 9/01/2010, THE FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP. ON THE WAY HOME, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. IT STOPPED RUNNING IN TRAFFIC AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ON 9/07/2010 TO BE LOOKED AT AT THE ADVICE OF FORD. THEY FOUND A FAULTY WATER PUMP, REPLACED IT AND A FILTER, AND WE WERE TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. ON 9/09/2010, THE VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN OVERHEATED, STRANDING US AGAIN. IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND AGAIN TOLD US IT WAS FIXED. ON 11/23/2010, IT WAS RAINING AND AGAIN THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO RETURN HOME. ON 12/17/2010, THE REPAIR ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, AND WE HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT SINCE.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 22, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR ON MY 2005 ESCAPES GETS STUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND ON CITY STREETS. I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A 45MPH MAIN STREET WHEN THE PEDAL JAMMED AND I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT PUSH IT DOWN. FORTUNATELY, THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY THAT IT SLOWED DOWN BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE SAME STICKING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO KEEP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, BUT IT SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT'S LOCKED IN POSITION AND WILL NOT MOVE. THIS IS CAUSING DANGEROUS SCENARIOS. BY DOING RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THE FORD ESCAPES HAVE BEEN HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM SINCE 2001. *TR
Visibility, Dec 20, 2010
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, TRAFFIC WAS CRAWLING, IT WAS SNOWING. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, SO I TURNED TO LOOK OUT THE BACK TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED, AND LOW AND BEHOLD, MY REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED (MOSTLY ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR) AND ALL OTHER NON-GLASS PARTS WERE HANGING IN MIDAIR. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAD EVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN, AND WE GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT TO LOOK FOR BULLETS, SNOWBALLS, ETC, AND FOUND NOTHING. JUST ABOUT 5 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, I HAD TURNED ON THE REAR DEFROSTER. SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF BOTH OF US. WILL FIND OUT WHAT THE REPAIR COSTS ARE TOMORROW AT THE DEALER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 16, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR ON MY FORD ESCAPE STICKS IN THE UP POSITION WHEN IT GETS COOL OUT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AFTER YOU BRAKE AND THEN GO TO ACCELERATE. VERY SCARY ON THE FREEWAY. PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AND IT DOES NOT GO DOWN, NO ACCELERATION. YOU HAVE TO KEEP LIFTING YOUR FOOT AND PUSHING (HARD) THO GET IT TO ACCELERATE WE HAVE TRIED SPRAYING IT WITH LUBRICANT AND USING GRAPHITE, NEITHER HAS HELPED. THIS STARTED WHEN IT WAS ABOUT 3 YRS OLD AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT IS NOW 5 YRS OLD AND HAS BECOME A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Dec 10, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I STARTED MY CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE I HAD TO LEAVE FOR CLASS, AND PUT ON THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROST. WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR AND STARTED DRIVING, THE REAR WINDOW IMPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 10, 2010
DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS THE GAS PEDAL BECOMES STIFF AND AT TIMES DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 10, 2010
TSB 05-8-5 STATES: ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LAMP ON WITH DTC C1526 - DTC C1524 MAY ALSO BE PRESENT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 2/11/2005. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 3, 2010
WHEN WEATHER GETS COLD ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK WHEN TRYING TO START VEHICLE AND STICKY WHEN DRIVING FOR A TIME AFTER THAT.SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT TO STOP AT STOP SIGNS OR LIGHTS, LIKE ITS STILL GETTING FUEL. DEALER WANTED TO CHANGE OUT THROTTLE BODY FOR AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT. FROM MY RESEARCH THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2010
WHILE THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A FOUR-LANE ROAD, THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING. THE CAR WAS GOING DOWNHILL AND THE DRIVER STEERED IT INTO A PARKING LOT. THERE, ON CLOSER INSPECTION UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD FAILED WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE TOP OF THE ARTICULATING ARM OF THE GAS-PEDAL: DEPRESSING THE PEDAL DID NOT PULL THE CABLE; THE CABLE END PROTRUDED THROUGH A LITTLE TUBE AT THE TOP OF THE ARM, BUT WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE ARTICULATING ARM. THE ARM MOVED FREELY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE CABLE. THIS FAILURE HAD RESULTED IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE -- NO THROTTLE. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (E.G. MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION WHERE CROSS-TRAFFIC IS NOT REQUIRED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT) THIS SYSTEM FAILURE HAS A HIGH CHANCE OF RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. IN THE PARKING LOT, THE OWNER ATTACHED A PAIR OF NEEDLE-NOSE VISE-GRIP PLIERS TO THE END OF THE CABLE AT THE TOP OF THE ARTICULATING ARM OF THE GAS PEDAL, AS A TEMPORARY FIX, AND DROVE THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT A MILE AWAY. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR, THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASCRIBED THE FAILURE TO "THROTTLE BODY BINDING" AND ADVISED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AND CABLE.