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.
Power train, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER. SHE THEN HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FASTER THAN 10-15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 28,000. UPDATED 03/16/11 *BF UPDATED 03/21/11
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2010
TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 2005 ESCAPE WITH UNDER 90,000 MILES BEGAN MISSING AND CUTTING OUT. WAS ABLE TO LIMP IN TO FORD DEALER (SAM SCISM FORD) WHERE DIAGNOSIS INDICATED # 2 # 6 MISFIRES WITH FURTHER DIAGNOSIS INDICATING NO SIGNAL TO COIL. DEALER DETERMINED NEED TO REPLACE PCM AND DID SO AT OVER $1100. LESS THAN 30 DAYS LATER, SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AND DIFFERENT DEALER DIAGNOSED #6 COIL PROBLEMS. REPLACED COILA AT $240. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 18, 2010
THE GAS PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY STICKS WHICH CAUSES SUDDEN AND QUICK DECELERATION. IT FEELS LIKE A BRICK IS UNDERNEATH THE PEDAL. NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSH DOWN, THE PEDAL DOESN'T BUDGE. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE PEDAL WILL WORK AGAIN. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH FORD CARS. SOME PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF IT. I SPOKE WITH FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY TOOK MY NAME AND SOME OTHER BASIC INFORMATION, THEN SPENT MOST OF THE TIME TRYING TO GET ME OFF OF THE PHONE. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA WAS HAVING, WITH THE ONLY TWO DIFFERENCES BEING THE CAR DECELERATES AS OPPOSED TO ACCELERATES AND THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET. FORD TOLD ME IF I WAS CONCERNED, I SHOULD GET MY CAR FIXED AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Electrical system, Nov 16, 2010
SMART JUNCTION BOX FAILURE. PART# 5L8Z15604GA THIS PART CONTROLS MANY OF THE ELECTRONIC ELEMENTS OF THE VEHICLE; DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS, HAZARD LIGHTS INSTRUMENT PANEL, HORN, LOCKS, WINDOWS, SECURITY SYSTEM. VARIOUS ELECTRICAL ELEMENTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART. THE PART IS ON BACK-ORDER AND CONTINUES TO BE PUSHED TO A LATER DATE. AS OF 11/16, THE PART IS ON BACK-ORDER UNTIL JAN 17, 2011. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND SEE THAT THE PART HAS BEEN ON BACK-ORDER SINCE (AT LEAST) AUGUST 2010. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS PART, OR IT IS BEING REDESIGNED AND FORD IS TRYING TO AVOID A RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING FROM 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT ADDED BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AT THE BRAKE LINES AND MASTER CYLINDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT A BRAKE LINE WAS HITTING AGAINST THE POWER STEERING CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO FRACTURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKE LINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,894. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ UPDATED 04/04/11
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO FUEL THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCEPT THE FUEL BUT THE PUMP WOULD TURN OFF ALTHOUGH THE TANK WAS NOT FULL. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VENT LINE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AFTER THE LAST REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOOK A COMPLAINT AND ADVISED HIM THAT SOMEONE WOULD CALL HIM BACK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. UPDATED 04/19/11
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN; THERE WERE NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT CONTINUED TO STALL ON HER WAY HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2010
IGNITION SPARK PLUG COILS (6) SHORTED OUT; SHORTING OUT THE COMPUTER AS TOLD BY THE FORD TECH TO THE OWNER OF THE VECHICLE. THE FORD TECHNICIAN TOLD THE VECHICLE OWNER TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS BECAUSE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Oct 21, 2010
I AM WRITING IN CONCERNS TO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS. I AM AN OWNER OF A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 2004. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TWO MONTHS TO HAVE A FAULTY ELECTRICAL PART, THE SMART JUNCTION BOX, REPLACED. SINCE AUGUST 23RD MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNSAFE TO OPERATE WITHOUT THIS PART AS MY TURN SIGNALS, HEAD LIGHTS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE, AS WELL AS POWER WINDOWS, INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTS, POWER LOCKS, RADIO AND CLOCK DISPLAY AND MY ABILITY TO UNLATCH THE REAR DOOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INFORMATION MYSELF I WAS FORCED TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK TO BE SCHEDULED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR. ON SEPT. 7TH THE FORD MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE PART I TOLD HIM I NEEDED WAS CORRECT AND SAID PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN TWO WEEKS. ON SEPT.21ST, I CALLED TO ASK IF THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. IT WAS THEN THAT THE MECHANIC SAID THAT HE NEGLECTED TO MENTION THE PART WOULD NOT BE ORDERED UNLESS I PAID IN ADVANCE. I PAID FOR THE PART ON SEPT23. ON SEPT. 29TH THE GENERAL MANAGER AT WORDEN-MARTIN CALLED TO SAY THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. I ASKED IF IT WERE POSSIBLE TO HAVE A USED PART PUT IN TEMPORARILY WHILE I WAIT. I RECEIVED A REPLY THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $350 TO HAVE THAT PART PUT IN WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PART WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY AND NO COMPENSATION IF THE REPLACEMENT PART WERE TO FAIL. NOT WANTING TO THROW AWAY $350 FOR A FAULTY PART, I FELT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE. AFTER WAITING TWO WEEKS I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL, SO I CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ON THE PART. I WAS TOLD THE PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL OCT. 25TH. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THEIR DISTRIBUTOR AND NOT FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THE PART SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15TH BECAUSE THE PART, ORDERED BY MANY, WAS BEING REDESIGNED. ON OCT. 19TH I CALLED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THE PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE ONE OF THE SIX COIL PACKS WAS REPLACED IN THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. A TOTAL OF EIGHT ENGINE COIL PACKS HAD BEEN REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MAIN COMPUTER AND ONE SPARK PLUG WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 14, 2010
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND HAVE NUMEROUS ISSUES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2004. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND ONE COIL PACK. THROUGHOUT THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND TRIED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING (40+MPH). IT CLEARED FOR A LITTLE WHILE AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, THEN IT RETURNED. FORD CHANGED ONE IGNITION COIL AND SAID THAT IF WE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS IT WOULD PROBABLY FIX THE THEFT SHUT DOWN PROBLEM. WELL WE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TRYING TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING(40+MPH). NOW THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AT ALL. THERE IS JUICE FROM THE BATTERY, ALL THE LIGHTS AND RADIO COME ON, BUT THE CAR REFUSES TO TURN OVER. WE HAVE CHECKED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE, INCLUDING: THE BATTERY, FUSES, AND HAVING IT TESTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM OR FORD PATS II SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE WHICH ALSO BE CONNECTED TO THE PCM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE PATS II SYSTEM AND PCM. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN FORCED. THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE WERE INITIALLY RELEASED WITH THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WHICH CAUSES DAMAGE AND THEY DID NOT RECALL THE SPARK PLUGS. WITH THESE VERY EVIDENT MANUFACTURER DEFECTS, AND TSBS THAT HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED THROUGH FORD - THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND ITEMS REPAIRED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT FORD CAUSED AND WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. MY VEHICLE IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT V6 3.0L PURCHASED AT UKIAH FORD LINCOLN MERCURY IN UKIAH, CALIFORNIA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION AND WHEN I BEGAN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ALARM SOUNDED, A RED WRENCH SYMBOL, AND RED EXCLAMATION MARK LIT UP ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE CURB AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND STEERING LOCKED UP. THE CAR RESTARTED AND I TOOK IT TO FORD. THE SERVICE REP SAID THE CAR WENT INTO A "FAIL SAFE MODE" WHICH IT DOES TO PROTECT THE HYBRID BATTERY FROM OVERHEATING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ALARM AND SYMBOLS OCCUR TO GIVE YOU ABOUT 5 MINUTES TO SAFELY GET OFF THE ROAD. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN. THE CAR JUST LOST POWER IMMEDIATELY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT A COOLANT PUMP FOR THE HYBRID BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS DONE. FIVE WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND WHEN I BEGAN TURNING RIGHT, THE ALARM SOUNDED, THE RED WRENCH AND EXCLAMATION LIGHT LIT UP AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER IMMEDIATELY. AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE SO I TOOK IT BACK TO FORD TO BE LOOKED AT. THEY REPLACED A "SUSPECT" COOLING PUMP RELAY AND ROAD TESTED THE CAR. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS VEHICLE'S "FAIL SAFE MODE" MAKES THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO MOVE INTO AN EMERGENCY LANE, BUT WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON A FREEWAY AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED? I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHER FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED MY GRANDCHILDREN WERE IN THE BACKSEAT AND I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. AFTER HAVING THE FORD DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND REPLACE THE COOLING PUMP RELAY I TRADED IN THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS DOCUMENTED IN CASE THERE IS A PATTERN WITH THESE CARS OR OTHER HYBRIDS. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ONE AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2010, fire
MY WIFE WAS GOING TO THE BANK IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH 39150 MILES. SHE HEARD A NOISE AND STOPPED TO SEE IF SHE HAD A FLAT. EVERYTHING SEEMED OK SO SHE CONTINUED ON. BEFORE GOING ONE BLOCK THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SO SHE DROVE AROUND THE BLOCK AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. UPON EXITING SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AREA. WHILE SHE WAS TRYING TO CALL ME AT WORK, MORE SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT, SHE HEARD A POP AND FLAMES AND SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT. A NEIGHBOR SAW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND CALLED 911. THANKFULLY THE PROMPT RESPONSE OF THE FIRE DEPT. LIMITED THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE HOME ONLY SUFFERED SMOKE DAMAGE. WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING IN A MOTEL WHILE THE HOUSE GETS CLEANED. THE ESCAPE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. UPDATED 11/03/10*JB *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2010
POWER STEERING GOES OUT ON MY '05 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. HAPPENED ONCE WHEN I HAD CAR ABOUT 3 YEARS AND FORD SAID A FLUKE. DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL '09 BUT NEVER WAS HAPPENING WHEN I DROVE IT IN AND FORD COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO GET THERE WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING BUT THEY STILL COULDN'T SAY FOR SURE BUT SUGGESTED I PAY TO REPLACE STEERING WIRING HARNESS AND SENSOR. I HESITATED TO DO THIS AS SEVERAL PEOPLE INCLUDING ANOTHER FORD MGR SAID DIDN'T MAKE SENSE AND ANOTHER FORD MGR SAID DIDN'T KNOW FOR SURE THAT WOULD TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM. SOMETIMES IT IS FINE FOR MONTHS, OTHER TIMES HAPPENS EVEN WHEN I FIRST TURN THE CAR ON. SOMETIMES THE STEERING JUST FEELS "LOOSE"....NOT NORMAL. USUALLY THOUGH, I'M DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A PULL LEFT AND THE STEERING GOES OUT. FORD MGR TOLD ME IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE BUT IT'S GETTING MORE NERVE WRACKING - SUDDEN HARD PULLS LEFT BUT POWER STEERING STAYS ON - FOR AWHILE. ONCE HAPPENED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. DRIVING A STRAIGHT LINE ISN'T BAD BUT TIGHT TURNS ARE DIFFICULT AND U TURNS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE TO THE MOUNTAINS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2010
MY GAS PEDAL WAS STICKING OFF AND ON A FEW DAYS BEFORE SEPT, 1, 2010. ON SEPT. 1, 2010 I WAS DRIVING AND THE GAS PEDAL CABLE WENT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF GAS PEDAL JUST BREAKING. I WAS ON BUSY STREET AND LOST ALL POWER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 26, 2010
2005 ESCAPE HYBRID BRAKE FAILURE. I TRIED TO STOP AND BRAKES ONLY WENT HALF WAY DOWN. I RELEASED AND PUSHED AGAIN, HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGH A STORE FRONT WINDOW. TOOK TO FORD DEALER AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER/SOLENOID. PER FORD'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 0585 ISSUED 8/5/05, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE CORRECTED BY INSTALLING A REVISED MASTER CYLINDER. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND THE PEOPLE INSIDE THE BUSINESS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN, VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID - THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TO SKID AND SLIDE WHEN APPROACHING A STOP REGARDLESS OF THE VEHICLE SPEED OR ROAD CONDITIONS. THE ABS WOULD KICK IN AND THE INDICATOR WOULD COME ON TELLING THE DRIVER THAT THE CAR WAS SLIDING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AS THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED. AFTER INVESTIGATING ONLINE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF HYBRID VEHICLE. MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. THE SUGGESTION WAS THAT THE TONE RINGS WERE CRACKED OR BROKEN. MY REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THAT BOTH OF MINE WERE BROKEN AND ONE AXLE NEEDED REPLACED. INTERESTINGLY, WHEN THE MECHANICS TOOK THE CAR ON A TEST DRIVE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THE CAR WOULD REV BEYOND 4 RPMS, THEN THE ENGINE QUIT AND THE DASHBOARD READOUT STATED TO PULL OVER AND STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE GAS ENGINE QUIT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND WAITING A FEW SECONDS, THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND THE COMPUTER/CAR RESET ITSELF AND WOULD RUN AGAIN. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON AN OPEN HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE WARNINGS TO PULL OVER AND STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DISPLAYED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY FORD AS THEY HAVE ISSUED DTC C1526. THIS PARTICULAR BLOG (HTTP://BLOG.YAGELSKI.COM/2010/01/MY-FORD-ESCAPE-HYBRID-BRAKE-REPAIR.HTML) EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM AS WELL AS THOSE OF MANY OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, WITH GREATER DETAIL AND ACCURACY THAN I CAN. PLEASE DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO FORCE FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS INCREDIBLE IMPORTANT AND EXPENSIVE SAFETY MATTER. THANK YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID - BRAKE FAILURE. CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN HARSHLY OR IN HARSH CONDITIONS. ON JULY 31ST, APPLIED BRAKES AT STOPLIGHT, ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES FAILED. DEALER UNSURE HOW TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE BIN [XXX]. BROKE CLUTCH PEDAL SPRING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 4, 2010, crash
WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY WE HIT A DEEP GROOVE IN THE ROAD AND THEN PROCEEDED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WITHIN 10 SECONDS THE CAR WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR WEAVED AND BOBBED FOR ABOUT 200 FEET UNCONTROLLABLE. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING RACK AND TIE ROD SNAPPED. WE HIT SOMEONE WHILE OUR CAR SPUN AROUND INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC AND WE FLEW INTO THE GUARD RAIL AT SUCH FORCE THE CAR LIFTED AND GOT LODGED ON THE GUARD RAIL. THIS PROBABLY SAVED OUR LIVES BECAUSE AT THAT POINT WE HAD DONE A 180 AND WERE FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. CAN NOT GET AN HELP FROM FORD. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE.4X4. I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE BOGGED DOWN, AS IF OUT OF GAS. I SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE, PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE AND DROVE OFF. I KEPT HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE. I DROVE TO MY NEXT LOCATION AND THE NOISE PERSISTED. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SITE AND WHEN THEY PULLED THE PLUG FROM THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL THERE WAS NO DRAINING AND A PART OF A TOOTH FROM A GEAR CAME OUT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME IT IS BECAUSE I REPLACED THE TWO TIRES THEY KEPT TELLING ME TO CHANGE AND NOT ALL FOUR. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME OF BLACK FLUIDS IN THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. IT'S GOING TO CAST ME APPROXIMATELY $2700.00 TO GET ALL OF THIS DONE, INCLUDING THE PURCHASE OF THE TWO TIRES NEEDED TO MAKE THE FOUR TIRE CHANGE. THE LOCATION WHERE I HAD THE TIRES INSTALLED TELL ME THAT A TWO TIRE CHANGE IS NORMAL. THE DEALERSHIP ITSELF WANTED TO DO THE SAME THING. THIS IS MESSED UP. *TR
Suspension, Jul 12, 2010
I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE TONE RING THAT IS LOCATED ON THE FRONT AXLE OF THE FORD ESCAPES AND THAT IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE THE ABS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE GOES OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FORD FORUM. COM IS WHERE ITS LOCATED AND I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED IN AT. THE WORRIES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT HOWE SOME PEOPLE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE PIECE. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2010
LOSS OF STEERING IN A FORD HYBRID ESCAPE ELECTRIC STEERING, COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING IN A TURN AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THE STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED WITHIN SECONDS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GENERATE ANY DIAGNOSTIC CODES. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WITHOUT KNOWING THE EXACT FAILURE BASED UPON THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,837.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, THE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE IGNITION COILS, SPARK PLUGS AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES ARE 102,585.