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.
Fuel system, Other, Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2010
THE GAS PEDAL OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE SOME TIMES GETS STACK TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN'T ACCELERATE NO MATTER HOW MUCH WEIGHT I PUT ON IT. IT NORMALLY HAPPENS AFTER IT HAS BEEN IDLE FOR MANY HOURS AND GOES AWAY AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. IT WAS LIKE THAT SINCE I BOUGHT IT TWO YEARS AGO AND HAS BEEN GETTING WORST LATELY. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY TEST DROVE AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. ON 6/2/2010, I GOT STACK IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION AND NEARLY GOT HIT FROM THE REAR AND FROM BOTH SIDES. IT TOOK ME MORE THAN TWO MINUTES BEFORE I COULD ACCELERATE AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 1, 2010
WE HAD TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED ON OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT YOU COULD BE DRIVING AND THE GAS PEDAL WOULD FREEZE UP AND YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PUSH IT DOWN. IT WOULD STICK AS IF SOMETHING WAS BEHIND IT, AND NOTHING WAS. I WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT, HOWEVER WHEN YOU PULL OUT TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND YOU CAN NOT ACCELERATE BECAUSE THE PEDAL WON'T GO DOWN, IT IS AMAZING YOU ARE NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE ON-LINE WITH THE SAME ISSUE WHEN I SEARCHED FORD ESCAPE STICKY PEDAL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE; YET, THERE WERE NO VISIBLE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A COIL IN THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
Visibility, Structure, May 25, 2010
SUNROOF SHATTERED IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE FOR NO REASON. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT. WHEN CHECKING ON LINE THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCLUDING TIMES WHEN THE GLASS BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ORDERED NEW GLASS FOR SUNROOF AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2010
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF BY ITSELF. IF IT WERE NOT 5:30 IN THE MORNING I MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR BEEN KILLED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT, BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT RAN VERY HARD. IT THEN GAVE ME A SERVICE EMISSIONS WARNING. THE MECHANIC STATES THAT ALL 6 SPARK PLUGS AND 6 COILS NEED REPLACED AND THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS FRIED (SMV).FURTHERMORE, HE STATED THAT IT WAS AN ERROR IN MANUFACTURING IN REGARDS TO THE SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION. I NOW FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPES BUT NO RECALLS OR NOTICES HAVE BEEN MADE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 12, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT V6. SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE IN 2005 WE HAVE HAD PROBLEM REFUELING. VEHICLE TAKES FUEL SLOWLY WITH FREQUENT SHUTOFFS PRIOR TO FULL. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT NOW THAT IT SHOOT THE FUEL BACK OUT OF THE NECK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU TURN ON THE PUMP, EVEN AS SLOW AS YOU CAN RUN THE PUMP. IN THE PAST WHEN I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER THEY HAVE TOLD ME SLOW FILLING IS NORMAL FOR THESE CARS. IT HAS REACHED THE POINT WHERE IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE AND PROBABLY INJURY IF NOT A FATALITY. WHAT CAN I DO IF THE DEALER WON'T OR CAN'T FIX IT? *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 4, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID APRIL 1, 2010, WEST BOUND ON I-90 IN MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN STURBRIDGE AND CHICOPEE WHEN THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED. THE "CONTROL MODULE" DISPLAYED A "STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE AND THEN PROCEEDED TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. I WAS FORCED, WITHOUT POWER, TO TRAVERSE 3 LANES OF HIGH SPEED, HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC, TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS FRIGHTENED FOR MY LIFE AT THE TIME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE SAME "STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE AND VEHICLE SHUT-DOWN REPEATED SEVERAL MORE TIMES, BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT - SUNNYSIDE FORD, IN HOLDEN MA. THEY HAVE HAD IT NOW SINCE APRIL 14TH 2010 AND ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR. AFTER FIRST REPLACING A MOTOR ELECTRONICS (MEC) PUMP, THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE - INDEED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE AT ALL BEFORE RECEIVING THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND VEHICLE SHUTDOWN MESSAGE. MY INDEPENDENT ONLINE RESEARCH HAS PROVIDED MUCH INFORMATION FROM OWNERS OF THE SAME FORD ESCAPE HYBRID, WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME OR CLOSE TO THE SAME SET OF PROBLEMS. ON APRIL 30TH 2010, I WROTE A LETTER TO SUNNYSIDE FORD'S SERVICE MANAGER, OUTLINING MY FINDINGS AND ASKING FOR A FORD CERTIFIED HYBRID ENGINEER TO INTERVENE IN MY VEHICLE'S REPAIR. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, NOW INCLUDING MYSELF, WHO FEEL THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM IS A DESIGN ISSUE. I HAVE ONLY 23,250 MILES ON IT, WAY TOO EARLY FOR THE CAR TO BE HAVING MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO USAGE ALONE. ITS THE FACT THAT WHEN THE PROBLEM ARISES, THAT THE CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SHUTS DOWN THE VEHICLE THAT MAKES THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS IN OR CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID SHOULD UNDERGO A FORD RECALL AND RE-DESIGN ON THE ENTIRE ELECTRONICS OVERLAY, TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE V-6 4WD STUTTERS AND STALLS WHEN IT SLOWS TO A STOP. AT THIS TIME, ABLE TO RESTART AGAIN. VEHICLE HAS 105,000 MILES ON IT. RECENT PROBLEM, APPEARS TO BE WORSE IN COLD WEATHER. *TR
Suspension, Apr 24, 2010
HAS BEEN A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF VIBRATION ON THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND I NEEDED A NEW WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 32,393 MILES ON IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S A 2005. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT HARD. WARRANTY, OF COURSE, RAN OUT 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION IN THE MORNING ON A COLD START, AND WHEN ACCELERATING THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE RESPONSE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH COULD CAUSE SPEED CONTROL FAILURE SUCH AS A STUCK THROTTLE. THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVING A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER UNDER ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A COMPLAINT PREVIOUSLY FILED WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURES.
Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 10, 2010
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID CAR HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO HISTORY OF BRAKE TROUBLE. COMING DOWNILL THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH AN ALARM AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF THE BRAKES. HAD TO USE MECHANICAL EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP. CALLED DEALERSHIP NEXT MORNING TO TOW IT IN, THEN READ ON LINE TO TRY RESTARTING THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE GONE. CAR STARTED, NO BRAKE ISSUES APPARENT (NO LIGHTS, BRAKES FUNCTIONAL) SO DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REVIEW/REPAIR. TOOK COPIES OF ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS THE REAR AIR CONDITIONER (HOLE IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE) - THEY HAD REPAIRED THE AC 4 MONTHS PREVIOUSLY, WHICH ONLY LASTED FOR 6 WEEKS. PLANNED TO HAVE THEM REPAIR IT AT THE 65,000 MILE SERVICE ANYWAY. PAID $1033. DROVE CAR HOME THAT NIGHT AND THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS WENT ON, ALARM SOUNDED BUT THIS TIME NOT A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. INSTEAD WHENEVER PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES AND SHUDDERING THROUGHOUT THE CAR. PLAN IS TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP AFTER THE WEEKEND AND BRING LATEST RESEARCH SHOWING FAULTY HCU UNITS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE AN UNDERLYING CAUSE, WHICH FORD IS DENYING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2010
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR STICKING. IT USED TO ONLY STICK IN COLD WEATHER RIGHT WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, BUT NOW IT DOES IT REGARDLESS OF TEMPERATURE, AND EVEN WHILE DRIVING. I WENT FROM HAVING THIS PROBLEM MAYBE ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS (APPROX 3 YEARS AGO WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE), TO IT HAPPENING ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. WHEN IT STICKS, I CANNOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. I WILL USE BOTH FEET TO TRY AND DEPRESS THE GAS, BUT IT IS LIKE PUSHING AGAINST A WALL. SOMETIMES SIMPLY RESTARTING THE CAR FIXES IT, BUT I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION YESTERDAY WHEN IT FROZE UP HALF-WAY THROUGH THE TURN. I HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SHOULDER. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOT TOO MUCH ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT WOULD HAVE RISKED AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ONLINE, AND MANY OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS DISCUSS THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL, BUT IT VERY MUCH SHOULD BE. I AM TAKING IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT, AND HOPEFULLY THEY CAN FIX IT, BUT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IF SO MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. FORD DOES NOT WANT THE SAME REPUTATION AS TOYOTA RIGHT NOW, AND THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT PROACTIVELY. THE ESCAPE IS A MID-SIZE SUV THAT MANY FAMILIES OWN. BY THE TIME A MOTHER AND HER TWO CHILDREN ARE KILLED SIMPLY TURNING ACROSS A STREET, IT WILL BE TOO LATE.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 8 MPH. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED ACROSS THE ROAD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE; AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME TRAVEL NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A NEW WATER PUMP AND A TIMING CHAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,089.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2010, fire
VEHICLE FIRE ON 2005 FORD ESCAPE (VIN [XXX]) ON 3/23/2010, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY (WHEN DRIVING) BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. (LIKE A SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED). WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (FOR BROKEN BELTS AND THE LIKE) NO OBVIOUS ISSUE WAS OBSERVED. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. IMMEDIATELY I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND CONTACTED A SERVICE GARAGE. I WAS ON MY WAY TO TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO SERVICE WHEN I NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL. I PULLED INTO THE NEXT GAS STATION, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED A SMALL FIRE LOCATED AT THE #1 CYLINDER COIL PACK. I USED THE GAS STATION FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. CAR WAS TOWED THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE GARAGE. CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN NO MORE THAN 10 MILES AFTER FIRST SIGN OF FAILURE. FIRE WAS SMALL ENOUGH TO NOT INVOLVE POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENTS, SO NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. GARAGE SAID THAT IF I HAD LIMITED THE DAMAGE BY EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE WHEN I DID. GARAGE REPLACED COIL PACK, WIRE PIGTAIL (MELTED), AND INTAKE MANIFOLD (ALSO MELTED BY FIRE). OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. CAR WAS REPAIRED BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AFTER 50 MILES. CARE WAS IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND WILL BE TOWED BACK TO GARAGE. FAILURE CODE IS P0351. (SAME COIL THAT WAS REPLACED IS SHOWING BAD AGAIN) CAR HAD APPROX 117,000 MILES ON IT WHEN FIRE TOOK PLACE. NO OTHER MAJOR SERVICE EVENTS IN ITS LIFETIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2010
CAR WAS DRIVING FINE, PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO A SHOP AND ALL COILS WERE OUT. AFTER MORE DIAGNOSIS, THE SPARK PLUGS, THE COILS (POCS) AND THE POWERTRAIN COMPUTER MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2600 ON A 5 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 63,000 MILES ON IT. MOST LIKELY THE SPARK PLUG RF CAUSED THE PCM TO CRASH. HAD TO REPLACE THE PLUGS, COILS AND PCM INCLUDING SOFTWARE AND PROGRAMMING. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL COMPLAINT BLOGS THAT FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEMS (DEFECTIVE PLUGS) AND HAS ISSUED 2 TSB, 05111 AND 0926. PROBLEM SHOULD BE UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY, BUT FORD SAYS IT IS A IGNITION PROBLEM. I THINK IT IS FORD'S PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON BLOGS FOR THIS PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR JUST STOPS REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY OR IN YOUR DRIVEWAY.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2010
I LIVE IN VIRGINIA AND FRIDAY MORNING GOT UP AND THERE WAS FROST ON THE WINDSHIELD. I GOT IN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE LET IT WARM UP FOR ABOUT 5 MINS. DROVE APPROX 1 & 1/2 MILES STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN TO TURN OUT ON A MAIN ROAD AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I LET IT ROLL BACKWARDS TO A SAFE PLACE AND TURNED IT OFF. I TRIED IT MANY TIMES FOR OVER 30 MINUTES AND IT FINALLY WORKED. THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN COLD WEATHER BUT USUALLY AFTER 5 MINS. IT WILL WORK. THIS TIME WAS DIFFERENT AND MORE SCARY AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT ON TO A MAIN ROAD. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Mar 11, 2010
1. DRIVING NORMALLY AND THEN BRAKING NORMALLY 2. THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE BRAKES "SLIP" (I.E., THE CAR SLOWS, THEN "SLIPS" FORWARD AGAIN BEFORE THE BRAKES RE-ENGAGE AND STOP THE CAR) OCCURS ONCE OR TWICE IN A 30-MILE STRETCH CONSEQUENCES: IF YOU NEED TO STOP COMPLETELY DUE TO A PEDESTRIAN OR CAR STOPPING IN FRONT OF YOU, THE CAR DOESN'T STOP FULLY. IT SLIDES AFTER YOU'VE PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS OVERRIDES YOUR BRAKING. 3. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN YET. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 8, 2010
FORD ESCAPE 2005 4 CYLINDER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, BOUGHT NEW. AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND WILL NOT DEPRESS UNLESS PUSHING IT SEVERAL TIMES. LASTED ABOUT A MONTH AND WENT AWAY. NOW AT 74,000 MILES IT HAS COME BACK. HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. WHILE SHIFTING PEDAL WILL STICK. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 25, 2010
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN OUT 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THERE HAVE BEEN MAY EPISODES OF THE YELLOW ABS AND THE RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP LIGHTING UP AND THE ALARM SOUNDING OVER THE PAST YEAR. THIS WOULD HAPPEN FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THEN AFTER SHUTTING-OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING, THE BRAKES RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. WE SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT OUR DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS AND BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT WASN'T ON AT THE TIME, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO DETECT THE PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE BRAKES REVERTED TO FAIL SAFE MODE REQUIRING A "PEDAL TO THE FLOOR" EFFORT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP LUCKILY WHILE PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY . AFTER THIS WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE TOLD WE NEEDED A NEW "HCU" UNIT AND MASTER CYLINDER WITH A TOTAL REPAIR COST OF $4K+. I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED MANY CASES OF THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL ESCAPE. WE ARE GOING TO WAIT A FEW DAYS TO THINK BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE V6 WITH JUST OVER 87,000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN GIVING ME TROUBLE BACK AT CHRISTMAS, BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE UNTIL A COUPLE WEEKS AGO WHEN THE WHOLE THING SHUDDERED TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK. I WAS DOING 55 AND THE CAR DROPPED TO ALMOST 0. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS THE PCM WHICH WAS FRIED BECAUSE THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSED RF INTERFERENCE THAT FRIED THE GROUND ON IT AND RUINED THE PCM. THIS IS A $2300 OR MORE REPAIR TO AN OTHERWISE PERFECT VEHICLE. IF I HADN'T BEEN IN THE RIGHTHAND LANE AT THE TIME OF THE POWER DROP I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A REAL MESS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING GOING ON ALL OVER THE WORLD. THERE IS ONE COMPLAINT FROM GHANA. THE TSB THAT CAME OUT SAYS THE ORIGINAL SPARKPLUGS CAUSE THE PROBLEM AND RUIN ALL THE COIL PACKS AND THE PCM. I THINK THIS WOULD MAKE IT FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON ALL THESE VEHICLES SINCE IT WAS THEIR ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION THAT RUINED THE SYSTEM. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN MY WIFE WAS TAKING OUR SON SOMEWHERE AND SHE WASN'T ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD I AM QUITE SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CRASH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY. THE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE WHICH ALSO MADE IT DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE, HE THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER UNTIL HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE HE WAS IN TRAFFIC. SEVERAL TIMES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE AND FORCED HIM TO PUMP THE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE IN TRAFFIC. THE DEALERS ESTIMATED COST TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE WAS $800.00. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,300.
Fuel system, Other, Vehicle speed control, Feb 14, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR KEEPS GETTING STUCK ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I START IT OFF, BACK UP, PUT IT IN DRIVE, PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE ACCELERATOR WON'T MOVE. I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR REALLY HARD AND THEN THE TRUCK TAKES OFF REALLY FAST AND I HAVE TO FIGHT WITH THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL. MY SISTER WAS ALSO DRIVING IT ON A COLD DAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK, THE TRUCK WOULD NO LONGER MOVE, IT FINALLY STARTED ROLLING DOWN A HILL AND SHE ALMOST CRASHED INTO A TREE. SHE TOO HAD TO FIGHT THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2010
I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE 4CYL. MY GAS PEDAL STARTED GETTING HARD TO PUSH DOWN AND WAS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE. I BROUGHT IT TO FRAMINGHAM, MASS FORD 1-6-10. IT TOOK UNTIL 1-22-10 FOR THEM TO GET A NEW THROTTLE BOX TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE. DID THIS TAKE SO LONG TO GET THE THROTTLE BOX BECAUSE FORD IS EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS? IF SO, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY AND RECALL ISSUE THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE OF. IS FORD HIDING THIS FROM PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE? I REGISTERED A SAFETY PRODUCT COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTORS TODAY 2-10-10. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Feb 10, 2010
FORD HYBRID ESCAPE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO GET THE LIGHT OUT. DEALER SAYS IT'S A GROUND FAULT AND FORD HAS A NEW WIRING HARNESS, BUT I AM REQUIRED TO PAY FOR IT, IT'S AN '05 WITH LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON IT, YET I AM TO PAY AND FIX FORD'S PROBLEM, AND WE ARE TALKING BRAKES HERE, THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED AND HAS A FIX FOR. IT NEEDS A RECALL. THE ELECTRIC STEERING HAS ALREADY FAILED ONCE AND HAD TO HAVE A NEW COMPUTER FOR THIS. FORD IS HIDING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 5, 2010
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID HAVE 140,000 MILES ON IT FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS THE ABS LIGHT AND THE RED TRIANGLE STOP THE CAR SAFELY COME ON WHEN I START THE CAT. I PULL OVER SHUT THE CAR OFF RESTART AND ALL IS WELL UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. *TR