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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,584

Of the 2005 reports, 44 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernSuspension489 reports · 31% of complaints
Owner complaints1,584Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Suspension489
  2. Structure459
  3. Electrical system169
  4. Vehicle speed control152
  5. Engine148
  6. Service brakes136
  7. Power train126
  8. Wheels107

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  1. Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2010

    I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 FORD ESCAPE FROM MY COUSIN. AS I WAS PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE DID EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THE PEDAL WOULD STICK ON COLD DAYS. GOING INTO BUYING IT FROM HIM I SOON REALIZED WHAT HE MEANT. HE HAD TAKEN IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. THEY SPRAYED A CLEANER ON THE THROTTLE BODY TO REMOVE RESIDUE. WHEN I HEARD OF THE TOYOTA RECALL I CALLED WHOOLWHINE FORD LINCOLN MERCURY HERE IN MS WHERE I LIVE TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS ALSO ONE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAD HEARD THIS AND TO SPRAY STUFF IN THE THROTTLE BODY UNTIL IT WOULDN'T LET ME ANYMORE. WELL, I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS SITUATION. AS A MOM WITH A SMALL CHILD, I WORRY ABOUT THE MAJORITY OF OTHER PEOPLE AND FAMILIES THAT MY DIE FROM THIS MALFUNCTION. WHAT IT DOES IS THE PEDAL GETS SO HARD TO PUSH UNTIL YOU CAN NOT GET GAS TO THE IGNITION TO MAKE THE VEHICLE GO. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME SEVERAL TIMES. I CAN EVEN CRANK THE ESCAPE LONG BEFORE MY JOURNEY AND IT STILL STICKS. WELL, YESTERDAY WAS THE WORST DAY EVER. I AM A MOM AND A STUDENT IN SCHOOL. I HAD GOTTEN TO SCHOOL AND FINISHED MY CLASS WHEN IT WAS TIME TO LEAVE. I GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO LEAVE OH BOY THE PEDAL WORKED. I GOT TO THE FIRST INTERSECTION TO WHERE WHEN IT WAS MY TIME TO GO THE PEDAL WAS HARD. I HAD TO COAST THROUGH IT AND PULL OVER. FINALLY GOT IT SOFT AGAIN AND WENT TO THE CLOSEST PLACE TO GET A BITE TO EAT. SAT THERE FOR AT LEAST 5 MIN LETTING IT RUN HOPING IT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THAT TIME. WHEN I WAS LEAVING IT WAS HARD AGAIN AND I HAD ALOT OF VEHICLES BEHIND ME SO I COASTED TO THE NEAREST BANK. IT TOOK 10 MINUTES FOR ME, WHILE I KEPT PUSHING ON MY GAS PEDAL FOR NOTHING. IT IS SO HARD YOU CANT MAKE IT GO. SO, IN TELLING YOU THIS THAT IS 3 TIMES I COULD OF HAD A CRASH. I TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND SOME MORNING I PRAY ALL THE WAY THAT I MAKE IT WITHOUT ANYTHING HARMING HER. IT IS BAD WHEN YOU END UP COASTING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. *TR

  2. Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010

    I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE (4WD), NOT THE HYBRID. I HAVE APPROX. 63,000 MI ON IT NOW. THREE TIMES SINCE I'VE OWNED IT THE CAR HAS SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN. THE LAST TIME WAS APPROX. THE DATE BELOW, AND THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME I WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. ONE TIME I WAS IN TOWN AND LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANYONE CLOSE IN FRONT OF ME. SO FAR BRAKING, OR PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR HAS "RESET" IT, BUT NOW SEEING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA'S I'M CONCERNED. I E-MAILED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I KIND OF GOT THE BRUSH-OFF, AND THEY JUST SAID IF I WAS CONCERNED I SHOULD TAKE IT TO MY DEALER AND HAVE IT CHECKED. I KNOW A "CHECK" WOULD COST ME A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM FOR WHICH THEY WON'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I JUST WONDER IF YOU'VE HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM? IT NOW WORRIES ME THAT IF I WERE NEARING A CROSSWALK, WITH PEDESTRIANS CROSSING AND IT HAPPENED, I MIGHT HIT SOMEONE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

  3. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 30, 2010

    2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. PROBLEM IS FAILURE OF HYBRID REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM AS DESCRIBED IN FORD'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, TSB 05-8-5 (AUGUST 5, 2005) (NHTSA ID #10017553). PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT WITHOUT ANY KNOWN INCIDENT TO HAVE TRIGGERED THE PROBLEM. REPAIR HAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM'S HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT ("HCU"). TOTAL COST HAS BEEN ABOUT $7,000. TO SUMMARIZE MY CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORD... "SINCE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ("NHTSA") IS NOT CONCERNED (I.E. NOBODY HAS GOTTEN KILLED BY THESE DEFECTIVE BRAKES) THERE IS NO NEED FOR A RECALL. THEREFORE, FORD HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR OR DEAL WITH MY PROBLEM." MY STORY IN MORE DETAIL AT HTTP://BLOG.YAGELSKI.COM/2010/01/MY-FORD-ESCAPE-HYBRID-BRAKE-REPAIR.HTML. *TR

  4. Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2010

    I AM WONDERING WILL THERE BE ANY RECALLS ON OTHER CARS OTHER THAN TOYOTA RELATED TO GAS PEDALS STICKING? MY FORD ESCAPE'S GAS PEDAL WOULD GET STUCK AND AFTER TAKING IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TO WAIT 2 WEEKS FOR THE PART TO COME IN FROM CHINA. IS THERE ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TOYOTA AND MY PROBLEM I HAD WITH FORD. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS BEING OVERLOOKED BY FORD. *TW

  5. Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010

    FORD ESCAPE 2005 V6 2WD LIMITED. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE THEFT LIGHT IS FLASHING. THIS GENERATES AN ERROR CODE. THE CONDITION IS KNOWN TO FORD. THEY SAY IT IS RELATED TO A POSSIBLE ISSUE WITH A SPARK PLUG CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CHIP IN THE IGNITION KEY AND THE RECEIVING UNIT. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN 4 TIMES IN ONE 300 MILE DRIVE. AFTER HAVING THE ERROR CODE CLEARED THE PROBLEM HAS NOT REPEATED. I BELIEVE IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN ON A BUSY FREEWAY LIVES COULD BE LOST. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS CONFIRMED THE KEY IS VALID AND THE ENGINE HAS STARTED, THE COMPUTER SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DISABLE THE ENGINE. BRAKING AND STEERING CONTROL ARE AFFECTED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TW *TR

  6. Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2010

    MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE'S GAS PEDAL IS STICKING. I WILL BE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION, AND SUDDENLY WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT IS AS IF THERE IS A BRICK UNDER THE PEDAL AND IT'S COMPLETELY STUCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE FORWARD INTO AN INTERSECTION OR WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO FORD ESCAPES, SO PLEASE INVESTIGATE FURTHER BEFORE THERE ARE ANY ADDITIONAL INJURIES OR DEATHS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

  7. Vehicle speed control, Jan 19, 2010

    THE GAS PEDAL STICKS WHEN ITS COLD OUT, FIRST I THOUGHT THERE WAS WATER FROZEN AFTER MY FEET WAS WET FROM THE SNOW. SECOND I THOUGHT THE HEAT FROM THE HEATER DRIED OUT THE MOVEMENT OF THE GAS PEDAL. SO I SPRAYED WD40 ON IT DIDN'T HELP, NEXT THOUGHT IT WAS THE CABLE OUT IN THE ENGINE, I SPRAYED THE CABLE AND LINKAGE DIDN'T HELP. FINALLY IT WARMED UP AND THE STICKING OF THE GAS PEDAL WENT AWAY (2008) NOW IN 2009 THE SAME THING AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ITS OK, NOT SURE IF SOMETHING IS BINDING OR WHAT. *TR

  8. Visibility, Dec 29, 2009

    THE REAR GLASS HATCH IMPLODED JUST AFTER EXITING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. MOST OF THE GLASS WAS CONFINED TO THE CARGO AREA, A LITTLE GLASS REACHED THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS AND ONLY A FEW SHARDS REACH THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT AREA. CONDITIONS AT THE TIME WE 32 DEGREES WITH SNOW AND RAIN, REQUIRING THE USE OF THE REAR WINDOW HEATER TO KEEP OFF ICING AND USE OF WINDSHIELD FLUID TO PERMIT VIEWING WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE CINCINNATI OHIO AREA. THE ONLY INDICATION OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE EXPLOSION WAS A LOW HISSING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR JUST MOMENTS BEFORE IT HAPPENED. REPAIRS THE NEXT DAY FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH WIPER, WIPER MOTOR OR SHORTS IN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS TO THE WINDOW DEFROSTER ELEMENTS OF THE GLASS. NO INJURIES WERE CAUSED TO MY 2 PASSENGERS BY THE FLYING GLASS. HOWEVER SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED JUST 20 SECONDS EARLIER WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE SHOCK TO ME, THE DRIVER, COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, SINCE THE FIRST IMPRESSION I HAD WAS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STRUCK, THEN UPON REALIZING THAT THE WINDOW HAD BLOWN OUT I THOUGHT WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SHOT AT. *TR

  9. Power train, Dec 17, 2009

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND THEN JERK FORWARD VIOLENTLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND DRAINED. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE WAS NOT REMEDIED. SHE WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 01/29/10 *BF UPADTED 01/29/10.*JB

  10. Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 16, 2009

    GAS PETAL STICKS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. THIS HAS LEFT ME STUCK IN TRAFFIC, IN TURNING LANES, @ STOP LIGHTS NOT ABLE TO MOVE MY CAR. BIG SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

  11. Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2009

    GAS PEDAL APPEARS TO GET STUCK ON OCCASION. I THOUGHT THE CAR MAT WAS STUCK UNDER IT, BUT THE MAT IS SECURED TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE TO PUSH THE VERY TOP OF THE PEDAL TO GET IT TO ACCELERATE. THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ME UNTIL I READ OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

  12. Visibility, Dec 12, 2009

    I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE ON INTERSTATE 90-WEST, AND UPON REACHING THE CITY OF BRATHNALL CITY LINE I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND NOTICED THAT MY REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY, I NOTIFIED THE 911 POLICE EMERGENCY , AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. A POLICE ARRIVED WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND ASSISTED ME. I HAVE JUST NOTICE THAT THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL OTHER PERSONS WHO HAD COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORD ESCAPE, WHEN WILL THE NHTSA DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? ARE YOU WAITING FOR THE LOSS OF LIVES TO OCCUR FIRST BEFORE YOU WILL DO SOMETHING? *TR

  13. Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2009

    I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS PEDAL STICKING. WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. [12/20/06, 10/8/08 AND 12/6/09] THE PART IS EVIDENTLY DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUE. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO GET FIXED EVERY TIME. THEY NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL. *TR

  14. Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2009

    ACCELERATOR PEDAL KEEPS GETTING STUCK. WHILE DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING I TURNED THE CORNER PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WAS UNDER THE PEDAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO JUST GLIDE TO THE CURB BEFORE GETTING STRUCK BY A BUS. SCARED THE "BLEEP" OUT OF BOTH OF US. IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, USUALLY IT HAPPENS IN THE WINTER AFTER SITTING OVERNITE. HELP WHAT IS THE PROBLEM SO I CAN GET THIS FIXED. THIS IS VERY, VERY, VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

  15. Power train, Dec 1, 2009

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN DRIVING IN COLDER WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WILL DOWN-SHIFT. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 72,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  16. Vehicle speed control, Nov 27, 2009

    ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK. WAS OKAY UNTIL ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING, COULD NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR. WAS IN AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GOT HIT. COULDN'T EVEN PRESS IT IF I "STOMPED" ON IT. *TR

  17. Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2009

    1. THE PAST THREE WINTERS MY VEHICLE HAS GROWN WORSE WITH THE GAS PEDAL STICKING IN THE COLD / RAINY MONTHS. 2. IT OCCURS DURING THE COLD / RAINY MONTHS 3. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP. BASED ON THE RESEARCH I HAVE CONDUCTED I AM SHOWING QUITE A DEAL OF MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE ARE HAVING THIS IDENTICAL ISSUE -- THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I FEEL IF NOT RECALLED SOMEONE IS GOING TO BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED IF NOT DIE FROM THIS. I AM HAVING MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT FOR IN THE PAST TWO DAYS ALONE I HAVE ALMOST HAD FIVE ACCIDENTS AS THE GAS PEDAL STICKS DURING THE FIRST 20 MINUTES OR SO OF WARMING UP. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Nov 12, 2009, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT AND PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE PCM, IGNITION COIL, AND THE SPARK PLUGS. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED HAD MELTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

  19. Vehicle speed control, Oct 30, 2009, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE SHE LIGHTLY APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION. BRAKE APPLICATION WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CRASHED INTO CABLES OF A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT SHOULD WOULD HAVE TO PAY UP TO $2000.00 IN REPAIRS. THE MODEL YEAR WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000.THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  20. Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 26, 2009

    I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND THE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN PLACE. YOU CANNOT PRESS DOWN ON THE PEDAL TO INCREASE YOUR SPEED. FORD STATES THERE IS NO PROBLEM.......IT DOES IT NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE IS, WHAT TIME OF DAY, ETC. YOU PRESS DOWN AND THE GAS PEDAL REMAINS IN PLACE. *TR

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2009

    OVER THE PAST YEAR, MY VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHAKE, STUTTER, AND HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED AND I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO BE SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP, IT REQUIRED A NEW COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUG. DEPENDING ON WHICH ONE OF 6 FAILED, THE COST FOR REPAIR VARIED GREATLY. I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S NOT WORTH REPLACING ALL 6 AT ONCE, TO WAIT UNTIL EACH INDIVIDUAL ONE SHOWED SIGNS OF HAVING AN ISSUE OR NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THEN, ONE DAY, I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN I NOTICED THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE AS MUCH PEP OR PICK-UP AS USUAL. AS I WAS EXITING FROM THE LEFT LANE ONTO AN ON-RAMP FOR A TOLL, THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. WITH NO WARNING, NO INDICATIONS, NO STUTTERING AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, NOTHING - IT JUST DIED. THIS REQUIRED ALL 6 COILS AND PLUGS TO BE REPLACED (INCLUDING THE 3 NEW WITHIN THE PAST YEAR) IN ADDITION TO THE PCM (POWER CONTROL MODULE). I AM TOLD ONE OF THE COILS/PLUGS FAILED, SENT OUT A RADIO FREQUENCY, AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Oct 19, 2009

    I WAS DRIVING ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AT ABOUT 65MPH. MY CAR RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND ALL THE PANEL LIGHTS LIT UP. THERE WAS NO CRASH, BUT THAT WAS JUST LUCK- HAD I BEEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. WHAT ULTIMATELY FAILED IS MY POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE ( PCM) ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. TURNS OUT THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN DESCRIBING THE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED; REFER TO FORD'S BULLETIN 09-2-6, WHICH SUPERCEDES 05-11-1. I GOT LUCKY, AS I SAID, BECAUSE I JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN A BREAK IN TRAFFIC, WHICH UP TO THAT POINT HAD BEEN BUMPER TO BUMPER. THE RAPID DECELERATION WAS THE RESULT OF LOSING 3 CYLINDERS, SO IT OCCURRED WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF BRAKE LIGHTS COMING ON. RAPID DECELERATION, WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, DUE A PROBLEM WHICH FORD KNEW ABOUT SINCE 2005 (THE YEAR I BOUGHT THE CAR) SURE SEEM LIKE A SEVERE ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NO NOTICE WAS PROVIDED OF THE FAILURE PRONE SPARK PLUGS WHICH INITIATE THE FAILURES. *TR

  23. Structure, Oct 2, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE BUMPER HE NOTICED THAT THE BASE WAS LOOSE, THE BRACKET WAS BROKEN, AND IT WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

  24. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 60 MPH THE OVERHEAT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HIS RISK OF A SERIOUS INJURY WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 10/29/09 *CN THE PUMP FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 10/29/09.*JB

  25. Electrical system, Aug 24, 2009

    I WAS ON MY WAY TO CONNECTICUT FROM MAINE ON 12/24/08. I NOTICED THAT WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED RUNNING ROUGH AND SKIPPING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHERE THE CAR STALLED. THE CAR WOULD START BUT NOT KEEP RUNNING. CALLED AAA AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP IN PLAINFIELD CT. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED DUE TO THE HOLIDAY. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED ON DEC. 26, 2008. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE POWER CONTROL MODULE AND ALSO REPLACED 2 IGNITION COILS # 2 AND 3. COULD NOT SAVE PCM BECAUSE THERE WAS A CORE CHARGE FOR IT, BUT I DO HAVE THE IGNITION COILS. VEHICLE HAD 38,711 MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THEN ON MAY 17, 2009 THE #5 COIL FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I STILL HAVE THAT COIL ALSO. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COILS WERE NOT WARRANTIED UNDER THE EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY WHICH IS 5 YEAR 50,000 MILES. THE REPAIRS DONE IN CT TOTALED $729.48. THE SUBSEQUENT REPAIR WAS DONE BY ME. THE COST OF THE COIL WAS $79.99. *TR