2006 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 720 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 23 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 30 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
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorNov 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
Campaign 05V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
75 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, May 16, 2016
WENT CHANGE THE SHOCKS AND THE WHOLE BRACKET SYSTEM HAD RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR. THEY HAVE RECALLED THESE FROM 2001-2004. IT IS FINE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE IT TOTALLY RUSTED THRU IT IS GOING TO COST 3000 TO FIX. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE A YEAR. IT MADE A CLUNK NOISE TWICE SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE SHOP, I AM DRIVING TWO KIDS AROUND I AM A SINGLE MOM SUCK CRAP.
Suspension, Feb 23, 2016
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SUSPENSION NOT MOUNTED TO VEHICLE NOW, AND HAMMERS BOTTOM OF INTERIOR WHEN GOING OVER ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD. EVERY OTHER WHEEL WELL IS FINE. ALL MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH, INCLUDING A FORD CERTIFIED BODY SHOP WILL NOT TOUCH THE ISSUE AND ADVISED ME TO SCRAP THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 21, 2016
ESCAPE WHEEL WELL RUST CAUSED STRUT TO DETATCH FROM VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD LOUD THUMPING NOISES, I CHECKED AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING THAT IT MIGHT BE SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO SHOWED ME THE EXCESSIVE WHEEL WELL RUST THAT CAUSED THE STRUT TO DETATCH FROM THE BODY. HE SAID IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT IT MUST BE FIXED BY A BODY SHOP AS HE COULDN'T FIX IT. I GOT ESTIMATES FROM BODY SHOPS AS WELL AS FORD AND THEY ALL SAID IT WOULD BE AROUND $4,000 TO $5,000 THIS IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE EXCESSIVE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUST AND IS HAS ONLY 130-140K MILES ON IT. NOW I CANNOT DRIVE IT WITHOUT RISK OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PROBLEM SO IT IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE PHOTOS BUT AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD THEM TO THIS SITE AT THIS TIME.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2015
THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL OF MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE (LIMITED) IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SHOCK IS ABOUT TO BREAK THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE RUST HAS CAUSED EXHAUST TO POUR INTO THE VEHICLE. BEFORE KNOWING ABOUT THIS, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT MECHAINCS BECAUSE I COULD SMELL EXHAUST. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. A CANADIAN AUTO BODY PERSON (I LOVE ON THE BORDER) TOLD ME THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE HOLES IN THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND SHOWED ME THE LARGE HOLE WHERE EXHAUST IS LEAKING IN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT ALL ESCAPE OWNERS (2006 AT LEAST) NEED TO BE MADE AWARE OF!!! I CAN'T TAKE AND ATTACH PHOTOS AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE WEATHER BUT CAN PROVIDE THEM ANOTHER TIME, UPON REQUEST. I SHOULD NOTE THAT I LIVE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN AND THAT I HAVE TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THIS VEHICLE.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BUMP FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED RUST ON THE REAR TIRE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ...UPDATED 02/03/16 *BF; UPDATED 4/6/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 15, 2015
RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING COMPLETELY GONE. FIRST INDICATION OF ANY ISSUE WAS WHEN SHOCK NO LONGER PROPERLY SUPPORTS. RUST AND TOTAL DE-LAMINATION OF METAL HOUSING SUPPORTING SHOCK. FEAR OF SHOCK PUNCHING THROUGH - INTO CARGO HOLD IN THE AREA OF THE JACK STORAGE.
Suspension, Wheels, Jul 22, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK AND BRACKET THAT ATTACHES IT TO THE CAR IS RUSTING AND HAS BROKEN OFF CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND PRESENTS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
Suspension, Jul 3, 2015
COMPLETE REAR SHOCK TOWER FAILURE......UPDATED10/20/15 *BF
Suspension, Jul 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK RETAINER WAS FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK RETAINER HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Suspension, May 21, 2015
MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS IS THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED. THE STRUT MOUNT IS LOSE AND IS GOING TO FALL OFF. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR MY SON AND I TO DRIVE AND RIDE IN. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Suspension, Structure, May 21, 2015
THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAS BROKEN SINCE THERE IS NOTHING TO CONNECT TO CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND 2005. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING STATING THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SCRAPPED.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 5, 2015
WHEN DRIVING I STARTED NOTICING A LOUD BANGING SOUND STARTING WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. IN TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER REPAIR SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE WE HAD THEM CHECK OUT THE SOUND THAT I HEARD. THEY POINTED OUT THE RIGHT, PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. AT THIS TIME WE WERE TOLD THE REPAIR WAS NOT AN IMMEDIATE REPAIR THAT WAS NEEDED BUT WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. WE PLANNED TO WAIT UNTIL THE LOCAL ROADS WERE REPAIRED FROM THE POT HOLES DEVELOPED THROUGH WINTER. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER, ON MARCH 20, 2015 THE SOUND HAD BECOME EXTREMELY WORSE AND I FEARED FOR MY SAFETY. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SUSPENSION IS BARELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. IN RESEARCHING ONLINE THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM THROUGH SEVERAL YEAR MODELS NOT JUST THE 2005. WHEN I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE I WAS TOLD FORD WAS UNAWARE AND THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM DESPITE THE NUMEROUS LISTINGS OF PEOPLE ONLINE SAYING THEY HAVE REPORTED THE SAME KIND OF ISSUES. *TR
Suspension, Feb 22, 2015
WE HEARD A LOUD BANK NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. UPON INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT DEALER THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY DUE TO BODY RUST. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH FORD ESCAPES AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE 2000 TO 2004 MODELS. THERE WERE SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS NOTED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR 2005. OUR VEHICLE IS A 2006 MODEL BUT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN WILL FORD ACT WITH INTEGRITY, STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 13, 2015
WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN SHORTLY AFTER HEARD SOMETHING RUBBING THEN VERY SHORTLY AFTER MY LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. I STOPPED TO LOOK AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE AREA WHERE THE REAR STRUT ATTACHED TO THE BODY COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE CAR IS MOST LIKELY NOT REPAIRABLE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 8, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE AND I STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING NOISE COME FROM MY RIGHT REAR TIRE. TO LATER FIND OUT THAT IT IS MY STRUT TOWER IS RUSTED OUT. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE MATTER, IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE.I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR VEHICLE'S AND FIX THEM OR FIGURE OUT HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 10, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY, WHERE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT IS CAUSING A CONSTANT RATTLING AND A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE EVERY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP.CHECKING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME NOW AND THE SHOCK HAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A COMPANY TO STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES, SO I IMAGINE IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED, BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NOW BEFORE THERE ARE FATALITIES INVOLVED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 10, 2015
MY RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AND THE INSIDE COMPARTMENT IS NOW OPEN TO THE OUTSIDE. THERE IS A TERRIBLE, CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE AND A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE EVERY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 10, 2015
THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AROUND THE SHOCK.I CAN SEE INTO THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THERE IS A LOUD RATTLE CONSTANTLY AND A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE EVERY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP. *TR
Suspension, Nov 30, 2014
THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT FAILED DUE TO RUST. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPES BUILT IN THE YEARS 2005 AND 2006. IT SEEMS THIS FAILURE IS A DESIGN FLAW. FORD REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONG OPERABLE. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. *TR
Suspension, Nov 5, 2014, crash
VEHICLE GOT VERY LOOSE AND LOST CONTROL DUE TO REAR STRUT MOUNT RUSTING ALL THE WAY APART AND NO CONTROL OF REAR SUSPENSION. *TR
Suspension, Oct 29, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL OF MY VEHICLE IS BROKEN AND CRACKED WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS AT THE TOP. THEREFORE, THE SHOCK IS BASICALLY ATTACHED TO NOTHING MORE THAN SOME BROKEN PIECES OF THE FENDER WELL. THE SPRING IS THE ONLY THING GIVING THE VEHICLE ANY SUPPORT ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AND IT MAKES AN ABDOMINAL NOISE WHEN GOING OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP. FORD HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE THE PART AND UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, HAS TOLD MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL ESCAPE THE SAME THING. I UNDERSTAND THAT RUST HAPPENS, BUT THIS IS QUITE CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 25, 2014
I WAS DRIVING HOME GOING ABOUT 45MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THOUGH IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE TIRE, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK AND THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND APART. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 29, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WALL HAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THE SHOCK IS NOT EVEN ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. INTERNET SEARCH HAS SHOWN THIS IS HAPPENING ON MANY MANY OF THESE 2004-2006 FORD ESCAPES. WE WE'RE LUCKY TO DISCOVER THE DEFECT BEFORE SOMEONE WAS HURT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 1, 2014
EXCESSIVE RUSTING IN RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL , SHOCK MOUNT COMING UNDONE. LOUD BANGING NOISE INSIDE VEHICLE. SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Aug 6, 2014
LOUD BANGING SOUND FOR REAR OF CAR. ON INSPECTION THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED THROUGH INCLUDING THE SUPPORT FOR THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER. THE SHOCK ABSORB PUNCHED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL, AND WAS UNSUPPORTED, HITTING THE METAL OF THE INTERIOR. *TR