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
720 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2012
I HAVE A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE GAS PEDAL IS STICKING ALL THE TIME. IT'S NOT A STICKING BECAUSE IT IS STUCK OR NEEDS LUBED. IT IS A HARD MECHANICAL LOCK! NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO YOU CAN NOT PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT'S LOCKED! YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT UNLOCKS TO DO ANYTHING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A VERY LONG TIME. THE OTHER DAY IT LOCKED UP ON ME AS I WAS PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT. IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SIT THERE UNTIL IT DECIDED TO WORK AGAIN. MY HUSBAND DRIVES AROUND WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON SO HE DOESN'T GET PUT IN A POSITION LIKE THIS ONE EVEN IN TOWN! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED- THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF A CAR LIKE THIS! FORD RECALLED THE SAME PROBLEM FOR 2004 AND 2005 MODELS BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE 2006 MODELS. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT MONEY FOR A FAILURE THEY ARE AWARE OF. SOMEONE SHOULDN'T BE KILLED FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO AND TAKEN SERIOUS. IF I COULD I WOULD GET ANOTHER CAR BUT I WOULD LOSE A LOT OF MONEY DOING THAT. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DEMANDED. IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ALL OVER THE PLACE. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS THE STEPS OF ACTION TO TAKE TO BE HEARD. WE NEED THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION TO STEP UP AND PROTECT OUR DRIVERS AND OUR ROADS. THIS IS REALLY SERIOUS! THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN THE CAR DECIDES TO DO THIS. WHEN YOU TAKE IT IN AND IT DOESN'T DO IT, THEY SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP US! *KB
Power train, Feb 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED MOMENTS BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE TAKEN APART. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,333. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABE.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 18, 2012
STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON AND ENGINE DIED WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH ON A 2-LANE ROAD.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2012
DURING THE COLD MONTHS, THE GAS PEDAL WILL NOT DEPRESS. NORMALLY AFTER THE CAR IS WARM, IT WILL LOOSEN UP TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN. HOWEVER, THIS MORNING, 01/04/12, I WAS FORCED TO LET THE CAR ROLL INTO A PARKING LOT AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. I SAT THERE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES LETTING THE CAR GET EVEN WARMER BUT STILL HAD TO MASH THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE. LUCKILY I WAS STILL VERY CLOSE TO HOME AND ONCE I WAS OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, I WAS ABLE TO LET IT ROLL THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH TODAY I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND WISH FORD WOULD DO SOMETHING TO FIX IT BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. FOR NOW WE WILL FIX IT AT HOME BUT AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE PROBLEM WILL ONLY REPEAT ITSELF. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2006 FORD ESCAPE THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PERIODICALLY LOCK UP. FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT PEOPLE EITHER CLEAN OR REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY BUT THE PROBLEM RESURFACES. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME TO BE A DEFECT IN THAT PART. IT HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED WITH ME WHEN I AM IN MOTION. LIKE YOU MAY TAKE OFF TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION OR MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND IT WILL GET YOU JUST FAR ENOUGH TO GET IN TRAFFIC AND THEN THE PEDAL FREEZES AND YOU'RE STUCK. I HAVE BECOME VERY FEARFUL DRIVING NOT KNOWING WHEN IT MIGHT HAPPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2011
DRIVER INSTRUMENT PANEL TEMPERATURE BACK LIGHTING HAS FAILED. THIS DRIVER CAN'T DETERMINE THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Power train, Dec 4, 2011
MY VEHICLE'S EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER PREVENTED MY VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD UNDER POWER. IT DOESN'T HOLD ON A HILL. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD MAKING A GRATING SOUND. HAVING THE VEHICLE IN PARK POSITION ON THE GEAR SHIFT IS WHAT HOLDS THE VEHICLE ON A HILL. I HAVE HAD BRAKES CHECKED AT THE DEALER A NUMBER OF TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THAT THIS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST. I RECENTLY HAD MY DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TO REMOVE A HOWLING SOUND IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE AFTER HAVING THE PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTED.(COST 3000 DOLLARS) SOUND HAS DIMINISHED BUT NOT DISAPPEARED ALTOGETHER. NOW I WONDER IF THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ALSO WHEN THE DEALER DID THIS REPAIR, THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD MY RIGHT REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE PAD MISSING AND THAT THEY COULD REPLACE IT FOR AN ADDITIONAL $300. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT YET. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Nov 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR WINDSHIELD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HINGES FOR THE WINDSHIELD WERE BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, HE APPLIED TO BRAKES AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Visibility, Nov 11, 2011
REAR WINDOW EXPLODED PROCEEDING AT GREEN LIGHT, IN TRAFFIC, AT 10 MPH. DEFROSTERS AND WIPERS WERE ON DUE TO LIGHT RAIN. LOUD BANG AND GLASS FILLED THE VEHICLE. STOPPED VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE. NO FOREIGN OBJECTS FOUND TO RULE OUT FOUL PLAY. NO OTHER DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 5, 2011
THE BRAKES FAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM SPEEDS BETWEEN 10 AND 35 MPH. IT OCCURS AS A SUDDEN RELEASE OF BRAKING PRESSURE WHILE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN. AT THAT TIME A MOMENTARY WARNING LIGHT COMES ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND THE SYSTEM APPEARS TO GO INTO A FAIL-SAFE MODE THAT ALLOWS MANUAL OPERATION OF THE BRAKES. THIS CAUSES A LARGE INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE AND I CONSIDER IT VERY DANGEROUS. THIS FAILURE SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM AND MAY BE COMMON TO OTHER HYBRID VEHICLES. AFTER STOPPING THE WARNING LIGHT GOES AWAY AND THE BRAKES WILL AGAIN FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE DOES NOT OCCUR CONTINUOUSLY BUT IT DOES OCCUR ALMOST EVERY DAY THAT IT IS DRIVEN. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN A REPAIR SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES WITH MANY PART REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO EVADE OUR FLEET MECHANICS. THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND COMMONLY KNOWN WHERE THERE ARE LARGE FLEETS OF HYBRID VEHICLES. MY CO-WORKER DRIVES THE SAME TYPE OF ESCAPE HYBRID AND HE HAS THE SAME FAILURE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WITH FORD AND/OR TOYOTA. A SIMILAR PROBLEM HAS BEEN SEEN WITH TOYOTA PRIUS IN OUT FLEET. *TR CONSUMER STATED AT SOME PERIOD AROUND 2014-15 THE CAR WAS SENT TO THE FLEET DEPT AGAIN FOR BRAKING PROBLEMS AND THERE WAS SOME BREAKTHROUGH WITH REPAIRS. VEHICLE WAS TRANSFERRED TO DIFFERENT NYCDEP DRIVER FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. VIN NUMBER NOT AVAILABLE BUT COULD INQUIRE WITH CONSUMER'S TRANSPORTATION SECTION. UPDATED 6/11/18*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 2, 2011
"ABS" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" APPEARED ON DISPLAY. APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL AND ANTI-LOCK ENGAGED CAUSING A "CHATTERING" SOUND FROM BRAKES AND SEVERE VIBRATION. EXTRA PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BRING VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. *TR
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2011
I DROVE 7 MILES TO WORK. IT WAS A LITTLE FOGGY/DEWEY OUT SO I TURNED ON MY REAR DEFROST. THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE LOW 60'S, SO COOL, BUT NOT COLD BY ANY MEANS. I PARKED MY CAR AND ROLLED THE WINDOWS (ALL 4) DOWN @ 3 INCHES. WHEN I PARKED MY CAR @ 8:00AM IT WAS FINE. BY 9:10AM, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BACK WINDSHIELD OF MY CAR WAS "BROKEN". WHEN I WENT TO CHECK MY CAR, THE BACK WINDSHIELD HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. THERE WAS BARELY ANY GLASS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AS IT HAD ALL BLOWN OUT 3-4 FEET INTO THE PARKING LOT. I DID HAVE THE LOCAL POLICE RESPOND JUST IN CASE AND THE OFFICER SHRUGGED AND QUESTIONED/STATED "FREAK ACCIDENT". I'VE FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON THESE VEHICLES, YET NO PUBLIC AWARENESS HAS BEEN MADE. I AM JUST GLAD THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING LIKE WITH SOME REPORTS I'VE READ. MY INSURANCE WOULD COVER A "RECYCLED" REAR WINDSHIELD/WIPER AND I AM TERRIFIED TO USE THE REAR DEFROST ON THE NEW ONE KNOWING THAT IT CAME FROM THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE OF VEHICLE FOR FEAR IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TT
Power train, Sep 7, 2011
2006 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH WHILE ON INTERSTATE. TOOK EXIT RAMP FROM INTERSTATE, SUV CAME TO STOP AT STOP LIGHT, UNABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD AFTER STOP AT RED LIGHT. ESCAPE HAD TO BE TOWED. MECHANIC STATED TRANSMISSION FAILURE-WOULD NEED REPAIR/REBUILD. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL-$3000 REPAIR AT ONLY 64,000 MILES!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Sep 6, 2011
MY GAS PEDAL BEGAN TO STICK BACK AROUND THE 1ST OF OCTOBER 2010 WHEN THE WEATHER BEGAN TO COOL. IT HAPPENED EVERY NOW AND THEN, AT THAT TIME. AS THE WINTER PROGRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK MORE OFTEN, UNTIL THE CAR WARMED. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE IF THEY HAD ANY RECALLS ON THE GAS PEDAL STICKING AND I WAS TOLD NO. IT HAS BEEN VERY HOT IN TEXAS SO I HAVE HAD LITTLE PROBLEMS. THIS DATE 9-6-2011 WAS THE FIRST COOL MORNING IN A LONG TIME AND IMMEDIATELY MY PEDAL STUCK AS SOON AS I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND THE PEDAL WOULD NOT BULGE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND TRIED TO LIFT THE PEDAL UP, HOPING TO GET IT TO WORK. I KEPT PUSHING ON THE PEDAL AND I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. WHEN I STOP AT THE RED LIGHT I HAVE TO START PUSHING QUICKLY SO I WON'T GET HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND SERIOUS. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT OTHER OWNERS OF THE 2006 ESCAPE SUFFERED WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM HOPEFUL I WILL MAKE IT HOME FROM WORK TO TRY TO GET SOME HELP. FORD NEEDS TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 6, 2011
MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD 9 TIMES IN ONE DAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT IT IS USUALLY WHEN IT'S COLD. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED WAS IN THE SUMMER. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT SITUATION IS GETTING WORSE. THERE IS NO WARNING. ONE TIME I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD ONTO HIGHWAY WHEN THE GAS PEDAL PRESSED ONLY ENOUGH TO GET ME INTO HIGHWAY AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF RODE. THERE ARE OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Aug 30, 2011
TONE RING FAILURE ON ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ON 2006 FORD ESCAPE. BRAKE FADE UNTIL COMPUTER SYSTEM NOTES SENSOR FAILURE AND INDICATES ABS FAILURE LIGHT. THE SYSTEM DOES THIS FOR EACH ENGINE STARTUP--BRAKE FADE UNTIL ERROR CODED OUT. A CHEAPLY MADE PIECE, LOW PARTS REPLACEMENT BUT EXPENSIVE MECH REPAIR REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CALIPER AND AXLE HUB....ALL ITEMS THAT ARE WELL RUSTED INTO PLACE. AN EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 7, 2011
BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM MESSAGE ON DASH DISPLAYS, AND ABS LIGHT DISPLAYS. VEHICLES BRAKES FAIL AND EVEN WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP COMPLETELY WITHOUT PUMPING BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES OR USING EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES LAST WEEK (WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS) AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED BRAKES AND ADVISED EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE. OCCURRED AGAIN THIS EVENING WITH WARNING LIGHTS. TURNED OFF VEHICLE & RESTARTED AND NO LIGHTS AND NO PROBLEM BRAKING. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS IN BLOGS, COMMENTS, ETC. *TT
Steering, Aug 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE AND SHE WOULD BE UNABLE TO MOVE IT FOR A FEW SECONDS. AFTER WAITING A FEW SECONDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD RESET ITSELF AND PERFORM AS NORMAL. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jul 14, 2011
WHILE TRAVELING HOME ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH THE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER A LIGHT BREAKING SITUATION. I DID THE SYSTEM CHECK AVAILABLE ON THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS SHOWN AS OK. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED NOT LONG AGO SO I WAS CONFUSED. A SHORT TIME LATER THE YELLOW ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. I SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. IT TOOK A GREAT DISTANCE ( I WOULD SAY MORE THAN 100 YARDS ) FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I WAS NEVER SO SCARED IN MY LIFE. I DROVE HOME ON SIDE STREETS AT 25 MPH WITH MY WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING AND VIRTUALLY NO BRAKES. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I RESEARCHED THE BREAK FAILURE ISSUE AND TO MY AMAZEMENT FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER SUCH INCIDENTS. AFTER FIVE DAYS IN THE REPAIR SHOP AND THREE FAILED ATTEMPTS BY THE TECHNICIAN TO BLEED THE BREAK LINES I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A $4200 COMPUTER CONTROL UNIT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED BREAK SYSTEM OF THE HYBRID VEHICLE AND NO PERSON SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TERROR OF ATTEMPTING TO STOP FROM 70 MPH WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. THIS IS A TIMEBOMB WAITING TO GO OFF IN THE FORM OF A FATAL ACCIDENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING AND ALL ELECTRICAL ASPECTS OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED A FRACTURED ENGINE BOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET APPROXIMATELY 1,300 MILES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A FACTORY DEFECT FOUND WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ABS AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN THAT PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,900.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 11, 2011
*THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD A COMPLETE "BRAKE FAILURE" WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID IN TRAFFIC. THIS LAST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY IN BEDFORD, TEXAS AND OBSERVED THAT TRAFFIC IN THE DISTANCE WAS STOPPING FOR CONSTRUCTION. I APPLIED MY BRAKES BUT THE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO EXIT THE ROADWAY ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES. I PUT MY VEHICLE IN LOW GEAR FROM DRIVE AND APPLIED MY EMERENGY BRAKE TO STOP MY CAR. THIS IS THE "SECOND" TIME I HAVE HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THIS BAKE PROBLEM. THE "ABS" LIGHT CAME ON, THE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THERE WAS A COMPUTER MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT READ "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM". THE FIRST TIME THAT I EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM, I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. THEY ADVISED THAT SINCE THE "CODE LIGHTS" WERE NOT ON AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO DRIVE THE ESCAPE UNTIL THE "CODE LIGHTS" CAME BACK ON AND THEN BRING IT BACK FOR SERVICE!!! I COMPLIED TO THIS REQUEST AND BOUGHT THE TRUCK BACK IN WITH THE "CODE LIGHTS" ON AND THE MESSAGE READING. DEALERSHIP WORKED ON THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THE ASSIST SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS TO CHECK IT OUT. THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH ASSURANCE THAT THE "BRAKE PROBLEM" WAS FIXED. ON JULY 9, 2011, I AGAIN HAD A "COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE" WITH MY TRUCK(SEE ABOVE) ON JULY 11, 2011, I TOOK MY ESCAPE HYBRID BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHAT ALMOST HAPPENED TO ME IN TRAFFIC. I ALSO SHOWED HIM SOME OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME TYPE OF "BRAKE FAILURE" THAT HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS. I HAVE ALSO CALLED FORD CORPORATE TO START A COMPLAINT! "DOES IT TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED OR INJURIED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE?" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 6, 2011
THE ABS RING (TONE RING ACCORDING TO FORD) ON THE FRONT RIGHT AXLE FRACTURED DURING DRIVING. THIS SENT A FALSE SIGNAL TO THE PROCESSOR AND APPLIED THE ABS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS EXTENDED THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO AN UNSAFE AND UNPREDICTABLE LENGTH ON DRY PAVEMENT. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT RIGHT RING THE FRONT LEFT RING BROKE AGAIN SETTING OFF THE ABS AT AN UNPREDICTABLE TIME.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2011
BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR AND A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC OR POWER BRAKING. VEHICLE DOES STOP AFTER A HARD PRESSING OF BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS SOMETIMES FOLLOWED BY A YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT WARNING. THE PROBLEM IS FIXED BY TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. I AM NOT KIDDING. ITS LIKE REBOOTING THE COMPUTER. THIS STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. I REPORTED IT TO FORD WHO SAID THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT AT THE DEALER AND NATIONAL LEVEL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND MENTIONED THE INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE. AFTER THE OIL SERVICE, THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A YEAR. I THOUGHT FORD HAD SECRETLY FIXED IT WHILE THEY WERE CHANGING THE OIL. THEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES. I THINK IT IS RELATED TO THE CAR NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE ICE (INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE) IS OFF. PERHAPS IT IS RELATED TO RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONING SINCE IT STOPPED AFTER THE SUMMER AND RETURNED AGAIN. THE ICE TURNS OFF WHILE BRAKING AT SPEEDS BELOW 40MPH SO THAT IS PROBABLY RELATED. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 2, 2011
STANDARD DAY DRIVING. GET IN THE VEHICLE START AS NORMAL. DRIVE 25 FEET DOWN THE ROAD, SMALL HESITATION, RESISTANCE TO GO FORWARD FOR A MOMENT. ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES, WARNING BEEP OCCURS. VEHICLE DRIVES ODD, BRAKES ARE WEAKER THAN NORMAL. SERVICE ABS SYSTEM ILLUMINATES ON CENTER PANEL. MOMENTS LATER, SERVICE 4X4 SYSTEM ILLUMINATES AS ANOTHER SMALL HESITATION RESISTANCE TO ROLL OCCURS. VEHICLE DRIVES 'OK' BUT DIFFERENT. DROVE IT HOME SAFELY FROM THAT MOMENT. *TR