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.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2008, fire
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. IN 2006 IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 18 HOURS. FORD TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE MAIN OFFICE IN DETROIT. I DID. THEY HAD ME CONTACT THE DEALER IN WHICH I PURCHASED BOTH MY ESCAPES. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY ABS. WEST-HERR FORD OF HAMBURG N. Y. CAME AND TOWED MY ESCAPE TO THEIR COLLISION SHOP. THEY CALLED ME UP AND SAID THEY MISPLACED MY KEYS, SO I GAVE THEM MY SPARE SET. DAYS TURNED TO WEEKS,WEEKS TURNED TO MONTHS. THEY FINALLY SAID THAT MY INSURANCE SHOULD PAY FOR IT. MY INSURANCE BLAMED FORD. FORD SAID THAT I COULD PICK MY TRUCK UP BUT IF I DID IT WOULD BE OUT OF THEIR HANDS, SO OF COURSE I DID NOT PICK IT UP. FINALLY 1 YEAR LATER FORD COVERED THE FAULTY PART AND "FIXED" MY TRUCK. I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK 4 TO 5 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS. WHILE MY TRUCK SAT AT THEIR COLLISION SHOP FOR A YEAR, MY WARRANTY RAN OUT. I LOST A WHOLE YEAR. NOW THEY SAY WE CAN FIX IT FOR AN "AT COST" PRICE. THEY CALLED ME IN TO AN EXECUTIVE MEETING AND TRIED TO SAY THEY CAN GIVE ME A DEAL ON A NEW TRUCK. MY TRUCK ACCORDING TO THEM NEEDS $700.00 TO BE FIXED AND INSPECTED, BUT THEIR JUST TRYING TO SELL ME A NEW VEHICLE. THEY CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX IT. I'M NOT EVEN ASKING FOR THE YEAR WARRANTY THAT I LOST, I'M JUST ASKING TO HAVE MY TRUCK PUT BACK INTO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN BEFORE THEIR FAULTY PART CAUSED THE FIRE. IT HASN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE. I AM NOT RICH. MY WIFE AND I HAVE TWO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF THREE, AND I WILL NOT STAND BY AND BE TAKEN BY A BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. I WILL DO WHATEVER I AM LEGALLY ABLE TO DO. I WAS GIVEN A VOICE AND YOU CAN BET ILL USE IT. THIS WILL NOT GO AWAY UNTIL THEY FIX IT AND MAKE IT RIGHT. YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE MEETING TO HEAR THE SMOKE THEY TRIED TO BLOW, IT WAS LIKE THEY WERE THE VICTIMS. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME ON MY RIGHTS. THANK YOU. LEONARD J. HILL *TR --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2008
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL AFTER SEVERAL TRIES. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES, BUT IT IS SCARY WHEN IT DOES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 19, 2008
I HAVE HAD TO BRING MY NEW CAR 2006 FORD ESCAPE TO THE DEALER (5XS) WHERE I PURCHASED IT FOR AN ONGOING SQUEALING PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IN THE MORNING. ANY FIXES ARE TEMPORARY AND THE SQUEAL CONTINUES ON A NEW CAR THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.. MY CONCERN IS THAT IS A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM LIKE THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY JUST ARE NOT FIXING IT, I HAVE A FULL WARRANTY AND NOW I NOTICE WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK I STILL MOVE AND I HIT THE BRAKE BUT I AM IN PARK? MY CAR IS GOING BACK IN AGAIN THIS WED THE LAST TIME WAS JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO AND THEY HAD IT FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS... THIS IS THE LAST TIME FOR ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2008
GAS PEDAL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. WHEN I LET UP PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL TO LET A CAR MERGE IN AND THEN TRY TO RESUME SPEED, THE GAS PEDAL LOCKS AND WON'T GO DOWN. *TR
Steering, Parking brake, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 29, 2008, crash
SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS FORD ESCAPE 2006 I HAVE IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR BRAKES TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STEERING PUMPS BROKEN AND THE MOST IN TWO MONTHS I HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE BRAKES WILL STOP AND THEN RELEASE. I KEEP UP ON THE MAINTENANCE WHICH REQUIRES BRAKES CHECK MY COMPLAINTS AND AFTER THE FIRST THEY ACCIDENT IN MARCH WE ASKED FORD TO CHECK BRAKES THE SAID IT WAS FINE LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ANOTHER ACCIDENT SAME THING BRAKES STOP AND RELEASE WE TOOK IT BACK IN AND THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD BEEN BROKEN I HAVE CHILDREN I DRIVE CHILDREN AND THIS COULD DEFINITELY HAVE HURT US OR SOMEONE ELSE MY CAR IS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND DANGEROUS ACTUALLY THE BODY SHOP SAID IT WAS BROKEN BEFORE. THE DEALERS CONVENIENTLY SAY I DID NOT COMPLAIN BUT ALL SERVICE CHECKS MY BRAKE DRUMS ARE CHECK I COMPLAIN OF PARKING BRAKE AND EXCESSIVE NOISE. *TR
Seat belts, Apr 15, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD ESCAPE IN APRIL OF 2006. SINCE THEN TWO MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES HAVE COME UP. FIRST OCCURRED IN 2007. WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED THROUGH A PARKING LOT, A FAULTY BOLT HOLDING THE REAR TIRE TO THE CHASIS FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FALLING INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. FORD REPLACED THE BOLT. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED APRIL 13, 2008. I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT. IT WOULD NOT BUCKLE. IN BOTH INSTANCES I WAS LUCKY THAT 1- I WAS NOT MOVING AT ANY GREAT SPEED AND 2- DID NOT NEED USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE BRAKES FAIL. HE MUST APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE ABS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON MARCH 1, 2008. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,723. UPDATED 04/29/08. *LJ
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES AND DISPLAYS "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM". THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160. UPDATED 04/11/08 *BF UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR
Air bags, Mar 14, 2008, crash
I WAS BROADSIDED AND KNOCKED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT END WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE UTILITY POLE. I WAS DRIVING MY MOTHER'S 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. DUE TO THIS MY CHEST AND LEFT SHOULDER WERE INJURED GREATLY. I HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE SUV. WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED I HEARD THEM MENTION THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND TOLD THEM TO BE CAREFUL WHEN CUTTING ME OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TAKEN TO THE ER ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT AND ON THE NEXT DAY I HAD TO GO BACK BECAUSE OF HEAD AND CHEST PAINS. I DO BELIEVE IF THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED MY INJURED WOULD HAVE BEEN LESSER. I HAVE GREAT BILLS BECAUSE MY MOTHER'S INSURANCE DID NOT PAY THE BILLS, BECAUSE I DID NOT LIVE IN THE HOUSE WITH HER. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE WRECKED VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2008
VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEEL CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES HAS JERKED STEERING WHEEL OUT OF HAND 3 TIMES. *TR
Power train, Jan 31, 2008
AFTER TRAVELING FOR 3 HOURS ON HIGHWAY THE VERY FIRST STOP I CAME TO, MY CAR STALLED. I RESTARTED IT AND IT STALLED UPON PUTTING IT BACK INTO DRIVE (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT STALLS NOW UPON ANY STOP FROM DRIVING AND WHEN IN DRIVE AND UPON MOVING INTO A REVERSE FROM A PARKED POSITION. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM ON THIS CAR WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER REMAINING IN LOCKED POSITION AFTER CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FORD ASKED ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED. I DID AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM. AFTER 3 HOURS OF INSPECTION HE SAID THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE GOT INVOLVED AND TRIED TO FORCE ME TO DO MY COMPLETELY UNRELATED MAINTENANCE WITH THEM IN EXCHANGE TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION THAT THEY KNOW FAILED, SAYING THEY NEEDED SOME "LOYALTY" FROM ME. THEY THEN SENT ME OUT IN WHAT THEY SAID WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THEY THEN CALLED ME BACK AND TRIED TO TELL ME THEY WANTED ME TO PICK UP APPROX. $682 OF THE $1815. THEY KNOW THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AND ARE HOLDING ME HOSTAGE TO REPLACE. *TR
Seats, Jan 4, 2008
I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE THE HEIGHT OF THE ARM REST IN MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE. I AM A TALL PERSON AND DRIVE WITH THE SEAT IN THE FARTHEST REAR POSITION AND FIND THAT I HAVE TO ALWAYS RAISE UP MY ARM AND ELBOW IN ORDER TO SAFELY MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. I FEEL THAT THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE LOOKED FOR LOWER REPLACEMENT ARMRESTS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND SOMETHING SUITABLE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION FOR ME. *CN
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2007
I OWN A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. MY PROBLEM IS I HAVE HAD POPPING AND SQUEAKING NOISES IN THE FRONT END SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE NOISES THEY WOULD ALWAYS MAKE COMMENTS LIKE IT MUST ONLY BE WHEN I'M DRIVING THAT IT MAKES THE NOISE. NEEDLESS TO SAY WHEN I COMPLAINED ENOUGH ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THEY CHECKED THE SUV AND REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING AT 5,000 MILES, IT ALSO NEEDED NEW SWAYBAR LINKS,AT ABOUT 8,000 MILES THEY TOLD ME THEY ORDERED THEM. HOWEVER WEEKS LATER THEY STILL HAD NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS AND I THEN STARTED HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES, WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE. THEN AT 13,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROTORS AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PAY FOR THEM UNDER WARRANTY( FUNNY ISN'T IT YOU HAVE A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY TILL 36,000 AND IT ISN'T COVERED ). NOW IT HAVING 18,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE NEW ROTORS TURNED. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER REPLACED THE SWAYBAR LINKS. I THOUGHT IF YOU HAD A A PROBLEM THEY COULD NOT FIX IT WOULD FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW IN MISSOURI, IT IS APPARENT THEY CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WHAT CAN I DO ? I HAVE A 8 MONTH OLD GRANDSON IN THE VEHICLE EVERYDAY (WELL WHEN IT ISN'T IN THE SHOP FOR SOME REASON) I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THE FRONT END PROBLEMS IT KEEPS HAVING. I AM PAYING 25,000.00 DOLLARS FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE NOT ONLY TO MY FAMILY BUT TO OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON A HELPFUL SOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE MY PROBLEMS WITH MY ESCAPE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-60 MPH OR WHEN SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE CONTACT MUST MAKE 2-5 ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DEALERS AND NONE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AFTER STOPPING. UPDATED 11/26/07. *JB
Electrical system, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 5, 2007
NO CRASH, NO INJURIES. ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING BRAKES TO ENGAGE ERRATICALLY AND EVENTUALLY STALL THE VEHICLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS FROM DASH, INCLUDING, ABS WARNING, TRACTION CONTROL WARNING AND STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING. UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WAS MISSING. UPDATED12/12/07
Tires, Jul 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND MAKES A THUMPING NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE TREAD DROPPING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL ONLY COVER 75% OF THE REPAIR COST. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC BSW AND THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE IS P2357016. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 18,387 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,189. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED TIRE TREND HITTING THE GROUND AND 1/3" NOT TOUCHING GROUND ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE. UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SHE MADE SURE THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DEACTIVATED BY PRESSING THE OFF BUTTON. THE CONTACT HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE FORMAT COULD BE STUCK. THEY FOUND THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE DEALER SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND REPLACED THE THROTTLE, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE RECALL FOR THE FORD ESCAPE IN 2005 FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 16,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,197. THE CONSUMER STATED STRONGLY URGES A RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED HAD 3 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE AND THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS INCIDENT. UPDATED 08/29/07 *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2007
THE STEERING IN MY ESCAPE STARTED TO BECOME TIGHTER AND TIGHTER AS I WOULD TURN AND SO, I SCHEDULED A MAINTENANCE CHECK THROUGH MY LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPT. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, THEY FOUND THAT THE RACK AND PINION HAD GONE BAD. I HAVE 40,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND AS YOU KNOW THIS EXCEEDS THE TYPICAL 3YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY TRUCK IS 13 MONTHS OLD. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, May 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HEV. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. WHEN THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,000.
Electronic stability control, Power train, May 18, 2007, crash
MY HUSBAND AND I WHEN RETURNING HOME FROM A VISIT TO RELATIVES IN TAYLORSVILLE, UTAH. IT HAD BEEN SNOWING BUT HAD STOPPED OR SLOWED DOWN IN TAYLORSVILLE. SINCE WE WERE DRIVING AN ESCAPE HYBRID 4-WD, WE BELIEVED WE WOULD BE FINE TO BEGIN OUR TRIP. WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 15 WHEN IT STARTED SNOWING REALLY HARD. WE WERE JUST PAST THE PROVO AREA. THERE WERE MANY CARS AND BIG TRUCKS ON THE FREEWAY AND EVERYONE WAS DRIVING AS SLOW AS POSSIBLE. WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SLOW LANE WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED TO SLIDE INTO THE INSIDE LANE. WE HAD NOT MADE ANY SUDDEN MOVES, HAD NOT INCREASED SPEED OR APPLIED BRAKES. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE BEGAN TO SLIDE AS IF THE 4-WD KICKED IN , AS IT SHOULD HAD. WE SHOULD HAVE HAD THE NECESSARY TRACTION. IT DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH WE HAD ANY TRACTION AT ALL. AS WE SLID TO THE INSIDE LANE WE CONTINUED SLIDING ON AN ANGLE TOWARD THE SHOULDER. WHEN WE REACHED THE SHOULDER THE CAR ROLLED ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS AMAZED AS BOTH MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND GREW UP IN SNOW COUNTRY AND HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN DRIVING IN THE SNOW. I NEVER HAD A VEHICLE SUDDENLY START SLIDING UNLESS I WAS TRYING TO TURN A CORNER, STOP AT A LIGHT/STOP SIGN, OR MADE SOME OTHER ACTION WHICH CHANGED THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER ROLLED IN A CAR, BUT I HAVE SLID ONTO THE SHOULDER ON A FEW OCCASIONS. I DID NOT BELIEVE THE SMART 4- WD SYSTEM WAS WORKING PROPERLY, AND I DID NOT BELIEVE WE SHOULD HAVE ROLLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2007
AS FLEET MANAGER , I HAVE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE ON ALL 3 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID VEHICLES. DURING EACH FAILURE, THE MAIN ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND THE VEHICLE GOES TO STRAIGHT ELECTRICAL POWER WHICH COULD CAUSE A WRECK IN SITUATIONS WHERE A RAPID DROP IN SPEED COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED ON ALL THREE HYBRIDS AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 36,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACES THE WATER PUMP THAT SUPPLIES COOLANT TO THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AFTER EACH FAILURE. I FEEL THAT THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE REPORTED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I RESEARCHED EDMUNDS.COM AND THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN THEIR CARSPACE AUTOMOTIVE FORMS. FORD NEEDS TO RE-ENGINEER THIS SYSTEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Seats, May 3, 2007
2006 FORD ESCAPE XLT CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE SEAT COVERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND JERKING WHILE DRIVING OVER 70 MPH AND REAR WIPER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY**CC THE CONSUMER STATED SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE REST OF THE WAY TO HER DESTINATION, THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH AND JERKING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A INOPERATIVE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL, DRIVE ROUGHLY AND JERKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE ALSO WOULD SHIFT HARD AND LURCH FORWARD WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2007
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM MESSAGE FREQUENTLY DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL (MORE THAN A DOZEN OCCURRENCES OVER 12 MONTHS). OWNERS MANUAL DESCRIBES THIS AS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. FOUR ATTEMPTS BY FORD SERVICE TO CORRECT AND ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE BECAUSE CODES ARE ERASED WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF(?). *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 23, 2007
2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID SUV CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CHECK LEFT HEADLAMP LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND AFTER CHANGING THE LIGHT IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN**CC WHEN THE CONSUMER REMOVED THE PROTECTIVE COVER FROM THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION LOOKED AS IF IT HAD BURNED. CONSUMER STATED HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED BY FORD . *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE DEALER CHANGED THE WIRING HARNESS. HOWEVER, SIX MONTHS LATER THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,900 MILES. *AK CONSUMER HAS INCLUDED MULTIPLE INVOICES STATING BRAKE SYSTEM WENT OUT. THE DEALER PERFORMED MULTI POINT INSPECTION AND PERFORMED THE VARIOUS TASKS: REINSTALLED SIDE FRONT PANEL, REPLACED HARNESS, ALIGNMENT OF FRONT END AND REAR, REPLACE UPPER STRUT BEARING AND BUSHING, BLED BRAKE SYSTEM. UPDATE *4/16TR THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB