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.
Power train, Mar 2, 2007
MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE SPORADICALLY WILL NOT RELEASE FROM "PARK". JEFF JENKINS, SERVICE REP, TOLD ME THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED UNLESS IT WAS INOPERATIVE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. *JB
Parking brake, Feb 23, 2007
APPROXIMATELY EVERY 8,000 MILES THE PARKING BRAKE ON THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION, INLINE-4, FWD LOOSENS AND MUST BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE TIGHTENED. THUS FAR, THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. WHILE PARKING ON A HILL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CLUTCH NO LONGER HOLDS THE VEHICLE IN PLACE AFTER 17,000 MILES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2007
LOUD NOISE WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER. IDLER PULLEY WAS SHREDDING THE SERPENTINE BELT AND PULLEY WAS OVERHEATING. DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2007
ACCELERATOR WAS STICKING IN THE UP POSITION. TOOK GREAT FORCE TO FREE IT FROM THE UP POSITION TO GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS. AS THIS VEHICLE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. DEALER SAID THEY KNEW OF OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. *JB
Visibility, Feb 8, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE 2006 FORD ESCAPE WITH 100 FAILURE MILEAGE SHE TURNED ON THE HEAT ONE RAINY DAY AND BEGAN TO SMELL A PERFUME/GRAPE CANDY ODOR COMING FROM THE HEATER VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER , AND THE ENGINEER LOOKED IT OVER, BUT WILL NOT SPECIFY WHAT TESTS THAT THEY DID, IF ANY. THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THIS ODOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6000.*AK UPDATED 03/02/07. *JB
Tires, Dec 19, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT IS CALLING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT HIS 4 ORIGINAL TIRES. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TREAD/BELT ON TIRES. IT SEEMS LIKE ALL 4 TIRES HAVE SOME TYPE OF DEFAULT/DEFORM. THE CONTACT HAS DRIVEN HE 9,000 MILES ON HIS 4 TIRES. IF PICTURES OF TIRES ARE NEEDED CONTACT CAN PROVIDE THEM.
Visibility, Dec 14, 2006
THE VEHICLE IS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING ON A ONE-LANE ROAD (OFF RAMP OF HWY 101), THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED SUDDENLY. NO FOREIGN OBJECTS APPEARED TO HAVE STRUCK THE WINDOW. THE SHATTERING OF GLASS RESULTED IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND SOME DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED AND FORD REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT. NOTHING WAS DONE BY FORD TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2006
BRAKES FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE BRAKE REPAIR AFTER THE FIRST TIME ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO BUT WAS TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AFTER THE SECOND TIME THEY NOW HAVE TO ORDER PARTS WHICH ARE ON BACK ORDER IN ORDER TO MAKE THE REPAIR. *NM
Seats, Nov 19, 2006
VICTIM WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMELL OF SMOKE. VICTIM FELT VEHICLE SEAT WAS EXTREMELY HOT. VICTIM PULLED OVER, STOPPED VEHICLE, AND STEPPED OUT OF VEHICLE. VICTIM NOTICED THAT SEAT HAD A SMALL BURN HOLE IN IT CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION IN THE SEAT WARMER ACCESSORY. VICTIM HAD SEAT WARMER ACCESSORY ENGAGED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. VICTIM DID NOT SUSTAIN BODILY INJURY. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO SELLING DEALER (JORDAN FORD LOCATED IN MISHAWAKA, IN) FOR REPAIRS WHICH WERE PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 2, 2006
AM/FM CD PLAYER COMES ON WITH ENGINE/IGNITION OFF. BOUGHT VEHICLE IN 2004 AND LATER THAT YEAR BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER BECAUSE RADIO WOULD COME ON BY ITSELF AND DRAIN BATTERY. DEALER REPLACED RADIO UNDER WARRANTY. IN 2005 BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO DEALER AGAIN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CLAIMS THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NOTHING DONE. IN 2006 BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER AGAIN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, VEHICLE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER CHARGED $80 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. STATED PROBLEM WAS DEFECTIVE RADIO, OFFERED TO REPLACE RADIO FOR $390 PLUS TAX. I DECLINED AND HAD AN AFTER MARKET RADIO INSTALLED. PROBLEM PERSISTED. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO LOCATED A DEFECTIVE FUSE PANEL ACCESSORY CONTROL RELAY AND REPLACED IT. PROBLEM NO LONGER EXISTS. *NM
Suspension, Nov 1, 2006
REAR WHEELS CAN BOUNCE AND RUB THE FENDER WELL CAUSING BLOW OUT OF TIRES. *NM
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 12, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITIONS AT 8:02 PM, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. THE SEATBELT WAS WORN AND BOTH FOG LIGHTS AND HEAD LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE BOTTOM PORTION AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED, BUT THE TOP PORTION FAILED TO OPEN. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, RESULTING IN IMPACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING TWO FRACTURES OF THE STERNUM, A HEMATOMA TO THE LEFT CHEST, AND FRACTURES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, AS WELL AS, HEAVY BRUISING TO THE FOREHEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. REPAIRS WERE MADE PRIOR TO THE MANUFACTURER'S ENGINEER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE CONTACT WITH THE DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Structure, Aug 25, 2006
8/11/2006 I WAS KNOCKED OUT AND PINNED BY THE REAR HATCH DOOR OF OUR 2006 FORD ESCAPE. I OPENED THE REAR HATCH AND LEANED IN TO REMOVE SOME ITEMS FROM REAR OF THE FORD ESCAPE AND THE HATCH CAME SLAMMING DOWN HITTING ME IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND RENDERING ME UNCONSCIOUS (I AM NOT SURE AS TOO HOW LONG) I CAME TO FACE FIRST INSIDE THE FORD ESCAPE WITH THE DOOR PINNING ME DOWN AND MY FEET HANGING OUT THE REAR. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET FREE OF THE REAR HATCH AND BECOME FREE. I FOUND ONE OF THE REAR STRUT SLAYING INSIDE THE REAR COMPARTMENT AND THE OTHER PRACTICALLY BROKE AND DANGLING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR HATCH. AFTER COMING TO MY SENSES I TOOK THE FORD ESCAPE TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP (SIMI VALLEY FORD) AND TURNED IT IN FOR WARRANTY TO FIX IT (WE HAVE THE 3YR/36000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER + THE TOP FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY , I CHECKED IT INTO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP (SIMI VALLEY FORD) AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD FIX IT AND WOULD WE NEED A RENTAL CAR WHICH WE SAID NO WE HAVE MY FORD EXCURSION TO DRIVE. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I RECEIVE A CALL FROM KEITH (SIMI VALLEY FORD SERVICE ) SAYING FORD REFUSES TO FIX OR STAND BEHIND THIS PROBLEM AND FOR US TO TURN IT INTO OUR INSURANCE. WE FEEL THIS IS FORDS DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT , SO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS SENT OUT A INVESTIGATOR BUT THEY ARE NOT SURE AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. THIS IS A FORD DEFECT ON OUR 2006 FORD ESCAPE WITH 7100 MILES AND FORD IS TRYING TO SAY ITS WEAR AND TEAR , WE DON'T THINK SO , WE FEEL ITS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHICH FORD IS TRYING TO AVOID. WE HOPE NO OTHER PEOPLE OR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE HURT BY THIS DEFECT , FOR THE HATCH IS EXTREMELY HEAVY AND COULD EASILY COULD KILL SOMEONE OF WEAKER STATURE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 14, 2006
NORMAL CITY DRIVING INITIATED FAILURE OF BRAKES TO HAVE PRESSURE. IMMEDIATELY BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. BRAKES MAY BE APPLIED, BUT RELEASE AFTER APPLICATION. INITIALLY, WHEN BROUGHT INTO FORD DEALERSHIP 11 DAYS AGO, PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE ELECTRONIC, BUT AFTER REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR BRAKES, THE PRESSURE FAILS TO RESUME. *JB
Steering, Jul 3, 2006
SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION FELT AT STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENOUGH VIBRATION FELT TO CAUSE FATIGUE TO THE OPERATOR'S FOREARMS/HANDS - MOST UNPLEASANT WHEN DRIVING 100+ MILES. *JB
Seats, Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING FOR 15 MINUTES AT ANY SPEED ON A NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS CREATE A SEVERE PAIN AT LUMBAR BACK REGION. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE TWO FRONT SEATS WERE NOT ERGONOMIC, AS THEY WERE IN ALL VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY OWNED. UPDATED 9/15/2006 - *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2006 ESCAPE HYBRID ON APRIL 9TH & IMMEDIATELY IT HAD BRAKE FAILURE PROBLEMS - ESSENTIALLY NO BRAKES. IT HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP SINCE APRIL 10TH. THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED ON APRIL 22 & WHEN I WENT TO GET IT, SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED IN TEST DRIVE. THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT ELSE IS WRONG. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE SENSOR, BUT OBVIOUSLY THAT DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IN SOUTH FLORIDA, WHERE THE ABILITY TO PROPERLY BRAKE IS HIGHLY ESSENTIAL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GRINDS DURING START UP IF IT SITS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. ON 04-18-06 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER ALONG WITH A DELAY IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP ADMITTED THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLE'S WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAS THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED THIS WEEK. UPDATED 5/16/2006 - THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER LUBED THE DOOR AND APPLIED WEATHERSTRIPPING. *NM
Structure, Jan 13, 2006
2006 FORD ESCAPE XLT AWD - VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND CAN BE FELT IN BODY AT ABOUT 55-65 MPH. INTO DEALER 4X FOR ATTEMPTED REPAIRS. CONSULTED WITH FACTORY. NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING IT. DEALER STATED SOME OF THE MODELS ON THE LOT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE AN ENGINEERING FAULT OR AN ASSEMBLY FAULT - BUT FORD IS SELLING FAULTY VEHICLES- AND NOT TAKING ANY SERIOUS ATTEMPT TO RECTIFY. COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE FUTURE. *JB
Air bags, Dec 9, 2005
ON 12/7/05, THE MAIN AIR BAG LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASH. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OWNER'S MANUAL, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH ONLY 542 MILES DRIVEN ON THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A REPLACEMENT TO A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAD THIS SAME CHRONIC PROBLEM, WHICH COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BY FORD AFTER SIX REPAIR ATTEMPTS. THE 2005 VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BACK BY THE MANUFACTURER AND AT NO TIME WAS A PATTERN OF REPAIRS TO THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE DISCLOSED TO ME PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. WHEN THE 2006 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS, WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE DEALER CURRENTLY HAS SEVEN VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IF WE HAD KNOWN ABOUT PRE-EXISTING SAFETY COMPONENT PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL, WE LIKELY WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT. *JB