2007 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 393 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 16 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 9 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
Representative owner complaints
393 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS REAR ENDED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. SHE WAS FORCED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS INJURED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,500. UPDATED 03/04/08. *LJ
Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2007
2007 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID LOCK-OUT AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE NOT ILLUMINATED PROPERLY. CUSTOMER STATES THAT PASSENGER SWITCH IS INOPERATIVE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE NIGHT DRIVING WOULD BE ENHANCED IF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND WINDOW LOCK OUT SWITCH LOCATED ON THE DOOR WAS BETTER ILLUMINATED. *TR
Air bags, Sep 15, 2007
MY DAUGHTER WEIGHS 90 LBS. WHEN SHE SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT OF OUR 2007 FORD ESCAPE, THE AIRBAG TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY, DEPENDING ON MINOR ADJUSTMENTS OF HER POSTURE. THE DEALER HAS SEEN IT AND SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT, AS IT IS A FEDERALLY REGULATED SETTING. SO I GUESS WE'LL JUST NEVER KNOW IF MY DAUGHTER WILL HAVE A FUNCTIONAL AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 14, 2007
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MILES PER HOUR BOTH BRAKES LIGHTS CAME ON - THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. WHEN I TRIED THE BRAKES, I HAD NONE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND STOP THE CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RE-STARTED IT AND THE BRAKES WORKED. I DROVE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHO HAD THE VEHICLE FROM A FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THEY TOLD ME THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID VALVE BLOCK. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. FROM RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER ESCAPE HEVS HAVE ALSO HAD A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES -THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AND THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER. THEY TOLD ME SOMEONE WOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH ME IN 2-5 DAYS. NO ONE CONTACTED ME AND AFTER 8 DAYS I CALLED THEM BACK. THEY OFFERED ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE: I DON'T FEEL THE CAR IS SAFE AND I FEEL THERE IS A STRONG LIKELIHOOD THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN EITHER THE VEHICLE OR FORD. *JB
Service brakes, Electric, Aug 14, 2007
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON 2007 FORD HYBRID. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 9, 2007, crash
I WAS TRAVELING NORTH AND THIS PERSON WAS GOING SOUTH, CROSSED THE CENTERLINE AND SLAMMED INTO ME, PUSHING ME BETWEEN TWO TREES AND TOTALING MY VEHICLE. IT WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME FROM SLAMMING MY FOREHEAD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD DO NOTHING AND SEND NO ONE TO SEE WHY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I ENDED UP BEING BROUGHT BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE X-RAYS SHOWED MY NECK WAS SPRAINED AND I HAD A SCRAPE TO MY FOREHEAD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB
Power train, Aug 8, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ALL FOUR WHEELS LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41.
Air bags, Jul 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DOES NOT WEIGH ENOUGH FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON INDICATOR TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW HOW TO DISABLE THE AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE FUEL SYSTEM AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 10,000.
Tires, Jul 17, 2007
BOUGHT A 2007 FORD EDGE IN MAY 2007 WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES CROSS CONTACT LX 24560R18 IN A OPTION PACKAGE WITH A 17 INCH SPARE. VERY SHORTLY AFTER THE PURCHASE HAD CAR AT DEALER FOR VIBRATION. DEALER BALANCED ALL 4 TIRES. WENT BACK SECOND TIME FOR TIRE VIBRATION MECHANIC AND DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS NORMAL TIRE OPERATION. AT 40 MPH SLIGHT VIBRATION AS SPEED IS INCREASED 70 MPH IT WAS MORE PREVALENT. IT WAS NOT A SMOOTH RIDING TIRE NEVER FELT THIS WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE WE HAVE PURCHASED. FEEL THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH CONTINENTAL REPUTATION AND ONLY 300 MILES ON VEHICLE AT THAT TIME AND NOW CLOSE TO 1000 MILES NOW. NEED NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS TIRE BECAUSE OF DEALERS AND FORDS NEGLECT. DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS THE TIRES OR THE VEHICLE. WITH FORD'S PROBLEM WITH THEIR TIRES IN THE PAST AND WITH THE INJURIES AND DEATHS THAT HAD OCCURRED I THINK THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT BY NHTSA AND FORD. RODE IN ANOTHER FORD EDGE WITH THE SAME TIRES WITH THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP SAME PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION BUT NOT AS BAD AS MY PERSONAL VEHICLE. OWNER OF DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM. OWNER OF DEALERSHIP MADE A CALL TO REPRESENTATIVE OF FORD FOR OUR AREA WAITING FOR A DATE TO MEET WITH HIM AND DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM AS OF TODAY. TRYING TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT MY TIRE NAME AND SIZE AND VEHICLE NAME WAS NOT ON YOUR LIST SO I JUST PICKED ONE SO I COULD SEND THIS TO YOU AGAIN MY TIRE IS CONTINENTAL CROSS CONTACT LX 24560R18 ON A 2007 FORD EDGE. THANK YOU.*AK
Fuel system, Other, Air bags, Jun 19, 2007
SINC E PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF, AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. TAKEN TO FORD DELERSHIP IN MARCH, 2007, BUT DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
Structure, May 25, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE LIFTGATE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LIFTGATE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 1,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,030.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD ESCAPE. ON APRIL 11, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A VEHICLE THAT STOPPED IN FRONT OF HER. THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER OF LITHIA FORD STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT 60 MPH. A FORD ENGINEER PROVIDED RELATED INFORMATION. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,900, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000. *AK
Visibility, Apr 13, 2007
TL* - WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH IN A 2007 FORD ESCAPE THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE DOWN AND THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 600 MILES. *AK
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2007
WE PURCHASED A 2007 FORD ESCAPE IN FEB. WITHIN A FEW DAYS WE NOTICED A STRANGE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. WE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER & THE MANAGER AGREED THAT THERE WAS INDEED A NOISE. WE BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE & UPON PICKING IT UP THE NEXT DAY, WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE MANAGER INSISTED THAT THEY INVESTIGATE FURTHER, SO IT WAS KEPT ANOTHER DAY. STILL, NO IDEA WHAT THE NOISE WAS. WE HAVE DRIVEN IN OTHER '07 ESCAPES THAT DO NOT THEY THIS NOISE. NOW IT'S 6 WEEKS LATER, WE HAVE 600 MILES ON A CAR WITH A STRANGE NOISE & FORD MAY FINALLY BE SENDING A TROUBLE SHOOTER TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION. SINCE NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE HAVE SOME CONCERNS AS TO THE TRUCKS SAFETY. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT PROBLEM IS OCCURRING IN OTHER '07 ESCAPES. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE APPLIED GREAT FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. HE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED, AND HE HAD TO DRIVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOME. *AK UPDATED 2/22/2007- THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE FAILED. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2007, fire
MY VECHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN MY FRONT YARD OVER NIGHT SOMETIME IN THE REAR TRUNK OF MY SUV AND FORD DEALERSHIP AND THER CAUSE OF ORGIN HAS LEFT IT UNEXPLAINED. *NM
Steering, Jan 22, 2007
TL* - WITHIN ONE WEEK OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MODULE. ON 1/21/07 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR DISPLAYED SERVICE POWER STEERING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES HAD FAILED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. EACH TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE SALES/SERVICE DEALER. THE RIGHT BRAKE SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. ON THE 2ND VISIT, THE MASTER COMPUTER SWITCH WAS REPLACED. ON THE 3RD VISIT, ALL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, WHILE TRAVELING 22 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED FOR THE 4TH TIME. ALL SENSORS, MASTER CYLINDER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE BRAKES STILL FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK