Page 12 of 28 · complaints 551–600 of 1,394

2005 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2005 record →

Suspension
Filed Oct 29, 2014223,000 milesKS

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY FORD ESCAPE 2005 STARTED TO MAKE LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM PASSENGER SIDE, BEHIND THE BACK SEAT. WHEN WE STOPPED THE STRUT HAD COMPLETELY BROKE AWAY FROM CAR BODY AND WAS LOOSE AND BANGING IN THE WHEEL WELL. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME A RECALL WAS DONE FOR 2000-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL IS AVAILABLE FOR THE 2005. FROM RECALL INFORMATION, IT IS THE EXACT SAME WHEEL -REAR PASSENGER SIDE IN ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND UNSAFE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Oct 28, 201486,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2014200,000 milesMO

I BEGAN TO HEAR A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS IN DANGER OF BREAKING LOOSE WHICH COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2014174,000 milesSC

BASED ON LOCAL SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER RETURN LINE MUST BE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS INFORMATION FROM FORD CORPORATION THAT DESCRIBES A STEERING NOISE (CLUNK AND RATTLE) FOR ALL FORD ESCAPES (2005 MODELS) STATED IN A DOCUMENT (#TSB 06-17-3) BY FORD. PART NUMBER TO BE REPLACED IS 6L8Z-3A713-K IS THIS SOMETHING THAT IS DANGEROUS AND HAS THE COMPANY MADE A DECISION ON RECALLING THE VEHICLE? *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 27, 2014109,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AND INVESTIGATED I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. MY SHOCK IS NOT LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT SLAMS INTO THE CAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2014165,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS AND THE ELECTRIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 27, 2014110,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED THROUGH THE SHOCK ABSORBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 25, 201490,000 milesMI

WE WERE DRIVING OUR ESCAPE ON CITY ROADS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY WENT THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WE CAN SEE THE PAVEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL YET. WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD CARS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY, HOWEVER, WE MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER NEXT TIME. WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE ISSUE FIXED AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 2014NY

DURING A MOVE IN WHICH WE WERE TOWING A TRAILER, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT PRETTY BAD WHEN WE COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND FROM THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP I STARTED TO HEAR A REPEATING "THUD". MY FIANCE AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT COULD BE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND AS SOON AS I STARTED TO EXPLAIN THE SOUND AND WHERE IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM...HE KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HIS BROTHER WHO ALSO HAD AN ESCAPE HAD JUST HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD CONTINUED TO CORRODE AND RUST, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO BREAK. HE REFERRED ME TO A PLACE THAT DID THE NECESSARY REPAIR/WELDING. THEY RE-MOLDED THE WELL AND REPLACED THE SHOCK. A $750 JOB. SAID THAT THEY HAD SEVERAL...I THINK THEY SAID AT LEAST 6 ESCAPES IN FOR THE SAME THING JUST IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 24, 2014121,000 milesME

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS BANGING AGAINST THE INNER INTERIOR MOLDING WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ENTIRELY FROM THE WHEEL WELL LEAVING THE SUSPENSION ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COMPROMISED. THE WHEEL WELL ON THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS IN TACT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 15, 201455,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A VERY LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK ABSORBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,870. UPDATED 3/18/15*CN UPDATED 10/19/2015*JS

Suspension › Rear
Filed Oct 14, 201483,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THROUGH A RUSTED HOLE INTO THE REAR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE UNDERBODY WAS RUSTED, THE REAR SHOCK WAS RUSTED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, AND A LARGE HOLE NEAR THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR SHOCK, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 14, 2014125,000 milesCA

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK IS BARELY ATTACHED. THIS IS SUSPECT BECAUSE NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE CORROSION LIKE THIS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 12, 201484,235 milesMD

HAS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION FAIL. IT SOUND LIKE IT FAIL OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WENT INTO A NOISE DIVE AND I FAULT TO GET IT OVER TO THE SHOULDER. NO WARNING SIGNS AT ALL. NEVER HAD SLIPPAGE OR NOTHING. CARS BEHIND ME ALL MOST CRASHED INTO ME AND MY FAMILY. THE TOW TRUCK CAME AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN HE TRIED TO PULL IT UP ON THE TOW TRUCK. WILL FORD FIX THERE TRANS PROBLEM AT THERE COST AND NOT MIND. GOD IS THE GLORY, HE WAS WITH US. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 6, 2014139,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 4, 2014125,285 milesOH

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNT HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE BODY, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE.. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT LOOKS LIKE NEW...NO SIGN OF RUST. LOOKING ONLINE AT FORD FORUMS, THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPE WERE RECALLED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 2, 201484,557 milesOH

I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SHOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE. IN DOING SO THE AUTO REPAIR FATALITY SHOWED ME THAT THE ENTIRE CENTER OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AWAY, LEAVING BIG HOLE. THE GARAGE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OF THIS MODE (2001-2007) I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF DEALERS THAT TOLD ME THE SAME THING. ONE EVEN TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 30, 2014120,000 milesIL

GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR IT HESITATES AND MOVES VERY SLOW. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2014115,000 milesMI

OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A SAFETY ISSUE SO BAD THAT IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY TO BREAK FREE. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER WHO DRIVES A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN THEY TOOK A LOOK IN HIS FENDER, THEY FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER THAT HAS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND IT HAS THE START OF THE HOLE. WE HAVE TALKED TO FORD, THERE IS NO RECALL OR REPAIR CAMPAIGN FOR IT. THEY OFFERED US AN X PLAN TO TRADE IT IN OR THEY WOULD FIX IT AT FULL PRICE. WE HAVE SENT PICTURES TO THE FORD FACTORY REP. HE TOLD US THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW PROCESSES ON THE PRODUCT LINE TO FIX IT. HE SHOWED THE PICTURE TO THE ESCAPE ENGINEERS AND THEY AGREED THAT IT IS A DESIGN FAULT AND FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNSAFE STATE THAT IT'S IN. UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THEM WILL PUT IT IN WRITING, IN FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS. WE ALSO WROTE AN EMAIL TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN WASHINGTON DC AND STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. WE GOT QUOTES FROM DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS IN THE AREA, BOTH AT $1200.00. AND THEY HAVE REPAIRED OTHER FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE FROM THE INSIDE TO REPLACE THE FENDER WELL. THUS ALL THE INTERIOR TRIM HAS TO BE REMOVED AND WELDING BLANKET USED SO THEY DON'T BURN YOUR VEHICLE UP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 29, 2014191,000 milesOH

I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT AFTER TAKING THE ABOVE CAR TO A BODY SHOP WHEN I NOTICED SOME RUSTING IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA. THE BODY SHOP (X3) EXPLAINED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD (PRIOR TO THE 2001-2004 RECALL). I CONTACTED FORD VIA E-MAIL, AND FILED A COMPLAINT HERE. THE WHEEL WELLS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE PEELING, AND I WAS TOLD THE SHOCK MOUNT WOULD EVENTUALLY PUNCH THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THIS WEEKEND, THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED. FORD HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED MY ISSUE, AND I NOTICED THE COMPLAINTS ON DIFFERENTLY ONLINE FORUMS HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS WELL-CARED FOR WITH ALL APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED. THE BODY SHOPS I WENT TO DID NOT WANT TO FIX MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY FELT FORD NEEDED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 24, 2014WI

EXCESSIVE WHEEL WELL RUST SUCH THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS DISCONNECTED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 23, 201495,000 milesNY

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AN SEVERAL PLACES TO WERE THAT STRUT MOUNT IS LOOSE AN FALLING APART, AN WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT FIXED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON THAT EXACT TIRE AN THE EXACT YEAR IN THOUSANDS OF FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS OVER $2000 AND IS APPARENT ON DRIVERS SIDE AS WELL. VEHICLE FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION AND WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN TO TRANSPORT AND NO FUNDS TO REPLACE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF POST ONLINE OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND WITH RECENT RECALLS FOR SIMILAR BODY/SUSPENSION PART FAILURES IN FORD VEHICLES OF SIMILAR YEARS FEEL THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK START INVESTIGATION AND PROTECT THE CONSUMERS. THANK YOU. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 23, 201492,300 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,300.

Suspension
Filed Sep 22, 2014200,000 milesNE

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AN SEVERAL PLACES TO WERE THAT STRUT MOUNT IS LOOSE AN FALLING APART, AN WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT FIXED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON THAT EXACT TIRE AN THE EXACT YEAR IN THOUSANDS OF FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS OVER $2000 TO REPAIR AT WHICH THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AN NOT GOOD ENOUGH CREDIT TO GET A NEW CAR DUE TO HAVING CANCER A FEW YEARS AGO HAVING TO LET MY CREDIT GO. NOR DO I HAVE $2000 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I STILL OWE $4000 ON THE CAR AS WELL. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 19, 2014125 milesGA

I WAS TRAVELING AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 70 MHR ON I-95 GOING DOWN SOUTH. AS L WAS TRAVELING I SUDDEN HAD TO GET OFF THE EXIT TO GET SOME GAS AS I WAS APPROACHING THE EXIT I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A STOP MY TRUCK STILLED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE. NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD LITE UP INDACATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK IT STARTED RIGHT UP, BUT I THEN HAD TO DRIVE WITH ONE FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE OTHER ON THE BRAKES. TOOK MY TRUCK TO MY MACHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT WAS TORQUE CONVERTOR (TRANSMISSION ) SOMETHING HAS TO DO WITH TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPEN ON THE WAS COMING BACK TO ATLANTA TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AGAIN TRAFFIC ALL OF A SUDDEN COME TO A STOP,ONCE AGAIN WHEN I CAME TO A STOP THE TRUCK STALLED AGAIN IT STALLED SEVERAL TIMES, IT STALLED SO MUCH I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE RODE AND SAT THERE FOR ABOUT 1HR IN ODER TO DRIVE WITHOUT STALLING BUT THAT DID NOT HELP IT KEEP STALLING EVERY TIME I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP .SMH.SCARED. TRAVELING WITH MY KIDS..... THIS HAS HAPPEN SOME MANY TIME UNTIL I AFRAID TO DRIVE MY TRUCK ANYWHERE IT STALLS IF I DRIVE AT 60 MPH OR 70 MPH. IF YOU ARE AWARE OF DRIVING A MANUAL CAR WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKES TO STOP AND YOU DON'T USE THE CLUTH TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO STOP AND IT STALLS , WELL THAT'S WHAT IT LIKE DRIVE THIS TRUCK WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP WHOLE DRIVE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PUT THIS TRUCK IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER FOR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 15, 2014175,000 milesIL

A SEVERE RATTLE STARTED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. A BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD NEARLY COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED DUE TO RUST AND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. AN INTERNET SEARCH PERFORMED BY THE SHOP REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL MANUFACTURED IN THE YEARS AROUND 2005 AND THAT IT OCCURS ONLY THE IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL IS INTACT AND SOLID. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 14, 2014127,000 milesIN

RIGHT REAR STRUT MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO WHERE MOUNT HAD NOTHING TO MOUNT TO. STRUT BANGING ON WHEEL WELL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 12, 2014135,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A HARD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED ALONG WITH PART OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 12, 2014101,245 milesAE

VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED TO GERMANY DUE TO MILITARY DUTY. A WEEK LATER AFTER DELIVERED, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT GOING DOWN A SHORT HILL WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY AND BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. MY WIFE HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH PARKING BRAKE. AFTER THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOSING POWER AND THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF VERY OFTEN. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE FEW OCCASIONS AND IT TURNED OFF COUPLE OF TIMES AGAIN.I ORDERED THE PART AND REPLACED IT IN 2014. THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING FINE, HOWEVER THE ALARM STILL GOING OFF AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN ON DASHBOARD. AT THIS POINT I DO NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS INDICATING THE SAME PROBLEM OR SOMETHING NEW. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2014140,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL ON A STEEP ROAD AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 12/24/14*LJ UPDATED 9/28/2015*JS

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Sep 9, 201445,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 6, 2014MI

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK BROKE LOOSE AS A RESULT OF EXTREME RUST IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK TOWER. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 6, 2014114,000 milesNY

WHILE TRAVELING IN VIRGINIA LAST SUMMER ON I-81, THE BODY END OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK-ABSORBER CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. WE STOPPED SHORTLY AFTER WE FELT AND HEARD SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY ABNORMAL AND A MECHANIC TOLD US THE CAR WAS SO RUSTED IN THAT WHEEL WELL THAT THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HAD NOTHING TO HOLD TO. WE WERE ON A LONG TRIP, SO WE HAD THE SHOCK CUT OUT UNTIL WE GOT HOME. NONE OF THE OTHER UNDERBODY AREAS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT RUST, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS WE CONSULTED, SO WE SUBSEQUENTLY PAID SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE A NEW WHEEL WELL FABRICATED AND INSTALLED ALONG WITH NEW REAR SHOCKS ON BOTH SIDES. WE SEE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ON THE WEB WE QUICKLY FOUND SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL CAR DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM - THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A DESIGN ISSUE? CERTAINLY IT'S SIGNIFICANT A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE AREA OF SEVERE RUST WAS NOT APPARENT FROM LOOKING AT THE CAR. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE IS SHOWING SIGNIFICANT EXTERIOR RUST AT THE LIP OF THE WHEEL WELL, SO WE WILL BE SENDING IT IN TO HAVE OUR MECHANIC SEE IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. HELP! THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2014105,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 2014IL

RIGHT, REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SHOCK HAS BECOME DETACHED. LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHOCK POKING THROUGH TO THE TRUNK. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 1, 2014MN

THERE STARTED TO BE A BANGING NOISE IN RIGHT REAR AREA OF VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD SEPARATED ITS MOUNT FROM THE WHEEL WELL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 1, 2014PA

RIGHT REAR WELL TOTALLY RUSTED OUT INCLUDING THE AREA OF THE SHOCK MOUNT,LEAVING THE SHOCK WITH NO SUPPORT TO STABILIZE IT.

Suspension
Filed Aug 31, 2014156,000 milesMN

NOTICED A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. LOOKED FROM OUTSIDE AND SAW A LARGE CRACK IN THE FRAMEWORK OF WHEEL WELL. REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL AND FOUND THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND AROUND THE STRUT. STRUT IS ONLY HELD BY LOWER SECTION OF METAL BUT FLEXES ENOUGH GOING DOWN THE ROAD THAT IT BANGS ON THE INTERIOR PANEL WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY I KNEW I HAD AN ISSUE. IF I DID NOT STOP AND LOOK I MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THE STRUT COULD HAVE BROKE COMPLETELY FREE WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 201480,000 milesPA

FORD ESCAPE 2005 WAS UP FOR INSPECTION/EMISSIONS IN PA. IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION TO BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS, NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO PASSING INSPECTION. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN FOUND REPEATEDLY WITH 04-06 MODELS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS GONE UNNOTICED, CAN CAUSE THE SHOCKS TO BREAK THROUGH WHILE DRIVING. THE EXPENSE OF REPAIR IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $1400. THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL BY FORD, YET, THEY ARE NOTED TO HAVE IMPLEMENTED BODY CHANGES TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON SUBSEQUENT MODEL ESCAPES. AN OTHERWISE 'HEALTHY' LOW MILEAGE VAR COULD BE DEEMED "TOTALED" DUE TO SUCH DAMAGE, YET NO RECALL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 30, 2014140,000 milesMI

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE HAPPENED WHEN SHE WAS HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, I NOTICE A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL TO DISCOVER THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION!. I THOROUGHLY CHECKED ALL OF THE OTHER SHOCKS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS AREA IS THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 29, 201479,000 milesNH

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WE NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE WHEEL VEERING WAS BAD, THOUGH HE COULD NOT CHANGE IT DO TO THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION WE NOTICED SEVERAL LOCATIONS ON THE FRAME ARE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 201482,553 milesIL

HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSES. THE RF FAILED ON 3/15/2012 AT 82553 MILES, THE LF FAILED ON 11/7/2013 AT 98681, THE RR FAILED ON 8/28/2014 AT 111325, THE LR WAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED ON 8/29/2014, SINCE A SEVERE CRACK WAS FOUND. IN ALL 3 CASES, THE HOSE FAILURES LED TO A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 29, 2014135,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT TOWER BROKE FREE FROM THE WHEEL WELL. UPDATED 03/12/2015 *JS

Suspension
Filed Aug 29, 201489,000 milesOH

REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT BLEW THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL AND INTO THE VEHICLE INTERIOR LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE, LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY! *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 28, 2014160,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 2014107,000 milesTX

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A STAUNCH DEFENDER OF THE FORD BRAND...UNTIL NOW. THE MORE RESEARCH I DID ON THE LINK BETWEEN FAULTY FACTORY-INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS AND PCM FAILURE, AND FORDS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS LINK FROM THE GET-GO, THE ANGRIER I BECOME. THERE IS A TSB OUT ON THIS "KNOWN" ISSUE HOWEVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD ONLY EXTENDS UP TO 80,000 MILES. PRETTY CONVENIENT SINCE THE AVERAGE FAILURE MARKER IS 98K MILES. ALSO CONVENIENT THAT FORD WAITED UNTIL 99.99% OF ALL AFFECTED DRIVERS WOULD BE OUTSIDE OF THEIR "WARRANTY" PERIOD BEFORE GRACIOUSLY EXTENDING SAID "WARRANTY". HOGWASH. I CONSIDER MYSELF FORTUNATE THAT MY FAILURE DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (BECAUSE YOU KNOW, LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL CONTROL AT 70 MPH IS NOT HIGH ON MY BUCKET LIST). I BROUGHT IT INTO MY MECHANIC . DIAGNOSTICS WAS THE # 3 COILS WAS BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AND RETESTED. IT SHOWED THAT IT WAS GOOD BUT THE NEXT COIL WAS BAD AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WE TOOK THE CAR TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PCM WAS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED 2,100 LATER STILL HAVING ISSUES. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE SHOP I NOTICED IT WAS STILL HESITATING SLIGHTLY, BUT NOTHING LIKE IT WAS .NO, IT WILL NOT LAST FOREVER BUT KNOWN ISSUES SUCH AS THESE REALLY CHAP MY HIDE!!! THIS HAS SOURED ME OFF FORD FOREVER AT THIS POINT. DISAPPOINTING, DANGEROUS AND DOWNRIGHT DECEPTIVE. WHY WON'T FORD DO A RECALL ON THIS? SAFETY IS AN ISSUE.... *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 2014165,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING WHEN VERY LOUD BANGING START IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. I THOUGHT IT WAS A WORN SHOCK. IT WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THAT. THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE TRUNK AREA WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE TIRE FROM INSIDE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 26, 2014CA

DRIVING HM FROM WK, 5FWY CAR STALL COAST TO THE SIDE CALLED AAA TO BE TOWED TO EF1 MOTORSPORTS INC. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR SUV 2005. THE WRONG COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED THE COST TO REPAIR $1443.06. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 25, 201491,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WE HEARD LOUD BANGING NOISES COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHENEVER WE WENT OVER A BUMP. WE INSPECTED OUR ESCAPE AND DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. WE WERE EXTREMELY UPSET TO REALIZE OUR SON HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR AND COULD HAVE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY DUE TO THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT. WE RESEARCHED THIS AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. WITH NO OFFICIAL RECALL, WE ARE FORCED TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE REPAIR; HOWEVER, EVEN IS WE REPAIR THIS VEHICLE, WE ARE NOT SURE WE WOULD PUT OUR SON OR OURSELVES BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 25, 2014158,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING THE 2005 ESCAPE A NOISE WAS STARTING TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING WHEN EVER A BUMP OR EVEN SLIGHT CHANGE IN THE ROAD OCCURRED. ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD IT WAS SO SUDDEN. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS COMING THROUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, BUT IT CONTINUED. FINALLY I HAD SOMEONE LOOK IT OVER CLOSELY AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON THE CAR AS THERE WAS NOTHING FOR IT TO CONNECT TO. TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS TO CHECK ON THE REPAIRS NEEDED ONE QUOTED $3-$5,000 THE OTHER SAID AT LEAST $3,000. BOTH SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH! WHAT IS GOING ON? THE FORD DEALERSHIP ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. COME ON! SOMETHING IS UP. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD FORDS, ALL OF OUR VEHICLES ARE FORDS AND UNTIL RECENTLY WE HAD NOT HAD ANY ISSUES. NOW WE ARE QUESTIONING OUR LOYALTY, BIG TIME. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2005 Ford Escape → · Every Escape year → · How the figures are calculated →