Page 16 of 28 · complaints 751–800 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 →

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 28, 2014182,000 milesOH

TOOK MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO MULTIPLE BODY SHOPS TO ACQUIRE QUOTES DUE TO BODY RUSTING AT BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS. ALL BODY SHOPS STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD ESCAPES, AND THAT IT WASN'T WORTH FIXING DUE TO COST. THEY STATED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE/CONCERN, AND I SHOULD RID MYSELF OF THE VEHICLE AS SOON AS FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE. I SEARCHED THIS AND FOUND 100S OF VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND CONCERN. I HAVE TWO VEHICLES MUCH OLDER THAN THIS, AND HAVE NO RUST ISSUES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 28, 2014105,000 milesIL

ORIGINAL OWNER OF A GARAGE KEPT, 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH 105K MILES. I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH WAS VERY LOUD INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD THE SERVICE TECH REPLACING THE TIRES ON MY OTHER FORD VEHICLE TAKE A LOOK AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING AWAY AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS FALLING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS HAZARD WHICH NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP. EVERY SERVICE TECH I SHOW SAYS THEY'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE UNDERCOATING WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY ON TO THE VEHICLE AND NO OTHER METHOD OF PROTECTION IN THE WHEEL WELL WAS USED BY FORD ON THIS MAKE/MODEL. MY VEHICLE WAS TOP OF THE LINE, LOADED, WHEN PURCHASED. I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ASAP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR DESIGN. *TR

Wheels
Filed Mar 28, 2014103,545 milesNY

THE ENTIRE TIRE WELL REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. WHILE IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME RUST OVER TIME THIS IS RIDICULOUS. NO OTHER PARTS HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THIS MUCH IF ANY. I HAVE CONTACTED A REPAIR SHOP ONLY TO FIND OUT THE PART IS OVER 4 WEEKS BACKORDER. APPARENTLY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND AS THIS IS A VERY COMMON REPAIR NATIONWIDE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 26, 2014122,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR FENDER WELL RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ UPDATED 06/02/2014 *JS

Suspension
Filed Mar 26, 201486,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A SUDDEN BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 201487,124 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,124. UUPDATED 05/06/14 MA UPDATED 05/09/2014 *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 2014191,930 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE A LOUD RATTLING SOUND, FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. BECAME VERY LOUD WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. SOUNDED AS IF SMALL PIECES HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACK TIRE. AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I LOOKED AND THERE WAS A LARGE RUSTED OUT TEAR IN THE WHEEL WELL, LOCATED RIGHT ABOVE THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER. I DID CONTACT MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT VILLAGE FORD IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE UP TO BE CHECKED, HE SENT ME OVER TO THEIR BODY SHOP.. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DEFINITELY A "SAFETY ISSUE" AND HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON OTHER FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS A FLAW IN THE BODY. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 24, 201473,000 milesNY

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS EXCESSIVE RUST WHICH HAS CAUSED THE SHOCK TO COME THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I DO HAVE PICTURES. *TR

Wheels
Filed Mar 24, 2014129,085 milesOH

I WAS HEARING A BAD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE BACK SO I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE LOOKED AND SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT MY ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH - HE WONT EVEN TOUCH IT - HE SAID IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND TOLD ME ITS GOTTA BE A RECALL BEING THAT ITS AN 05 BECAUSE VEHICLES AREN'T MADE TO RUST LIKE THAT - SO I CALL FORD AND THEY SAY "NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPLAINT HAS BEEN NOTED" WELL IM ON DISABILITY WITH CHILDREN SO I CANT AFFORD THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS NOR CAN I GO WITHOUT A VEHICLE OR DRIVE MY KIDS IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, I JUST LOST MY HUSBAND AND I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO - FORD REP DIDN'T EVEN GIVE ME A GLIMPSE OF CARE - DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE IN ONE OF THEIR POORLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES BEFORE ANYONE WILL DO ANYTHING - COME ON BACK UP YOUR PRODUCTS - AND THEN PEOPLE WONDER WHY PEOPLE BUY FOREIGN. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 21, 2014116,000 milesIL

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BACK DOOR WASN'T CLOSED ALL THE WAY, SO WHEN I GOT HOME AND PARKED MY VEHICLE I CHECKED THE DOOR AND IT WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY. AFTER I SAW THE DOOR WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY I DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SINCE THAT IS WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND I COULD SEE THAT THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, SO NOW I HAVE TO LEAVE IT SIT UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER MY DISCOVERY I WENT ONLINE AND SEARCHED AND I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THIS MATTER WAS INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL IS ISSUED, SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 20, 2014165,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 19, 2014130,500 milesOH

THE RIGHT/PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS BECOME SO CORRODED WITH RUST THAT THE SHOCK HAS COME FREE FROM THE METAL, AND SLAMMING HARD. THE STATE OF THE METAL REMINDS ME OF A BUTTERFINGER CANDY BAR, THAT FLAKES OFF IN LAYERS. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS IN THE LAST COUPLE DAYS ABOUT SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS THIS, ALL WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE LEFT/DRIVER REAR SIDE HAS NO SIMILAR RUSTING, NOR DO THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS (AS FAR AS I CAN SEE/TELL). THE UNDERCOATING HAS BEEN HIDING THE RUST APPARENTLY, AND IT HAS BEEN FLAKING OFF HEAVILY IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 19, 201489,901 milesOH

DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND.WAS GETTING WORSE AND LOOKED AT REAR PASSENGER TIRE SIDE. NOTICED THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AND BROKEN LOOSE FROM UNDERCARRIAGE. VERY DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEED. HAVE OWNED OVER 20 CARS AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN. WHAT IS GOING ON FORD???? *TR

Wheels
Filed Mar 18, 201467,000 milesNY

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DRIVEN DUE TO POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. JS

Wheels
Filed Mar 18, 2014PA

I HEARD A SOUND IN THE REAR WHICH WAS LIKE THE METAL TOUCHING. MY BOYFRIEND SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SHOCKS GOING. I TOOK TO THE GARAGE TO HAVE INSPECTED AND THEY REFUSED TO AND SHOWED ME THE INNER WHEEL WELLS. THEY WERE RUSTED ON BOTH REAR SIDES. THE VEHICLE BODY WAS SEPARATED. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CAN FIX IT BUT WE CAN'T FIND THE REPAIR PARTS. I PUT THE NUMBERS FOR THE PARTS IN THE FORD.COM AND APPARENTLY THE NUMBERS DO NOT MATCH WHAT THEY HAVE. THIS IS DISAPPOINTING TO ME, I DO NOT HAVE A JOB, DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT I DO HAVE THE RESOURCES TO GET IT FIXED. I ALSO SENT AN E-MAIL TO FORD BUT HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING AS OF YET. THANK YOU *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 17, 2014216,500 milesOH

SEVERE RUST OUT OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL, TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT RUSTED FREE FROM THE CAR. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION COULD COME DOWN ONTO THE TIRE OR LOOSE CONTROL OF THE REAR OF CAR WHILE DRIVING. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE I FIND HUNDREDS OF SAME PROBLEMS. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR WITH SERVICE AND CLEANING ABOVE AND BEYOND NORMAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURE FLAW AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 16, 201486,000 milesOH

DRIVING TO/FROM WORK, I STARTED NOTICING A SLIGHT CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER A DAY OR SO, IT BECAME A LOUD THUMPING. UPON INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL & SHOCK MOUNT WERE DISINTEGRATING AND THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE HOLES SO LARGE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE TRUNK. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM YET FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. THIS IS MY FIRST - AND MOST DEFINITELY LAST - FORD. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 2014142,450 milesPA

IT STARTED OFF AS LIGHT RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA. AS THE WEEK PROGRESSED, THE RATTLING GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. AT THAT POINT, MY DAUGHTER WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN WE INSPECTED THE AREA WHERE THE NOISE CAME FROM, WE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS THOROUGHLY RUSTED OUT AND WE COULD SEE THROUGH IT, INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. ALSO, THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE DAMAGE IS SO EXTENSIVE THAT WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 201410,700 milesNC

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING NORMAL SPEED AND MY CAR JUST DIED WHICH THE FORD DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE PCM GOING OUT AND ALL SIX COILS. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT AND IF THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM WHY DON'T THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. IT WAS ALSO VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR! *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 13, 201464,000 milesIL

WE FIRST EXPERIENCED THE STICKING GAS PEDAL IN MAYBE 2008. WE BROUGHT IT TO HAWK FORD IN OAK LAWN, ILL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH OUR TRUCK.. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED ON AND OFF FOR YEARS. THE LAST STRAW WAS WHEN MY HUSBAND HAD TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GAS PEDAL TO GET TO OUR HOUSE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION TO YOUR DATABASE A FEW YEARS AGO. I FOLLOWED UP WITH SEVERAL LETTERS/E-MAILS TO FORD, ALL OF WHICH WERE UNSYMPATHETIC AND MET WITH VEILED SARCASM AND LACK OF INTEREST. I STILL WONDER HOW THEY SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THIS TERRIBLE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IS REAL. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 12, 201493,000 milesOH

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

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 9, 201494,350 milesPA

THE ABOVE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR FENDERWELL. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION DURING A RECENT INSPECTION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT AFFECTS THE INTEGRITY OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHICH COULD FAIL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 4, 2014111,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED ON RESIDENTIAL ROADWAY, A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND REAR TRUNK AREA. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE PORTION OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK ABSORBER WAS MOUNTED TO THE VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. RATHER THAN BEEN DESIGNED TO MOUNT TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IT APPEARS THAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO ATTACH TO THE SHEET METAL WHEEL WELL. DUE TO THE COMPLETE RUST-THROUGH OF THE WHEEL WELL THE REAR PASSENGER UPPER SHOCK MOUNT HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ANYTIME THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE SMALLEST BUMP OR CRACK IN THE ROAD, A LOUD BANGING WOULD OCCUR AS THE UNATTACHED SHOCK WOULD IMPACT AGAINST THE VEHICLE WHEEL WELL.

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2014190,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM AND IGNITION COILS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 195,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 3, 2014135,000 milesOH

EXTREME RUSTING OF THE FRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ABOVE SHOCKS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2014195,000 milesMN

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT GOT A SEVERE SHOCK DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST, INSIDE THE INSULATION, THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2005. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION AS WELL AS THE CAR. THIS IS A CLEAR MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE SHOCK WOULD HAVE CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 60MPH AND HIT THE ROAD OR SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR IT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 1, 2014120,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING, I HIT A POT HOLE THAT CAUSED MY RIGHT REAR STRUT TOWER TO BREAK THROUGH THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE, RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE. MY COLLISION REPAIR MAN HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE POT HOLE WAS NOT THE ONLY CULPRIT AND THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS SO ROTTED AND RUSTED THAT IT COMPROMISED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAD THE AREA NOT BEEN RUSTED, THE POT HOLE WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE. HE ADVISED ME THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO POOR DESIGN IN THE 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPES AND THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THEY HAVE RECALLED 230,000 OF THEIR MINIVANS FOR OVER RUST ISSUES (IN 2011), BUT NOT ANY OF THE ESCAPES. BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, AND NOT JUST A POTHOLE, MY INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER THE $1500 IN REPAIRS. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTIFY ME THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE, AND THE LEMON LAW PERIOD HAS PASSED. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 28, 2014140,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 28, 2014150,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL METAL WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 27, 201451,000 milesIL

THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION AT THE FORD DEALER THEY DETERMINED THAT ALL 6 COILS AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $2750.00. FORD IS AWARE THAT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT ASSIST THE OWNERS IN ANY WAY.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 27, 2014140,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OVER A POT HOLE, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED A HOLE IN THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AND A DETACHED SHOCK ABSORBER. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO RUSTING OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 26, 2014104,000 milesIL

I HAVE AN 05 ESCAPE THAT HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM (SO MUCH SO THAT THERE IS A FACEBOOK GROUP AND A MESSAGE BOARD ON FORD FORUMS) THE MODELS EFFECTED FORD MODELS 2004-2006. SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE PUT INTO RECALLING THEM. HTTP://WWW.FORDFORUMS.COM/F59/2005-ESCAPE-SHOCK-MOUNT-RUSTED-OUT-177762/ HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 25, 201482,054 milesNY

ON 2/20/14 I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON STATE ROUTE 219 IN BOSTON, NY, WHEN A LOUD BANGING NOISE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO OCCUR IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THIS NOISE SCARED ME AND FORCED ME TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE EXPRESSWAY TO INSPECT THE REAR AREA OF MY VEHICLE (WHILE TRAFFIC CONTINUED AT 65 MPH). I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING AT THAT TIME SO I SLOWLY AND CAUTIOUSLY DROVE MY VEHICLE HOME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR(PASSENGER) SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD BECOME TOTALLY DETACHED FROM THE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT INNER WHEEL WELL AND WAS PROTRUDING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. EXCESSIVE RUST COULD BE SEEN ALONG WITH SEVERAL HOLES THAT HAD ONCE BEEN PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. MY VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND IS TOO COSTLY TO FIX. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! FORTUNATELY, THIS DEFECT DID NOT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF MY VEHICLES SUSPENSION. THIS 'DEFECT' NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR BECOMES SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 24, 201492,000 milesNY

ENTIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND DISINTEGRATED. SECTION IS GONE AND SHOCK CAME THROUGH THE INTERIOR. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 23, 2014123,000 milesMI

NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND MOST OF THE REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS TO BE RUSTED, AND PARTS OF THE METAL ACTUALLY GONE. THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS BASICALLY NOT ATTACHED TO ANY STRUCTURE, AS THE METAL AROUND THE MOUNT HAS COMPLETED RUSTED. COULD SEE THE BACKSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED AWAY. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 20, 2014IL

NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A RURAL ROAD ABOUT 50 MPH. WHEN ARRIVED AT DESTINATION, NOTICED SEVERE RUST IN WHEEL WELL NEAR SHOCK MOUNT AND THROUGH TO STORAGE COMPARTMENT. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR OWNERS YET. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 14, 2014101,000 milesIL

I WENT TO FORD FOR SERVICE, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER WHERE MOUNTED TO WHEELHOUSE WAS ROTTED AWAY. ONLY RUSTED ON RIGHT SIDE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IF THE PART LETS LOOSE, THE CAR BODY WILL SAG AND A CRASH WILL OCCUR. I HAVE TAKEN TO BODY SHOP AND THE COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE $1500 OR BETTER. THERE ARE NO RE-CALLS ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE, AND CALLS TO FORD ARE ANSWERED "SORRY THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO". THEY SEEM TO NOT GIVE A CARE IF PEOPLE ARE INJURED AND MAIMED FROM THIS FLAW IN MANUFACTURE. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME TODAY THAT THE WHEELHOUSE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER, AND THAT THERE ARE 500+ ORDERS WAITING FOR THESE PARTS. FORD NOTES THAT THEIR SUPPLIER IS WAITING FOR PARTS TO MANUFACTURE THESE REPLACEMENT PARTS. MY CAR IS SEVERE AND CAN'T BE OPERATED. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. GUESS THE FIRST THING IS FINDING SOMEONE WHO CARES. I ALSO THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A SERIOUS CRASH OCCURS. I HAVE BEEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR 30+ YEARS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING QUICK TO SAVE LIVES AND INJURY. PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU CAN HELP. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 12, 2014125,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL ERRONEOUSLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED WHILE CONTACT WAS AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2014120,000 milesOH

THIS IS FOR A FORD 2005 ESCAPE. THE SUV'S PASSENGER REAR SHOCK WHERE ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED. THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE THE AREA THAT THE SHOCK ATTACHES TO. IN READING THE FORD FORUM, THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS YEAR FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED FORD ON THIS AND THEY DO NOT SEE ANY ISSUES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 10, 2014IL

THE REAR RIGHT FENDER WELL (AROUND THE SHOCK) IS RUSTED AND HAS DETERIORATED SO BADLY THAT IT HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THERE'S A BANGING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE --- THIS PROBLEM MAKES FOR UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION -- IF SOMETHING BREAKS OR THE TIRE BLOW OUT BECAUSE OF THIS IT CAN CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 8, 2014160,000 milesMI

I HAD BEEN HEARING RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. ON AROUND JANUARY 28TH I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I LATER DISCOVERED A LARGE CRACK AND HOLE ON THE INSIDE PASSENGER PANEL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD A WHOLE SECTION MISSING AND THE SHOCK I CAN MOVE WITH MY HAND. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT SEVERAL 2004/2005 ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 7, 2014115,000 milesOH

LIKE MANY OTHERS, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT SO SIGNIFICANTLY THAT THE STRUT MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY DETACHED. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND DIFFICULT TO DETECT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE. IT'S OBVIOUS FROM SPEAKING WITH BODY SHOPS AND FORD REPS THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE. I CAN'T REITERATE ENOUGH THAT THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF 1) THE SUSPENSION CAN COLLAPSE ONTO THE TIRE AND 2) IT'S DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY UNTIL THE STRUT MOUNT COLLAPSES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 7, 201477,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UUPDATED 07/08/14 MA

Suspension
Filed Feb 7, 2014160,000 milesNY

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR PANEL WHEN THE SHOCK ATTACHES TO THE UNDER PART HAS COMPLETELY RUSHED AWAY. WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS OVER THOUSANDS OF VEHICLE THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD COLLISION SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NOT EVEN STARTED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, HE STARTED THAT HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLE COME INTO THE SHOP THAT ARE FORD ESCAPE THAT THE WHOLE BACK UNDER SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY RUSHED OUT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 6, 2014128,000 milesMI

THIS IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK, FORD FORUMS, THIS AGENCIES OWN WEBSITE ETC. THE REAR RIGHT INNER WHEEL WELL HAS TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED LEAVING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER UNCONNECTED TO ANYTHING. FORD HAVE NOT CARRIED OUT A RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION THOUGH APPARENTLY THE PARTS INVOLVED WERE MODIFIED ON NEWER VEHICLES TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING. THE PROBLEM APPEARS WORSE IN NORTHERN STATES WITH BAD WINTERS WHERE SALTY WATER BECOMES TRAPPED INSIDE THE WATERPROOFING SEALANT AND THE WHEEL WELL ACCELERATING THE RUSTING PROCESS. UPDATED 04/16/14

Wheels
Filed Feb 3, 2014132,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE HOUSING AND REAR SHOCKS WERE CORRODED AND SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 3, 2014158,000 milesMI

I AM HERE TO WRITE AN INCIDENT ABOUT MY MY RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION BREAKING AWAY FROM THE STRUT TOWER SUPPORT BRACKET. IT WAS ALL RUSTED OUT. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR IS FINE. I HAVE SEEN QUITE A LOT OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET. WHEN WE TOOK OUR CAR IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED IT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CAR WAS UNSAFE TOO DRIVE. WE FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND, THE PUBLIC. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 1, 2014106,000 milesOH

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE 4WD MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION ABOUT 5 YEARS DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I NOW HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION AGAIN. I CAN NOT GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE FORWARD GEARS WORK FINE. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET A HIGH INCIDENCE OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2014150,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SHOCK HOUSING WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2014150,000 milesWI

2005 FORD ESCAPE MADE LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. UPON INSPECTION NOTICED SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AWAY FROM BODY. LARGE HOLE THAT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. NOTHING STRUCTURAL TO HOLD SHOCK IN PLACE. FORD DEALER COULDN'T FIX. TOLD TO TAKE TO AUTO BODY SHOP. THEY ORDERED PART AND FORD HAS IT ON BACK ORDER..... *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 →