Page 8 of 28 · complaints 351–400 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 →

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2015124,000 milesMN

A WEEK AGO I BEGAN TO HAVE A RATTLING IN THE RIGHT REAR OF MY ESCAPE. AFTER TIGHTENING DOWN AND REMOVING ANYTHING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE THAT COULD BE "THUNKING" , THE NOISE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. I INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THE SHOCK HAD BROKEN FREE WITH A LARGE CHUNK OF WHAT USED TO BE THE WHEEL WELL/FRAME. I BEGAN RESEARCHING FOR A RECALL NOTICE AND FOUND THAT FORD MINIVANS FROM 2004-2007 ALSO HAD WHEEL WELL RUST PROBLEMS THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL...BUT NOTHING FOR THE ESCAPE. MY MECHANIC SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL FIXED BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I FURTHER LOOKED AT COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS (AT LEAST 50 POSTED ON LINE) AND HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS EXACT SAME RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL CORROSION ON THE 2005 MODEL IS COMMON, DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR (MY ESTIMATES RANGE FROM $1000 BUT THE FRAME SHOP WILL NOT COMMIT UNTIL THEY BEGIN WORK ON IT- THEY DID STATE THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM ON FORDS - THEY HAVE REPAIRED OTHERS) . FORD SEEMS TO BE DISMISSIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE APPROACHED THEM, STATING THERE IS NO RECALL SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IS ANYONE LOOKING INTO THIS?

Suspension
Filed Sep 6, 2015165,000 milesWI

RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER PUNCHED THROUGH HORRIBLY RUSTED WHEEL WELL INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. IT JUST RUSTED THROUGH AND TOTALLY FAILED. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 201586,719 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,719....UPDATED 10-13-15 *BF UPDATED 3/28/16*JS *CN

Structure
Filed Sep 1, 2015116,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 31, 201585,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STRUT WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SHOCKS ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 27, 201583,000 milesMD

THE SUB-FRAME RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO TOE OUT AND ALSO TO CAMBER IN AT THE TOP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO TRIGGERED. THE STEERING NOW PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THERE IS TIRE SQUEEL EVEN ON GRADUAL RIGHT HAND TURNS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE FORD ESCAPE MODEL YEARS 2001-2004. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I VERIFIED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL. I THEN CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS IN THEIR OTHER RECALL - THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE SO IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS FAULTY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 201572,000 milesCA

EVERY MORNING FOR THE PAST YEAR THE CAR ALARM IS TRIGGERED AND GOES OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINS OR UNTIL I PRESS THE "ALARM" BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. IT HAPPENS ROUTINELY AT APPROXIMATELY 9AM-10:30AM EVERY MORNING. WHEN RESEARCHING ONLINE WHAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSE IS, I SAW THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE OWNERS OF FORD ESCAPES FROM YEARS 2005-2007 THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE STATED THAT IT IS A FAULTY DOOR SENSOR THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. SOME PEOPLE REPORTED SPENDING UPWARDS OF $800 TO GET THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND THEN FAULTY SENSORS IN VARIOUS DOORS REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING "ISSUE" IT IS HIGHLY INCONVENIENT TO MYSELF, AND THE NEIGHBORS IN MY AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF ANNOYANCE. AS THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE REPORTING THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE, IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 24, 2015170,000 milesOH

THE HINGE ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ROTTED OUT AND THE BACK GLASS FELL DOWN ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2013. WE HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF OVER $70. CURRENTLY THE HINGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE BACK GLASS ON THAT SIDE FELL DOWN. WE HAD TO REPLACE THAT ONE AT A COST OF OVER $80. THIS IS UNSAFE IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON THE ROAD AND FALL OUT AND ONTO THE ROADWAY.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 20, 2015108,000 milesOH

FORD ESCAPE 2005 PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOLTS ONTO FRAME AND NOW THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAS NOTHING TO BOLT ONTO ANYMORE. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME ANYMORE AND NOW HITS THE FRAME OF THE SUV MAKE VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUNDS.

Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2015168,250 milesNY

DRIVING TO WORK ON AUG 3, 2015, I HEARD LOUD RATTLING AND CLANKING FROM THE REAR OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THINKING THAT IT WAS MY TOOLS ON THE BACK, I REMOVE THEM THE TOOLS, BUT THE RATTLING PERSISTED. I WALKED AROUND AND DID A VISUAL INSPECTION, AND SAW NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION OR WHEEL WELL AREA. THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL, HOWEVER, HAD A LARGE HOLE WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO THE BODY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEMATIC AREA FOR MANY OWNERS OF MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT FORD WILL VERBALLY ADMIT THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE, THOUGH WILL NOT EXPLAIN IN WRITING WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND MAKE THEIR VEHICLES SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. FORD WILL BE NOTIFIED BY WAY OF THEIR INTERNAL COMPLAINT FORMS OF THIS ISSUE.

Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2015186,000 milesNY

RIGHT REAR SHOCK/STRUT RUSTED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IS NOT ATTACHED ANYMORE

Suspension
Filed Aug 16, 201585,000 milesPA

WHY IS IT THAT NHTSA IS IGNORING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2003 TO 2007 IN REGARDS TO THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNTS THAT ARE RUSTING OUT IN WHICH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AS THE SHOCK COULD HIT THE INNER WHEEL OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE? NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE, BUT YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE FROM THE ATTACHED VIDEO THAT THERE IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9_OZK8IGK5S REPAIRS ARE COSTING THE CONSUMERS ON THESE VEHICLES NEARLY $2000.00 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. HOW CAN FORD DO THIS ON THESE VEHICLES AND CURRENT MODELS. I HAVE A 2011 FORD ESCAPE AND IT IS STARTING TO RUST OUT IN THE SAME PLACE. WHY?????????????????? MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. INSTEAD OF THE CONSUMER HAVING TO GET RAKED OVER THE COALS FROM THE AUTO BODY SHOPS OR YOUR LOCAL FORD DEALER.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 15, 2015216,131 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANE ON EVERY SUBSEQUENT BUMP. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PROPERLY EXAMINE IT I REALIZED THAT THE METAL THAT CONNECTS THE SHOCK TOWER TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. IN AUGUST OF 2012, WITH 154,523 MILES ON THE CAR, I REPLACED THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT THAT TIME OF THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPING. THE METAL ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS RUSTING IN OTHER AREAS AS WELL, SUCH AS THE FUEL FILLER NECK, THE BOTTOMS OF THE REAR DOORS, THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE OUTER EDGES OF THE REAR WHEEL OPENINGS, AND AT THE BASE OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR.

Suspension
Filed Aug 11, 2015108,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY SLIGHTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2015114,000 milesPA

WHEN DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS I STARTED HEARING A LOUD RATTLE FROM PASSENGER REAR AREA. I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING LOOSE IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD MAKE THAT SOUND. I LOOKED UP INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SAW THAT THE UPPER PORTION OF WHERE THE SHOCK BOLTS TO THE BODY IS RUSTED OUT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE SHOCK CONNECTION AREA. I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. COME ON FORD, WE CAN'T ALL AFFORD TO SCRAP A VEHICLE EVERY TEN YEARS. THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM HERE AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THEIR SHORTCOMINGS.

Steering
Filed Aug 9, 2015230,000 milesCA

MID DAY, MILD WEATHER IN THE 70'S, POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING, ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I WAS IN A TURN, IT'S REALLY HARD TO TURN THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE?

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 9, 201568,000 milesIN

OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN JUST A MATTER OF WEEKS DEVELOPED A BASKETBALL-SIZED HOLE OVER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. IT COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE OPENING TO THE SHOCK AND THE TIRE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, WHICH MAKES THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD. WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR SON TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK ANY LONGER, AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO PROVIDE HIM WITH A SAFE CAR SINCE THE REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK ARE VERY HIGH. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER DRIVERS. WE ALL HAVE THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT ON WHERE THE DAMAGE OCCURS (RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL) AND THE EXTENT OF THIS DAMAGE (THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE). FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 8, 2015169,654 milesMI

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT IS BANGING IN THE INTERIOR PANEL AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK LOSE FROM THE FRAME. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO IT STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL UNDERCOATING ON IT, IT WAS RUSTING FROM BEHIND THE UNDERCOAT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MY MECHANIC TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE FORD, KNOWING THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND IS EXTENSIVE, WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE TO FIX THERE POOR DESIGN.

EngineCrash
Filed Aug 7, 2015104,596 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY CAR WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS, THE CAR STALLED AND CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BACK OF MY CAR AND THE FRONT. I HAD NOT HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2015120,000 milesPA

SUB-FRAME RUST PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001 TO 2004 FORD ESCAPE FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RECALLED ESCAPE CROSSOVERS FROM MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 IN STATES THAT USE A LOT OF ROAD SALT. IN AFFECTED VEHICLES, PART OF THE CAR COULD SUFFER DAMAGE FROM RUST AND EVEN LOSE STEERING CONTROL.

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 201599,743 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WOK AT 10:15PM WHEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PCM AND COILS. A FAMILY MEMBER HAD HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT. HOWER,INFORMATION ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED IN OCTOBER, 2014. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. UPON CALLING FORD, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS OVER $2,00,WHICH I FEEL I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR. HOW CAN FORD PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH VEHICLES THEY WILL REPAIR? EVIDENTLY SAFETY IS OF NO CONCERN TO THEM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 5, 2015168,000 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE REAR SHOCK TOWER BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST.AFTER DOING RESERCH ON THIS I HAVE FOUND THAT ISN'T AN UNCOMMON THING WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR BUT NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. NO RECALLS NOTHING AND OF COURSE ITS NOT AN EASY OR CHEAP FIX AND MY INSURANCE AT LEAST WILL NOT COVER IT CAUSE IT WAS MECHANICAL AND DIDNT HAPPEN IN AN ACCIDENT. SO NOW I WILL HAVE A CAR I CAN'T FIX BUT STILL HAVE TO PAY FORAND CANT DRIVE. I WOULD LOVE TO POST THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE BUT I'M UNABLE TO DO SO CAUSE I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO SEE THE DANGER THIS IS CAUSING.

Suspension
Filed Jul 31, 2015142,000 milesOH

REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTED AWAY ALLOWING STRUTS TO MOVE. VERY UNSTABLE! AFRAID OF AN ACCIDENT

Suspension
Filed Jul 29, 2015152,000 milesIN

I HEARD A LOAD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. AFTER STOPPING TO LOOK AT IT MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT WERE COMPLETELY CRUMBLED AND MY STRUT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. I KNOW MY VEHICLE IS 10 YEARS OLD, BUT THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT EVER ON A CAR THAT OLD. HE HAS BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 40 YEARS. AFTER RESEARCHING A LITTLE IT SEEMS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ALL ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THESE COMPLAINTS RANGE FROM DIFFERENT STATES AND EVEN OTHER COUNTRIES. TO ME IF MANY MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THEN IT SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT IN THE PARTS. I JUST THANK GOD I WASN'T GOING AT A HIGH SPEED AND HIT A POT HOLE OR SOMETHING. SOMETHING SHOULD REALLY BE DONE ABOUT THIS.

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2015145,000 milesOK

OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE. SHE HAD JUST GOTTEN ON THE TURNPIKE - AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN - THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR DIED. SHE LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS NOT HURT. IT WAS ABOUT 99 DEGREES OUTSIDE AT 2:00 IN THE AFTERNOON. WE HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND COIL HAD BURNED UP AND IT WOULD BE $2,200 TO REPAIR THE CAR. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, THIS IS S COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2005 FORD ESCAPES. THERE ARE NO RECALLS. FORD HAS SAID TO KEEP THE RECEIPT IN CASE THERE ARE RECALLS IN THE FUTURE. THAT IS LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE FACT THAT WE ARE OUT $2200 NOW AND DON'T FEEL SAFE HAVING OUR DAUGHTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. SHE HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON HER CAR. ONE OTHER PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IS THAT THE LEATHER INTERIOR HAS STARTED COMING OFF THE SIDE DOOR PANELS - IT'S LIKE THE ADHESIVE HAS JUST WORN OUT. WE HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS BUT IT LOOKS BAD AND NO ONE WILL GUARANTEE A REPAIR ON IT BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S A MANUFACTURING ERROR AND IT IS A DIFFICULT REPAIR. THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEMON!! WE HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN FORDS WITH NO PROBLEMS - VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Suspension
Filed Jul 28, 2015142,017 milesKS

I HAD MY DAUGHTER'S CAR IN THE SHOP AND NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE WHEEL WELL ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR WAS ROTTING AWAY. THIS AFFECTS THE SUSPENSION DRAMATICALLY. IT APPEARS THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY DETERIORATE TO THE POINT THAT WHERE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL AND COULD HAVE DISASTROUS RESULTS. THIS DEGRADATION IS VERY SIMILAR TO FORD'S RECALL #13-S-01 ON SELECT MINI VANS AND WHERE THE REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE ROTTING AWAY. IN MY MIND THIS ISSUE POSES JUST AS SERIOUS A THREAT. UPON SEEING MY DAUGHTER'S CAR I'VE HAD OCCASION TO LOOK AT SIMILAR AGE ESCAPES AND MANY HAVE THIS CONDITION ON THEM AS WELL.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 28, 2015179,787 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING IN LIVONIA, MICHIGAN OUT OF NO WHERE MY SUN VISOR BURST, GETTING GLASS ON ME, BUT MORE IMPORTANT IT BURST ON THE SEAT WHERE MY TODDLER DAUGHTER USUALLY SIT . THERE WAS NO ONE AROUND AND NO TRUCK WHERE AN OBJECT COULD HAVE DROPPED SOMETHING ON MY CAR, I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO AVIS FORD IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR DOWN THE STREET TO AVIS BODY SHOP. I FILED AN CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND IT IS BEING FIXED NOW. I WANT FORD TO BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS. BECAUSE FROM WHAT I HEAR, THIS IS ONE OF MANY INSTANCES THAT HAS HAPPENED WITH A SUNROOF ON AN 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND OTHER FORD CARS. THIS IS DANGEROUS! MY WIFE HAS JUST HAD MAJOR SURGERY. AND THERE WERE MANY RUNS FOR HER THAT I COULD NOT MAKE BECAUSE OF THIS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. AND BE BLESSED. [XXX]

Suspension
Filed Jul 26, 2015120,200 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING LAST WEEK I HEARD A "RATTLING" I HAD NOT HEARD PREVIOUSLY.I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED MY WHEELS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL ABOVE THE TOP OF THE TIRE HAD RUSTED OUT.CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE STRUT MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUT HAD "SPEARED" THRU THE INTERIOR PLASTIC SIDEWALL, THUS RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE.I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED HAD I HAD MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND WE WERE TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY.UPON RESEARCHING ON YOU TUBE HOW TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM,I WAS ASTOUNDED TO FIND OUT THAT THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM RELATED TO 2005-06 FORD ESCAPES,WAS VERY SPECIFIC IN STATING THAT THE REAR-PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING AND CORRODING ON THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES,SOMETIMES RESULTING IN THE STRUT TO BECOME DISENGAGED.THIS SOUNDS LIKE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE,BUT FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TOLD ME "SORRY,BUT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME.AS A SINGLE DAD,MILITARY VETERAN,AND LOW-INCOME EARNER,I AM LOOKING FOR HELP FOR MYSELF AND FELLOW FORD ESCAPE OWNERS BECAUSE THIS SOUNDS LIKE SHODDY CAR CONSTRUCTION FROM THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.PLEASE HELP ME BECAUSE I CAN'T WORK AT THE MOMENT UNTIL THIS VEHICLE IS REPAIRED,AND I CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR BILL UNTIL I GET BACK TO WORK,I AM DISHEARTENED AND UPSET ABOUT THIS WHOLE ORDEAL.PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 2015158,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN POSITION AND VEERED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCKS AND WHEEL HOUSE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 22, 2015GA

I WAS WASHING MY FORD ESCAPE WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS RUST ON ALL OF THE DOORS ON THE INSIDE I JUST BOUGHT ITAND CHECKED THE CARFAX IT SAID THERE WAS NO RUST AND IT LOOKED LIKED A NEW CAR UNTIL ABOUT THREE WEEK OF HAVEING IT AND NOW I'M FOUNDING RUST ON THE ALL OF THEE DOORS AND ON ONE OF THE WHEEL WELL I CHECKED ONLINE BY GOING TO GOOGLE.COM AND PUTTING IN 2005 FORD ESCAPE RUST AND FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVEING PROBLEMS WITH RUST SOME OF THEM EVEN SAY THEY CAN SEE THE INSIDE OF THERE ESCAPE AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL IT AND IT COST A LOT TO FIX. SOME COST MORE THEN THE VALUE OF THERE ESCAPE

Suspension
Filed Jul 21, 2015OH

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED AND COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. THE SHOCK SPRING IS COMING UP THROUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR "AS IS" LAST YEAR, AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC. NO ONE CAUGHT THE CONDITION OF THE CAR, AND THEN THIS YEAR IN APRIL I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE BACK OF MY CAR. I WENT AND HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE WHOLE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND ROTTED OUT. THE CONDITION IS SO BAD THAT MY MECHANIC COULDN'T EVEN FIND A WAY TO WELD A PLATE IN THERE. I STILL OWE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND IT WILL COST UPWARDS OF $2000.00 TO FIX!

Suspension
Filed Jul 21, 2015111,760 milesVT

WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID I HEARD A DRAGGING SOUND IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE TO DISCOVER A PIECE OF THE INNER WHEELHOUSE SUSPENSION MOUNT HAD SEPARATED AND WAS RUBBING ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THIS IS A CORROSION PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES TO NHTSA AND NO ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO DATE HAS BEEN MADE TO HAVE FORD RECALL THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION. I GUESS SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO DIE WHEN THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE NHTSA DECIDES TO ACT.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 20, 201572,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE GLASS DID NOT SHATTER, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE WINDOW AS IT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HINGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 20, 2015100,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS A HOLE THAT LED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 11/04/15*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN

Suspension
Filed Jul 14, 201558,850 milesNY

RUSTED OUT SHOCK TOWER. PASSENGER REAR PANEL ALL RUSTED OUT AND LARGE HOLE. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO SAID IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A BODY SHOP. AS I LOOKED ONLINE, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND AM SURPRISED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THEY CAN DO NOTHING FOR ME.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 14, 2015104,525 milesKS

PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TOWER BROKE AWAY FROM THE BODY OF CAR, DUE TO RUST.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 13, 201557,736 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TONE RING MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,736.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 2015170,000 milesMN

NOTED AT A LOCAL CAR REPAIR SHOP THAT MY PASSENGER REAR INNER FENDER IS RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE METAL WHERE THE SHOCK IS ATTACHED TO IS COMING AWAY. WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPS, AM NOW HEARING LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND NO LONGER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF THE SHOCK FALLING OFF. CAR SHOP STATED THAT THEY'VE SEEN 12 ESCAPES COME THROUGH THEIR PLACE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME SIDE THAT WERE 8-10 YEARS OLD.

Power Train
Filed Jul 9, 2015121,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM AND ALL SIX COILS BURNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. MA 10/15/2015 UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 201583,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED ENTIRELY, CAUSING WIRING DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 5, 2015133,548 milesNJ

ENTIRE BODY IS RUSTED. HUGE GAPING HOLE NOW PRESENT ON TOP OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WHATEVER IS LEFT OF THE SHOCKS IS CONNECTED TO NOTHING. A QUICK SEARCH TURNS UP THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS AND SURPRISINGLY NO RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE RUST HAS NOW SPREAD ALL OVER THE BODY. THIS CAR NOW RIDES ON AIR. IT'S A SERIOUS HAZARD AND UNFORTUNATELY ACCORDING TO FORD I HAVE TO SWALLOW THE LOSS. UNLESS THEY GET THE GM IGNITION TREATMENT IN TEN YEARS FROM NOW. I WONDER IF I'LL EVER GET COMPENSATION AS THERE'S NO WAY I'M PAYING THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REBUILD THIS VEHICLE, SO IT'S OFF TO THE JUNKYARD I GUESS. IT'S SCANDALOUS THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING A FAULTY, HAZARDOUS VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THE FLAWS

Suspension
Filed Jul 3, 2015135,000 milesIL

I STARTED HEARING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER AREA A FEW DAYS AGO. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THAT THE JACK HAD COME LOOSE IN ITS COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE SHOCK WAS COMING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL AND HITTING THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. I AM HEADED TO THE DEALER TODAY TO SEE WHAT REPAIRS WILL COST. AFTER GETTING ON THIS SITE AND SEEING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL THIS DEFECT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD IF THIS IS NOT RECALLED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 3, 2015137,000 milesOH

INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE STRUT/SHOCK MOUNTS HAS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 2015109,000 milesFL

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL NOT GO DOWN/FORWARD AT FIRST (ONCE LASTED ABOUT 45 MINUTES) ON COLD MORNINGS. WHY HASN'T THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL BEEN RECALLED LIKE 2006? I'VE BEEN LATE FOR WORK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I LOVE THE CAR OTHERWISE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 29, 2015166,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP, WHICH STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 26, 201592,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL AND THE STRUT HOUSING WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 24, 2015128,000 milesIL

ABS AND BRAKE LAMP ON. NO ANTILOCK BRAKES BEARLY STOPS.

Steering
Filed Jun 23, 2015105,900 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING, I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT WAS LIKE THIS UNTIL I WAS ALREADY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN I STOPPED, I CHECKED MY TIRES AND THOUGHT THAT THEY LOOKED SLIGHTLY OFF. IT SEEMED AS IF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS POINTED SLIGHTLY OUTWARD. THE CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND IT APPEARED TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK MY CAR OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT EACH TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL, THE TIRES SCREECHED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP AND AFTER GIVING IT AN EVALUATION, THEY SAID THAT THE CONTROL ROD WAS RUSTED AND STARTING TO BREAK. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, IT LOOKED LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT I WAS HAVING.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 22, 201574,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS WERE RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 18, 201533,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SUBFRAME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

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 →