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2005 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,211 reports with mileage · 183 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 459 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 434 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 153 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports20 fire reports20 injury reports

Structure complaints

434 reports
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185,000 miles · Nov 12, 2012
StructureSuspensionWheels

THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE CABIN, AND THE SHOCK/STRUT IS MOUNTED TO NOTHING AND IS POKING INTO MY TRUNK. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE MOUNT (OR WHERE IT SHOULD BE MOUNTED) IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BEING COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND TH…

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THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE CABIN, AND THE SHOCK/STRUT IS MOUNTED TO NOTHING AND IS POKING INTO MY TRUNK. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE MOUNT (OR WHERE IT SHOULD BE MOUNTED) IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BEING COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND THE SURROUNDING METAL IS STAMPED SO THIN TO BEGIN WITH THAT IT IS PLIABLE. THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE, AND MY CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB OF SAFETY ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTEDFORD SEVERAL TIMES, AND FORD CANADA IS DENYING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY OR QUALITY ISSUE AND HAVE TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY; THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY CAR. I CANNOT FIND A RECALL AT PRESENT, HOWEVER THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES, 6 ALONE ON [XXX] AND 5 ON [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10484002

109,000 miles · Oct 14, 2012
StructureSuspension

HI- I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I BOUGHT IT USED. JUST RECENTLY I STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING IN THE BACK REAR OF THE CAB PART OF THE CAR. I FOUND OUT THE SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT, AND I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD FALL APART WHILE DRIVING OR CATCH FIRE. I RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND IT A CO…

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HI- I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I BOUGHT IT USED. JUST RECENTLY I STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING IN THE BACK REAR OF THE CAB PART OF THE CAR. I FOUND OUT THE SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT, AND I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD FALL APART WHILE DRIVING OR CATCH FIRE. I RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND IT A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10480086

161,000 miles · Jun 14, 2012
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER REAR WELL AREA, WHICH WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE BOLTS AND STRUTS TO CORRODED AND SEPARATE FROM THE WELL. THE CONTACT STATED T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER REAR WELL AREA, WHICH WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE BOLTS AND STRUTS TO CORRODED AND SEPARATE FROM THE WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED BUT WAS UNAWARE IF THE REPLACEMENT WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WELL WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 07/27/12 *BF UPDATED 08/02/12

NHTSA ODI #10461788

115,000 miles · Apr 28, 2012
StructureSuspensionWheels

2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH A FORD DEALER ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. FORD MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH AN ISSUE AT LASCO FORD FENTON MI. (FORD EST. TO REPAIR WAS 3400.00) I STOPPED AT A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA AND THEY (KNEW) OF THIS PROBLEM …

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2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH A FORD DEALER ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. FORD MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH AN ISSUE AT LASCO FORD FENTON MI. (FORD EST. TO REPAIR WAS 3400.00) I STOPPED AT A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA AND THEY (KNEW) OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 25 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. MY ESCAPE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 115,000 MILES, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE (IN WHEEL WELL) SHOULD HAVE RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY (RIGHT SIDE ONLY?), LEAVING THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT FLAPPING BACK AND FORTH, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND (NOT) DRIVABLE. THIS PROBLEM ENDED UP COSTING 2005.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THIS WAS THERE RESPONSE: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUST ISSUES ON THE RIGHT REAR FENDER AND SHOCK MOUNTS OF YOUR VEHICLE. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED. I CAN ALSO SEE WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS A MIGHT BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE RESEARCH YOU MADE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, WE SHARE ALL OF OUR VEHICLE CONCERN DOCUMENTATION WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AND FORD ENGINEERING. TOGETHER, WE WORK TO FURTHER DETERMINE IF A RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS (CSP) IS NEEDED FOR COMPONENT FAILURES. IF A RECALL OR CSP BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NHTSA, WHICH IS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER A RECALL OR CSP. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS (RECALLS) / CSPS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456751

115,000 miles · Feb 5, 2012
StructureSuspension

2005 ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH ATCHINSON FORD ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. I CALLED A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA. THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE TWO PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 15 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY FIXED 2004, 2005, & 2006 MODELS…

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2005 ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH ATCHINSON FORD ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. I CALLED A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA. THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE TWO PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 15 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY FIXED 2004, 2005, & 2006 MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM. TODAY I WENT OUT INTO OUR WORK PARKING LOT AND LOOKED AT OUR Q.C. MANAGER'S 2005 ESCAPE. AND WE FOUND THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO HIS. IF I COULD ATTACH PICTURES I WOULD. MY ESCAPE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 115,000 MILES, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE SHOULD CORRODE AWAY, LEAVING THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT READY TO BREAK FREE MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS. I EMAIL FORD AND THIS WAS THERE RESPONSE: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUST ISSUES ON THE RIGHT REAR FENDER AND SHOCK MOUNTS OF YOUR VEHICLE. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED. I CAN ALSO SEE WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS A MIGHT BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE RESEARCH YOU MADE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, WE SHARE ALL OF OUR VEHICLE CONCERN DOCUMENTATION WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AND FORD ENGINEERING. TOGETHER, WE WORK TO FURTHER DETERMINE IF A RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS (CSP) IS NEEDED FOR COMPONENT FAILURES. IF A RECALL OR CSP BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NHTSA, WHICH IS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER A RECALL OR CSP. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS (RECALLS) / CSPS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10446731

90,000 miles · May 16, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureCrash

THE COMPUTER SHORT, BECAUSE A WATER LEAK IN THE COMPUTER, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE BRIDGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10401026

48,000 miles · Jan 10, 2011
StructureVisibility

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! THE SOUND IT MADE WAS A LOUD POW, AND SOME GLASS SHARDS FELL ONTO MY SEATS. THERE WERE NO LARGE TRUCKS AROUND OR SIGHT OF DEBRIS FLYING MY WAY. I HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR THE GLASS TO BE SHIPPED FROM FORD BEFORE I CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED, AND I HAVE TO PAY THE…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! THE SOUND IT MADE WAS A LOUD POW, AND SOME GLASS SHARDS FELL ONTO MY SEATS. THERE WERE NO LARGE TRUCKS AROUND OR SIGHT OF DEBRIS FLYING MY WAY. I HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR THE GLASS TO BE SHIPPED FROM FORD BEFORE I CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED, AND I HAVE TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE OF $500 THROUGH MY INSURANCE, AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING IN FORDS, AND IT'S NOT LIKELY THAT A ROCK CAN CAUSE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE ON TOP OF A CAR. FORD SHOULD BE PROVIDING WARRANTIES FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375439

70,000 miles · May 25, 2010
StructureVisibility

SUNROOF SHATTERED IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE FOR NO REASON. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT. WHEN CHECKING ON LINE THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCLUDING TIMES WHEN THE GLASS BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ORDERED NEW GLASS FOR SUNROOF AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332263

74,000 miles · Oct 2, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE BUMPER HE NOTICED THAT THE BASE WAS LOOSE, THE BRACKET WAS BROKEN, AND IT WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE BUMPER HE NOTICED THAT THE BASE WAS LOOSE, THE BRACKET WAS BROKEN, AND IT WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10286132

37,000 miles · Oct 15, 2008
Structure

I BOUGHT MY 2005 ESCAPE NEW AND JUST RECENTLY (OCT 2008) I NOTICED ON TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WHERE BOTH OF THE HINGES ARE THE PAINT IS PEALING OFF AND GETTING WORSE ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED OUT VERY SMALL RIGHT WHERE THE EDGE OF THE GATE IS ON TOP. BUT WITH TIME HAS STARTED TO PEAL OFF ON TOP OF THE LIFT GATE AS WELL. I HA…

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I BOUGHT MY 2005 ESCAPE NEW AND JUST RECENTLY (OCT 2008) I NOTICED ON TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WHERE BOTH OF THE HINGES ARE THE PAINT IS PEALING OFF AND GETTING WORSE ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED OUT VERY SMALL RIGHT WHERE THE EDGE OF THE GATE IS ON TOP. BUT WITH TIME HAS STARTED TO PEAL OFF ON TOP OF THE LIFT GATE AS WELL. I HAVE SINCE STARTED LOOKING AT ALL THE 2004-2006 ESCAPES THAT I SEE PARKED AND EVERY SINGLE ONE, REGARDLESS OF COLOR, WITHOUT FAIL HAS THE PAINT PEALING AWAY IN THE SAME SPOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY REFUSE TO HANDLE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245613

Official recalls

4

15V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

06V111000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Apr 7, 2006

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

04V602000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Dec 20, 2004

CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.

AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems