Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
7425–50K
11950–75K
23375–100K
488100–150K
209150K+
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
What owners actually said
1,394 reports
26,400 miles · Dec 14, 2005
Visibility
DT: THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO TURN ON THE DEFROSTER. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE WARM UP FOR A WHILE SHE GOT IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK SHE REALIZED BACK WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS WILL BE MADE UNDER WARRAN…
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DT: THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO TURN ON THE DEFROSTER. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE WARM UP FOR A WHILE SHE GOT IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK SHE REALIZED BACK WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS WILL BE MADE UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10145201
25,000 miles · Dec 12, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DT: THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED IT WAS THE SPARK PLUGS. ALSO THE COIL PACK MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. …
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DT: THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED IT WAS THE SPARK PLUGS. ALSO THE COIL PACK MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10145037
2,000 miles · Dec 8, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN FILLING VEHICLE WITH GAS IT SPILLED OVER . THE GAS TANK ACTED AS IF IT WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES . TWICE THE SPIDER VENT WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE FILLER NECK WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PR…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN FILLING VEHICLE WITH GAS IT SPILLED OVER . THE GAS TANK ACTED AS IF IT WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES . TWICE THE SPIDER VENT WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE FILLER NECK WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10144769
7,795 miles · Dec 8, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SURGED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE SERVICE ENGINEER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10144756
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2005
StructureInjury
I JUST LEFT THE RESTAURAUNT AND WALKED OVER TO MY ESCAPE. WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR THE REAR TOP EDGE WAS RAKED BACK FAR ENOUGH TO HIT MY GLASSES, BENDING THEM AND THEN THE UPPER MOST CORNER PIERCED THE SKIN JUST BELOW THE EYE. 1/2" BY 1/2" CUT. A LITTLE CLOSER AND I WOULD HAVE SEVERLY DAMAGED MY EYE. THE TOP REAR CO…
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I JUST LEFT THE RESTAURAUNT AND WALKED OVER TO MY ESCAPE. WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR THE REAR TOP EDGE WAS RAKED BACK FAR ENOUGH TO HIT MY GLASSES, BENDING THEM AND THEN THE UPPER MOST CORNER PIERCED THE SKIN JUST BELOW THE EYE. 1/2" BY 1/2" CUT. A LITTLE CLOSER AND I WOULD HAVE SEVERLY DAMAGED MY EYE. THE TOP REAR CORNER EDGE OF THE DOOR EXTENDS TOO FAR BACK. SINCE THAT INCIDENT I HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE STANDING FURTHER BACK THAN USUAL TO AVOID ANOTHER INJURY. LAST NIGHT MY SON-IN LAW HIT HIMSELF IN THE FOREHEAD JUST ABOVE HIS GLASSES WITH THE REAR MOST TOP EDGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. CAUSING A CUT AND BLEEDING. STAND TOO CLOSE AND THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT DOORS OF THE 05 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 LIMITED CAN CAUSE INJURY. THANK YOU BILL KOHNKE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143707
Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2005
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS CONSISTED OF: BALANCING THE TIRES ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND WHEELS, BALANCING OF THE NEW TIRES, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVESHAFT…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS CONSISTED OF: BALANCING THE TIRES ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND WHEELS, BALANCING OF THE NEW TIRES, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVESHAFT. AFTER THESE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE, THE DEALER CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE VIBRATION WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10143641
8,500 miles · Nov 1, 2005
Seats
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS ON THE FRONT SEATS ARE DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO PADDING TO COVER THE METAL POSTS IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION FROM THE METAL POSTS. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THIS IS THE DESIGN OF THE CLOTH SEATS IN THIS…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS ON THE FRONT SEATS ARE DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO PADDING TO COVER THE METAL POSTS IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION FROM THE METAL POSTS. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THIS IS THE DESIGN OF THE CLOTH SEATS IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10141387
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AT ANY PARTICULAR SPEED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10140840
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2005
Air BagsCrash
THE CONSUMERS AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT IMPACT COLLISION. *TS *NM (12/01/05) *SC
NHTSA ODI #10138848
6,710 miles · Sep 28, 2005
Power Train
PURCHASED NEW FORD ESCAPE JANUARY, 2005. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND FAILED AUGUST, 2005 WITH ONLY 6091 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND IN BUSY INTERSECTION. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DREW FORD DEALER...TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED ON SEPTEMBER, 2005 WITH 6710 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AT THIS TIME WE WERE TRAVELING 70 M…
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PURCHASED NEW FORD ESCAPE JANUARY, 2005. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND FAILED AUGUST, 2005 WITH ONLY 6091 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND IN BUSY INTERSECTION. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DREW FORD DEALER...TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED ON SEPTEMBER, 2005 WITH 6710 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AT THIS TIME WE WERE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON FREEWAY WITH CONSIDERABLE TRAFFIC TO NEGOTIATE TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR TOWED AGAIN TO DEALER. TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED AGAIN AFTER MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION WITH NEW ONE. WERE TOLD BY DREW FORD THAT IT WAS A DIFFERENT PART THAT FAILED THE SECOND TIME AND THAT IT WAS A RESULT OF FAULTY ASSEMBLY BY THE MANUFACTURER. WE HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS VEHICLE AND TREPIDATION THAT OUR SAFETY MAY BE JEOPARDIZED IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. *NM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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