NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,394 reports69,800 miles · Oct 29, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10651110
174,000 miles · Oct 28, 2014
Steering
BASED ON LOCAL SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER RETURN LINE MUST BE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS INFORMATION FROM FORD CORPORATION THAT DESCRIBES A STEERING NOISE (CLUNK AND RATTLE) FOR ALL FORD ESCAPES (2005 MODELS) STATED IN A DOCUMENT (#TSB 06-17-3) BY FORD. PART NUMBER TO BE REPLACED IS 6L…
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BASED ON LOCAL SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER RETURN LINE MUST BE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS INFORMATION FROM FORD CORPORATION THAT DESCRIBES A STEERING NOISE (CLUNK AND RATTLE) FOR ALL FORD ESCAPES (2005 MODELS) STATED IN A DOCUMENT (#TSB 06-17-3) BY FORD. PART NUMBER TO BE REPLACED IS 6L8Z-3A713-K IS THIS SOMETHING THAT IS DANGEROUS AND HAS THE COMPANY MADE A DECISION ON RECALLING THE VEHICLE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650897
200,000 miles · Oct 28, 2014
StructureSuspension
I BEGAN TO HEAR A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS IN DANGER OF BREAKING LOOSE WHICH COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650703
86,000 miles · Oct 28, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10650658
110,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED THROUGH THE SHOCK ABSORBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10650317
165,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS AND THE ELECTRIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS AND THE ELECTRIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA ODI #10650316
109,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AND INVESTIGATED I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. MY SHOCK IS NOT LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT SLAMS INTO THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650289
90,000 miles · Oct 25, 2014
StructureSuspension
WE WERE DRIVING OUR ESCAPE ON CITY ROADS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY WENT THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WE CAN SEE THE PAVEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICI…
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WE WERE DRIVING OUR ESCAPE ON CITY ROADS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY WENT THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WE CAN SEE THE PAVEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL YET. WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD CARS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY, HOWEVER, WE MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER NEXT TIME. WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE ISSUE FIXED AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649964
121,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS BANGING AGAINST THE INNER INTERIOR MOLDING WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ENTIRELY FROM THE WHEEL WELL LEAVING THE SUSPENSION O…
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RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS BANGING AGAINST THE INNER INTERIOR MOLDING WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ENTIRELY FROM THE WHEEL WELL LEAVING THE SUSPENSION ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COMPROMISED. THE WHEEL WELL ON THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS IN TACT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649757
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2014
Structure
DURING A MOVE IN WHICH WE WERE TOWING A TRAILER, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT PRETTY BAD WHEN WE COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND FROM THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP I STARTED TO HEAR A REPEATING "THUD". MY FIANCE AND I …
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DURING A MOVE IN WHICH WE WERE TOWING A TRAILER, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT PRETTY BAD WHEN WE COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND FROM THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP I STARTED TO HEAR A REPEATING "THUD". MY FIANCE AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT COULD BE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND AS SOON AS I STARTED TO EXPLAIN THE SOUND AND WHERE IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM...HE KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HIS BROTHER WHO ALSO HAD AN ESCAPE HAD JUST HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD CONTINUED TO CORRODE AND RUST, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO BREAK. HE REFERRED ME TO A PLACE THAT DID THE NECESSARY REPAIR/WELDING. THEY RE-MOLDED THE WELL AND REPLACED THE SHOCK. A $750 JOB. SAID THAT THEY HAD SEVERAL...I THINK THEY SAID AT LEAST 6 ESCAPES IN FOR THE SAME THING JUST IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649550
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
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
2DP12006 · 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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