← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,394 reports
124,000 miles · Nov 6, 2013
Power Train

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM BYERS KIA 9 MONTHS AGO. I RECENTLY JUST MADE MY 8TH PAYMENT ON IT. 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED A SLIGHT VIBRATION FROM 15-25 MPH. WELL ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD MY DRIVE SHAFT QUIT WORKING. WE INSTALLED A U JOINT HOPING THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT ONLY MADE IT WORSE. I HAVE THE…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM BYERS KIA 9 MONTHS AGO. I RECENTLY JUST MADE MY 8TH PAYMENT ON IT. 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED A SLIGHT VIBRATION FROM 15-25 MPH. WELL ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD MY DRIVE SHAFT QUIT WORKING. WE INSTALLED A U JOINT HOPING THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT ONLY MADE IT WORSE. I HAVE THE DEALERSHIP WORKING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM NOW. I DON'T FEEL IM RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE SEEING IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT PRIOR TO ME BUYING THIS TRUCK . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551108

95,000 miles · Nov 5, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND COILS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND COILS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THE COMPUTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 12/30/13*CN

NHTSA ODI #10551011

105,852 miles · Nov 1, 2013
Service Brakes

ABS LIGHT CAME ON. 4WD LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEEL/BRAKE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE ABS LIGHT REMAINED ON BUT THE 4WD FLASHED AND THEN TURNED OFF. IT CAME BACK ON INTERMITTENTLY AND FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES. THERE SEEMED TO BE NO FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES OR WHEELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10550572

100,000 miles · Oct 31, 2013
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK ASSEMBLY WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10550376

100,500 miles · Oct 29, 2013
SteeringStructureSuspension

AFTER A RECENT ROAD TRIP, I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CHECKED ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, SPARE TIRE, JACK AND EVEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE BACK SEAT WAS SECURE. CLUNKING NOISE WAS THE SHOCK HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE. THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED, IT WAS RUSTED UNDER THE …

Read full complaint

AFTER A RECENT ROAD TRIP, I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CHECKED ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, SPARE TIRE, JACK AND EVEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE BACK SEAT WAS SECURE. CLUNKING NOISE WAS THE SHOCK HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE. THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED, IT WAS RUSTED UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY. SO WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT WAS CLANKING AROUND. VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE SHOCK WOULD BREAK AND CAUSE A TIRE BLOW OUT OR WORSE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE AUTO BODY SHOP WHICH COST ME $900 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL IS DOING THE SAME THING AND I MAY NOT HAVE A FUEL TANK EVENTUALLY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND TAKEN CARE OF. I LOVE MY VEHICLE AND LOVE NOT HAVING A CAR PAYMENT TOO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549947

150,000 miles · Oct 28, 2013
Service Brakes

HAD CAR IN THE SHOP FOR OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS NOTED BY THE MECHANIC THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING AND DETERIORATION. IN DANGER OF FAILING. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY PREVALENT AND DANGEROUS, WHY HAVE YOU NOT INSTITUTED A RECALL OR FORCED FORD MOTOR CO. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549829

70,000 miles · Oct 26, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. IT HAD ONLY ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER HAVE FILLED IT WITH GAS SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE NOTICED THAT WE CANNOT KEEP THE NOZZLE ON FULL BECAUSE THE GAS BACKS UP IN THE FILLER TUBE AND THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUTS-OFF. SOMETIMES WE CAN'T EVEN PUT IT ON THE AUTO…

Read full complaint

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. IT HAD ONLY ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER HAVE FILLED IT WITH GAS SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE NOTICED THAT WE CANNOT KEEP THE NOZZLE ON FULL BECAUSE THE GAS BACKS UP IN THE FILLER TUBE AND THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUTS-OFF. SOMETIMES WE CAN'T EVEN PUT IT ON THE AUTOMATIC LOW. WE MUST SIT THERE AND KEEP SQUEEZING THE NOZZLE UNTIL IT SHUTS OFF, AND THEN SQUEEZE THE HANDLE AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ON THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT FORD INCORRECTLY DESIGNED THE FILLER TUBE. APPARENTLY IT IS TOO NARROW. SO NOW THEY HAVE A REDESIGNED TUBE THAT IS LARGER IN DIAMETER. BUT SINCE THIS CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, FORD WON'T FIX IT, AND THIS AIN'T SOME EASY INEXPENSIVE FIX...IT COSTS OVER $800 TO DO IT. YOU GOT TO DROP THE TANK. THE NEW CORRECT PART COSTS $300, AND THE LABOR IS ABOUT $500. WHAT YOU NHTSA FOLKS DON'T SEEM TO REALIZE IS THAT IS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD ALLOW CONSUMERS TO BE SPLASHED WITH GASOLINE IF THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILS, BECAUSE FUEL SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILS ALL THE TIME. I HAVE PERSONALLY WITNESSED THIS SEVERAL TIMES...WITH GAS OVERFLOWING OTHER PEOPLES CARS. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE MUST REMAIN AT THE CAR WHILE FILLING IT...THESE AUTOMATIC NOZZLES FAIL ALL THE TIME. THIS FUEL FILLING SYSTEM ISSUE IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, CONSUMERS MUST NOT BE REQUIRED TO RELY ON OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS, BECAUSE THOSE SYSTEMS WILL FAIL. FORD DESIGNED A DEFECTIVE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM, AND NHTSA MUST MAKE FORD FIX THEM, AT FORD'S EXPENSE' IF NHTSA IS UNWILLING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM UNREASONABLE RISK...THEN WHAT GOOD ARE THEY? ANYTHING THAT POTENTIALLY INVOLVES CONSUMERS GETTING SPLASHED WITH GASOLINE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD PERIOD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549624

104,000 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

1. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE BUT INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. 2. TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR TO LEAVE, THE GAS PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY STUCK LIKE THERE WAS AN INVISIBLE …

Read full complaint

1. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE BUT INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. 2. TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR TO LEAVE, THE GAS PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY STUCK LIKE THERE WAS AN INVISIBLE ROCK UNDER THE PEDAL. MY FRIEND FOLLOWED THE GAS PEDAL CABLE UNDER THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE BLACK COVER AND UN-FROZE (UN-STUCK) THE END OF THE CABLE SO I CAN AT LEAST GET THE CAR BACK HOME. I WAS UP-NORTH AT THAT TIME AND VERY SCARED DRIVING THE CAR HOME BECAUSE WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN I'M GOING AT A FREEWAY SPEED. I PROMPTLY LEASED A NEW CAR BECAUSE THESE TWO ISSUES SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. I STILL HAVE THE CAR BUT WOULD LIKE IT TO GET REPAIRED. I CONTACTED FORD HQS ON 10/25/2013 TO COMMUNICATE THE ISSUES I EXPERIENCED AND TO ASSIST IN RESOLUTION AS I DO KNOW THERE WERE RE-CALLS ON OTHER ESCAPES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THEY STATED MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE CARS UNDER RE-CALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I FURTHER EXPRESSED THAT THE CAR SHOULD AS THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH A 2005 ESCAPE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I RESEARCHED THE WEB. SHE STATED IF THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE I WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL. I ASKED IS THERE ANYONE ELSE I COULD ACCELERATE THIS ISSUE TO AND SHE STATED MY ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED IN THE SYSTEM. THE REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE IS VERY EXPENSIVE. WHY IS THE RE-CALL NOT COVERED ON 2005 ESCAPES BUT ON 2004 ESCAPES? MY 2005 ESCAPE WAS ACTUALLY BUILT IN 2004. ACCORDING TO FORD HQS, MY VIN# DOES NOT COME UP FOR THE RE-CALL!!! CAN YOU HELP ME OUT ON THIS AND FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE? JUST SEARCH THE WEB AND YOU WILL SEE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND DANGERS OF THIS. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549510

97,000 miles · Oct 16, 2013
Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER WHEEL W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COLLIDE WITH THE PLASTIC PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ODI #10548150

58,000 miles · Oct 16, 2013
Structure

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CARRIER IS COMPLETELY ERODED WITH THE VEHICLE BEING DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EXTENSIVE STRUCTURAL/BODY WORK TO REPAIR. THIS ISSUE IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO FAULTY MATERIAL USED BY FORD AS THE OTHER WHEEL CARRIERS AND THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE …

Read full complaint

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CARRIER IS COMPLETELY ERODED WITH THE VEHICLE BEING DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EXTENSIVE STRUCTURAL/BODY WORK TO REPAIR. THIS ISSUE IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO FAULTY MATERIAL USED BY FORD AS THE OTHER WHEEL CARRIERS AND THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE INTERNET BUT FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALLING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A MIRACLE THAT WE WERE NOT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT CONDITION AND ONLY TOOK IT IN WHEN THE ISSUE BECAME KNOWN WHEN A LOUD NOISE STARTED AS THE FRAME WAS COLLAPSING DUE TO THE LACK OF SUPPORT. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AND AS THE ONLY OWNER KNOW THAT NO ACCIDENT OR ISSUE OTHER THAN FAULTY MATERIAL COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CORROSION. FORD IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS NO PLANS TO REVIEW FURTHER OR ISSUE A RECALL TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548089

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