2005 Ford Escape recalls and problems
The 2005 Ford Escape has 4 safety recalls and 1,394 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2005 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2005 Ford Escape recalls
Recall 15V-606: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 14V-526: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-111: Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-602: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Fix: 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.
2005 Ford Escape problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 459 | |
| Structure | 437 | |
| Electrical System | 153 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 150 | |
| Engine | 130 | |
| Power Train | 119 | |
| Wheels | 99 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 91 | |
| Unknown or Other | 76 | |
| Steering | 49 | |
| Service Brakes | 40 | |
| Air Bags | 35 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 360
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 28
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 20
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 18
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 15
- Structure › Frame and Members — 14
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 12
- Air Bags › Frontal — 8
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 105,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2005 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Escape years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Ford Escape: 15V-606 (power train), 14V-526 (hybrid propulsion system), 06V-111 (seats), 04V-602 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Escape?
Owners report suspension problems most often (459 reports), followed by structure (437). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 105,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.