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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Escape has problems where the engine shuts down while driving. Ford finally issued a September 2014 recall. Time will tell if the recall fix really solves the problem.

However the 2005 Escape also has a defect where the PCM (Power Control Module) fries at around 100k miles. Ford extended the PCM warranty to 80,000 miles, but only after most owners were past the mileage limit. Now owners are on the hook for the average repair cost of over $2,000 (!!)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
80,116 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Ford Escape body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #14

Apr 282014

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear passenger side shock absorber became detached. Upon inspection, it was found that the frame was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available.

- Cazenovia, WI, USA

problem #13

Apr 142014

Escape

  • miles
Cpsc: I1440372A. 2005 Ford Escape. Consumer stated the passenger rear wheel well rotting out caused the shock mounts to disintegrate. The consumer stated the price estimates to correct the defect ranged from $2000-7000.

- Seymour, IN, USA

problem #12

Nov 282013

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
Front end K sub-frame rusted through. This vehicle is too new and is not included in the current recall, but already has a hole rusted through the sub-frame. This is a structural issue and could cause the lower control arms to separate leading to loss of control. The vehicle will not pass state inspection...updated 06/25/14 updated 07/1/2014

- Morristown, VT, USA

problem #11

Apr 012014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 96,536 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Noise coming from right rear, repair shop looks behind tire and finds rear panel where shock is attached almost completely rusted out. Cost to repair is 2500 - 3500 dollars. Ford won't cover any of cost. Car is not even 9 years old, unbelievable! this is a danger, waiting to kill someone when the whole thing falls off. Cars should not rust this bad, especially in only one specific area. Now deciding to get rid of my 2012 Escape before I have issues with it.

- Batavia, IL, USA

problem #10

Apr 082014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
The right rear wheel well is severely rusted and shock is no longer attached. You can see the interior of vehicle from rear fender well. Frame is also beginning to crack in this area too. At this point the vehicle is not safe to drive. This seems to be a problem for many others with this same make and year. What does it take for Ford to realize this is a defect. Someone is going to get hurt or even a loss of life if nothing is done. Now I have a vehicle that was driven daily sitting in my driveway because it is unsafe to drive.

- West Union, WV, USA

problem #9

Mar 242014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
I have a 2005 Ford Escape with about 100,000 miles. I started hearing a loud "clunking" noise in the rear passenger side. I found out that the entire rear wheel well is rotted completely out and I think the shocks are exposed. I don't know a lot about cars but I know this isn't right. I looked on the internet and found numerous complaints about the exact same thing. I see that Ford had a recall for the same thing for vehicles from 2001-2004. 2005 should have been included with that recall. Please note the number of complaints and please request a recall.

- Country Club Hills, IL, USA

problem #8

Apr 012014

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2005 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to severe rust on passenger side wheel well. The consumer also stated the top of the shock absorber mount was also rusted.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #7

Jan 182014

Escape

  • 146,000 miles
After seeing post from friend that her right rear well on her 2005 Ford Escape was rusted through, it made me go look in the garage at my same vehicle. Upon review I have a large hole into my spare tire tools box. There is significant rusting and cracks in and around the shock as well. Left rear well does not seem to have same issue.

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

problem #6

Nov 222013

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, he noticed a loud knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the rear passenger's side inner quarter panel and wheel house panel were corroded. The technician also stated that the shock had become completely detached from the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000....updated 01-10-14

- Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #5

Oct 112013

Escape

  • 58,000 miles
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.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #4

Aug 222013

Escape

  • 111,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The left passenger rear fender well has rusted out around the shock mount, ready to break free.

- Rossville, IN, USA

problem #3

Jul 072010

Escape

  • 90,000 miles
The computer short, because a water leak in the computer, the vehicle stalled on the bridge.

- Quebec, 00, USA

problem #2

Jan 102011

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
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 Ford, 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.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #1

May 242010

Escape

  • 70,000 miles
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.

- Ocean Gate, NJ, USA

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