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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 (!!)

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,370
Average Mileage:
142,150 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace coil packs (2 reports)
  2. replace ignition coil (2 reports)
  3. not sure (1 reports)
  4. replace throttle body (1 reports)
2005 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 122016

Escape XLT 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

Ford Escape Throttle Bottle Issue. Car will begin to shutter and then reduce speed to max 20mph after power train indicator light comes on.

- LeTia B., Houston, TX, US

problem #5

Oct 012015

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

I purchased this vehicle used from a dealer in Lubbock TX in 2007, it had 60,000 miles on it. Same PCM issue happened to me in October 2015 while on my way to work. It was driving just fine and then suddenly the car started sputtering, and was slow to accelerate. No engine lights came on to indicate a major issue. It felt like a cylinder misfiring, and I figured it needed a tune up. I was able to get to work and drive it home that evening.

When I got home my husband came out and we drove it down the street so he could see what it was doing. We barely made it around the corner and it lost all power. We were able to get it to start back up, and that was when the check engine light came on. My husband took it to Christian Brothers automotive the next day and they told us 4 of 6 coils and 4 of 6 spark plugs were bad and the PCM needed to be replaced to the tune of $2100.

After some research I found out this particular car had this problem and Ford knew about it. I was able to find a mail-in mechanic service to repair the PCM for around 400$ (Circuit board medics) I replaced the coils and spark plugs myself and the car is running again, but this is my last ford. Ford knew this was an issue and did the bare minimum to cover their asses. I was on the highway driving 70 miles an hour when the PCM fried. I was lucky I did not lose all power or I could have been hurt. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A FORD.

- sway1727, Dallas, TX, US

problem #4

Sep 282013

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

I miss plugs and wires. Motorcraft coil packs are over $100 each the would be $600 to replace them all. The 3 in the back are a PITA to get too. Decent grade PACKS ARE ABOUT 50 EACH.

- Kevin S., Los Ángeles, CA, US

problem #3

May 062015

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 195,645 miles

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

Bought car used less than a year ago. This is the third major problem. Waiting to learn what mechanic says is needed and how much it will cost.

- sjcny, Bronx, NY, US

problem #2

Aug 182014

Escape 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

I purchased my 2005 Escape brand new. I have had to replace the "computer board" at about 90,000 miles. We contacted Ford and ask for some type of assistance. Response was nope not enough complaints to have a recall. NO HELP GIVEN! Before this we had already had all 6 coil packs replaced.....then this problem with the computer board and had to have all 6 coil packs replaced again. Now today, 8/19/14 we are having coil packs replaced YET AGAIN!!! This is a total of 3 rounds of coil packs to replace and a computer board. Every mechanic that I have spoken to tells me they see this ALL THE TIME! You tell me Ford does not know this problem exist.....they know they just do not care! I will NEVER own a Ford product again! I have spent well over $3,000 total on this SUV and I am sure if I don't drive it to the dump I will be spending even more in the near future. My sister also has a Ford SUV and has had the very exact same problems with her SUV. I think she is on round two of coil packs on hers. I would NEVER recommend buying a Ford SUV or any Ford product because Ford knows about these problems and refuses to fix the problem. They should have a recall but wont because they know it will continue to happen over and over and will cost them billions to fix!!!! SHAME ON FORD!!!!!!

- Denise S., Hutsville, TX, US

problem #1

May 182012

Escape LTD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Mechanic called dealership for ignition coil. Dealer parts counter rep said they had 39 in stock that day. Mechanic said this problem is so common with this Ford engine that he normally keeps a couple of these ignition coils in stock.

- ethorne, Brantford, Ontario, Canada

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