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 (!!)
Shortly after I purchased this vehicle from the owner, many things started to fail. I understand a vehicle with 100K mile can need repairs but this is totally ridiculous. After all the money I put into this thing, NOW I'm faced with another $1,000+ repair. I'm so sorry I bought this Ford product. I will never ever buy another Ford product.
1) Intermittent electrical problems with the alarm, door ajar indication would come on, interior lights would flicker while driving, interior alarm going off while driving, battery would drain overnight. I had to keep removing the fuse for the interior lights when I parked it for fear that the battery would drain. I read that the door ajar alarm is a very common problem so I sprayed lubricant in the door locks as suggested. The problem continued afterward but then it seems to have gone away. I'm not sure what the problem even was.I guess I'll find out if the problem is gone the next time the battery is drained.
2) Replaced rear shocks & sway bar. The vehicle is older, to be expected.
3) Replaced belts - OK belts get old and dry.
4) Engine shaking - had two coils & plugs replaced . Engine running smoother.
5) EGR valve sensor burned up. - needed replacement
6) Flex pipe replaced & some debris was caught in the exhaust system. Car running OK.
7) Car won't accelerate above 40-45mph and will not pass inspection because Catalytic Converter alarm. Now I'm looking at a major repair.
I'm forced to sell the car because I can't afford to repair it. Ford should make good on this! The consumer should NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN INFERIOR PART. From what I'm reading, this is a MAJOR PROBLEM FOR MANY CONSUMERS! This is a very expensive repair! Not FAIR!!
Update from May 22, 2019: Today I FINALLY got rid of my 2005 Ford Explorer. I feel a HUGE sense of relief. I never had a Ford in my 45 yrs of driving until 2015. My son wanted it and my gut told me not to get it. A few days ago, I was able to fix the door ajar alarm which was draining the battery every night. Instead of sinking another $400+ for a door latch, I shorted the pink/blue wire to the black/white wire inside the door to disable the door trigger. That problem was finally solved. BUT the catalytic converter error won't clear, therefore the car can't pass inspection unless I pay another $1500-$2000 for the replacement of three converters. I can't tell you how ridiculously expensive these three yrs have been with this P.O.S. We have a Kia now and we are very happy. Please do not buy a Ford unless you love to throw money away.
I was told the catalytic converter's were bad so they were all replaced. And then I had the same exact problem after getting off the interstate and coming to a stop sign. My car would die when I did stop but if I keep the RPMs above say 1200 it's OK, no engine light comes on, no nothing no warnings, it just all the sudden feels like you're driving over a rumble strip and then lurches forward.
No reason at all for a low mileage car as it is to always have the check-engine light on due to catalytic converter failure. If it is not the catalytic, then it's the oxygen sensors, but there's always something related to this system that also make my car to start after two or three times attempting, etc. Enough for tonight.
Last weekend, I was driving to Canada from Seattle. I had been driving for approximately 1 hr before I started to feel dizzy and nauseous. I made an assumption that perhaps I was dehydrated or tired. I pulled over for an hr and let my head clear. Got back on the road, and within 12 miles symptoms re-occured. Was taken to ER in bellingham and had blood drawn. Results were that I had been breathing exhaust and had elevated CO levels in my blood system. Still determining next steps as I've already had 1) PCM replaced, 2) wheel bearings; 3) brake system failure 4) transfer case on transmission. This car has quite literally been the worst car one could have.
The car completely lost power as I was getting ready to merge on busy highway. The ford Dealer said it was the computer board went out and coils burned up 2300 dollars later. 3 days later did the same thing but would go a little bit couldn't accelerate. Took it back then they said it was the exhaust system and catalytic converter 1400.00 later. Not happy. I'm wondering if they misdiagnosed the first time. They tested it on a computer both times.
After only 56000 miles I had two catalytic converts fail at a cost of $2100.00. This car has been taken care very well but this has turned my stomach. The warranty was 7 years for the catalytic converter which I just missed. I will post photos of how clean the engine was and the defective converters.
Why would Ford put THREE catalytic converters on the Escape? Even California doesn't have that many!!
why would they go bad at 100000 miles??
Car lost power and limped back to my brothers at 20 mph and had it towed to repair shop. 2 days later we decided to replace the 3rd ( final) converter and hope for the best on other 2- I am so sick of this piece of junk!! last fall it was the entire computer system and now this.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Shortly after I purchased this vehicle from the owner, many things started to fail. I understand a vehicle with 100K mile can need repairs but this is totally ridiculous. After all the money I put into this thing, NOW I'm faced with another $1,000+ repair. I'm so sorry I bought this Ford product. I will never ever buy another Ford product.
1) Intermittent electrical problems with the alarm, door ajar indication would come on, interior lights would flicker while driving, interior alarm going off while driving, battery would drain overnight. I had to keep removing the fuse for the interior lights when I parked it for fear that the battery would drain. I read that the door ajar alarm is a very common problem so I sprayed lubricant in the door locks as suggested. The problem continued afterward but then it seems to have gone away. I'm not sure what the problem even was.I guess I'll find out if the problem is gone the next time the battery is drained. 2) Replaced rear shocks & sway bar. The vehicle is older, to be expected. 3) Replaced belts - OK belts get old and dry. 4) Engine shaking - had two coils & plugs replaced . Engine running smoother. 5) EGR valve sensor burned up. - needed replacement 6) Flex pipe replaced & some debris was caught in the exhaust system. Car running OK. 7) Car won't accelerate above 40-45mph and will not pass inspection because Catalytic Converter alarm. Now I'm looking at a major repair.
I'm forced to sell the car because I can't afford to repair it. Ford should make good on this! The consumer should NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN INFERIOR PART. From what I'm reading, this is a MAJOR PROBLEM FOR MANY CONSUMERS! This is a very expensive repair! Not FAIR!!
Update from May 22, 2019: Today I FINALLY got rid of my 2005 Ford Explorer. I feel a HUGE sense of relief. I never had a Ford in my 45 yrs of driving until 2015. My son wanted it and my gut told me not to get it. A few days ago, I was able to fix the door ajar alarm which was draining the battery every night. Instead of sinking another $400+ for a door latch, I shorted the pink/blue wire to the black/white wire inside the door to disable the door trigger. That problem was finally solved. BUT the catalytic converter error won't clear, therefore the car can't pass inspection unless I pay another $1500-$2000 for the replacement of three converters. I can't tell you how ridiculously expensive these three yrs have been with this P.O.S. We have a Kia now and we are very happy. Please do not buy a Ford unless you love to throw money away.
- Joe N., Wantagh, NY, US