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 (!!)
The front passenger side sub frame is so rusted, it is broken in half and the wheel is moving back and forth, about to fall off the car. The whole subframe would need to be replaced, but it's not worth it, because the car also has a failing transmission and lots of rust elsewhere.
We bought this truck 2 years ago and haven't really had any major issues with it. A few days ago, I was driving down the road, and noticed this loud knocking noise in the back. When we looked at the vehicle, we noticed that the passenger side rear wheel hub was completely rusted through and the shock was actually detached because it has rusted loose. The loud noise was the shock actually bouncing up and hitting the inside of the truck!
I called Autozone to see if they had any parts/braces that could fix it and they suggested a body shop was the only thing they had heard would help this situation. I took our truck to the body shop mechanic and he noticed that the FRAME itself is also rusting through and he cannot legally fix it because it is a safety issue.
We are on a very low income and paid around $6000 for the truck about 2 years ago. We cannot afford a new vehicle, but now we are concerned about our safety. The shock itself being loose is bad enough, but a compromised frame is very dangerous! How could this happen on an American made vehicle that prides itself on quality? I saw there was a recall for the same issue (poor materials and rusting) on the 2001-2004 models, but the 2005 was never included in that recall! This is ridiculous! Please help!!!!
Same old story....clunking from the right rear....took it to the dealer and the right rear shock tower is completely rusted out (left side is fine)....car is unsafe to drive and they say unfixable. This is a design flaw by Ford and they should be compensating us for repairs or lost value.
I am writing this complaint only to add to awareness, with the 2005 ford escape that I have driven for 6 years as a second hand owner here in Michigan.I have had minor problems with wear and tear like most vehicles, but to experience a shock I had with the rusting and gross condition on the passenger side back rear tire and suspension is totally not safe. I was told by collision shops there is no amount of work they could do the correct the problem also certified mechanic at peps boys would not touch the vehicle I was told to get off the street with it ASAP it is consider a driving hazard, by me not having a second car and I am scheduled to work went out and got a rental that's gonna cost me until this problem is corrected!!! I'm not a happy consumer at this time considering no positive feedback from automotive repair places unable to help. Ford definitely need to be accountable for this mishap that we all should be forewarned about...
The 2005 Ford Escape has been a huge lemon. I got jammed up with putting a new transmission in at 110K. That happen in 2011. New suspension system in 2010 . Now the rust around the rear shocks is utterly amazing. I have no metal left and I was told 3K to do body work to fix. Then FORD sent out their salesman to sell me another Escape Lemon!!! I am going to try and rig something via wood planks and straight bars. I most likely will have to junk it.
- Bill N.,
Southfield, MI, US
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Right rear wheel well totally rusted out. Loud banging occurred while driving with children only to realize shock actually broke through trunk! Had to get wheel well totally replaced and patched trunk. $1,548.00! Now come to find out front sub frame TOTALLY rusted out in the area that holds up engine and front of car. My Escape has a beautiful outer body but MAJOR rust issues that should have been recalled for 2005's!!!!! I am very disappointed in the responses we have received. I love my car but it has now become a major risk to myself and my children.Ford company should help out their customers. We know this has happened to many of us in the snow belt areas and these spots should not be rusting out like this! (See YouTube video on 2005 ford escape rust issues!)
The rear wheel well and shock mount rusted. All Escape owners with this problem need to file a complaint so that Ford has to recall and repair free of charge. All of us who paid for the repair should get reimbursed. It is a crock that they created a replacement part, but yet do not acknowledge a recall.
Rear passenger side upper shock absorber mount rusted through, broke away from vehicle body. Not mounted to frame, just the body. Had to stop because of loud banging under Escape. Shock mount still attached to shock absorber, banging away over every bump and rubbing against tire. Undriveable, totally unsafe. Quite a number of complaints filed, hasn't met the threshold yet, still no recall. All on the same mount, same side. There are work around kits available online, but not an actual correct repair. Please report this to NHTSA.GOV, must include VIN to verify as real, otherwise complaints don't count. If enough VERIFIABLE complaints are filed they will investigate. Just whining isn't enough, include the VIN!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The front passenger side sub frame is so rusted, it is broken in half and the wheel is moving back and forth, about to fall off the car. The whole subframe would need to be replaced, but it's not worth it, because the car also has a failing transmission and lots of rust elsewhere.
- David S., South Lyon, MI, US