IllustrationCAR RUNNING ROUGH, CAR SLOWED AND THEN WOULD NOT DRIVE. TOWED, TOLD IT NEEDS NEW PCM, CYLINDERS, COILS, AND SPARK PLUGS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND THE PCM WAS CHANGED IN LATER MODELS. FORD CREATED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE.
2005 Ford Escape
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
7425–50K
11950–75K
23375–100K
488100–150K
209150K+
1,211 reports with mileage · 183 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 459 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 434 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 153 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
40 crash reports20 fire reports20 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
153 reportsVEHICLE JERKING 4WD LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING, POWER LOCK LIGHT POPS ON CAR ACT LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY RESTARTS BUT HAVE HAD IT TOWED. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER 11 TIMES IN 12 MONTHS FOR SAME PROBLEM. NO RHYME OR REASON CAN BE CITY OR HIGHWAY. IT IS USUALLY PRECEDED BY INTERIOR LIGHT AND OR DOOR ADJAR LIGHT COMING ON , AFTER STALL HAPPENS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. DEAL…
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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY RESTARTS BUT HAVE HAD IT TOWED. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER 11 TIMES IN 12 MONTHS FOR SAME PROBLEM. NO RHYME OR REASON CAN BE CITY OR HIGHWAY. IT IS USUALLY PRECEDED BY INTERIOR LIGHT AND OR DOOR ADJAR LIGHT COMING ON , AFTER STALL HAPPENS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER HAS REPLACED COUNTLESS FUEL AND EMMISION PARTS INCLUDING ECM AND COILS, FUEL PUMP ETC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE DAY OF PURCHASE, THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND APPEARS FORD DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. VEHICLE LAST LEFT US SIT IN FLORIDA, AFTER 2 WEEKS AND $3200 IN REPAIRS ON 12/21/2015 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND INTERIOR LIGHT CAME BACK ON 2/2/2016
WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK - AT FIRST IF DIDN'T WANT TO START BUT CRANKED FINE. LET IT SIT IDLE AND HEADED TO WORK - 1/2 TO WORK STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHERE IT STARTED TO SHUDDER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL (NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES BEFORE AND STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS). GOT THRU THE INTERSECTION AND LOSS ALL POWER ON THE BUSIEST STREE…
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WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK - AT FIRST IF DIDN'T WANT TO START BUT CRANKED FINE. LET IT SIT IDLE AND HEADED TO WORK - 1/2 TO WORK STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHERE IT STARTED TO SHUDDER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL (NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES BEFORE AND STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS). GOT THRU THE INTERSECTION AND LOSS ALL POWER ON THE BUSIEST STREET IN BOWLING GREEN. I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH POWER FOR MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS. STUCK WHERE I WAS WAS A HAZARD OF ME BEING HIT - HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC THINKING IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. ALTERNATOR AND STARTER BOTH GOOD - ONCE PUT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE - THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING. END RESULT - I HAVE AT LEAST 3 COILS, POTENTIAL FRIED WIRE HARNESS AND PCM FAILURE (A LOGGED COMPLAINT BUT NEVER A RECALL). THE POTENTIAL FIX WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN IS 5-8K. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HURT IF SOMEONE WOULD HAVE PLOWED INTO US. THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE AT ALL!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
EVERY MORNING THE CAR ALARM SUDDENLY GOES OFF UNTIL I PRESS KEY FOB. IT HAPPENS ROUTINELY FROM 5 TO 8 AM AND 8 TO 9 PM. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. YOU CAN SEARCH IT BY "FORD ESCAPE ALARM GOES OFF". THIS IS REALLY ANNOYING NOT ONLY FOR OWNERS BUT ALSO FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS.…
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EVERY MORNING THE CAR ALARM SUDDENLY GOES OFF UNTIL I PRESS KEY FOB. IT HAPPENS ROUTINELY FROM 5 TO 8 AM AND 8 TO 9 PM. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. YOU CAN SEARCH IT BY "FORD ESCAPE ALARM GOES OFF". THIS IS REALLY ANNOYING NOT ONLY FOR OWNERS BUT ALSO FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.
OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE. SHE HAD JUST GOTTEN ON THE TURNPIKE - AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN - THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR DIED. SHE LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS NOT HURT. IT WAS ABOUT 99 DEGREES OUTSIDE…
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OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE. SHE HAD JUST GOTTEN ON THE TURNPIKE - AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN - THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR DIED. SHE LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS NOT HURT. IT WAS ABOUT 99 DEGREES OUTSIDE AT 2:00 IN THE AFTERNOON. WE HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND COIL HAD BURNED UP AND IT WOULD BE $2,200 TO REPAIR THE CAR. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, THIS IS S COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2005 FORD ESCAPES. THERE ARE NO RECALLS. FORD HAS SAID TO KEEP THE RECEIPT IN CASE THERE ARE RECALLS IN THE FUTURE. THAT IS LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE FACT THAT WE ARE OUT $2200 NOW AND DON'T FEEL SAFE HAVING OUR DAUGHTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. SHE HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON HER CAR. ONE OTHER PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IS THAT THE LEATHER INTERIOR HAS STARTED COMING OFF THE SIDE DOOR PANELS - IT'S LIKE THE ADHESIVE HAS JUST WORN OUT. WE HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS BUT IT LOOKS BAD AND NO ONE WILL GUARANTEE A REPAIR ON IT BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S A MANUFACTURING ERROR AND IT IS A DIFFICULT REPAIR. THIS 2005 FORD ESCAPE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEMON!! WE HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN FORDS WITH NO PROBLEMS - VERY DISAPPOINTING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM AND ALL SIX COILS BURNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM AND ALL SIX COILS BURNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. MA 10/15/2015 UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN
ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS, VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SOUNDED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRYING TO START ENGINE. ALARM HORN EVENTUALLY DEACTIVATED AFTER PUSHING KEY BUTTON DURING SEVERAL STARTING ATTEMPTS. DROVE VEHICLE OUT OF PARKING LOT SLOWING FOR STOP LIGHT AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. RESTARTED ENGINE AND GAUGES…
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ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS, VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SOUNDED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRYING TO START ENGINE. ALARM HORN EVENTUALLY DEACTIVATED AFTER PUSHING KEY BUTTON DURING SEVERAL STARTING ATTEMPTS. DROVE VEHICLE OUT OF PARKING LOT SLOWING FOR STOP LIGHT AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. RESTARTED ENGINE AND GAUGES SWING MINIMUM TO MAXIMUM CONTINUALLY WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, THEFT LIGHT ON. GAUGES WORKED ALTERNATELY DURING MIN-MAX SWINGS, THEN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. DAY AFTER OCCURENCE, NEW BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED AND WOULD NOT HOLD A CHARGE. WHEN TRYING TO CHARGE BATTERY, VECHICLE HAD CLICKING SOUND IN GAUGE CONSOLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO AUTO ELECTRICAL MECHANIC WHO TELLS ME IT IS A FAULTY DASH CONSOLE AND NOT THE VEHICLE COMPUTER AND DASH GAUGE CONSOLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A NEW PART COST OF $700. REPLACING DASH GAUGE CONSOLE WITH A NEW ONE TO FIND IF THIS FIXES VEHICLE PROBLEMS. MAJOR CONSERN IF ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING.
FORD CUSTOMER CARE CASE #CAC-4150994-B2G8C6 & #4151017-N07B9 THIS WAS THE 2ND MAJOR INCIDENT; THE FIRST OCCURRED IN 1/2009. THE SECOND MAJOR OCCURRENCE WAS 2/2014, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE VERY QUICKLY LOST ALL POWER AND ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO DID NOT RESPOND. THE…
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FORD CUSTOMER CARE CASE #CAC-4150994-B2G8C6 & #4151017-N07B9 THIS WAS THE 2ND MAJOR INCIDENT; THE FIRST OCCURRED IN 1/2009. THE SECOND MAJOR OCCURRENCE WAS 2/2014, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE VERY QUICKLY LOST ALL POWER AND ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER STATED THE PCM HAD FAILED CAUSING THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS TO ALSO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 2 WEEKS WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT PCM; DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF PCM AVAILABILITY DUE TO AN EXTREMELY HIGH NATIONWIDE DEMAND FOR THE PART. DEALER REPLACED THE PCM, AS WELL AS ALL COILS AND SPARK PLUGS IN MID MARCH 2014; THE TOTAL COST OF WAS, $2,875.70. THE PCM, COILS AND PLUGS HAD ALSO BEEN REPLACED IN 1/2009 FOR THE SAME FAILURES. COILS AND PLUGS WERE ALSO REPLACED AN ADDITIONAL 2 MORE TIMES BETWEEN 2009-2014. WHEN THE PCM FAILS, THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOOSES ALL POWER, STEERING AND BRAKES, AND STOPS DEAD IN ITS TRACKS AND CANNOT BE RESTARTED CAUSING A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION. HAD THIS FAILURE OCCURRED IN TRAFFIC, A MAJOR COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN EMINENT AND A FATALITY PROBABLE. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD ON 3/19/2014, THEY STATED THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ASSIGNED 2 CUSTOMER CARE CASE NUMBERS; BUT THEY REFUSED ANY REIMBURSEMENT OR COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND. THE MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF DEFECTIVE PCM FAILURES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SAFETY ISSUE.
Official recalls
415V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Sep 29, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System
Sep 3, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
06V111000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
Apr 7, 2006
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
04V602000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Dec 20, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.