NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,394 reports172,586 miles · May 13, 2021
Vehicle Speed Control
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OFF, WHERE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, …
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OFF, WHERE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED OUT OF THE ROADWAY AND RESTARTED AFTER WAITING FOR FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,586.
NHTSA ODI #11416496
100,082 miles · May 11, 2021
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels
RUST THROUGH ON RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER. CAR ONLY HAS 100,089 MILES. HAS BEEN KEPT CLEAN AND WAS BOUGHT FROM CARMAX IN2013 IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. ALL REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY PROFESSIONALS SINCE BOUGHT. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. (IN ADDITION TO THE DOOR OPEN/ALARM PROBLEM…
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RUST THROUGH ON RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER. CAR ONLY HAS 100,089 MILES. HAS BEEN KEPT CLEAN AND WAS BOUGHT FROM CARMAX IN2013 IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. ALL REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY PROFESSIONALS SINCE BOUGHT. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. (IN ADDITION TO THE DOOR OPEN/ALARM PROBLEM OTHERS AND I EXPERIENCE) THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AS IT INVOLVES THE REAR SHOCK POSSIBLY DISLODGING AND REAR END COLLAPSING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND MAKE FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM! MANY OWNERS BOUGHT THESE VEHICLES USED AND WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THESE( IF THEY CAN BE FIXED AT ALL) MUCH LESS BUY A NEW VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11416109
111,599 miles · Apr 13, 2021
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH. CAR JUST STOPPED ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY. DIAGNOSED WITH FAILED TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED8/31/2011. I SEE A RECALL FOR REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR THIS YEAR VEHICLE WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILURES BUT I AM UNABLE TO FIND SUCH A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11407863
100,000 miles · Mar 23, 2021
SuspensionWheels
WHEEL WELL ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE AS REPORTED MANY TIME COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT UNDRIVABLE ONLY 100000 MILES
NHTSA ODI #11404410
180,000 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UPSHIFT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER YOUNG FORD OGDEN (3450 WALL AVE, OGDEN, UT 844…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UPSHIFT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER YOUNG FORD OGDEN (3450 WALL AVE, OGDEN, UT 84401, (801) 629-5500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #11399713
237,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE V6 STALLS OUT SKIPS SPUTTERS AND MY TRUCK JERKS REALLY BAD THEN ANTI THEFT SYMBOL ON DASHBOARD COMES ON AND TRUCK SWITCHES OFF AND BACK ON IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD .VERY DANGEROUS.ALSO MAKING A THUMPING NOISE FROM IN THE AIR INTAKE.GAS PEDAL CABLE WIRE BROKE .SO MANY P…
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MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE V6 STALLS OUT SKIPS SPUTTERS AND MY TRUCK JERKS REALLY BAD THEN ANTI THEFT SYMBOL ON DASHBOARD COMES ON AND TRUCK SWITCHES OFF AND BACK ON IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD .VERY DANGEROUS.ALSO MAKING A THUMPING NOISE FROM IN THE AIR INTAKE.GAS PEDAL CABLE WIRE BROKE .SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.I BELIEVE THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS.PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO THE FORD COMPANY CAN FIX WHATEVER IT IS THAT MAY BE UNDER RECALL. THANKS!
NHTSA ODI #11387642
118,000 miles · Nov 11, 2020
Engine
I HAVE A 2005 ESCAPE I BOUGHT FOR MY 19YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT PUTTING HER AT RISK DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. WE CHANGED THE GAS FILTER AND MAKE SURE THE FLUIDS ARE CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE HELPED. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT. SHE WILL BE DRIVING AND IT JUST CUTS OFF. DOESN'T MAT…
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I HAVE A 2005 ESCAPE I BOUGHT FOR MY 19YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT PUTTING HER AT RISK DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. WE CHANGED THE GAS FILTER AND MAKE SURE THE FLUIDS ARE CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE HELPED. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT. SHE WILL BE DRIVING AND IT JUST CUTS OFF. DOESN'T MATTER WHAT ROAD SHE'S ON, CITY OR HIGHWAY IT HAS DONE THE SAME THING REPEATEDLY.
NHTSA ODI #11374080
150,000 miles · Oct 15, 2020
Structure
MY FORD ESCAPE HAS HANDLED POORLY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS; A FEW DAYS AGO MY DAUGHTER (FOLLOWING ME IN HER OWN CAR) TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOOKED CROOKED. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THIS MORNING WHO TOLD (AND SHOWED) ME THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE SEEMED SU…
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MY FORD ESCAPE HAS HANDLED POORLY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS; A FEW DAYS AGO MY DAUGHTER (FOLLOWING ME IN HER OWN CAR) TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOOKED CROOKED. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THIS MORNING WHO TOLD (AND SHOWED) ME THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE SEEMED SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT I HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11364530
219,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Structure
FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED WHILE DRIVING - SLOW VEHICLE SPEED. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE SUBFRAME, BUT THE FAILED SUBFRAME ALLOWS THE CONTROL ARM TO SWING DRAGGING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11355587
158,126 miles · Sep 2, 2020
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, I HIT A POTHOLE AND IMMEDIATELY HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER PULLING OFF THE FREEWAY AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, I DISCOVERED THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE SHOCK TOWER WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME.
NHTSA ODI #11352856
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
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.
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