2005 Ford Escape HEV
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I GOT AN 'ABS' LIGHT ON, AND THE PANEL TOLD ME 'SERVICES BRAKE SYSTEM'. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT STOPPING DISTANCE ALSO INCREASED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130204
BRAKES BECAME VERY "SOFT" AND BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" LIGHT APPEARED. PARKED CAR FOR 5 HOURS, AND WHEN I RESTARTED, THE BRAKES SEEMED FINE AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120925
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE GOES DEAD (WILL NOT IDLE) WHEN IN GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE)... NO ACCIDENT YET, BUT AM AFRAID I WILL GET "REARENDED" WHEN IT GOES DEAD IN TRAFFIC... *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080512
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 of 12 total reports mentions: hybrid propulsion system.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Escape HEV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Escape HEV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape HEV?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Escape HEV have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.