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
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 12 complaints
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.
Service brakes
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'.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-19
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, 2013-02-04
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, 2012-09-25
Structure
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Power train
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-12
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Hybrid propulsion system
1 of 12 total reports mentions: hybrid propulsion system.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 12 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Ford Escape HEV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.