2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 178 |
| 2006 | 219 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 443 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2020 | 286 |
| 2021 | 122 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: service brakes — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE "PULL OVER SAFELY NOW" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180917
Also filed under HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE, BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE THEN FAIL TO ENGAGE FOR SHORT SECONDS, THEN ENGAGE AGAIN, SYMPTOMS ARE INTERMITTENT. SOME TIMES IT WOULD TRIGGER A BRAKE RELATED DTC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170401
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF BRAKING OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WITH THE 3RD OCCURRENCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION ON JUNE 28, 2016 ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160629
17% of complaints: suspension — 30 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT AREA RUSTED OUT AND CRACKED. HOLES AND CRACKS IN RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT WHEEL WELL AREA. LOTS OF NOISE AND METAL SHIFTING FROM THAT AREA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171230
12% of complaints: steering — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID, 9500 MILES, DROVE 20 MILES IN 5 DEGREE WEATHER. SHUT CAR OFF FOR 15 MINUTES. WHEN RESTARTED POWER STEERING FAILED. DROVE 5 MILES WITH POWER STEERING OFF. RESTARTED CAR AFTER 2 HOURS. POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20060219
10% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid 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.