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
- 178
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 178 complaints
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 | 287 |
| 2021 | 124 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
35% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show 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, 2018-09-17
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, 2017-04-01
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, 2016-06-29
Suspension
17% · 30 reportsStructure
13% · 24 reportsMost 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, 2017-12-30
Steering
12% · 22 reportsMost 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-19
Engine
10% · 17 reportsSafety 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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2005Complaint volume 178 complaints filed for this model year.
-
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 Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 24 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.