2005 Ford Escape
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
- 1,394
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 1,394 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
33% · 459 reportsMost commonly citing rear and front.
Show complaint excerpts
Hello, The engine cradle subframe on my 2005 Ford Escape has completely rusted through on the right hand side where it attaches to the steering control arm. As I was driving the subframe broke which made it impossible to steer the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-17
Also filed under Structure and steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 5 MPH, a whistling noise and a burning odor emitted through the vents of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-02
Also filed under Structure
Structure
31% · 437 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Electrical system
11% · 153 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and control module.
Vehicle speed control
11% · 150 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
While pulling into a driveway vehicle surged forward. As a result,consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. No injuries reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-01
Engine
9% · 130 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, oil leaked from the oil housing into the coolant of the vehicle. In addition, the contact smelled a burning odor in the vehicle at the time of purchase.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-24
Safety timeline
5 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 1,394 complaints filed for this model year.
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2005-03-31Latches/locks/linkages04V602000 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…
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…
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2006-05-19Seats06V111000 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…
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…
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2010-11-18Audit queryClosed 2015-12-28 Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
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2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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2014-10-30Hybrid propulsion system14V526000 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,...
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.
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2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
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2015-10-23Power train15V606000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 459 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 437 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 153 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V602000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 06V111000 · Seats
- Recall 14V526000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 15V606000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Ford Escape reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Escape have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.